The ambassadorship will replace the current role of Arctic Coordinator, which has a budget that is a fraction of what an ambassador office is allocated, the U.S. State Department said in a press release. The new role will be subject to the advice and consent of the Senate, just like other ambassadorship.
To prove that even the White House knows it is a bogus, waste-of-money role, the official title is 'Ambassador-At-Large,' which indicates there is no embassy and the office is located in DC, with no physical presence in the Arctic.
"An Arctic region that is peaceful, stable, prosperous, and cooperative is of critical strategic importance to the United States and a priority for Secretary [of State Antony] Blinken," the department said. "As one of eight Arctic nations, the United States has long been committed to protecting our national security and economic interests in the region, combating climate change, fostering sustainable development and investment, and promoting cooperation with Arctic States, Allies, and partners."
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The department added that the new ambassador would push U.S. policy in the Arctic, engage with Arctic and non-Arctic nation indigenous groups, and work closely with federal, state, local, and tribal governments.
The region is a rapidly growing area of interest to the U.S. partly because of climate change, which makes the region more available. According to Politico, the new role also corresponds to a growing threat from Russia, which has opened hundreds of Soviet-era military facilities in the Arctic. China is also looking to expand its presence in the Arctic for economic reasons.
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The announcement was hailed by Sen. Lisa Murkowski (R-AK), who has championed the idea for years.
"Before today, the U.S. was the only Arctic nation without dedicated diplomatic representation for the Arctic Region at the Ambassador level or higher," Murkowski said. "By establishing this role, America will solidify its dedication, commitment, and leadership to this strategically important region and have greater opportunities to spur the diplomacy necessary to preserve a peaceful, prosperous Arctic."
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The U.S. established itself as a leader in the Arctic with the grand opening of the Ted Stevens Center for Arctic Security Studies earlier this month. According to an Air Force press release, the center will focus on Arctic security and connecting military and civilian stakeholders in the region.
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"The Ambassador-at-Large for the Arctic Region will advance U.S. policy in the Arctic, engage with counterparts in Arctic and non-Arctic nations as well as Indigenous groups, and work closely with domestic stakeholders, including state, local, and Tribal governments, businesses, academic institutions, non-profit organizations, other federal government agencies, and Congress," the report wrote.
No recommendation for ambassadorship was made in the release. The Arctic portfolio was given to State Department Counselor Derek Chollet on a temporary basis earlier this summer.
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