Polar-Mindedness: A Prerequisite for Strategic Success in the Polar Regions
Hila Levy | 05.26.21
Nothingness. Darkness. Whiteness. Remoteness. Snow. Ice. Polar bears. Penguins. These are some common conceptions of the polar regions. Maturing our Arctic and Antarctic policy narratives and knowledge is a strategic imperative, particularly in an era of great power competition. We need to refine our ideas of the polar regions and work toward achieving “polar-mindedness.” Just as US military airpower’s development was closely linked to the development of an of “air-minded” society, polar-mindedness is a unique appreciation of the role of the polar regions in our daily lives, and therefore, of its relevance to national and international policy.
This mindset is best examined in the context of core-periphery dynamics, and doing so reveals some best practices to promote polar-mindedness in modern society. This shift will be critical to tackling future environmental, societal, and security challenges at the poles.
Core-Periphery Dynamics
There are two main starting points for approaching polar perspective shaping: a nation-state can possess an organic polar connection and heritage, or it may seek to develop such ties. Countries with (relatively) long polar heritage include the eight Arctic Council member states and the original signatories of the Antarctic Treaty. Geography and history therefore provide immutable advantages to a select group of “polar nations.”
https://mwi.usma.edu/polar-mindedness-a-prerequisite-for-strategic-success-in-the-polar-regions/
