The Foreign Service Journal, May 2021

32 MAY 2021 | THE FOREIGN SERVICE JOURNAL concrete work takes place in the various working groups, somewhat under the radar. It’s also unique in that the Native and Indigenous peoples of the region have a seat at the table together with the eight Arctic governments. And it’s a rare venue where the United States and Russia cooperate pro- ductively. This year is the 25th anniversary of the Arctic Council, and we’re looking forward to the chance to advance Arctic diplo- macy at the ministerial meeting hosted by Iceland on May 19-20. SD: What do you anticipate will change when Russia assumes chairmanship of the Arctic Council for a two-year term at the end of the ministerial? What are your concerns? JDH: We’re prepared to work with the Russian chair, as we have with previous chairs. We see opportunities for coopera- tion, including on climate. We look to Russia to adhere to Arctic Council norms and practices, and to sustain the council’s cir- cumpolar focus—meaning continued attention to the needs of the entire Arctic region. SD: What are U.S. concerns about Russian influence and activ- ity in the region? JDH: Let me first point out that the Arctic Council does not do military security. We address those issues, together with our allies, outside the council, through NATO and other means. In that context, we have serious concerns about Russia’s military buildup in the Arctic, its aggressive military exercises and the lack of transparency in some of its military activities. We have also expressed our concern about Russia’s regulation of the Northern Sea Route, which is not in accordance with interna- tional norms. SD: When it comes to U.S. Arctic policy, where is the balance between environment, climate change and sustainability on one hand, and security and economic interests on the other? JDH: All these interests are crucial, and I think we should try to align our efforts as much as possible. For example, remote communities across the region are desperate for investment to create jobs and livelihoods. The right kinds of investment, for example in renewable energy, can support those communities while also contributing to our climate change goals. In doing so, we can guard against unsustainable investments by others that could be damaging to local communities—and undermine our security interests, as well. SD: You’re talking about China? JDH: Yes, mostly. We’ve seen how Beijing has done things elsewhere in the world, and all too often China’s investment activities have led to unsustainable debt, environmental dam- age, unkept promises in terms of developing the local labor force, a lack of transparency leading to corruption and other problems. We think that sort of unsustainable development has no place in the Arctic. SD: So how should the U.S. handle the significant interest China—a non-Arctic nation—has shown in the region? JDH: We’re not saying no to all investment by China, but we are insisting on transparency and adherence to high standards and local requirements. We also think it’s necessary to have investment screening laws so that investments touching on critical infrastructure—for example, ports, airports and digital networks—are looked at through a national security lens. The Chinese have shown a great deal of interest in acquiring critical infrastructure across the Arctic region, and that is definitely a concern. SD: Is the United States behind in the “race for Arctic resources”? What does that even mean? JDH: We don’t see a race for resources in the Arctic. Although the physical changes taking place are dramatic, it’s going to remain a challenging operating environment for a long time to come. As the sea ice recedes, we’ll see more shipping, more tourism and more economic activity, and the Arctic will become a busier place. But I think this will happen over decades, not overnight. Still, we need to prepare for this U.S.NAVY Three polar bears approach the USS Honolulu while it surfaced 280 miles from the North Pole in 2003. Today, polar bears are a vulnerable species due to sea ice loss from climate change.