The Foreign Service Journal, May 2021

THE FOREIGN SERVICE JOURNAL | MAY 2021 25 U.S.DEPARTMENTOFSTATE ous problems in the Arctic and point to trouble ahead for other parts of the planet. At the same time, a more open Arctic Ocean is sparking ever greater interest in potential resource develop- ment, shipping and tourism, among other opportunities. As a result, the Arctic has witnessed a remarkable spurt in the numbers of international institutions and arrangements designed to manage expanding human activity in the region, and deepen human understanding of it. Despite serious tensions between Russia and other Arctic nations concerning other issues and parts of the world, Arctic governments have largely chosen to compartmentalize the region, setting those tensions aside in favor of cooperating in pursuit of shared interests. That is, until recently. During the last two years of the Trump administration, the spirit of international cooperation that has largely characterized Arctic affairs came under threat. First, the United States reversed course on climate policies and found itself seriously out of step with other Arctic governments in that regard. At the same time, Russia stepped up its efforts to rebuild its military infrastructure and expand its capabilities in the Arc- tic, and engaged in provocative actions against the West. Finally, China declared itself a “near-Arctic state” and sought to increase its influence in the region in ways that have caused concern. Despite the ongoing challenges that Russia and China pose, the Biden administration has taken office with a chance to renew constructive, cooperative relations among nations concerned with the Arctic. The decision to rejoin the Paris climate agree- ment represents a first step in that direction, but most of the journey still lies ahead. This article focuses on one venue—the Arctic Council—in which a key part of that journey can take place.