The United States Department of Defense has released a new 2024 Arctic Strategy. This updates the 2019 Arctic Strategy. In the interim between the 2019 and 2024 strategies there were multiple wrap-around strategies released as well. The new strategy “…aligns with and nests under the 2022 National Security Strategy (NSS), 2022 National Defense Strategy (NDS), and 2022 National Strategy for the Arctic Region (NSAR). It also aligns with and implements the intent of the 2023 DoD Homeland Defense Policy Guidance.”
The new strategy was released in the context of the continuing war in Ukraine and calls out both Russia and China: “PRC and Russian activities in the Arctic—including their growing cooperation— the enlargement of NATO, and the increasing effects of climate change herald a new, more dynamic Arctic security environment. These changes, as well as the growing cooperation between Russia and the PRC, have the potential to alter the Arctic’s stability and threat picture. They also present opportunities for DoD to enhance security in the region by deepening cooperation with Allies and partners.”
Also significant in the timing of the release. It comes on the heels of the Arctic Edge exercise in Alaska, as well as the July NATO summit that featured two new members, Finland and Sweden, both Arctic nations. The Wilson Center hosted a “deep dive” on the new strategy, where administration officials commented on the importance of Alaska and the significance of climate change.
Other relevant events include the recent interception of a first-of-its-kind joint incursion of Russian and Chinese bombers into the Alaska Air Defense Identification Zone, and the White House’s announcement of the ICE Pact, where ICE stands for the Icebreaker Collaboration Effort between Canada, Finland, and the US.