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From Sept. 9-12, 2025, more than 40 senior military leaders, policymakers, and subject-matter experts from across the Arctic region convened virtually for the 2025 High North Security Dialogue, demonstrating a continued commitment to working collaboratively on defense in the Arctic. Co-hosted by the Ted Stevens Center for Arctic Security Studies and the George C. Marshall European Center for Security Studies, the HNSD is a strategic forum to advance deterrent mechanisms in the High North.
“Continuous engagement, reflection, analysis, honesty, and discussion – as we do at HNSD – is necessary to prepare for current and future threats and opportunities” explained Matt Hickey, associate director of strategic engagement and TSC’s HNSD lead.
The 2025 HNSD was the first of its kind for any Department of War Regional Center, with participants joining across seven different time zones to discuss topics like Arctic warfighting, technology and innovation, and protecting critical infrastructure. From early mornings in Alaska, to late evenings in Finland, participants were able to leverage the power of technology to convene online while remaining ready at their respective duty stations. The 2025 HNSD provided a new benchmark for the center’s ability to collaborate effectively across the Arctic.
The HNSD delivered a condensed three days of rigorous programming designed for the Arctic practitioner. The dialogue brought together key Arctic stakeholders and experts under a Chatham House rule format to exchange perspectives and develop actionable recommendations. Daily plenary sessions presented innovative analysis, while keynote remarks from Ambassador Matthew Whitaker, Permanent Representative of the United States to NATO, and U.S. Senator Angus King, provided strategic insights from the highest level. Seminar groups leveraged these insights in small group discussions that would later inform their final policy recommendations presented during the event and incorporated into a HNSD report.
This year’s dialogue placed a sharp focus on transforming U.S. and Allied Arctic military capability in an evolving threat environment. Participants examined emerging Allied and national initiatives to improve deterrence and defense along NATO’s northern flank, including joint exercises, enhanced domain awareness, and investments in critical capabilities to counter potential adversaries.
Discussions addressed the growing strategic influence of Russia and China in the Arctic and considered implications for regional stability and defense planning. Experts underscored the importance of integrated air and missile defense, resilient logistics networks, and the ability to project credible combat power in extreme conditions.
Senior leaders highlighted the value of strengthening burden-sharing arrangements and expanding public-private partnerships to secure critical infrastructure and sustain military readiness. They also explored how innovation can enhance collective deterrence.
“No single nation can secure the Arctic alone. Defense and deterrence in the region require burden sharing—it is an operational necessity. Interoperability, shared awareness, and unity of effort are essential to credible deterrence” said Randy “Church” Kee, director of the TSC. “Every step we take together signals readiness and resolve,” he added.
By convening this dialogue virtually, the Ted Stevens Center and the Marshall Center reinforced their shared commitment to sustaining robust transatlantic cooperation despite geographic distance. The event fostered enduring defense relationships and actionable policy recommendations, ensuring Arctic allies and partners remain prepared to deter aggression and maintain a safe and secure region.
| Date Taken: | 09.22.2025 |
| Date Posted: | 09.30.2025 20:58 |
| Story ID: | 549784 |
| Location: | JOINT BASE ELMENDORF-RICHARDSON, ALASKA, US |
| Web Views: | 42 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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