In recent years, the Arctic has quickly emerged as the new space for geostrategic competition among U.S. and its strategic competitors. Once a destination for expedition and scientific exploration, today’s Arctic is increasingly becoming a space where countries vigorously compete to establish presence and influence. In this environment, what can the U.S., Japan, Canada, and European countries do to pursue cooperation in this new geostrategic space? What are the pitfalls and roadblocks for such cooperation?
Following an overview of the geostrategic environment presented by CAPT Takahiro Ishihara (ret., JMSDF), RADM Saunes (ret.), Dr. Piché, and Dr. Dahlstrand will join CAPT Ishihara (ret.) for an expert discussion moderated by Yuki Tatsumi.
Featured Speakers
Captain Takahiro Ishihara, Ret. Captain of the Japanese Maritime Self Defense Force
Ret. Captain Takahiro Ishihara joined the Japanese-Maritime Self Defense Force in 1982 and served as a Senior Fellow at the JMSDF Command and Staff College from 2001 until he retired in 2024. He was also a Part-time Lecturer at Keio University from 2016 to 2024. He has authored several publications including, “The Ice Silk Road in the Shadow of the Ukraine War: The Strategic Battle Over the Arctic Ocean,” CISTEC Journal, July 2024.
Dr. Katherine E. Dahlstrand, Fellow at the Center for Strategic and Budgetary Assessments
Dr. Katherine E. Dahlstrand is a Fellow at CSBA. Her analytic work focuses on U.S. and allied defense and grand strategy, particularly regarding NATO and Russia. She served as a DAAD Post-Doctoral Fellow at the Foreign Policy Institute at SAIS, examining transatlantic security strategy, alliance management, and great power competition. She earned her Ph.D. in Public Affairs (Security Studies) from Princeton University’s School of Public & International Affairs.
Dr. Gaëlle Rivard Piché, Strategic Analyst with Defense Research and Development Canada
Dr. Gaëlle Rivard Piché is a defense scientist for Defence Research and Development Canada working with the North American Aerospace Command, and previously with the Canadian Special Operations Forces Command and the Royal Canadian Navy. She holds a PhD in International Affairs from Carleton University, Ottawa, Canada.
Rear Admiral Lars Saunes, Ret. Rear Admiral, Norway and Professor and Distinguished International Fellow at the U.S. Navy War College
Ret. Rear Adm. Lars Saunes retired from the Navy from the position as Chief of Royal Norwegian Navy August 2017 and is now CNO Distinguished international fellow at the USNWC. He is a Submariner by trade and has been the commander of the Norwegian task group, Chief Naval operations at joint HQ, Commander submarine operating authority, Commandant and commander of the Norwegian Coast guard as well as Chief of the Royal Norwegian Navy.
Yuki Tatsumi, Senior Fellow, Co-Director of the East Asia Program and Director of the Japan Program, Stimson Center (Moderator)
Yuki Tatsumi is a Senior Fellow and Co-Director of the East Asia Program and Director of the Japan Program at the Stimson Center. Before joining Stimson, Tatsumi worked as a research associate at the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) and as the special assistant for political affairs at the Embassy of Japan in Washington.