 Well, thank you Cleveland. First, I would like to thank Chairman Agarwal for that warm introduction. I'd like to thank Ambassador Hodges, for honoring me with this invitation and for your leadership in the service of the nation. I'd also like to thank Daniela and Andrea for your extraordinary support for welcoming me earlier and each and every one of you who played a part in making this evening possible. I'd like to thank you to the distinguished members and guests of this widely needed organization, the pleading committee on farm foundations. I've spent a good deal of time over the last few years traveling, listening and learning from people across the country and across the Arctic, so I just wanted to take a second to thank my wife, Lori, who's not here with us, but she is with our Q2 children this evening for her unconditional love to the court. In fact, I come to speak to Cleveland as so many leaders have a word. But tonight I speak to you not as a sailor or a statesman or scholar, but as a citizen, a proud citizen in the United States and a fellow citizen of the Arctic region. I'm honored to have the opportunity to do so here at the Union Club and to be invited by this committee, the National Show. An organization that's provided this city and this country so much. An organization that's inspired a new generation of leaders and thinkers and opened our connection to humanity and to the world. By 1945, the Council held its first model of the United Nations Conference with high school students and stretched across the banner and across the stage read Ask a Teacher. So it's only fitting that this institution, founded by teachers and educators nearly a century ago, would bring us all here together on National Teachers Appreciation Day. So I want to thank all the teachers, administrators, authors, publishers, historians, all the educators across Cleveland, across our country and each and every one of you are in the room today for doing your part, for taking the time to listen and learn from one another and have these important conversations to keep the citizens of greater Cleveland and our country informed about America's interests and our responsibility including in the Arctic. And I've had so many extraordinary teachers from kindergarten teachers and mayor through my dissertation advisor, Dr. Pritchard. Each of them change makers, each of them leaders. And I've learned so much from them. But there's one thing that tops the list, that's courage. Courage to not simply do what's easy or popular, but doing what deep in my heart I know is right. The courage to pursue knowledge without fear of where the truth or reason will lie. The truth is, our democracy is under attack. And it's here, along the maritime borders of Russia and the United States where we find a rapidly melting polar ice cap. The shortest maritime trade route, linking Asia, Europe and North America, and really one third of the world's untapped hydrocarbons and increased abundance and distribution of fish and minerals, increasing tensions between Russia and NATO, and the historical rise and influence of China's third ocean strategy. So today, multiple great powers are competing for access and influence. Small states and subnational territories are facing mounting pressures as they take on larger roles in this new era of great power competition. Authoritarian governments are gaining power and sparsely populated rural communities are losing strength. And despite the United States actually being an Arab nation, most Americans have little to no attachment to the Arctic. And the vacuum America has left in the Arctic since the end of the Cold War is quickly being killed by China. Whose interests and values differ dramatically from ours. And while the problem may look a little different as you travel around the country, around the region, country to country, one source remains the same. The systematic failure of American presence, comprehension and investment in the social, political, economic and military foundations that underpin democracy and regional stability. So we are at an inflection point in the history of the Arctic region and the history of this nation. And the biggest truth, the biggest truth of all is in the face of powerful forces that are trying to sow fear and division and lies among us. The truth is that as an Arctic region and as Americans, there is more that unites us than divides us. Basing this truth may be the most courageous thing we can do right now. So the question therefore is, what type of Arctic region do we want to be? What type of Arctic nation do we want to be? So the United States has a unique role to play as a provider of peace and as an architect of new security arrangements. As an aggressive proponent of economic growth. As a steward of the environment. As an advocate for indigenous peoples. And as a builder and leader to deal, as a builder and leader of coalitions to deal with the problems of a rapidly changing ice-free world. Right? And no other nation can play this role. And the cost of abandoning our efforts in this new ocean would be huge. So as we look at the prospects of advancing this vision in the years ahead, a number of challenges and developments strike me as especially critical to America's interest. First, some in Washington and elsewhere believe that promoting democracy abroad isn't a practical foreign policy or perhaps not even in America's interest. But for the past 70 years, Washington has understood that American security and prosperity at home depends on the health and economies of people abroad. And America is at its best when other countries have the will and ability to achieve their goals. And work alongside us to tackle the world's toughest problems. And this is a system that we built of international institutions and security alliances after World War II. One based on democratic principles, rule of law, free and open seas, and advancing economic openness and political freedom for all. Surely it hasn't been perfect, but it sure has brought about a historical era of development, security and prosperity for the world and for us here at home. But after the Cold War, U.S. policymakers began to... And they started to believe that once the wall fell, democratic governments would emerge and endure. The growing gaps between the rich and poor, the financial crisis, the authoritarianism, the rise of authoritarianism in Russia, China's expanding economic influence, the military influence beyond its borders, and the breakdown