Anchorage Security Conference sets U.S.’ Arctic course in uncharted waters

As the Arctic’s strategic importance intensifies, the inaugural Anchorage Security and Defense Conference, which is a collaborative event, which among others is supported by the Ted Stevens Center for Arctic Security Studies, is set to unite over 200 U.S. and international defense experts to address rising security concerns in the Arctic and its broader global connections. Matthew Hickey, Associate Director of the Ted Stevens Center, explained the conference’s purpose and scope in an interview with Arctic Today.

The agenda will include panels on topics like the role of AI in Arctic security, strategies for building community resilience, and NATO’s evolving presence, especially following the recent inclusion of Finland and Sweden.

“Nothing exists just independent unto itself,” Hickey said. “If you look at the agenda we start with a panel focused on defense of the north or defense of the Arctic. But then we follow that with a tech, energy, and security platform that incorporates elements of artificial intelligence.”

Among the key issues to be discussed in the growing impact of China and Russia in the Arctic. A session at the conference, the “Axis of Adversaries”, will examine the future in regards to U.S. and its allies interaction with the two powers.

“There’s China and its interest in the Arctic, there’s Russia and its presence and interest in the Arctic, and then there’s China and Russia in what they’re doing together or what they’re not doing together,” Hickey said.

He explained that the panel will explore both the independent and collaborative actions of China and Russia, considering how their activities in other regions influence the Arctic.

“Are they simply sailing next to each other and flying next to each other, or are they actually integrated?”, he said.

The Anchorage event, scheduled for November 19–21, 2024, will host military and civilian representatives from Arctic nations and the Indo-Pacific, which Hickey claims showcases Alaska’s unique position at the crossroads of global interests.

“We aim to convene defense and security practitioners to discuss challenges and opportunities facing the Arctic and beyond,” Hickey said..

Hickey claims that Alaska’s role as the conference location emphasizes the U.S. commitment to the Arctic as a strategic region—a perspective championed by figures like Senator Lisa Murkowski, who has consistently lobbied Washington to pay more attention to Alaska’s significance.

“Certainly, it’s emblematic of the strategic significance of the region to the United States and the world,” he said. “The event is not a shift in policy but a reaffirming that this region is important, that the United States is an Arctic nation and needs to be proactive with its approach.”

Additionally, the conference will delve into technology and energy transformation in the Arctic, covering AI, renewable energy, and critical mineral extraction. Hickey says that these advancements are reshaping operations in the Arctic and have broad implications.

“If you look at the U.S.’s National Strategy for the Arctic region, there is a mentioning certainly of security issues; the addition of AI and the need to diversify sources of energy,” he said.

Hickey hopes that attendees will gain a nuanced understanding of Alaska’s global position, as he envisions the conference laying a foundation for annual discussions on Arctic security.

“We’d like to have people walk away understanding that Alaska is at the intersection of various regions of the world. It’s a gateway to the Pacific. It is the Arctic, and it’s the gateway to the Arctic.”

According to Hickey, another importance element of the event will be to incorporate indigenous perspectives, as these communities face strategic competition alongside the impacts of climate change.

“Their contributions are tremendously valuable, and there’ll be components of that at this particular event.”

He hopes that the conference will ultimately empower U.S. leadership to make informed decisions that maintain a “peaceful, prosperous Arctic region,” benefiting both the U.S. and the world.

*The article originally stated that the Anchorage Security and Defense Conference was being hosted by the Ted Stevens Center for Arctic Studies.