OCTOBER 1, 2025 – As strategic competition intensifies in the High North, the Ted Stevens Center for Arctic Security Studies launched its newest educational course, NATO in the North, Sept. 16–18. The virtual course, hosted in partnership with the Norway-based NATO Centre of Excellence for Cold Weather Operations, focused on preparing mid- to senior-level warfighters and security practitioners to address emerging Arctic threats through a NATO framework.
The course marks the first time the TSC jointly developed and delivered an educational course with an international partner. The inaugural session brought together 117 participants from 17 nations, more than half of whom were from non-U.S. NATO Allied and partner countries, to build common understanding and enhance interoperability in the world’s most demanding strategic environment.
“This collaboration with the Center of Excellence was critical to the success of the course,” said Dr. Matthew Rhodes, professor of international security at the TSC. “It brought both deep operational expertise and bi-continental perspective on the topics under discussion.”
Meeting the moment
The NATO in the North Course was developed in response to evolving operational and geopolitical challenges in the Arctic. Russia’s war against Ukraine, increasing Chinese interest in the region, and the accession of Finland and Sweden to NATO have dramatically reshaped Arctic security considerations. As the Department of War prioritizes homeland defense and revitalizes deterrence through allied integration, education becomes an essential tool.
Dr. Brian K. Houghton, deputy dean of the School for Arctic Security Studies, moderated the course and underscored its mission in his opening remarks.
“Our purpose is to help practitioners understand the dynamic Northern Area of Responsibility and the multinational deterrence and defense posture required in this cold weather environment,” Houghton said. “Some of you know NATO but not the Arctic. Others know the Arctic but not NATO. This course is designed to bridge that gap.”
Over the three-day, 12-hour course, participants examined the region’s strategic geography, assessed operational challenges, and discussed how the alliance can build resilience across its northern flank. Sessions were led by a mix of U.S. and international speakers, including general officers, NATO officials, and TSC’s National and Arctic Interest Chairs from Norway, Sweden, and Canada, who shared direct, high-level experience and insight with course participants.
A shared operating picture
Course organizers said one of the key goals was to bridge NATO expertise with deep Arctic operational knowledge.
“This course was a first of its kind because it linked two communities that don’t always overlap — NATO security practitioners and Arctic operators,” explained Houghton. “The High North is no longer just a region of interest. It is a priority theater for homeland defense and strategic competition.”
To meet that challenge, the course curriculum encouraged participants to consider how NATO’s evolving posture and new northern members are transforming Arctic defense. Discussions focused on logistics, domain awareness, infrastructure, information sharing, and cold weather operations.
The final day of the course featured a scenario-based exercise, in which participants applied lessons learned to a fictional but realistic Arctic crisis. The activity underscored how NATO’s strategic responsibilities, and its vulnerabilities, extend into polar regions.
“This course underscores that deterring threats in the Arctic requires both capability and unity,” said Matthew Bell, dean of the School for Arctic and Security Studies. “It’s about building the relationships, the knowledge, and the resolve to operate effectively with our Allies and partners.”
Investing in Arctic-minded leadership
TSC leadership emphasized that NATO in the North is part of broader efforts to develop Arctic-minded leaders for 21st century security challenges.
Randy “Church” Kee, director of the TSC, said the course reflects the Department of War’s push to restore the warrior ethos, reestablish deterrence, and prepare for conflict in contested environments.
“We are not just checking boxes with this course,” Kee said. “We are investing in the strategic education of professionals who will operate in this region. The Stevens Center is proud to lead that effort with our NATO partners.”
He added that education is a form of strategic signaling — a way to show commitment, resolve, and capability to potential adversaries. “Peace through strength is not just rhetoric. It’s a reality that begins with understanding the terrain, the threats, and the alliance,” Kee said.
Feedback from participants reinforced the course’s value.
“The NATO in the North Course provides security practitioners the ability to visualize the Arctic Commons and how NATO can secure its polar frontier,” one attendee shared in a post-course survey. “A 5 out of 5 educational experience.”
Looking ahead, the TSC plans to offer the course twice a year. Future iterations will continue to be co-led with the NATO Center of Excellence for Cold Weather Operations, reinforcing the transatlantic link that underpins deterrence in the North.
Story by Amber Kurka
Ted Stevens Center for Arctic Security Studies