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Polar Institute
Since its inception in 2017, the Polar Institute has become a premier forum for discussion and policy analysis of Arctic and Antarctic issues, and is known in Washington, DC and elsewhere as the Arctic Public Square. The Institute holistically studies the central policy issues facing these regions—with an emphasis on Arctic governance, climate change, economic development, scientific research, security, and Indigenous communities—and communicates trusted analysis to policymakers and other stakeholders.
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Our Blogs
ICE Pact
The recently announced Icebreaker Collaboration Effort (ICE Pact) by the US, Canada, and Finland, is a collaboration intended to strengthen shipbuilding and maritime industrial capacity through closer cooperation on polar icebreakers.
Learn MoreCritical Minerals in the Arctic
The complex critical minerals problem facing the United States demands a comprehensive approach. Visit our Critical Minerals in the Arctic page to read our Critical Minerals Policy Briefs, which provide a roadmap for sustainable development—emphasizing collaboration, community engagement, and strategic government involvement. By implementing these policy recommendations, the United States may only reduce its dependence on foreign sources but also emerge as a global leader in responsible and sustainable critical mineral development. The journey towards a secure and resilient future begins now.
Learn MoreNew US Antarctic Policy
Read reaction and analysis here: how this strategic move impacts not only national security but also environmental stewardship and international collaboration in one of the world's most remote and sensitive areas.
Learn MoreUS Extended Continental Shelf
Visit the Polar Institute's comprehensive hub dedicated to the United States Extended Continental Shelf (ECS). Explore the background and impact of the US ECS Project through a variety of ECS-related publications and content, and dive into an informative journey through the depths of maritime boundaries and resources.
Learn MoreExplore our Core Thematic Focuses
Science Research and Climate Change
Climate change is the principle driver of most all other changes in the Arctic. Research is critical to understanding these far-reaching environmental changes and is essential in the creation of informed policy.
Indigenous Communities
Indigenous peoples, communities, and ways of life are, in many places under pressure to adapt to changes in the environmental, social, and political landscape.
Economic Development
Viable and sustainable economic development in the Arctic is required to realize the full potential of a region that lacks, in many part of the Arctic, basic investments in infrastructure, services, or scalable commerce with linkages from local communities to global markets.
Security
The Polar Institute highlights the many forms of Arctic security, including human security, environmental security, health security, and military security. While addressing issues like national security, homeland security, community security, water and food security, the Institute explores the complex set of issues emerging within the Great Power Competition in the Arctic between the United States, Russia, and China. These "securities" of the Arctic will evolve as more actors enter the region and global tensions elsewhere continue to challenge the idea of a peaceful Arctic region with related governance and cooperative structures.
Governance
To maintain the cooperative nature of Arctic relations, governance structures—like the Arctic Council—must be properly supported.
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