The Paradoxical Relationship Between NATO’s Operation Arctic Sentry Securitization Discourse and the Environmental Effects of Russian Shadow Fleets

Davis, Evan and Hardwick, Eric and Reznichek, John and Toms, Roderick (2026) The Paradoxical Relationship Between NATO’s Operation Arctic Sentry Securitization Discourse and the Environmental Effects of Russian Shadow Fleets. The NORPAK Review, 1 (1). pp. 57-66.

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Abstract

This article examines the paradox between NATO’s Operation Arctic Sentry and its environmental-security justification in the High North. Using Copenhagen School securitization theory, it analyzes how NATO frames Russian shadow fleets, regional instability, and climate change as threats requiring expanded military surveillance and preparedness. The article argues that this securitization legitimizes increased Arctic militarization while obscuring the environmental costs of drones, AI-enabled surveillance, military exercises, data infrastructure, and resource extraction. Although NATO presents Arctic Sentry as advancing environmental protection and security, its operational footprint may intensify ecological degradation, revealing a contradiction between climate stewardship and military expansion and regional dominance.

Item Type:	Article
Publisher’s Statement:	The NORPAK Review is published by the Northern Research, Policy, and Arctic Knowledge Hub (NORPAK) and the Department of Sociology at Northern Arizona University. NORPAK and the Department of Sociology hold membership in the University of the Arctic (UArctic), an international network of universities, research institutes, and organizations engaged in northern and Arctic research and education.
Keywords:	Operation Arctic Sentry; NATO; Russian shadow fleet; securitization; Arctic environmental security
Subjects:	G Geography. Anthropology. Recreation > GE Environmental Sciences J Political Science > JZ International relations
NAU Depositing Author Academic Status:	Student
Department/Unit:	Journals > The NORPAK Review
Date Deposited:	02 Oct 2026 18:17
Last Modified:	02 Oct 2026 18:17
URI:	https://openknowledge.nau.edu/id/eprint/6373

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