Project

The Center for Arctic Security and Resilience (CASR) is proud to provide editorial support to the Air University's Journal of Indo-Pacific Affairs, Arctic Special Edition 2022

The Journal of Indo-Pacific Affairs (JIPA) is a professional journal of the Department of the Air Force and a forum for worldwide dialogue regarding the Indo-Pacific region, spanning from the west coasts of the Americas to the eastern shores of Africa and covering much of Asia and all of Oceania. The journal fosters intellectual and professional development for members of the Air Force and Space Force and the world's English-speaking militaries and informs decision makers and academicians around the globe.

• About JIPA

 

Project Editorial Team

Dr. Ernest Gunasekara-Rockwell - serves as the project lead and the editor-in-chief of the Journal of Indo-Pacific Affairs and director of the Consortium of Indo-Pacific Researchers

Dr. Richard Newton - serves as the project lead editor, special edition content manager, and article co-author

Mr. Troy Bouffard - serves as the project co-editor and article co-author

Dr. Cameron Carlson - serves as the project co-editor and article co-author

 

Link to Volume 5, Issue 5 (.pdf ~6mb)

 

Overview

In volume 5 issue 5 of the Journal of Indo-Pacific Affairs, we return to the theme of Arctic security—a topic rendered more pressing in the aftermath of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and China’s continued aggressive behavior. Guest editors Lt Col Richard D. Newton, PhD, USAF, retired; MSG Troy J. Bouffard, MA, USA, retired; and LTC Cameron D. Carlson, PhD, USA, retired, bring together a stellar cast of authors from throughout the Arctic to present their views on a variety of issues facing the region, including great-power competition, Nordic allies and partners, NATO, international fora, reactivation of US Arctic forces, and more.

In the issues lead senior leader perspective, “Campaigning at the Top of the World,” Gen Glen D. VanHerck, commander NORAD and USNORTHCOM, explores the criticality of the Arctic to the United States’ homeland security and the threats posed by China and Russia. Next, in “Arctic Strategy: Deterrence and Détente,” Maj Gen Rolf Folland, Chief of the Royal Norwegian Air Force, argues that Norway should lean its Arctic strategy more toward deterrence to avoid exploitation by a revisionist and aggressive Russia while continuing to mitigate a potential security dilemma through active dialogue and cooperation on regional matters. Then, in “Forging the Arctic Warrior,” MG Brian S. Eifler, USA, and Troy J. Bouffard present insights involving the importance of developing DOD’s Arctic Warriors and the role of the Joint Pacific Multinational Readiness Center–Alaska. In “Landpower, Security, and the European Arctic,” MG Peter B. Andrysiak, Jr., USA, and Lt Col Richard D. Newton, PhD, USAF, retired, examine emerging military threats in the European Arctic and High North that are challenging the United States, its allies, and its partners. Then, in “Special Operations Command North,” BG Shawn R. Satterfield, USA, and Lt Col Sky B. Jensen, USAF, explains how Special Operations Command North operationalized Northern Approach during exercise Arctic Edge 2022 and concludes with a description of lessons learned being applied; tactics, techniques, and procedures being put into action; and a vision for future SOF operations being adopted in the Arctic. In our final senior leader perspective, “Alaska’s Strategic Importance,” Gen James N. Mattis, USMC, retired, delivers an address to the Fairbanks Military Appreciation Banquet in which he highlighted Alaska’s growing role in global security as the Arctic warms and the Indo-Pacific region becomes the primary theater of concern for our nation’s military defense. In the issue’s first feature article, “The Russian Invasion of Ukraine Freezes Moscow’s Arctic Ambitions,” Dr. Elizabeth Wishnick and Dr. Cameron Carlson explore how the 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine has upended and reshaped Arctic security, institutions, and partnerships. Then, in “Securing a Blue Arctic Century, Dr. Walter Berbrick explores the roles, relevance, and limitations of existing international institutions and mechanisms to address the underlying conditions that could lead to misperceptions and instability in the Arctic region. Next, in “Why China Is Not a Peer Competitor in the Arctic,” Dr. P. Whitney Lackenbauer, Dr. Adam Lajeunesse, and Ryan Dean conclude that the Arctic states are the “peers” in the Arctic strategic equation, and however much Beijing desires to become a “polar great power,” China remains firmly in the second tier of Arctic stakeholders—and competitors. In our first view article, “Melting a Chinese Iceberg,” CAPT Tuan N. Pham, USN, retired, suggests that to counter China’s asymmetric Arctic strategy, Washington should heed Sun Tzu and pursue an enduring cumulative strategy of integrated deterrence and gray-zone campaigning to undercut China’s Arctic strategy, weaken the developing Sino-Russian Arctic alliance, curb Beijing’s aspiring Arctic Council ambition, and undermine China’s developing Arctic partnerships by holistically, asymmetrically, and continuously imposing costs, encouraging restraints, denying the benefits or objectives, and winning the narratives. Next, in “Above the Arctic,” Lt Col Kjetil Bjørkum, Royal Norwegian Air Force, examines how the use of space will provide increased security in the Arctic and suggests three lines of effort in a combined space strategy among allies in the Arctic. Then, in “The Unconventional Approach to Arctic Security,” MAJ W. Barrett Martin, USA; MAJ Michael K. Tovo, USA; and MAJ Devin Kirkwood, USA, explore various requirements needed for the Department of Defense to be competitive in the Arctic region, focusing on US Army Arctic Special Operations Forces. In our first commentary of the issue, “Polar Nights, White Nights, and Normal Days and Nights,” Dr. Lester W. Grau uses Russian test results to emphasize the striking operational impact of Arctic visibility on Arctic warfare. Finally, in “The Three-Fold Path of the Snow Dragon,” CPT Christopher Barich, Minnesota Army National Guard, explores the impact of Chinese influence operations in the Arctic.

