Arctic Security Fundamentals from edX

The Arctic: a region of frigid waters, tundra, and prolonged periods of light and darkness. While it may seem desolate, the Circumpolar North holds a wealth of resources and opportunities for nations and the Indigenous peoples who live there. Many challenges also exist, including shipping management, oil and gas production, mining activities, fisheries management, protection of threatened species, and significant defense-related difficulties, all within the context of dramatic climate change. This online course will provide a baseline understanding of security circumstances and management, as well as the variety of actors involved.

Arctic Security Fundamentals also explores the security situation of the Arctic through a focus on the key stakeholders responsible for diplomacy and defense. Although the post-Cold War Circumpolar North has remained mostly stable, rapid changes in climate and technology have created new conditions requiring increased attention and management.

Course participants will learn about the complex landscape of international norms and processes governing security in the Circumpolar North, as well as the balance of diplomacy and defense that nations employ to manage priority interests. Students will explore how the three realms of international relations—cooperation, competition, and conflict—interact in this unique environment.

This course is for:

Security specialists interested in learning more about the Circumpolar North
Members of defense-related institutes and organizations who want to know more about international security and/or the Arctic
Professionals in industries that rely upon Arctic resources and knowledge
Undergraduate and graduate students who hope to specialize in regional studies
Those interested in emergency management as it applies to arctic contexts, and anyone interested in security contexts generally including cybersecurity, regional security, homeland security, and human security.

What's inside

Learning objectives

Develop an introductory understanding of how the environment and people interact throughout the arctic region
Define basic regional and international diplomacy organizations such as the arctic council, and how priority non-emergency issues are managed

Develop an understanding of identifying and managing regional security through cooperation and competition
Define the current regional defense disposition and potential future developments in the arctic

Develop an introductory understanding of how the environment and people interact throughout the arctic region
Define basic regional and international diplomacy organizations such as the arctic council, and how priority non-emergency issues are managed
Develop an understanding of identifying and managing regional security through cooperation and competition
Define the current regional defense disposition and potential future developments in the arctic

Syllabus

Week 1:

Defining security

Regional geography of the Arctic region, Arctic governance, and economic circumstances

Regional diplomacy, both international and regional

Week 2

Arctic regional defense organizations, including domestic, bilateral and multilateral

Week 3:

The difficulties and importance of how and why regional security actors pursue and maintain cooperation

Week 4:

The difficulties and importance of identifying and defining competitive issues

Week 5:

How regional security actors manage competition

The defense disposition associated with the Arctic

Week 6:

Potential future security developments

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Taught by Troy Bouffard, who develop(s) courses in national security and polar issues

Suitable for defense-related institutes, security specialists, and regional studies professionals

Provides a comprehensive study of Arctic security circumstances and management

Examines the unique landscape of international norms and processes in the Circumpolar North

Covers defense disposition and potential future developments in the Arctic

May require prior knowledge and experience in international security or Arctic studies

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Arctic Security Fundamentals with these activities:

Tutorial on International Law in the Arctic

Show steps

This tutorial will provide you with a clear understanding of the legal frameworks and principles that govern international relations in the Arctic.

Browse courses on International Law

Show steps

Find a reputable online tutorial or course on international law in the Arctic.
Follow the tutorial, taking notes and asking questions as needed.

Create a geopolitical infographic

Show steps

Creating an infographic will help you synthesize and visually represent the complex geopolitical landscape of the Arctic region.

Show steps

Research Arctic geopolitical issues.
Gather and analyze data from various sources.
Choose an appropriate infographic format.
Design and create your infographic using visual tools.

Show all two activities

Career center

Learners who complete Arctic Security Fundamentals will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Arctic Security Analyst

An Arctic Security Analyst specializes in analyzing security risks and challenges in the Arctic region, providing expertise to governments, military organizations, and other stakeholders. This course offers a comprehensive overview of Arctic security, covering defense organizations, cooperative mechanisms, and the management of potential conflicts. By understanding the geopolitical dynamics and security concerns in the region, learners can develop critical analytical skills essential for this role.

See salaries and explore the career path for Arctic Security Analyst

Arctic Policy Analyst

An Arctic Policy Analyst investigates and produces insights and recommendations on matters relating to the Arctic region and advises organizations and stakeholders on issues such as resource management, environmental protection, and security. This course helps build a foundation in Arctic governance, diplomacy, and defense, providing valuable context for understanding the complex challenges and opportunities in the region. By examining the interplay of cooperation and competition among regional actors, learners gain a deeper understanding of the dynamics that shape Arctic policymaking.

See salaries and explore the career path for Arctic Policy Analyst

Military Strategist

A Military Strategist develops and advises on military strategies and operations, including those related to the Arctic region. This course provides a comprehensive overview of Arctic security, defense organizations, and potential conflicts. By understanding the unique geopolitical dynamics and security challenges in the region, learners gain valuable knowledge for developing and evaluating military strategies that ensure national security interests.

