Disengagement in the Arctic: Putting America last

OPINION: Ironically, the Trump administration's "America First" approach risks putting the United States in last place in the Arctic instead.

When it comes to the Arctic, the Trump administration’s “America First” strategy risks putting America last. As the Arctic Ocean becomes increasingly navigable, it is in the United States’ interest to remain an international leader on Arctic issues. By failing to take a leadership position in the Arctic, the administration risks ceding space to the seven other Arctic nations, including Russia, as well as non-Arctic powers such as China and India. Moreover, the U.S. should not shirk its global responsibilities in the face of climate change since it has the resources and capabilities to contribute impactfully.