 

Senior Leader Perspectives

• Campaigning at the Top of the World: Arctic Security and Homeland Defense

  • Author: General VanHerck - Commander NORAD and USNORTHCOM
  • Abstract: Defending the homeland is the number one priority for the United States, the Department of Defense (DOD), and my commands: North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) and US Northern Command (USNORTHCOM). NORAD’s area of responsibility includes the North American Arctic, and USNORTHCOM is the DOD’s advocate for Arctic capabilities. We know too well the Arctic is not only critical to the United States and Canada but is of growing importance to our strategic competitors: the People’s Republic of China and Russia. To ensure the Arctic remains stable and secure, the United States and its allies and partners must demonstrate a consistent commitment to the region.
    
    

• Arctic Strategy: Deterrence and Détente

  • Author: Major General Rolf Folland - Chief, Royal Norwegian Air Force
  • Abstract: The guiding principle for NATO’s political strategy toward Russia for the past 50 years was defined in the 1967 Harmel Report—a dualistic approach based on deterrence and détente.  This double-track approach came as a response to intense Cold War relations in the mid-1960s that required a revision of the Alliance’s policy. The Harmel Report is still relevant, but the dynamics on the northern flank have changed. This article offers valuable insight into how Norway must rebalance its Arctic policy against the strategic backdrop of increased global rivalry, Arctic volatility, and the war in Ukraine. It argues that Norway should lean its Arctic strategy more toward deterrence to avoid exploitation by a revisionist and aggressive Russia while continuing to mitigate a potential security dilemma through active dialogue and cooperation on regional matters.
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• Forging the Arctic Warrior: Joint Pacific Multinational Readiness Center - Alaska

  • Authors: Major General Brian Eifler (Commander, 11th Airborne Division) and Troy J. Bouffard (Director - CASR)
  • Abstract: As defense and security concerns increase over growing access and competitive interests in the circumpolar North, the United States continues to develop Arctic operational purpose and capabilities. The Department of Defense’s (DOD) newest combat training center (CTC) in Alaska represents key infrastructure and exercise grounds for US Army forces in Alaska to pursue required military readiness certification. The Joint Pacific Multinational Readiness Center–Alaska (JPMRC–A) also facilitates a range of opportunities for combined, joint, and service component forces develop and test Arctic operational capabilities unlike any other training installation in the world. As the fourth established CTC capable of handling brigade-on-brigade (plus) forces in the physical and nonphysical domains, JPMRC–A will serve as the ultimate Arctic training and testing grounds for the US Army as well as sister and allied services. The purpose of this article is to explore these developments and present insights involving the importance of developing DOD’s Arctic Warriors and the role of the Arctic CTC.
    
