One Decision Why The Arctic Is Russia's New Battleground
Dec 11, 2025
Mike Sfraga, the first U.S. Ambassador for Arctic Affairs and current interim chancellor of the University of Alaska Fairbanks, sheds light on the Arctic's rapid changes. He discusses seven forces reshaping the region, focusing on climate change, shipping routes, and military tensions. The significance of Finland and Sweden joining NATO is explored, as well as Russia's extensive militarization efforts. Sfraga emphasizes the need for U.S. infrastructure investments to counterbalance emerging threats from Russia and China, while highlighting the profound impacts of warming on local communities and global weather.
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Seven Forces Remaking The Arctic
- The Arctic reshapes global climate, commerce, and security simultaneously.
- Mike Sfraga says seven forces—climate, commodities, shipping, connectivity, communities, cooperation, competition—are driving rapid change.
NATO's Northern Flank Shifted
- Finland and Sweden joining NATO shifts NATO's northern strategy dramatically.
- Sir Richard Dearlove stresses Finland's and Sweden's northern capabilities reshape the alliance's northern flank.
Russia's Arctic 'Sandwich' Strategy
- Russia has re-militarized its Arctic coast, islands, and bases to protect commerce and second-strike forces.
- Mike Sfraga describes a "sandwich" of militarized coast, Northern Sea Route commerce, and fortified northern islands.