First National Conference “The Arctic, Defence, and the National System in the New Challenges of Global Competition”

Rauti: “The Arctic is the frontier of frontiers. It must be protected as an ecosystem and kept peaceful and secure.”

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“The Arctic has become a crucial region for global geopolitical and economic balance, and Italy considers it the frontier of frontiers.”
With these words, the Undersecretary of State for Defence, Senator Isabella Rauti – responsible for Arctic, Sub-Arctic, and Antarctic affairs – opened today the proceedings of the First National Conference “The Arctic, Defence, and the National System in the New Challenges of Global Competition”, held at the Center for Higher Defence Studies (CASD) in Rome, which she promoted and organized.

“The Arctic,” emphasized Undersecretary Rauti, “is a concentration of opportunities and potential for the national system, but at the same time, also of critical issues and risks. The challenge is to protect it as an ecosystem, to keep it peaceful and secure, avoiding aggressive postures, monopolies by major global players, and a race toward the indiscriminate exploitation of its strategic resources. The Defence Ministry is harmonizing a joint strategic doctrine dedicated to the Arctic, which includes educational, training, and operational aspects. In line with this doctrine, we are beginning to envision the establishment of a National Arctic and Polar Regions Center, modeled after the one already created for Underwater Operations.”

The Conference represented an important opportunity for dialogue and exchange among government bodies, research institutions, and national stakeholders engaged in studying and safeguarding the environment of the “great cold,” which is increasingly central and strategic in global balance.

The proceedings, introduced by the Minister of University and Research, Anna Maria Bernini, were structured into three thematic panels:
· The Arctic at the Center of Global Geopolitics
· Defence and Security in the Arctic Environment
· The National System and the Arctic Environment

Experts and institutional representatives offered a comprehensive overview of Italy’s engagement in the Arctic region, addressing the scientific, economic, geopolitical, and security aspects that make the Arctic one of the most strategic areas on the planet.