    

• Landpower and Security in the European Arctic

  • Authors: Major General Peter Andrysiak  (USEUCOM J3 Director) and Dr. Richard Newton (UAF-CASR, Joint Special Operations University)
  • Abstract: Arctic experts talk about the circumpolar region as three Arctics—North American, European, and Russian (sometimes called Asian)—each with unique physical characteristics that heavily influence their defense and security considerations. The differences between the regions are usually expressed in terms of climate, topography, geography, populations, resources, and infrastructure. Because the Arctic is intended to be a zone of peace and cooperation, nations with Arctic interests normally focus on nonmilitary, security topics such as food security, economic security, energy security, and environmental security. Less addressed are the military threats to peace and stability in the Arctic. This article will examine those emerging military threats in the European Arctic and High North that are challenging the United States, its allies, and its partners.
    
    

• Special Operations Command North: Leading Special Operations Forces into the North American Arctic

  • Authors: BG Shawn Satterfield (Commander) and LTC Sky Jensen (Special Operations Command - North)
  • Abstract: This article begins by describing how Special Operations Command North (SOCNORTH), as a Theater Special Operations Command (TSOC), supports US Northern Command’s (USNORTHCOM) primary mission of homeland defense. Next, it explains why deploying special operations forces (SOF) to the region signals the importance of the Arctic to US national interests, as the Arctic emerges as an arena for strategic competition. It then presents SOCNORTH’s Northern Approach and how each vector within the plan achieves the objectives of enhancing integrated deterrence and layered defense. Finally, the article explains how SOCNORTH operationalized Northern Approach during exercise Arctic Edge 2022. The article concludes with a description of lessons learned being applied, tactic, techniques, and procedures put into action, and a vision for future SOF operations in the Arctic.
    
    

• Alaska's Strategic Importance

  • Author: General James N. Mattis (retired)
  • Abstract: On Saturday, 11 June 2022, Senator Lisa Murkowski (R–AK) hosted retired general and former Secretary of Defense James N. Mattis at the Fairbanks Military Appreciation Banquet.  In his remarks, Secretary Mattis highlighted Alaska’s growing role in global security as the Arctic warms and the Indo-Pacific region becomes the primary theater of concern for our nation’s military defense.  With the general’s kind permission, a transcript of his remarks are shared.

 

Features

• The Russian Invasion of Ukraine Freezes Moscow's Arctic Ambitions

  • Authors: Dr. Elizabeth Wishnick (Center for Naval Analyses) and Dr. Cameron Carlson (Dean, College of Business and Security Management - UAF)
  • Abstract: This article explores how the 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine has upended and reshaped Arctic security, institutions, and partnerships. With Arctic governance institutions that include Russia, such as the Arctic Council, on pause and scientific collaboration with Russia interrupted, the military dimension has overshadowed Arctic cooperation—while highlighting the traditional security risks of dependence on fossil fuels and distracting attention from other key Arctic issues such as climate change and the socioeconomic development of indigenous communities. Russia’s ambitions for agency as Arctic Council chair have been thwarted, and Moscow’s plans for economic development of the Russian Arctic and Northern Sea Route are in doubt. Although some regional cooperation continues through multilateral agreements, the path forward for dialogue on traditional and nontraditional security in the Arctic remains uncertain.
    
