Post Modern Approach to U.S. Policy in the Arctic

• Main Author: Monnard, Richard M
• Other Authors: ARMY WAR COLL CARLISLE BARRACKS PA
• Format: Text
• Language: English
• Published: 2012
• Subjects: Military Forces and Organizations; *ARCTIC REGIONS; *MILITARY FORCES(UNITED STATES); CLIMATE; COOPERATION; LEADERSHIP; POLITICAL PARTIES; UNITED STATES; Arctic; Climate change
• Online Access: http://www.dtic.mil/docs/citations/ADA561635; http://oai.dtic.mil/oai/oai?&verb=getRecord&metadataPrefix=html&identifier=ADA561635

The nexus of post modern state interaction, the employment of military force, and climate change pose a tremendous challenge for our political leaders and strategists in the next decade and the most likely location is in the Arctic. The increased interdependence of nations caused by globalization, the continuing trend away from state on state warfare, and the problems associated with increased access to the Arctic create an opportunity for the United States to take the lead in improving international cooperation and promoting greater interdependence among nation states. As a post modern state, the opportunity to engage collectively and through cooperation with international and regional organizations makes the most sense economically and politically. The challenge is to operationalize this way of thinking. It requires a willingness to accept less than optimal results in return for lower costs, shared responsibility, and transparent actions. In the end, achieving the best solution for the Arctic requires the United States to reassess and rethink both its use of diplomacy and military force.