of order in the Middle East and in North Africa in the last couple decades have challenged this belief. And all of that has shifted America's focus farther away from its northern shores. And while the arc of history no longer seems so obvious, we do know that America's security interests in the Arctic, like any other region around the world, will be shaped largely by whether freedom finds a foothold in nations and territories where democratic forces are being cycled. And the legacy of authoritarianism reminds us that it is a very denial of these freedoms that often leads to conflict between people and nations. The second key development that gains quite a bit of popular attention and media attention is that for the first time since the end of the Cold War, we see an aggressive and asserted Russia on the world stage. One that has been currently established a greater military presence and capabilities in the Arctic. And Moscow's focused on transforming the Northern Sea route, tapping into the vast oil and gas deposits, and defending both from state and non-state actors. The third and most significant challenge to US interest in the Arctic comes from China. I believe contrary to popular belief that China is China, not Russia that poses the broadest, most complicated and long-term threat to US interest in the Arctic. Unlike previous aspirants to the hegemonic, the Chinese Communist Party seeks to impose its absolute authority over the rest of the world, including the Arctic, by making economies less free and less fair, expanding its military capabilities and footprint abroad, and by controlling information and stealing data to repress societies and control narrative. And through all instruments of national power, China seeks to gain access and influence over the Arctic neighbors as part of its third ocean strategy to control the erasing continent and achieve global dominance. In China's ambition for a global, a polar soap world is already underway, projects in mining and energy to infrastructure and financial products. China's investment dwarfs that of any other nation and is in keeping with that of a great port power and a great global power. In China appears keen to shape future-oriented governance and is positioning itself to exert influence among Arctic nations who are deciding the future of shipping, fishing, and other important developmental frameworks. In the last few years we've seen China become an observer state of the Arctic Council and spearhead the Arctic Circle Assembly, the largest gathering of world leaders on the Arctic. We've seen the Communist Party, the Chinese Communist Party, take ownership of rare earth minerals in Greenland and Canada and unsuccessfully fund, buy, and build airports and seaports in Greenland, including an old US naval base in southern Greenland. We've also seen China build its first domestic icebreaker and polar expedition cruise ship while ramping up production in the new fleet of ice strength and commercial shipping vessels. It's also completed its ninth expedition to the Arctic and increasingly fishes in what would be US waters. Western sanctions have actually driven Russia closer to China in the Arctic. Last year China began to benefit from its huge energy deal it struck with Russia on the Amal Peninsula where it's increasing LNG shipments to the Atlantic Sea. So it's certainly conceivable that Chinese insurgents and Arctic fares could initiate an adversarial relationship with Russia but I don't think that's likely within your term. In equally significant and likely development in the short term is an increasingly interdependent and cooperative China-Russia relationship both politically, militarily, and economically. And this emerging relationship comes on the heels of the Communist Party's release of its first official part of policy declaring itself more than just a near-artic state. In the future we could possibly imagine debt trap landing as seen in the One Belt One Road initiative linked to badly needed infrastructure. Chinese-built and operated ports and greening might be predicated on the use of refueling stations for its vessels. Many loans are tied to Chinese state-owned companies, Chinese technologies, and Chinese labor. Of course not all Chinese investments bad but a fair and open bidding process is making it harder for local art communities and businesses to compete and grow. And growing Chinese influence in Greenland and Iceland is a particular area of concern. Despite having no armed forces, Iceland's location makes the small island nation a cornerstone in transatlantic security and a key founding member of NATO. America has real security and growing economic interests in Greenland. Our continuing strategic military presence new, high-level scientific and political interests to name a few. In fact, Secretary Pompeo will deliver remarks in Greenland's capital look today encouraging free and transparent investment in Greenland and reminding the region and the world of China's playbook and heritage. Last December I had the opportunity to spend a week of milk on the ground listening and learning to leaders in government, industry, just talking with everyday people. It's true that Greenland, like much of the region, suffers from a significant lack of critical infrastructure of all kinds. It's also true that many in Greenland want independence from the Kingdom of Denmark. It's true that mature government institutions are few and far between and society faces many ills. Taken together, Greenland is a right target for Chinese investment and political years ahead. Here's what's also true. The people of Greenland are incredibly resilient, resourceful and actually ready to grow. Incredible people like Edward from UNA who I met while touring the Greenland National Museum in Archives. Next year he'll go on and graduate from the University of Greenland and he'll go on to be a teacher. I asked Edward why he wanted to be a teacher and he said, well, because Greenland doesn't have enough of them and I love children. So I said, okay, but education is a top priority for Greenland, a national priority. Therefore it should be a top priority for the United States. I believe in the future who ever holds Greenland will hold the Arctic. I think it is the most important strategic location in the Arctic and even perhaps the world. China's rise in influence brings us to the broadest systematic challenge that we face in the region and it's the deconstruction of the system of states that emerge from the