    

• Securing a Blue Arctic Century: Assessing Multilateral Institutions in Great Power Competition

  • Author: Dr. Walter Berbrick - Naval War College
  • Abstract: This article explores the roles, relevance, and limitations of existing international institutions and mechanisms to address the underlying conditions that could lead to misperceptions and instability in the Arctic region. It offers a framework for policy makers to reinforce, restore, and scale current multilateral mechanisms and assess new ones to increase security dialogue and prevent misperceptions in the Arctic region. This framework calls for an inclusive, tailored approach to address the unique circumstances within and across Arctic subregions and to elevate the voices of non-Arctic states to jointly seek practical solutions to prevent conflict between military forces operating in and through the region. The United States must take a long-term view, working closely with the other seven Arctic states and with like-minded non-Arctic states. Modernizing US military capabilities and pursuing a strategy of deterrence and forward defense in the Arctic region must be balanced with persistent and practical dialogue and diplomacy. Pursuant to this approach, the US Department of Defense must actively lead in international institutions in areas where enhanced military force postures and hybrid operations threaten US and partner strategic interests in the Arctic region
    
    

• Why China is Not a Peer Competitor in the Arctic

  • Authors: Dr. P. Whitney Lackenbauer (Director of NAADSN), Dr. Adam Lajeunesse (St. Francis Xaviers University), and Dr. (C) Ryan Dean (NAADSN)
  • Abstract: The People’s Republic of China (PRC) asserts that it is a “near-Arctic state” and an “important stakeholder in Arctic affairs” with the right to a greater role in Arctic governance. China’s interests in and future designs for the region have become a staple of the burgeoning literature on Arctic security and governance, seemingly legitimizing China’s claim to be a core actor in the circumpolar North. This article questions such narratives, which tend to echo Beijing’s own narrative about the importance and significance of China’s Arctic presence. We contend that, although the Arctic fits within Beijing’s broader global agenda of shaping the international system, China is not a peer or even near-peer of the Arctic states in an Arctic context. In overinflating the importance of China as a regional actor, commentators have often overstated the scale of Chinese investment and other forms of engagement in the Arctic. China’s push into the Arctic has met far more resistance, and its presence remains far more tenuous, than Beijing advertises.
    
    

• Melting a Chinese Iceberg

  • Author: Dr. Tuan M. Pham - Capt (ret.) USN
  • Abstract: Beijing consequently pursues a classic Chinese strategy, first proposed by Sun Tzu, to “win without fighting” in the Arctic by setting the stage, seizing the initiative, and consolidating wins. To counter this asymmetric strategy, Washington should also heed Sun Tzu and pursue an enduring cumulative strategy of integrated deterrence and gray-zone campaigning to undercut China’s Arctic strategy, weaken the developing Sino-Russian Arctic alliance, curb Beijing’s aspiring Arctic Council ambition, and undermine China’s developing Arctic partnerships by holistically, asymmetrically, and continuously imposing costs, encouraging restraints, denying the benefits or objectives, and winning the narratives.
    
    

• Above the Arctic: Increased Security in the Arctic Through Cooperation in Space

  • Author: Lt Col Kjetil Bjørkum - Royal Norwegian Air Force
  • Abstract: This article will first look at how the use of space will provide increased security in the Arctic. It will then use the US and Norway’s space and Arctic strategies as examples of coinciding topics of interest and illustrate how cooperation in these areas may be of benefit to both nations. Finally, using the United States and Norway as examples, the article will suggest three lines of effort in a combined space strategy among allies in the Arctic.
    
    

• The Unconventional Approach to Arctic Security: Increased Domain Awareness through ARSOF's Indigenous Approach

  • Authors: Major William Barrett, Major Michael Tovo, and Major Devin Kirkwood - Naval Postgraduate School / 10th SFG(A)
  • Abstract: This article explores various requirements needed for the Department of Defense to be competitive in the Arctic region. In particular, the role of US Army Arctic Special Operations Forces should be developed and leveraged as part of competitive operational solutions. While capability definitions and gaps remain a persistent doctrinal challenge in development and implementation, history, culture, exercises, and allies could greatly contribute to Arctic ARFSOF progress. Furthermore, Indigenous knowledge must be acknowledged and leveraged to ensure the greatest chance for enduring Arctic operational success. Only then will all the specialized gear and training lead to genuine competitive advantages needed to deter adversaries and secure the homeland

• Special Operations Forces and Arctic Indigenous People: Partnering to Defend the North American Arctic
  

