全球智库信息集成服务系统

In 2011, the U.S. signed the Arctic Search and Rescue (SAR) Agreement, a landmark treaty that gives the U.S. responsibility for conducting SAR in a slice of territory that surrounds Alaska and stretches to the North Pole. This agreement coincides with rapid economic, environmental, and military changes that have the potential to bring more people into the Arctic region. Increased human activity in the extremely remote and inherently risky region raises the question: is the U.S. prepared to handle its SAR responsibilities in the Arctic?

To address U.S. preparedness for the Arctic SAR mission set, this dissertation examines three research questions:

1. What is the current demand for Arctic SAR, and what factors affect its future trajectory?
2. What is the current U.S. capability for supplying SAR in the Arctic, and how is it changing?
3. Is the U.S. able to respond effectively to a challenging set of potential future Arctic SAR cases?