Believe it or not, it is critical that the U.S. (an Arctic nation) is investing in the Arctic right now, especially in the area of defense, which is behind the power curve in the north. Do a web search of China in the Arctic. China has no territorial claims yet they think it's just as much theirs to exploit as it is the eight Arctic nations' and even weaseled their way in as an observer nation after "helping" Iceland out with a huge currency swap.  They plan to exploit the northern routes for shipping, the fisheries, and conduct "scientific" research in the Arctic.  More than 50% of U.S. fisheries are in the Arctic!  Search "Russia Military Arctic" to see their activities, especially near the Bering Straits.   Also amusing are the numbers of Icebreakers we have (two) compared to China, which has five and one on the way and Russia, which has over fifty (five nuclear powered) with seven in production.  Incidentally, I am NOT part of the military industry complex or a politician...