Canada and Nordic nations are laying the groundwork for a new Arctic security coalition focused on defense, intelligence, and cybersecurity, aimed at countering growing Russian and Chinese presence in the region.
This coalition, proposed by Canadian Foreign Minister Mélanie Joly, would exclude Russia and help northern allies coordinate on defense strategies, filling a gap in current political forums.
Joly emphasized Canada’s increased vulnerability in the Arctic as climate change opens northern routes and draws international interest. Recent meetings in Nunavut with Nordic ministers, now all NATO members, led to discussions on establishing an Arctic security dialogue to address shared challenges.
Canada’s efforts to bolster Arctic security also respond to U.S. pressure to meet NATO’s 2% GDP defense spending target, which Canada is currently below. While Canada’s defense policy update includes plans for submarines that operate under ice, these are set for completion by 2032. The U.S. has expressed concern over Canada’s slower progress, with former officials urging Canada to fulfil its commitments to allied security.
Joly’s initiative, in collaboration with Inuit communities, aims to counter foreign influence while enhancing Canada’s Arctic presence through a balance of defense spending and diplomatic engagement.
The Russian Federation Council Committee on Foreign Affairs stated that the plan by Canada and Northern European countries to establish the Arctic stability alliance is doomed without Russia's involvement. From the Russian perspective, the alliance for stability is unlikely to succeed and that the initiative will increase tensions only.
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