Document Type

Masters Project

Abstract

Sea Lines of Communication (SLOCs) are the backbone of global trade and military power projection, with critical maritime chokepoints concentrating tra􀆯ic and shaping both economic stability and strategic control. As changing weather patterns accelerate Arctic accessibility, emerging routes like the Northern Sea Route and Northwest Passage are increasing the importance of the Bering Strait as a vital gateway between the Pacific and Arctic, while also exposing gaps in U.S. infrastructure, governance, and defense posture amid rising Russian and Chinese activity. Although international frameworks provide some legal stability, the absence of an integrated strategy linking maritime governance, allied defense, and chokepoint resilience leaves the Bering Strait increasingly vulnerable compared to established models like the GIUK Gap.

A comparative analysis reveals the GIUK Gap as a mature SLOC and maritime chokepoint defense model, while the Bering Strait represents an emerging 21st-century chokepoint with an insu􀆯icient security architecture relative to its growing strategic importance. While there are significant di􀆯erences in environment and geopolitics that have led to the GIUK Gap’s more extensive network, the Bering Strait has emerged as a route of increasing importance as maritime tra􀆯ic increases, and the sea lane is more accessible. To improve the defense of the Bering Strait SLOC, the United States and its allies can act through the expansion of SLOC node infrastructure, the establishment of an Arctic Pacific Arctic Strategic Framework, and improved, fused intelligence and analysis across Indo-Pacific Command, Northern Command, NATO, and Indigenous partners.

Future research should assess allied capabilities for defending the Bering Strait, including optimal vessels and aircraft, while accounting for evolving weather-driven navigability and operational risks. It should also develop practical frameworks for integrating Indigenous knowledge into maritime domain awareness systems and evaluate the feasibility, costs, and long-term sustainability of Arctic infrastructure investments. Finally, greater attention is needed on how international legal regimes may evolve as maritime access increases in the Bering Strait.

Publication Date

6-1-2026

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