Opinion: The Arctic provides challenge – and opportunity

The Arctic steadily grows in importance, including economic, environmental and military dimensions. Russia and also China are aggressively, effectively addressing this situation. Unfortunately, the United States and other Western powers are less engaged. Multiple news outlets are reporting that Russia, the world’s largest exporter of wheat, is now of necessity using the Arctic port of Murmansk. The Ukraine War, especially success in attacking Russia’s ships in the Black Sea, is responsible for the lengthy detour. Meanwhile, big money and big militaries are heading north. Today, Russia gives disciplined, long-term priority to the Arctic. Melting ice encourages commercial investment and facilitates…