Towards total defence and security

Threats IN, TO, and THROUGH the North American and Nordic Arctics

Abstract

The IN, TO, and THROUGH methodology categorises threats affecting the circumpolar Arctic. Scholars such as Lackenbauer, who developed the methodology for the North American Arctic, and Østhagen, in applying it to the European High North, identify and 
categorise different threats that fall under the broad umbrella of ‘Arctic Security’. Comparing the European High North with the North American Arctic, we observe that the sub-regions face shared and distinct pressures, with kinetic and “hybrid” threats TO the High North presenting less risk to the North American Arctic. The subregions share common IN threats driven by climate change, as well as THROUGH threats driven by strategic competition and technological change. Our commentary gestures to areas of common alignment on “total defence” and comprehensive security approaches, as well as opportunities to bolster strategic deterrence and political stability in a region that is no longer viewed as exceptional.