Gen. Gregory M. Guillot, commander of U.S. Northern Command and the North American Aerospace Defense Command, delivers the keynote address during the Anchorage Security and Defense Conference. TECH SGT. DONALD HUDSON/U.S. AIR FORCE
The Arctic took center stage as Gen. Gregory M. Guillot opened the inaugural Anchorage Security and Defense Conference (ASDC), a collaboration involving the Ted Stevens Center for Arctic Security Studies, the Arctic Domain Awareness Center at the University of Alaska Anchorage and the U.S. Department of State. Gen. Guillot, commander of U.S. Northern Command and the North American Aerospace Defense Command, kicked off the November 2024 conference, which was framed around the theme “The ‘Decisive 2020s’ in Allied North Perspective.” The event provided a comprehensive look at the evolving security challenges of a region with increasing geopolitical tensions and heightened activity. The Arctic is quickly becoming a focal point for global security.
The conference shed light on a range of key issues, from vulnerabilities in Arctic infrastructure to the growing threats throughout the Arctic. These discussions led to actionable recommendations for building long-term readiness in the Arctic, ensuring that security needs are met through cooperative and innovative solutions.
A central topic was the vulnerability of Arctic infrastructure, particularly as the region faces increasingly sophisticated hybrid threats, such as cyberattacks, disinformation campaigns and sabotage. The Arctic’s limited infrastructure capacity exacerbates these threats, especially in remote areas where response times to critical incidents can exceed 48 hours. The growing presence of Russian surveillance and cyber intrusions, especially targeting Arctic infrastructure in Nordic countries, was brought up as a key concern. Experts stressed the need for multilayered defense strategies that integrate both military and civilian approaches to find resilient, multiuse and adaptable solutions.
Advanced technologies, such as artificial intelligence (AI) and unmanned systems, were highlighted as essential tools for enhancing situational awareness and bolstering Arctic defense capabilities. Collaborative multiagency exercises were identified as crucial for testing these new technologies and building robust defense frameworks.
Another aspect of building Arctic readiness is the importance of societal trust, experts said. Effective governance and public collaboration are crucial for addressing the region’s security challenges. Trust in government institutions is especially important in remote Arctic communities, where it is essential for the successful implementation of infrastructure projects, emergency response efforts and sustainable resource management. However, participants noted that resource shortages and inadequate funding for municipal services often erode this trust and leave communities vulnerable to external influences such as disinformation.
To address these issues, conference discussions emphasized the need for transparent governance and community input in decision-making processes and resource allocation. By fostering trust between governments and local communities, the Arctic region can better withstand the ever-increasing stresses.
Another significant theme was the integration of local Arctic knowledge into security strategies. Local communities possess valuable expertise on the environment, ice dynamics and homeland security — knowledge that is critical to effectively operate in the Arctic. Examples like Canada’s Ranger program and Greenland’s Arctic Basic Education program were cited as successful models of local involvement in security frameworks. However, communication barriers, particularly in higher latitude communities, remain a challenge. The conference underscored the need for improved communication networks and trust-building mechanisms between state and local groups and defense organizations. Recognizing local Arctic expertise not only enhances defense operations but also provides training and education to bolster military readiness in Arctic regions.
The growing collaboration between the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) and Russia in the Arctic was another area of concern. As Russia advances its military capabilities, the pace at which it poses a challenge to NATO and its allies is increasing. The joint efforts of China and Russia in Arctic shipping, particularly under the CCP’s Polar Silk Road initiative, underscore the shifting geopolitical dynamics in the region. With Russia’s dominance in Arctic shipping, and the growing militarization of the region, the collaboration between these two powers raises serious concerns for allies and partners in the Pacific and in NATO.
Participants agreed that robust intelligence-sharing frameworks among NATO allies are critical to counter these developments. Moreover, the integration of Arctic scenarios into NATO exercises, along with joint task force mechanisms, was recommended to maintain security cooperation and regional stability.
Some of the Arctic’s most significant defense readiness challenges identified were risks to infrastructure caused by permafrost degradation and coastal erosion. These challenges will exacerbate competition for resources, increase migration pressures and heighten infrastructure demands as resources and new maritime routes are exposed. Participants stressed that adaptive design approaches, such as the use of materials and technologies suited for the Arctic’s conditions, are essential for mitigating these operational risks. Panel experts also recommended integrating scientific exploration with military operations, providing valuable insights into the evolving dynamics of the region.
To address the region’s unique challenges, the conference highlighted the importance of public-private partnerships. Collaborative efforts provide valuable lessons for building resilience. For example, Greenland implemented microgrids to reduce energy costs and enhance network stability. Panelists emphasized the integration of innovative energy systems, cybersecurity measures and hardened infrastructure as essential to address the Arctic’s infrastructure gaps.
The private sector plays a pivotal role in innovation, particularly through the development of hybrid power systems and advanced technologies like AI for real-time monitoring. Long-term planning that integrates these technologies will be crucial to ensure the region’s resilience.
The final takeaway from the conference was the urgent need to treat the Arctic as a distinct security domain within defense strategies. The role of Alaska as NATO’s western flank was underscored, highlighting the importance of integrating military and civilian operations to enhance regional security. Participants recommended the expansion of Arctic-focused military exercises and the inclusion of non-Arctic nations like Australia and Japan, which bring valuable maritime expertise to Arctic security discussions.
The inaugural ASDC made clear that the Arctic is no longer a remote, peripheral region but has developed into a central theater of global security. As geopolitical tensions rise and reshape the region, the Arctic’s security landscape is becoming increasingly complex. To navigate these challenges, the conference called for a collective, NATO-centric approach that emphasizes collaboration across governments, local communities and the private sector. Building Arctic readiness requires a comprehensive strategy that addresses infrastructure, security and governance issues in tandem. Only through proactive engagement can the Arctic be secured as a space for cooperation, innovation and stability in the face of growing uncertainty.