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…
Tag: national security
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…
Instruments of National Power 101
BLUF While implementing the National Security Strategy, the government leverages instruments of national power to pursue objectives and engage throughout the world. Why does this matter? Whether or not energy companies realize it, they play an integral role in the US government’s ability to pursue the national vision outlined…
NSS 103: Three Phases of Energy Security since 1987
BLUF The national security strategies (NSS) reflect three distinct phases of energy security since the first NSS in 1987. While each President approached energy security differently, the common threads and overarching national interests permeated every NSS iteration. The NSS is a critical document that outlines the country’s approach to safeguarding…
NSS 102: Environment & National Security
BLUF Environmental issues have been part of national security thinking since at least 1987. The US national security strategy (NSS) recognizes climate change as a significant and multifaceted national security challenge. It acknowledges that climate change is not just an environmental issue but also a geopolitical, economic, and security concern.…
NSS 101: National Security Strategy Intro
BLUF The US National Security Strategy (NSS) is an important guidance document mandated by law and each Presidential administration publishes at least one. It is a multifaceted approach that seeks to protect the nation’s interests, values, and citizens through a combination of military strength, diplomacy, alliances, economic policies, and other…