Geostrategic conditions on the North Atlantic Treaty Organization’s (NATO) new northern flank have evolved considerably in recent years. Finland’s and Sweden’s accession to NATO, changes in force posture, and advances in military technology are all developments in the High North and the Arctic that could potentially impact strategic stability, both when it comes to arms race stability and crisis stability.

These developments warrant a fresh look at NATO’s northern flank and an examination of what they mean for strategic stability. The aim of this paper is thus to inform readers about the various factors that might affect strategic stability in the High North and the Arctic.

Explore the map of Nordic military facilities and areas accessible to the USA under defence cooperation agreements near the Russian border.