By Ayiana Allen

Faculty Mentor: Dr. Jason Davidson

Abstract

The Arctic has emerged as critical for U.S. security policy due to climate change, which has opened new maritime routes and increased access to valuable natural resources. These developments have heightened the region’s strategic importance, attracting greater economic and military interest from adversaries such as China and Russia. The Northern Sea Route offers significant economic advantages but also introduces new security risks, particularly regarding control over shipping lanes and regional influence. Alaska plays a central role in U.S. Arctic strategy, supporting military operations, missile defense, and allied coordination. At the same time, U.S. security commitments through NATO remain essential for maintaining regional stability and deterrence. However, recent shifts in U.S. political direction have created uncertainty regarding the balance between unilateral action and multilateral cooperation. This paper argues that without a coherent and unified Arctic strategy, the United States risks undermining its security, influence, and alliances in an increasingly contested region.