Episodes

  • Arctic Connections | Canada and the North American Arctic

    Arctic Connections | Canada and the North American Arctic
    Jun 16 2026
    In this episode of Arctic Connections, Distinguished Professor and North American Arctic Policy Advisor for the Ted Stevens Center for Arctic Security Studies (ACT1 Contractor), Dr. Kathryn Friedman, catches up with Ms. Sara Cohen, Deputy Chief of Missions for Foreign Policy and National Security at the Canadian Embassy in Washington D.C. They explain why the North American Arctic matters to both the U.S. and Canada, highlighting the driving forces behind the two nations' enduring security cooperation. Ms. Cohen also offers an inside look at Canada's latest defense commitments and the implications for the Arctic region.
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    20 mins
  • Arctic Connections | Arctic Perspectives from Global Strike Command

    Arctic Connections | Arctic Perspectives from Global Strike Command
    Feb 5 2026
    This episode of Arctic Connections explores the role of the U.S. Arctic in our ability to deter competitors around the globe featuring Gen. Thomas A. Bussiere, commander, Air Force Global Strike Command and commander, Air Forces Strategic - Air, U.S. Strategic Command, with host, Matt Hickey. Hickey and Bussiere discuss Global Strike Command’s ongoing modernization efforts including NC3 architecture, bomber fleet, and ICBM evolution, as well as potential lessons learned for Arctic innovation. Finally, the show concludes with a discussion on the strategic access, placement, and location of Alaska as both Arctic and Pacific. Originally recorded Jan. 15, 2025, this episode exams these topics and more.
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    47 mins
  • Arctic Connections | Assessing the US Arctic from an Ally’s perspective

    Arctic Connections | Assessing the US Arctic from an Ally’s perspective
    Feb 5 2026
    This episode of Arctic Connections provides an allied perspective on the U.S. strategic approach to the Arctic from Dr. Paal Hilde, Professor at the Norwegian Institute of Defence Studies, with host, Matt Hickey. Hickey and Hilde discuss strategic competition in the Arctic, examining U.S. and Chinese interests. They also examine the role of Greenland in the Arctic. Finally, our guests provide a normative discussion on what this says about the Arctic as a region in the context of broader geopolitical affairs. (This episode was originally recorded on Jan. 21, 2025.)
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    46 mins
  • Arctic Connections | Investments, Geopolitics, and America’s Arctic Presence

    Arctic Connections | Investments, Geopolitics, and America’s Arctic Presence
    Feb 5 2026
    Arctic Connections | Investments, Geopolitics, and America’s Arctic Presence, featuring Mead Treadwell and host Matthew Hickey. Originally recorded in November 2024, this episode, examines Arctic economic develop as a national security imperative. Our guests explore the nexus between sustainable Arctic investment and our ability to defend the North American homeland. The episode includes expert analysis on dual use infrastructure, Arctic innovation, and emerging geopolitical trends in the region.
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    36 mins
  • Arctic Connections | Navigating Arctic Strategy: Canada’s Role in Regional Security

    Arctic Connections | Navigating Arctic Strategy: Canada’s Role in Regional Security
    Feb 5 2026
    In this episode of Arctic Connections, Dr. Marc Lanteigne and host Matthew Hickey discuss the evolving landscape of Arctic policy and international cooperation. Dr. Lanteigne offers insight into Canada’s strategic priorities in the Arctic and highlights the importance of governance and security collaboration in ensuring stability across the region. The conversation also features analysis of China’s increasing activity in the Arctic and the implications for global strategic competition. Originally recorded in January 2025, this episode explores these topics and more.
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    38 mins
  • Arctic Connections | Threats Through, To, and In the North American Arctic

    Arctic Connections | Threats Through, To, and In the North American Arctic
    Feb 5 2026
    Welcome to Arctic Connections | Threats Through, To, and In the North American Arctic, featuring Dr. Whitney Lackenbauer and host Matthew Hickey. In this episode, renowned Arctic scholar, Dr. Lackenbauer, walks us through his model for Arctic security that delineates threats Through, To, and In the Arctic. The discussion provides essential perspectives for policymakers to understand the nature of the varying Arctic threats at the intersection of Arctic sovereignty, governance, socio-economic, cultural, and community resiliency issues.
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    55 mins
  • Arctic Connections | Arctic Infrastructure & Defense

    Arctic Connections | Arctic Infrastructure & Defense
    Feb 5 2026
    Arctic Connections | Arctic Infrastructure & Defense, featuring Dr. Kelsey Frazier, Associate Director for Research and Analysis, and host Matthew Hickey. As Arctic sea ice melts and new shipping lanes open, nations are racing to secure their interests in this once-remote region. Recent developments, including increased military activity and infrastructure investments by countries like Russia, the United States, and China, are reshaping our understanding of Arctic dynamics. Originally recorded in October 2024, this episode explores these changes and more. *Revised March 12, 2025
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    30 mins
  • Arctic Connections | Strategic Futures in the High North

    Arctic Connections | Strategic Futures in the High North
    Feb 5 2026
    Welcome to Arctic Connections | "Strategic Futures in the High North." In this episode, host Matthew Hickey engages in a conversation with Maria Jontén, a distinguished expert from the Swedish Defence University. Together, they delve into the evolving security dynamics of the Arctic region, exploring how geopolitical shifts, and emerging technologies are shaping strategic considerations for the High North.
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    33 mins