Newsweek | Why Big America Needs Little Finland’s Help in the Arctic
An icebreaker assists general cargo ship. Credit: Photo by vice_and_virtue, iStock
Risk Intelligence Senior Advisor Robin Häggblom recently shared his insights with Newsweek on the growing importance of the Arctic and the challenges facing the U.S. in strengthening its Arctic capabilities.
31 August 2026
Published on 25 August 2026, the article focuses on the United States’ efforts to rebuild its icebreaking capacity as the Arctic becomes increasingly important for research, resources and security. Drawing on Häggblom’s insights, the article highlights Finland’s longstanding expertise in icebreaker construction and the challenges facing the United States in rebuilding its icebreaking capabilities.
Häggblom explains that the United States struggles with the know-how needed to build polar Arctic-capable icebreakers, noting that building such vessels only infrequently makes it difficult to maintain the necessary knowledge and skilled workforce. He also discusses the wider significance of the Arctic, from climate change, research and increasingly accessible resources to its strategic importance for U.S. security. In particular, he points to the transpolar route as the shortest route between the Russian and U.S. mainlands.
Against this backdrop, Häggblom notes that U.S. Arctic capability has been declining. He describes the Arctic Security Cutter programme as a sensible initiative and says the United States is capable of building the planned vessels, with the key question being whether they can be delivered on schedule and on budget.
Read the full article on Newsweek (behind paywall)
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