THE UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT EFFORTS UNDER PRESIDENT BARRACK OBAMA IN THE ARCTIC (2008-2012 & 2012-2016) : IMPLEMENTATION OF ARCTIC POLICY DEALING WITH RUSSIAN BEHAVIOUR

Abstract

Global warming and climate change lead the Arctic environment changing dramatically. Satellite observations over time show decreasing multi-year ice and increasing open water during the Arctic summer. The Arctic Five states (Rusia, Canada, the United States, Denmark, and Norway) have high intention to the region by overlapping claims. Among the A5 states, Russia is the state which currently possesses the greatest means of power in the region. The Arctic is now opening up and as a result, economic opportunities such as oil/gas exploration, maritime transportation, and fisheries are expanding exponentially. As commercial opportunities increase in the region, the U.S. needs an effective policy to deal with this new frontier. In response to all Arctic changes and national interest, President Obama signed the National Strategy for the Arctic Region (NSAR). Through this strategy, setting the United States Government's strategic priorities for the Arctic region. These priorities are intended to position the United States to respond effectively to emerging opportunities while simultaneously pursuing efforts to protect and conserve this unique environment. These priorities include: advancing our security interests, pursuing responsible Arctic region stewardship, and strengthening our international cooperation. These strategies are also supported by the strategy of the U.S coast guard and Defense Department. The U.S. policy in the Arctic region is reviewed by Neoliberal institutional approach.