Arctic Connections is a thought-provoking podcast exploring the critical intersection of security, economic development, and diplomacy in the Arctic. Each episode features expert guests who provide in-depth analysis on emerging geopolitical trends, Arctic security considerations, military strategy, and sustainable investments shaping the region.
Arctic Connections | Canada and the North American Arctic
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.
Welcome to Arctic Connections | Episode 11, Allies, Adversaries, and Arctic Access. In this episode, host Matthew Hickey sits down with Alexander Dalziel, senior fellow at the Macdonald-Laurier Institute, to discuss Russian attitudes toward the North American Arctic and what they mean for regional defense and deterrence. Dalziel offers a Canadian perspective on U.S.-Canada cooperation, NATO’s role in the western flank, and the growing partnership between China and Russia—particularly in the Bering Strait and Arctic shipping logistics. The conversation also highlights joint missile defense through the “golden dome,” and how allies in Europe and Asia can help strengthen icebreaker capabilities in the Arctic. Originally recorded on June 5, 2025, this episode explores these topics and more.
19 Feb 2026
Arctic Connections | Episode 5 - Threats Through, To, and In the North American Arctic
Welcome to Arctic Connections | Episode 5, 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.
19 Feb 2026
Arctic Connections | Episode 10 - Strategic Futures in the High North
Welcome to Arctic Connections | Episode 10, "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.
19 Feb 2026
Arctic Connections | Episode 8 - Navigating Arctic Strategy: Canada’s Role in Regional Security
Arctic Connections | Episode 8
In this episode, 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.
Arctic Connections | Episode 4, 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.
19 Feb 2026
Arctic Connections | Episode 9 - Arctic Perspectives from Global Strike Command
Episode 9 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.
19 Feb 2026
Arctic Connections | Episode 7 - Arctic Pacific Connections from a seasoned diplomat
Episode 7 of Arctic Connections explores the Arctic-Pacific nexus with former senior US diplomat, Evan Bloom and host, Matt Hickey. Hickey and Bloom examine the interconnectedness of the Arctic and the global implications of developments in the region. Drawing on Bloom’s recent book chapter, they also discuss parallels between the Antarctic Treaty Systems and Arctic Governance, to understand the impact of geopolitical tensions on the region. Finally, the conversation wrapped up with expert analysis on current events in the Arctic, including fisheries, sub-surface sabotage, and competition.
19 Feb 2026
Arctic Connections | Episode 6 - Assessing the US Arctic from an Ally’s perspective
Episode 6 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.)
Arctic Connections | Episode 3, 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.
19 Feb 2026
Arctic Connections | Episode 12 - Anchorage Navy Week
Welcome to Arctic Connections | Episode 12, Anchorage Navy Week: Strengthening Arctic Security and Inspiring Future Sailors. In this episode, host Matthew Hickey speaks with U.S. Navy Rear Adm. Susan BryerJoyner, senior executive for Anchorage Navy Week and Director of the Warfighting Integration Directorate, N2N6I. The conversation explores how Navy Week—held for the first time in Alaska—advances public understanding of the Navy’s role in Arctic security and homeland defense. BryerJoyner shares why the Arctic matters to the U.S. Navy, and why outreach and recruiting are essential to building the future force.
19 Feb 2026
Arctic Connections | Episode 15 - From the Director’s Chair - 2025’s Arctic Security Takeaways
In this episode of Arctic Connections, Associate Director for Strategic Engagement Matthew Hickey and Director Randy "Church" Kee of the Ted Stevens Center for Arctic Security Studies reflect on 2025 and look to the year ahead in Arctic security. They delve into the U.S. executive action on the Arctic as well as international developments, emphasizing the Arctic's growing importance as a theater of strategic relevance and a critical component of homeland defense for the United States. Director Kee explains the "ten, twelve, and two o’clock” avenues of approach to North America, framing Arctic security issues across multiple Arctic sub-regions. The episode also previews upcoming Ted Stevens Center education, research, and engagement programs. Looking ahead, the discussion explores emerging challenges, including the need for rapid technological advancement to counter threats like hypersonic missiles and unmanned aerial systems, and the importance of collaboration between government, industry, and academia to ensure a secure and stable Arctic.
Arctic Connections | Episode 1, Ted Stevens Center: Past, Present, and Future, featuring Randy “Church” Kee, Director of the Ted Stevens Center and host Matthew Hickey. Originally recorded in December 2023, this episode provides premiere insights on center operations and its growing impact on Arctic security, as well as benefits from the speakers’ extensive military career in and across the Arctic.
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