Arctic

CSIS’s Europe, Russia, and Eurasia Program and the Energy Security and Climate Change Program provide analysis and policy recommendations on the growing geopolitical and strategic challenges in the Arctic.

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Frozen Frontiers: China’s Great Power Ambitions in the Polar Regions

Chinese scientific research and commercial investments in the Arctic and Antarctica have elevated China’s voice in polar affairs, but its growing physical footprint in the world’s most remote frontiers also advance China’s broader strategic and military interests.

Digital Report by Matthew P. Funaiole , Brian Hart , Joseph S. Bermudez Jr. , and Aidan Powers-Riggs — April 18, 2023

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Arctic Security after a Year of War

Hosted by Lillan and Robert D. Stuart Jr. Center in Euro-Atlantic and Northern European Studies
January 25, 2023 • 4:00 – 4:45 pm EST
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Frozen Frontiers: China’s Great Power Ambitions in the Polar Regions

Chinese scientific research and commercial investments in the Arctic and Antarctica have elevated China’s voice in polar affairs, but its growing physical footprint in the world’s most remote frontiers also advance China’s broader strategic and military interests.

Digital Report by Matthew P. Funaiole , Brian Hart , Joseph S. Bermudez Jr. , and Aidan Powers-Riggs — April 18, 2023

The Russian Arctic Threat: Consequences of the Ukraine War

The impact of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine has been felt in the Arctic, and military tensions are increasing. This CSIS report outlines key security developments and describes the nature of the Russian threat in the Arctic after a year of war. 

Brief by Colin Wall and Njord Wegge — January 25, 2023

Artificial Intelligence and the Arctic

In this edition of Northern Connections, two experts in artificial intelligence examine the implications of this technology for national security and climate research in the Arctic.

Report by Colin Wall , Lieutenant Commander Michael Bielby , and Lillian "Doc" Alessa — December 2, 2022

Will Finland and Sweden Join NATO?

One consequence of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine may be the exact thing Russian president Vladimir Putin, the war’s architect, did not want: the enlargement of NATO, starting with Finland and Sweden.

Critical Questions by Colin Wall , Sean Monaghan , and Pierre Morcos — April 15, 2022

Russia’s Climate Gamble

Although Russia has taken advantage of a warming Arctic to pursue its economic and military ambitions, the direct, physical impacts of climate change and the consequences of global decarbonization will make its near-term policies increasingly damaging in the long term.

Report by Colin Wall , Ben Cahill , Heather A. Conley , Nikos Tsafos , Cyrus Newlin , and Andrew Lohsen — September 24, 2021

Invisible and Vital: Undersea Cables and Transatlantic Security

Although they are critical to the economies and national security of the United States and Europe, transatlantic undersea cables remain vulnerable. The United States and its allies and partners have several options to collectively secure this vital infrastructure.

Commentary by Colin Wall and Pierre Morcos — June 11, 2021

Russia’s Northern Fleet Deploys Long-Range Interceptors to Remote Arctic Base

Forward deployments of long-range aircraft to remote airbases in the Arctic, if proven practical in the harsh northern environment, may represent a significant addition to Russia’s capabilities for power projection and area denial.

Commentary by Matthew P. Funaiole , Joseph S. Bermudez Jr. , and Colin Wall — April 14, 2021

U.S.-Russian Arctic Relations: A Change in Climate?

President Biden in the Arctic can secure two much-needed successes for U.S.-Russian cooperation on climate change and the environment: financing for research on the implications of permafrost thaw and creating a program to study fisheries in the Central Arctic Ocean.

Commentary by Colin Wall and Heather A. Conley — March 31, 2021

Leveraging Allies and Partners

Taking its cue from the 2018 National Defense Strategy, this brief examines the extensive benefits the United States can derive from intensifying cooperation with allies and partners—in this case, Norway, a NATO ally, and Finland, a highly capable partner.

Brief by Colin Wall and Rachel Ellehuus — January 28, 2021

Deep Dive Debrief: Strategic Stability and Competition in the Arctic

This brief focuses on the implications of climate, economic, and political trends in the Arctic region for strategic stability, great power competition, and nuclear stability, policy, and posture. It is the third in the Project on Nuclear Issues Deep Dive Debrief series.

Brief by Eric Brewer , Rebecca Hersman , and Maxwell Simon — January 6, 2021