The Case for Icebreakers

This thesis assesses the potential success of the United States’ newly assumed role as chairman of the Arctic Council in light of its own record of development in Alaska, its only Arctic territory. Using primary and secondary qualitative research, perspectives from multiple stakeholders are analyzed to assess the United States’ current capabilities in the Arctic versus its rhetoric and responsibilities. To gauge this more effectively, the theory of problem-solving capacity is used to analyze the United States’ potential capacity in the Arctic Council, while the theory of environmental security is used to analyze the United States’ level of investment and commitment to Alaska. With development in Alaska minimal at best and local communities at risk from environmental impacts, the ideal tool for addressing these deficiencies is identified to be icebreakers operated by the United States Coast Guard. Impediments to acquiring sufficient icebreaking capacity are explored, with the conclusion that if the United States is to take effective action on the Arctic stage, investment in icebreakers and therefore the environment and inhabitants of the Arctic is necessary. Not doing so reveals the USA’s agenda to be empty rhetoric and consequently this lost opportunity for leadership may lead to catastrophic results for the region

Melting Boundaries: Rethinking Arctic Governance

Created as part of the 2011 Jackson School for International Studies SIS 495: Task Force. Vincent Gallucci and Nadine Fabbi Task Force Advisors; Julia Gourley, Evaluator; Jeung Hwa (Victoria) Choe, Coordinator.Global warming has triggered fundamental ecological changes to the Arctic landscape. As the sea ice melts, greater access to lucrative natural resources and new shipping lanes is intensifying economic and political interest in the region. Ownership and control over these resources has spurred debate at international, regional, national, and sub-national levels. State and non-state actors are seeking to position themselves to exploit these resources and benefit economically. If left unchecked, unsustainable resource extraction has the potential to seriously degrade the natural environment and threaten the human security of Arctic inhabitants. Existing governance frameworks in the Arctic require reassessment and alteration in light of these recent changes