U.S. Department of Homeland Security Releases New Arctic Strategic Approach to Advance U.S. Interests in the Region | site |



(Information contained in U.S. Department of Homeland Security [DHS] press release dated: January 13, 2021)

On January 11, then-Acting Secretary of Homeland Security Chad F. Wolf approved the Department’s first-ever Strategic Approach for Arctic Homeland Security, a landmark document that positions DHS to more effectively tackle emerging risks in the region as geopolitical interest and competition grows.

The Arctic has taken center stage for regional competition and influence. Receding icecaps and increased traffic will necessitate an expanded DHS footprint in a number of areas, including trade and travel facilitation and cyber and infrastructure security. With this Strategic Approach, the Department is now increasingly prepared to anticipate and respond to these new challenges.

This groundbreaking vision outlines a proactive and disciplined approach that the Department will take to implement effective measures to protect our interests in the Arctic while adapting to the changing regional conditions.

The Strategic Approach fully leverages the broad range of DHS authorities, resources, and partnerships to achieve three strategic goals:
  • Secure the homeland through persistent presence and all domain awareness;
  • Strengthen access, response, and resilience in the Arctic; and
  • Advance Arctic governance and a rules-based order through targeted national and international engagement and cooperation.
To accomplish these goals, DHS will execute a thoughtfully planned, whole-of-Department approach, through close collaboration and cooperation with our partners, both at home and abroad. As an Arctic nation, DHS leadership is hopeful that this document will serve as a strategic blueprint to ensure the Department’s goal of maintaining a stable, prosperous, and sovereign Arctic.

The men and women of DHS stand ready to work around the clock to reach these goals and confront any evolving challenges or threats that emerge to protect the homeland.