Ottawa Declaration and that's been held in place by the Arctic Council over the last couple of decades. America and our Arctic neighbors would make a major error if we underestimated and challenged the Arctic Ocean region poses or underestimated the stability of the current cooperative international system of states that the opening Arctic challenges. To this end, promoting long-term expansion of this community to include non-Arctic states from Europe and from Asia is certainly needed but it's going to be a challenge for Arctic nations because of the massive uncertainties and instabilities left in the wake of Russia's actions in Ukraine and in Syria but also because of China's ability to press territorial maritime claims and extended development of the initiative. Arctic nations also face a variety of transnational threats particularly environmental degradation the release of infectious diseases illegal fishing and the displacement of people and wildlife and such demands require collective action including new international agreements and the Arctic Council and the three regional agreements in place provide foundation for that cooperation and finally we confront these challenges but the crucial time in America's history when frankly trusting government remains at or near historical lows across generation lines. Many Americans are focused on domestic problems and budget constraints will likely tighten giving them many competing priorities and challenges we face in the decades ahead so now more than ever our interests, investment and involvement in the Arctic are clearly and directly linked to America's values our ideals and our needs and if America tends to fulfill this it's obligation in this new ocean and we must leave and leave now and this starts at home President John Kennedy once said a nation can be no stronger abroad than she is at home with America's Arctic interests being challenged within and without we can no longer separate our domestic agenda from our foreign policy so from now on decisions made in Washington on the Arctic should have a ripple effect not only from Alaska but from the lower 48 and there's no denying that Washington has turned a blind eye to the state of Alaska and to the thousands of indigenous people who walk their native lands indigenous people are struggling to survive and thrive and the window of opportunity for hunting continues to shrink making food security a daily struggle there are over 230 towns and villages in Alaska affected by sea level rise with several forces to relocate a hefty bill of the federal government and the state of Alaska isn't too keen on picking up and no matter where you travel across these territories or these villages there's one challenge that a few challenges that remain the same economic inequalities resulting from immigration the loss of traditional knowledge and high rates of substance abuse suicide and domestic violence finding ways to attain and communicate to younger generations this unique identity is a common challenge faced by all of them many of these groups take a proactive stance in asserting their political rights while others turn to be a national international arena when their concerns fall on death over many years and making a mistake these groups have the best chance to succeed when they are given the power to decide for themselves their own destinies developing economies of the north or the nexus of growth they're open for business and the United States must be present to shake them so if not us who? and if not now when? a couple years ago I was traveling with my boss at the time Admiral Paak who was the special representative for the ERA we were in Anchorage, Alaska and I had a couple minutes to kill before our event so I took a stroll down to the water in front of me and I ran into a gentleman who was from the Arctic Village and so this is the most northern remote village in Alaska and I said what brings you to Alaska? what brings you to Anchorage? and he said I'm looking for work it's becoming more hard to come harder every day with food on the table and take care of my family and so towards the end of our conversation I asked him so just out of curiosity has anybody from the administration the federal government been up to visit you in your village so he said no but we did have a nice day on delegation visit not too long they were interested in helping us with some of our subsistence challenges they were interested in establishing some educational and cultural exchanges anyway so the indigenous peoples are on the front of climate change and we have a solid obligation to protect and promote their way of life and ensure that they do have a seat at the table for future art and development so change in national policy really starts at the top and even today it should be possible to find our problems and make recommendations with much greater precision than was possible a decade ago that's why we need a principle level political military review of the Arctic and honest assessment of where we're strong where we're not where we might succeed where we may not and what flows from this assessment is nothing less than a call for a new American Grant Strategy that integrates the Arctic and a new national strategy centered on the rise of American power and balancing Chinese power rather than continuing to assist in its ascendancy the post-poll warrior has also created artificial lines organized around Europe Asia and North America but their convergence in the Arctic merits a rethinking and reorganization of our national security institutions and as I suggested before we need to revitalize the Arctic Executive Steering Committee out of the White House and create permanent senior positions out of the White House at the State Department and at the Pentagon to develop and implement Arctic Policy and Strategy so this brings me to my last point the Arctic provides Russia and the United States a real opportunity a rare opportunity to reset and normalize relations Russia and the United States have yet to fully recognize that their economic, security and geopolitical interests in the Arctic are actually quite closely aligned so Russia should be the starting point for a renewed Arctic Policy any policy that attempts to sidestep, marginalize or contain Russia in the Arctic is utterly realistic it's harmful when it would be needed to fail such a position would not only poison our historically cooperative relationship with Russia and the Arctic but also hinder our ability