United States

The United States should awaken to its role as an Arctic nation. If the country expects to use the Northwest Passage more extensively, it must build more icebreakers. National security interests should drive politicians to seek broad international demilitarization commitments that will maximize the effectiveness of security expenditures in the region. To establish legal precedent for the country’s claim that the Northwest Passage is an international strait with right of innocent passage and overflight for aircraft, the United States should do everything possible to facilitate the safe and expeditious development of shipping through the Northwest Passage. In addition, as a world power and scientific leader the United States can be a leader on environmental protection issues and provide scientific support. Finally, the United States can use its extensive information network, including its Arctic radar system, and bargaining power to aid in information exchange and gathering as well as diplomacy.