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US Polar Leadership Project
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The next few years are critically important to build support for US leadership in the Arctic and Antarctica ahead of the upcoming US Chairship of the Arctic Council (2031-2033) and the 5th International Polar Year (2032-2033). These milestones come at a time when the polar regions are under increased geopolitical pressure. We must be ready to meet the moment and deliver on strategic priorities. The US Polar Leadership Project is a multiyear, multi-agency initiative spotlighting the necessity and benefits of American engagement in the poles.
Letter from the Director
As we near the next IPY and US Chairship of the Arctic, US leadership in the poles will be more important—and more closely scrutinized—than ever before. But our ability to demonstrate leadership, and to exert the influence of our presence in the Arctic and Antarctica—is on thin ice. The years leading up to these events is an excellent time to launch new initiatives, platforms, and capabilities for maximum visibility and effect. It’s time to start now. Click here to read the full letter from the Director of the Polar Institute, Dr. Rebecca Pincus.
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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. Visit the Wilson Center's ICE Pact hub for reactions and insights from the Polar Institute, Canada Institute, Global Europe Program, and Wahba Institute for Strategic Competition.
Strategic Shifts in the Arctic: Insights from the Wilson Center
The US Department of Defense released a new Arctic Strategy on July 22. The next day, senior leaders stopped by the Wilson Center to talk about the new strategy and evolving conditions in the Arctic. Amanda Dory, Acting Under Secretary of Defense for Policy, delivered a comprehensive overview of the new strategy and its three main lines of effort: enhancing domain awareness and capabilities to campaign in the Arctic, engaging with allies and partners, and exercising a calibrated presence in the region.
US Extended Continental Shelf
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.
New US Antarctic Policy
On May 17, The White House released the National Security Memorandum on United States Policy on the Antarctic Region, marking the first update to regional policy since 1994. The memorandum represents a significant reaffirmation of US interests and commitment to the Antarctic region. Read reactions and analyses to the memorandum here.
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Wilson Center
Our Sponsors
US National Science Foundation
The US National Science Foundation's Office of Polar Programs promotes creative and innovative scientific research, engineering, and education in and about the polar regions, catalyzing fundamental discovery and understanding of polar systems and their global interactions to inform the nation and advance the welfare of all people.
US Coast Guard
The US Coast Guard operates in both the Arctic and Antarctic, serving a variety of missions to include search and rescue, living marine resource enforcement, icebreaking, and supporting scientific efforts. The mission of the US Coast Guard's Polar Coordination Office is to influence and facilitate unification and continuity of strategic Polar policy, planning, and resourcing.
US Arctic Research Commission
The US Arctic Research Commission (USARC) is an independent federal agency created by the Arctic Research and Policy Act of 1984. It is a presidentially appointed advisory body supported by staff in Washington, DC, and in Anchorage, Alaska. In addition to delivering a biennial report to the President and Congress outlining recommended scientific research goals and objectives for the Arctic, the Commission develops and recommends an integrated national Arctic research policy and builds cooperative links in Arctic research within the federal government, with the State of Alaska, and with international partners.
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NSF, USARC, USCG