The new Cold War: Lessons for Canada in the battle for Arctic sovereignty, security, and resources

Arctic ice is melting at an alarming rate. As the ice melts a wealth of opportunities becomes available to States that can make legitimate claims. Canada, with a significant amount of territory within the Arctic Circle is faced both with opportunities and challenges. The opportunities lay in the abundance of energy resources buried deep in me ocean floor. The challenges that Canada could face are an increased foreign presence, potential criminal or terrorist threats, and contenders for the billions of resource dollars at stake. For Canada the solution is simple, assert sovereignty in the Arctic and lay claim to the vast potential of the area. However Canada is falling behind. Stricken with neglecting Governments, Canada is in danger of losing its sovereignty in the Arctic. A reversal of fortunes is needed. Arctic competitors Russia, Denmark, and Norway are making great strides in the region with effective strategies that Canada can look to emulate.;Keywords: Arctic, Sovereignty, Canada, Russia, Norway, Denmark;This thesis examines Canada's Arctic competitors' strategies and how they are asserting sovereignty over their own claims in the region. By analyzing the techniques of the other Arctic States, Canada can learn new ways to improve the efficacy of its own strategy in the Arctic. The analysis of Russia, Denmark, and Norway provides an interesting range of options for Canada that transcends the traditional military, diplomatic, and legal methods that Canada currently employs. The lessons are clear. Canada needs to act boldly, speak confidently and demand the recognition of its claim. Guided by a strong Northern philosophy, a restructured military, and a new economic partnership with the Northern peoples, Canada can re-assert itself and make a claim for the world's last unclaimed area, the Arctic.