Hagel Outlines Arctic Strategy

Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel unveiled a new Arctic strategy Nov. 22, in recognition of the region’s increasing importance on the worldwide stage. The plan includes commitments to defend U.S. sovereignty in Alaska, protect the environment, foster new exploration, preserve freedom of the seas, comply with existing international agreements and treaties, and respond to natural or man-made disasters. In recent years other countries, particularly Russia, have expressed intent to claim sovereignty over significant expanses along its Arctic borders. Additionally, global warming has opened vast expanses of the ocean to navigation that heretofore were frozen.