Auch die Arktis wird zusehend Schauplatz verstärkter Großmachtkonflikte, ein Umstand, dem auch die neue Arktisstrategie der US-Airforce Rechnung trägt: „Residing at the intersection between the U.S. homeland and two critical theaters, Indo-Pacific and Europe, the Arctic is an increasingly vital region for U.S. national security interests. The Arctic’s capacity as a strategic buffer is eroding, making it an avenue of threat to the homeland, due to advancements by great power competitors. Additionally, it hosts critical launch points for global power projection and increasingly accessible natural resources.” (jw)