Strategic Approach For Arctic Homeland Security

Since the American flag was raised over Sitka, Alaska, in 1867, the United States has been an Arctic nation with extensive rights and responsibilities. Our regional national security interests and mandates are significant and continue to expand, in part, due to diminishing sea ice and increased accessibility, fueling the emergence of Great Power Competition in the region. The Arctic’s traditional utility as a geo-strategic buffer is eroding, as the physical environment and economic development have brought more access and interest to the region. Faced with the Arctic’s changing environment and the rise in nation-state ambitions throughout the region, DHS must recalibrate and reinforce its efforts to address emerging opportunities and vulnerabilities in the Arctic in close coordination with like-minded domestic and international partners to protect the sovereignty of the Homeland and our national interests.