ABSTRACT

The North Atlantic is a theatre for the projection of military power. It is also the designated area of responsibility for the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO). The North Atlantic is distinct but has a symbiotic relationship with the Arctic and Mediterranean. Technological advances – specifically autonomous vehicles and cruise missiles – negatively impact the overall maritime security of the region, being a manifestation of competition between state actors. North Atlantic security is also shaped by the effects of climate change, the increasing influence of China and a deficit of institutional mechanisms geared towards managing security issues.