See salaries and explore the career path for Military Strategist

Intelligence Analyst

An Intelligence Analyst researches, analyzes, and interprets information to assess and anticipate threats and developments within the Arctic region. This course provides a foundation in Arctic security, defense organizations, and the geopolitical dynamics that shape regional stability. By understanding the unique challenges and opportunities in the Arctic, learners can develop the analytical skills and knowledge necessary to contribute to intelligence assessments.

See salaries and explore the career path for Intelligence Analyst

Polar Scientist

A Polar Scientist conducts research and expeditions in the Arctic region, studying its physical, biological, and geological characteristics. This course provides a foundation in Arctic geography, environmental challenges, and the role of international cooperation in scientific research. By gaining an understanding of the unique scientific challenges and opportunities in the Arctic, learners can prepare for a career in polar research and contribute to scientific knowledge about the region.

See salaries and explore the career path for Polar Scientist

Risk Manager

A Risk Manager identifies, assesses, and mitigates risks within organizations and projects, including those related to Arctic operations. This course provides a foundation in Arctic security, environmental challenges, and the unique risks associated with operating in the region. By understanding the potential risks and vulnerabilities in the Arctic, learners can develop effective risk management strategies that ensure the safety and success of Arctic operations.

See salaries and explore the career path for Risk Manager

Environmental Scientist

An Environmental Scientist focuses on studying and addressing environmental issues, including those specific to the Arctic region. This course provides a foundation in Arctic geography and environmental challenges, as well as the role of international cooperation in managing these issues. Learners gain an understanding of the unique environmental dynamics of the Arctic and the scientific principles guiding decision-making for its protection.

See salaries and explore the career path for Environmental Scientist

Policy Researcher

A Policy Researcher conducts research and analysis to inform policy decisions, including those related to the Arctic region. This course enhances their understanding of Arctic governance, resource management, and the challenges facing Indigenous communities. By exploring the policy landscape and stakeholder perspectives in the Arctic, learners gain valuable insights for developing and evaluating policies that address the complex issues facing the region.

See salaries and explore the career path for Policy Researcher

Natural Resource Manager

A Natural Resource Manager develops and implements plans for the sustainable management of natural resources, including those found in the Arctic region. This course enhances their understanding of Arctic geography, resource management, and the environmental challenges facing the region. By exploring the principles of sustainable resource management in the context of the Arctic, learners gain practical knowledge for developing and implementing effective resource management strategies.

See salaries and explore the career path for Natural Resource Manager

Foreign Policy Advisor

A Foreign Policy Advisor provides counsel to governments and organizations on international relations, including Arctic affairs. This course enhances their understanding of Arctic diplomacy, international organizations, and the balance of cooperation and competition in the region. By exploring the complex relationships among Arctic stakeholders and the evolving security landscape, learners gain valuable insights for advising on foreign policy decisions related to the Arctic.

See salaries and explore the career path for Foreign Policy Advisor

Social Development Specialist

A Social Development Specialist designs and implements programs to improve the well-being of communities, including those in the Arctic region. This course enhances their understanding of Arctic governance, social challenges, and the needs of Indigenous communities. By exploring the principles of social development in the context of the Arctic, learners gain practical knowledge for developing and implementing effective programs that address the social and economic needs of Arctic communities.

See salaries and explore the career path for Social Development Specialist

Sustainable Development Specialist

A Sustainable Development Specialist develops and implements strategies to promote sustainable economic growth and environmental protection, including in the Arctic region. This course provides a foundation in Arctic governance, resource management, and the challenges facing Indigenous communities. By understanding the principles of sustainable development in the context of the Arctic, learners gain valuable insights for developing and evaluating policies and programs that balance economic development with environmental conservation.

See salaries and explore the career path for Sustainable Development Specialist

International Development Specialist

An International Development Specialist designs and implements programs aimed at improving economic and social conditions in the Arctic region. This course enhances their understanding of Arctic governance, resource management, and the needs of Indigenous communities. By exploring the challenges and opportunities for sustainable development in the region, learners gain insights essential for designing and managing effective development programs.

See salaries and explore the career path for International Development Specialist

Supply Chain Manager

A Supply Chain Manager optimizes the flow of goods and services within an organization, including those operating in the Arctic region. This course enhances their understanding of Arctic logistics, resource management, and the challenges of operating in a remote and harsh environment. By exploring the unique supply chain challenges and opportunities in the Arctic, learners gain practical knowledge for managing efficient and resilient supply chains that support Arctic operations.

See salaries and explore the career path for Supply Chain Manager

Wilderness Guide

A Wilderness Guide leads and educates groups in wilderness areas, including the Arctic region. This course provides a foundation in Arctic geography, environmental challenges, and the importance of cultural sensitivity in guiding. By understanding the unique characteristics and challenges of the Arctic environment, learners gain practical knowledge for safely leading and educating groups in this remote and pristine wilderness.

See salaries and explore the career path for Wilderness Guide