  • Authors: LTC James R. Morton, Jr., PhD USAR and Dr. Ryan Burke PhD
  • Abstract: Climate change is reshaping global geopolitics, and the Arctic is now in the crosshairs of geostrategic competition. Because of these changes, more stakeholders than ever are strategizing about the Arctic. Special operations forces (SOF) have a global mission in support of US national security objectives, and the Arctic is increasingly relevant to US national security and the security of North America. Therefore, SOF commands in Canada, the United States, and the Kingdom of Denmark must integrate the Arctic into their missions as a region of increasing relevance and necessity to defend and secure their homelands. In collaboration with Indigenous communities of the North, SOF must understand and develop its future role within the North American Arctic. To do so and intentionally shape the future Arctic, SOF must align with and learn from the Indigenous people of the High North and share the responsibility for defending the homeland.

Commentaries

• Polar Nights, White Nights and Normal Days and Nights: Arctic Ground Target Identification and Engagement

  • Author: Dr. Lester Grau - LTC, (ret.), U.S. Army Foreign Military Studies Office
  • Abstract: Most armies train to fight on their own soil or that of their neighbors. Some, like the British Army during the days of the British Empire, trained to fight on a variety of terrain and in differing climates. Today, the best-trained Arctic forces are those of Russia, Norway, Sweden, Finland, and Canada. With the reactivation of the 11th Airborne Division in Alaska, the United States will join the group of Arctic-specific forces. Arctic tactics and equipment differ from conventional tactics and equipment due to the different geography, climate, and peculiarities of the high latitudes. One of the striking Arctic peculiarities is that of visibility. Russia conducted visibility and detection tests on Russian equipment on the Arctic Kola Peninsula. These tests, aggregated with the local weather and climate, determined the effect of background conditions against which the soldier scout, forward observer, or gunner could detect and destroy targets. Although the results are very tactical, the operational impact of Arctic visibility on Arctic warfare is striking
    
    

• The Three-Fold Path of the Snow Dragon: China's Influence Operations in the Arctic

  • Author: Captain Christopher Barich - Minnesota National Guard
  • Abstract: In 2005, the People’s Republic of China (PRC) first released public statements indicating its aspiration to become a polar great power with the ability to project influence and power globally from the Arctic to Antarctica. In 2013, Chinese president Xi Jinping announced the One Belt, One Road initiative, an ambitious transnational infrastructure investment and construction program that has since become known as the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). In 2017, the PRC published Vision for Maritime Cooperation Under the Belt and Road Initiative, laying out Beijing’s intention to establish a maritime economic passage to link mainland China to Europe via the Arctic Ocean. In 2018, the PRC announced its ambition to establish a trans-Arctic shipping route, called the Polar Silk Road (PSR), as part of the BRI. In 2020, Beijing assessed the Artic region as a “global strategic commanding heights” and an important passage of “geostrategic value.” The PRC utilizes the “three warfares” strategy—public opinion warfare, psychological warfare, and legal warfare—to conduct influence operations in the Arctic. For the North, the Chinese enterprise of  influence operations focuses on three overlapping Arctic areas of interest: the participation in Arctic affairs and governance, scientific research activities and expeditions, and economic investment in critical infrastructure along the PSR. The purpose of these influence operations is to promote narratives of China as an important stakeholder in Arctic affairs, committed to scientific collaboration, research and exploration in the Arctic, and investment in the economic development and prosperity of all Arctic states and that China should be considered an equal partner as a near-Arctic state. These international and domestic narratives, propagated through repetition and presence, aim to secure Beijing a greater political economic advantage, to secure and maintain access to Arctic natural resources, and to shape and align Arctic states to China’s interests. The purpose of this article is to frame Chinese influence operations in the Arctic through the concept of the “three warfares” strategy and understand how these operations serve China’s Arctic narratives, support wider political and economic interests, and further advance long-term security and development strategic objectives. To that goal, the article will provide essential context involving official positions and policies, followed by an introduction of how China employs the “three warfares” into its priority Arctic national interests

 

Supporting Event(S):

Following the release of the special issue, there wil be an opportunity to hear from some of the authors in the Air University's "Indo-Pacific Visions" vodcast (to be scheduled). Please visit the website for more information.