BLUF A coalition of countries must cooperate to enforce international law and protect at-risk global shipping. Examples already exist to do this, which may be leveraged if needed in a contested South China Sea or an ice-free Arctic. Members and observers of the Arctic Council and Barents Euro-Arctic Council…
Tag: Arctic
Arctic Shipping Routes Avoid Hot Spot Chokepoints
BLUF Let me be clear. This post does not advocate increased shipping in the Arctic region or minimize the myriad geopolitical challenges involved. It explores an under-represented advantage of Arctic shipping routes – avoidance of some geographic chokepoints that are geopolitical hot spots. Houthi attacks on maritime vessels in…
US Arctic Region Policy 101
BLUF Despite decades of Arctic region oil and gas development, current US policy about the Arctic region does not prioritize new energy exploration and development. National security and the environment are the high-level priorities. Climate change is wrapped tightly into the national security concerns. Why does this matter? Interests…