Navigating Competition in the Central Arctic Ocean

The retreat of sea ice is opening more of the Central Arctic Ocean to shipping, fishing, mining, and military operations. Arctic nations have claimed much of the seabed underlying this body of water as part of their—often overlapping—extended continental shelves, creating the potential for confrontation. And new players like China, which calls itself a “near-Arctic nation,” are actively exploring the region and seeking opportunities for resource exploration. 

New technologies such as low-earth-orbit sensing and communication satellites and autonomous vehicles are making Arctic operations easier and more effective for military and commercial users. As a result, the Central Arctic Ocean may transform from an inhospitable region requiring little surveillance or protection to the setting for a new gold rush as countries and companies look to cash in on increased access for mining and shorter shipping routes. Arctic nations will need to equip themselves to protect their interests and establish governance structures in the region to manage their resources. 

Please join Hudson Institute and Ocean Conservancy for a public event on changing conditions in the Central Arctic Ocean and the implications for governance, economic development, conservation, and national security.