Peter Johnston

In recent years, there has been considerable interest in the Arctic as a
source for resources, as a potential zone for commercial shipping, and as a
region that might experience conflict due to its strategic importance. With
regards to energy resources, some studies suggest that the region contains
upwards of 13 percent of global undiscovered oil, 30 percent of undiscovered
gas, and multiples more of gas hydrates. The decreasing amount and
duration of Arctic ice cover suggests that extraction of these resources will
be increasingly commercially viable. Arctic and non-arctic states wish to
benefit from the region's resources and the potential circum-polar navigation
possibilities. This has led to concerns about the environmental risks
of these operations as well as the fear that competition between states for
resources might result in conflict. Unresolved offshore boundaries
between the Arctic states exacerbate these fears. Yet, the risk of conflict
seems overstated considering the bilateral and multilateral steps undertaken
by the Arctic states to resolve contentious issues. This article will
examine the potential impact of Arctic energy resources on global security
as well as the regional environment and examine the actions of concerned
states to promote their interests in the region.

This Technical Memorandum discusses the nature and extent of the terrorist threat against the petroleum industry. It specifically focuses on al Qaeda’s efforts and stated intent to strike at energy infrastructure in the Middle East and in other parts of the world, including Canada, Mexico, and Venezuela. Additionally, it highlights economic costs of petro-terrorism and vulnerabilities to oil infrastructure, and suggests possible options for governments and industry to reduce the risks posed by terrorists.