U.S. DEFENSE POLICY: MAINTAINING THE UNITED STATES NATIONAL SECURITY INTERESTS IN THE COLD LAND ARCTIC (2013-2016)

Abstract

Arctic is being the center of geopolitics in the international system after the diminishing ice in the region. There are many state nations looking at Arctic as their strategic environment, that contains their national security interests. This thesis is about the United States defense policy in maintaining their national security interests in Arctic. If we are talking about a defense policy, we should also concern about the threat perception and the policy approach in the strategic environment. The United States as the main actor in this thesis realize the threat perception in the region is Russia massive military presence and development, which leads to the claiming over one of Arctic routes, the Northern Sea route. Russia aggressive military presence in Arctic could threatened U.S. sovereignty as well their national security interests in the region. In order to balance Russia military presence and development in the Arctic region. The United States believe that they need to increase the maritime domain awareness in the region, as well deploying their military capabilities which includes the Navy, U.S. Coast Guard, Air Force and Army.