Arctic Militarization
Arctic Militarization
Resolved: The United States federal government should substantially increase its military presence in the Arctic.
BACKGROUND:
The Arctic, the vast icy region at the top of our planet, is becoming a hot topic in international politics. This is because the ice in the Arctic is melting due to climate change, opening up new sea routes and making it easier to access the region’s natural resources like oil and gas. As a result, many countries, including the United States, Russia, and China, are showing increased interest in the Arctic.
The United States has always had a presence in the Arctic, but now there’s a debate about whether it should increase its military presence there. Some people believe that a stronger military presence would help the US protect its interests in the region. These interests include securing new shipping routes and ensuring access to natural resources. A stronger military presence could also help the US respond to emergencies in the Arctic and conduct scientific research. However, others worry that increasing the US military presence in the Arctic could lead to problems. For example, it could harm the fragile Arctic environment or escalate tensions with other countries. It could also be expensive and take resources away from other important areas.
PROs of Increasing U.S. Military Presence
A stronger military presence could help secure new shipping routes and natural resources.
Increased US military could help us respond more effectively to emergencies.
An increased military presence could support more extensive scientific research.
CONs of Increasing U.S. Military Presence
Increased military activity could harm the fragile Arctic environment.
A stronger military presence may escalate tension with countries like Russia & China.
Maintaining a stronger military presence would be expensive and take resources away from other important areas.
REQUIRED RESEARCH (VIDEOS):
As Arctic ice melts, NATO plots northern defense tactics,
Military Times, July 29, 2023 [4 min]
Arctic Exploration (for Science!),
Ocean Today, Last accessed: August 2023 [3 min]
Russia’s militarization of the Arctic shows no sign of slowing down,
CNN, Last Updated: December 22, 2022 [3 min] Note: Please read the article too.
Militarization of the Arctic: NATO, Russia, and China,
Foreign Policy Association, October 27, 2022 [4 min]
The militarization of Russian polar politics,
Chatham House, September 25, 2022 [5 min]
REQUIRED RESEARCH (ARTICLES):
Frozen Frontiers: China’s Great Power Ambitions in the Polar Regions,
Center for Strategic & International Studies, April 18, 2023 IMPORTANT: Keep scrolling/reading until the picture disappears.
Russia’s militarization of the Arctic shows no sign of slowing down,
CNN, Last Updated: December 22, 2022 [3 min] Note: Please watch the video too.
Russian military moves in the Arctic worry the U.S. and NATO,
Yahoo News, June 11, 2022
Russia & China vie to beat U.S. in trillion-dollar race to control Arctic,
CNBC News, February 6, 2018
ADDITIONAL RESEARCH (OPTIONAL):
Polar power play: Who will win the race for the Arctic’s riches?
DW News, March 19, 2021 [26 min]
NATO’s Cold Response and the Implications of Militarization in the Arctic,
Columbia Climate School, Columbia University, June 8, 2022
Arctic Initiative: Addressing Challenges & opportunities created by rapid climate change in the Far North,
Harvard University, Last Accessed: August 2023