Safeguarding Peace and Stability in the Arctic region
US National Strategy for the Arctic Region sets forth the United States Government’sstrategic priorities for the Arctic region. This strategy is intended to position theUnited States to respond effectively to challenges and emerging opportunities arising fromsignificant increases in Arctic activity due to the diminishment of sea ice and theemergence of a new Arctic environment.
It defines U.S. national security interests in theArctic region and identifies prioritized lines of effort, building upon existing initiatives byFederal, state, local, and tribal authorities, the private sector, and international partners,and aims to focus efforts where opportunities exist and action is needed. It is designed tomeet the reality of a changing Arctic environment, while we simultaneously pursue ourglobal objective of combating the climatic changes that are driving these environmentalconditions.
The strategy is built on three lines of effort:
- Advance United States Security Interests
- Pursue Responsible Arctic Region Stewardship
- Strengthen International Cooperation
The approach is formed by the following guiding principles
- Safeguard Peace and Stability – Seek to maintain and preserve the Arctic region as anarea free of conflict, acting in concert with allies, partners, and other interested parties.Support and preserve: international legal principles of freedom of navigation andoverflight and other uses of the sea and airspace related to these freedoms, unimpededlawful commerce, and the peaceful resolution of disputes for all nations.
- Make Decisions Using the Best Available Information-Across all lines of effort,decisions need to be based on the most current science and traditional knowledge.
- Pursue Innovative Arrangements – Foster partnerships with the State of Alaska,Arctic states, other international partners, and the private sector to more efficientlydevelop, resource, and manage capabilities, where appropriate and feasible, to betteradvance our strategic priorities in this austere fiscal environment.
- Consult and Coordinate with Alaska Natives – Engage in a consultation process withAlaska Natives, recognizing tribal governments’ unique legal relationship with theUnited States and providing for meaningful and timely opportunity to inform Federalpolicy affecting Alaskan Native communities.
For more details, please click at US National Strategy for the Arctic Region