The Security of Iceland and the Arctic 2030: A Recommendation for Increased Geopolitical Stability

Outline of the Contents of Each Chapter

The preface presents the author's qualifications for writing the book based upon his academic background and military service. Chapter 1 provides a recent history of security operations in the North Atlantic and illustrates how global climate change and increasing militarization in the region could result in a less stable Arctic. Analysis of security policies of the Arctic Council members in Chapter 2 provides an illustration of the region's political and military complexity, emphasizing Iceland's sole status as a small-state dependent upon the shelter of large states. Chapter 3 surveys academic studies of Arctic security and points out the failure of most scholars to provide advice and recommendations useful to policy makers for designing and implementing security capabilities. A recommendation in Chapter 4 to create a regional command and control structure in the North Atlantic results in a proposed West Nordic Security Zone that would coordinate small-state's security operations below the strategic level. In Chapter 5, the author designs and proposes a table of organization and equipment for a national security force for Iceland to engage sub-strategic threats. Using his extensive experience as a military exercise planner, in Chapter 6 the author presents four futuristic fictional scenarios to illustrate the successful application of the Icelandic security force. Chapter 7 reviews the attitudes held by the Iceland's population and examines how Halldr Laxness helped solidify the country's anti-military sentiment. In the final chapter, the author details Iceland's relevant laws and policies involving security, suggesting how the proposals recommended in the book address the nation's call for increased sub-strategic security posture and capability.