Arctic Trail

The geographic landscape in the Arctic is rapidly changing, which could allow substantial transportation and resource development in the future. Currently, the international legal framework is not sufficient to handle the sovereignty and resource rights disputes in the region. Increased human activity in the region will exacerbate these disputes, creating significant national security, economic, and environmental implications. Arctic development is at a crossroads in which either competition or cooperation can dictate the region's future. Woefully behind the other Arctic nations in capabilities and regional development, the United States must actively engage Arctic issues.