U.S. Arctic Policy: Climate Change, UNCLOS and Strategic Opportunity
Abstract
The changing Arctic environment holds significant implications for U.S. national security interests. A measurable increase in average annual temperature in the Arctic region has resulted in icecap melting. As this trend continues, U.S. national interests in the Arctic will become increasingly important. The strategic implications of this environmental change include access to previously inaccessible natural resources. Additionally, this environmental change holds the possibility for the opening of previously un-navigable trade routes that could significantly reduce transit times and shipping costs for global maritime commerce. Finally, the changing Arctic environment is opening the region to increased levels of human activity which has revealed significant gaps in key national capabilities required to support U.S. interests there. This SRP examines U.S. Arctic policy and offers recommendations for achieving the U.S. desired strategic end-state for the Arctic Region.: a stable and secure Arctic where U.S. national interests are safeguarded and the U.S. homeland is protected.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Mar 22, 2012
- Accession Number
- ADA568008
Entities
People
- Wayne M. Bunker
Organizations
- United States Army War College