Securing the North: NORAD, China, and the Future of Arctic Policy

In today’s episode of the Expert Series, Dr. P. Whitney Lackenbauer discusses several key aspects of Arctic security. The discussion highlights the challenges posed by China's growing presence in the Arctic, especially in light of a recent encounter between a Canadian warship and a Chinese research vessel in the Bering Strait. Dr. Lackenbauer also examines NORAD’s role in monitoring foreign activities to ensure Arctic sovereignty and the need for Canada and the U.S. to synchronize efforts to attain speed of relevance. The conversation touches on the necessity for burden-sharing between Canada and the U.S., the potential benefits of joint exercises in enhancing Canada’s capabilities, and Canada’s new icebreaker pact with Finland and the U.S. Additionally, the impact of climate change on Arctic accessibility is addressed, along with the importance of engaging with Indigenous communities to incorporate their expertise into defence strategies and improve policy-making.The CDA Institute is a non-partisan think tank that conducts research and education programming on defence and security.Learn more: CDA Institute