United States Perspectives on the Arctic

Abstract

The Arctic has grown steadily as an important area for active diplomacy for the United States over the past years. It is clear that receding ice caused by climate change will bring greater human activity in the region, including increased shipping and energy exploration. The region is also an essential location for conducting the science that is needed to understand climate change. Thus, for a host of economic, strategic, environmental, and other reasons, the Arctic has gone from an area appreciated by inhabitants and specialists to a much grander topic, followed by political and business leaders not only of Arctic States but of non-Arctic States as well.