New Book Provides Blueprint for Preventing War in the Arctic

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Robin Noonan, (410) 295-1046, rnoonan@usni.org

New Book Provides Blueprint for Preventing War in the Arctic Annapolis, Maryland (November 8, 2022) In the forward looking, highly anticipated first edition, a team of international security experts have published a manual outlining 30 international principles of security for the Arctic, one of the world’s most rapidly changing, globally competitive, and shockingly overlooked regions.

“The Newport Manual on Arctic Security,” published in November 2022 by Naval Institute Press, provides naval and defense leaders around the world with a blueprint for reducing the chances of miscalculation and unintended conflict in the Arctic. With the ongoing war in Ukraine and increased military activity in the Arctic, the need for practical measures to avoid accidents and conflict escalation in the region is more relevant than ever.

Dr. Walter Berbrick and his co-authors Dr. Gaëlle Rivard Piché and Colonel Michael Zimmerman make clear that the 257-page scholarly work does not contain any final answers or reflect the official policies of governments. Rather, the book provides a basis for important conversations among military leaders and scholars for years to come. A preview is here The book is based on four years of collaborative research and writing involving 20+experts from Canada, Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway, Sweden, and the U.S. under the auspices of the U.S. Naval War College’s Newport Arctic Scholars Initiative (NASI). Despite U.S. policy restricting Russian military participation in this initiative, lead authors were able to include peer review feedback from Russian scholars.

In his foreword, Ambassador Kenneth J. Braithwaite, 77th Secretary of the Navy, writes, “The challenges, opportunities, and responsibilities facing people and governments in the Arctic region have grown more complex and more urgent. Our challenge is to apply naval power in a way that protects vital national interests and preserves regional security without undermining trust and triggering conflict. This manual provides a blueprint for doing just that.”

Reviews: “Newport Manual on Arctic Security is undoubtedly one of the most useful books ever written on Arctic security. This is essential reading for naval professionals around the world seeking to better understand how to apply and integrate seapower in the complex Arctic region.”

—Adm. James G. Foggo III (Ret.), commander, United States Naval Forces Europe-Africa; commander, Allied Joint Force Command Naples United States

“As the likelihood of accidental conflict and miscalculation in the Arctic increases, the adoption of new practical measures to increase security dialogue and confidence between States becomes urgent.

The principles set forth in this Manual are an important contribution to the ongoing discussion and are worth considering by the governments concerned.”

—Dr. Andrei Zagorski, head of Department for Disarmament and Conflict Resolution Studies, Primakov National Research Institute of World Economy and International Relations (IMEMO), Russian Academy of Sciences; Member, Russian International Affairs Council (RIAC) “This important book moves beyond just articulating concepts and challenges, and proposes innovative and practical implementation measures to bolster regional security dialogue, stability, and cooperation. Given the breadth and depth of expertise showcased in this volume, this Manual is essential reading for academic researchers, practitioners, and policymakers grappling with how to engage responsibly in a rapidly changing Arctic security environment.”

—P. Whitney Lackenbauer, Trent University, North American and Arctic Defence and Security Network

About the Authors: Walter Berbrick is as an associate professor in the War Gaming Department, founding director of the Arctic Studies Group, and co-lead scholar of the Newport Arctic Scholars Initiative. He served as the senior arctic policy advisor to the secretary of the Navy and special representative for the Arctic Region at the U.S. State Department. Berbrick is an International Affairs Fellow and member with the Council on Foreign Relations, holds a Doctorate from Northeastern University, and served 10 years in the U.S. Navy.

Gaëlle Rivard Piché is a defense scientist for Defence Research and Development Canada. She holds a PhD in International Affairs from Carleton University, Ottawa, Canada.

Colonel Michael Zimmerman earned his BA in History from Ohio State and JD from the University of Cincinnati. Commissioned as a second lieutenant in the Marine Corps in 2000, he served as the principal legal advisor for the Commander of U.S. Marine Corps Forces Europe and Africa, where he advised on the international law ramifications of activities throughout Europe, with a primary focus on the Arctic.

NAVAL INSTITUTE PRESS Publication date: November 15, 2022 ISBN: 9781682478295 Hardcover and eBook $49.95 256 Pages | 6 x 9 in