The New Panama Canal: How the United States Can Take Charge of the Melting Arctic
Abstract
"Shaping the battlespace" usually refers to setting the conditions for decisive action by positioning forces, establishing supply chains, or developing intelligence. Sometimes, however, we literally shape the battlespace beneath our feet. In the early 20th century in Panama, the United States did exactly that, shaping and transforming the physical environment to create a better strategic position for our forces. But strategic terraforming did not begin or end with Panama. There is one terraforming event, however, that humans seem powerless to stop: the melting Arctic. Climate change, caused by human activity but now largely beyond human control, opens previously-impassible sea routes through the Arctic and unleashes a host of military and economic considerations. This once-in-an-epoch development presents a great opportunity for the United States. Our great power competitors--Russia and China--are seizing the initiative and actively pursuing their own strategic objectives in the Arctic. The United States can do the same by asserting the critical importance of the terrain just as President Theodore Roosevelt did in Panama. While several of the sea services have published updated Arctic strategies, "they also reflect the lack of a broad, coordinated national approach to the Arctic." We must instead "make the conscious choice to remain the worlds foremost oceangoing state," and that requires advocates like Roosevelt who can "make sea power a personal priority" and raise enthusiasm among the general population. Only then can we turn this melting Arctic challenge into a Panama-like achievement for the United States.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Feb 11, 2023
- Accession Number
- AD1207870
Entities
People
- George Hageman
Organizations
- Naval War College