to strengthen cooperation with other Arctic neighbors so Russia I believe will likely represent our single most important bilateral relationship in the region for the simple fact that we in Russia together share a majority of the natural resources as well as the bearing strength which can very well become the world's most important strategic short point in the decades ahead as hard as it is for some of us to adjust to that reality today we ought to take the long view and look at it the key to our relationship with Russia and the Arctic lies in the structural and cultural changes to our security and economic relationships with both sides becoming more competitive and open to investment cooperation so I think we should start by bringing together the heads of government from the region to address some of these regional economic development issues and security issues such a summit would promote regional economic development on issues like free trade, oil and gas exploration fisheries protection tourism infrastructure development but also facilitate discussion on military issues and territorial integrity and help create confidence building measures to prevent unintended escalation and conflict in the Arctic and leading on economic development will ensure that we meet our goals of sustainable and environmentally conscious growth and that Arctic First Nations are part of that conversation on the economic front the United States should launch a bold Arctic policy that connects the economies of North America Europe and Asia by way of the Arctic I believe the United States should embark upon a bold national goal to build a new maritime tree that connects a web of deep water ports airports, roads fiber optic networks high speed rails and repairs the existing pipelines that are in place this massive and unprecedented undertaking would extend from the Pacific to the heart of Europe by way of the Arctic it would also stimulate some $4 trillion of investment for the next three decades in drawing countries that account for 70% of the world's energy reserves to the White House and State Department should work with our partners inside and outside the region to create an Arctic Development Bank to fund these badly needed infrastructure projects and give Arctic Nations some choices when it comes to Arctic investments on the military front the United States should modify its military structure and posture to counter full array of challenges so the underlying logic of a new military strategy in the Arctic hinges on allied investments and their territorial defenses matched with four deploy American forces that can be globally reinforced and also focus on interoperability with our allies and potential partners through rotational force deployments and exercises so if we rebalance our relationships with allies and partners across the Arctic for more equitable burden sharing if we invest in heavily and multi-emission ice strengthening service vessels unmanned platforms, logistics, communications if and if we prepare our people invest in them and help them acquire the knowledge and education that they need and deserve but then and only then can the United States ensure the Arctic remains an ocean of peace rather than a new theater of work and let's not forget the framers of our Constitution firmly believe that a government of, by and for the people could not endure without intelligence and education generally diffused along the people this are the challenges we face require strategic patience and persistence this is an ambitious agenda but I believe it's an achievable agenda especially if we proceed with confidence we stay true to our core values and restore the bipartisanship of a pillar of strength for American foreign policy for decades past this is a new frontier a frontier where the lessons of mankind for the moment can be applied to shape the future of the Arctic and the future of humanity and the Arctic is too important to the country and to the world to repeat the mistakes of our past and to result to old ways of thinking that's a message worth sending to Washington but Washington must change their thinking I think too many in Washington have lost their way many in Congress have lost their way their will and their sense of historic purpose and that purpose is to serve people and to serve humanity common sense and compromise at every level of government especially in Washington is necessary and it's necessary that we choose leaders that understand the urgency of this problem and have a vision encouraged to do something about it Washington won't change unless we bring change to it so we can be the new generation of leaders and bring new ideas fresh thinking to Washington a new generation of leadership that can unite the divided nation and the divided Congress around a common purpose, the Arctic new leaders that can create new solutions and new deals to deal with new problems and new opportunities that we will inherit from a new order so when I think of vision encouraged I think my favorite literary leader of mine comes to mind, likes to use who wrote his earlier works while living in the third floor attic of his house on East 86th Street here in Cleveland this is where he came into his own as a writer he wrote, I have discovered in life that there are ways of getting almost anywhere you want to go if you really want to go I believe America can come into its own as an art of nation I believe we can get to the Arctic we can stay there we can grow there and we can succeed there but only if we really want to go not by sitting around and waiting for something to happen not by leading it to others to do something but by leading that movement for change ourselves and if you do that if you get involved you hold your leaders accountable you take a trip to the region if you pursue your studies or your career and art affairs you can change some minds and it can be the change you want to see and if it weren't for the Ford thinking and courage of one secretary in a chunk of U.S. territory to the United States America would likely be an art of nation and we likely wouldn't be having this conversation so the Arctic likely one offers America and the world thresholds and monumental challenges not least of which perhaps is that this new ocean might be the most misunderstood and underestimated places in the world and as I reminded this week the Arctic likely one is best understood through the conversation so thank you very much and I look forward to our conversation