Back in 2008, the Russian Federation reorganized its strategic outlook to focus on developing the massive, relatively untapped resources of the Arctic. Unchallenged by the United States’ miniscule Coast Guard icebreaker fleet, Moscow went about revitalizing its old Soviet-era military bases and mining outposts that dot the lucrative region. 

They then moved to not only restore their previous standing in this area, but to dominate it. That domination came in the form of nuclear-powered icebreakers. Russia today has many of these complex, impressive systems, whereas the Americans and their allies have precious few.

Understanding the Strategic Gap in the High North

A grave strategic gap, therefore, has opened. Given Russia’s 17-year head start—and America’s ailing shipbuilding and overall defense industrial capacity—it will be difficult for Washington to catch up in any meaningful timeline. 

Thus, the Trump administration has sought out traditional American allies to help plug that gap—notably Finland, a fellow Arctic power. Recent reports from........

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