With the Paper policy that China has published, we could see the Chinese interest within the South American region. But we could also see how China is not just interested in becoming a trade partner with the nations of this region but interested in promoting their way of life. We can see this idea with the statement “China has been actively promoting the construction of a socialist market economy, socialist democracy, advanced culture, a harmonious society, as well as ecological civilization”. With this statement and the overall tone of the paper we could see that China is wanting to have a foothold within the South American region by partnering with nations while also promoting nations within this region to take up a government structure that is similar to the Chinese government

I agree. I think that the United States needs to make sure to keep an eye out for all foreign influences and not just China and Russia. By staying away from a narrow perspective the united states would be able to counter geopolitical influences and understand the south American region much better than if the US only focused on Chinese or Russian influence

To counter geopolitical influence from countries such as China and Russia, the United States needs to develop ways to establish trust and communications within nations of the South American region. As discussed in my previous post, one great way is countering the authoritative playbook to establish democracies that are currently under the authoritative rule. But another way to counter the geopolitical influence from outside nations is for the United States to engage on security issues of greatest concern to local governments and peoples. If the United States implemented such a plan the United States will be able to win favoritism among the population of South America while still helping a foreign ally in their issues and worries. Also with this plan, a nation will be more likely to seek help for their security issues with the United States rather than a foreign nation. Which over time could make a nation not willing to consider any type of partnership with outside nations other than the United States.

I agree. I feel that with the growing influence of China within South American nations, we could see an effect on the United States in the years to come. So to counter this I feel that the United States should aid nations within South America to help the citizens while also securing favoritism among nations within the South American region.

Within the proposed US responses Given by the authors, one key point the United States government should be concerned in regards to their response is The idea of Countering the authoritarian playbook. I believe that if the United States can counter the authoritarian playbook, the nation would be able to protect its border and secure trade. all of a while giving the people of South America a chance to have democracy within their borders. But one key idea that was given in this suggestion was the emphasis ``Do not make it all about China.” with this idea the author points out the united states should be more interested in the counties of South America but not due to the foreign threat but do the nation wanting to build a more secure and free south America

With the effects of covid, 19 South American countries are seeing a mass destabilization of economic security and social unrest. But due to some of the countries within this region having ties with the United States through collaborative anti-drug operations and Free-trade agreements (FTAs) this stress is also being felt in the United States. With a surge of economic instability brought on by authoritative figures abusing human rights, there has been a surge of the South American population going to the United States to seek citizenship. Also with the lack of jobs, drug operations within the region have grown and posed a threat to the American people. Also with destabilization, trading with nations in South America has become difficult and challenging for the United States. With all of these factors, we could understand why the United States has an interest within this region. By the United States investing and aiding nations in South America, the US could prevent the abuse of human rights, establish a nation's economy, and help combat the manufacturing of illicit drugs. This will benefit the US by providing a strong trading partner while protecting the nation's borders from drugs

I agree. I think that many nations including Finland are seeing the increased interest within the arctic and want to ensure that their nation can protect themselves from foreign aggression in this region. Which explains why nations are now developing artic plans for the coming years

Finland's arctic plan has a stark contrast to the United States in regards to the nation's goal . In Finland's plan, we could see the nations focus on wanting to preserve the arctic’s ecosystem rather than protecting their borders. Within the plan, Finland makes sure that the nation will respect the native population while also outlining the nation's plan to provide infrastructure assistance. Finland also makes a similar plan to the United States to ensure that the activity of the nation in this region is transparent with member nations of the arctic council. Overall with Finland's proposed plan for the arctic the nation is making efforts to ensure the preservation of the arctic while also making sure that native populations within the region are being respected and helped.

I also agree. I think by the DHS making an effort to be transparent and wanting to collaborate with other nations, there is an opportunity for the department to accomplish its goals while making the arctic a place of collaboration rather than conflict

To fulfill their mission goals the Department of Homeland security (DHS) needs to be able to move resources to the arctic to better border defense and security response. But with this movement, many nations who are a part of the arctic council could see this movement as a potential threat. In order for the DHS to secure the border without conflict, the department is making a great effort to establish lines of communication with allied nations. By the DHS making sure to “Commit to transparency and the sharing of information, Engage in practical cooperation, and Collaborate to safeguard stability and peace”. The DHS is making certain that nations do not feel threatened by the movement of resources while still making sure that the arctic’s stability is maintained.

I Agree. I think that with the increased interest in the arctic from major world powers we can see the arctic being a “turf war”. I also think the arctic will see a lot of activity in the coming years and it's smart that the united states are being proactive in the arctic.

With the department of homeland security (DHS) investing in securing the arctic, the department is fulfilling its mission goals while having the ability and resources to grow its presence in the arctic. With the DHS’s three main goals for the arctic being outlined in this plan, we can understand the United states' increased interest in the arctic. The United States sees the arctic border as a security risk to the nation and a potential area of conflict. So to counter this the DHS is allocating mass resources in this area to properly defend the United States, have a fast response time regarding arctic activities, and lastly establish lanes of communications with other nations. With this plan, we can see the arctic becoming more secure but we could also see the growth of DHS responsibility and power regarding national security.

I'm glad you touched on how China plays in this council. I think it is really important to highlight the actions of China in the arctic and their intentions. I think it is important for nations to look at every member of this council regardless of type in order to get a full understanding of the arctic

That is a good point. This council can help mitigate the effects of climate change by ensuring that members of the council mitigate their effects on the ecosystem. This Council can also provide insights into the effects that climate change has had on the arctic ecosystem

By having such an organization as the arctic council, Countries can come to a peaceful solution regarding the use of the arctic. With the increased interest in the arctic, The Arctic council needs to work together to prevent an escalation of situations. While preventing members within the counsel from infringing on already agreed terms. Also with the arctic bordering many nations, the arctic council needs to have clear communication with one another to ensure the member nations have a sense of security from member countries. This can be achieved by members having an understanding of the actions and intentions of members. Overall by having such a council established, all who are members of the council have a sense of security along their border while still having the diplomatic platform to raise concerns and communicate with nations peacefully

I also have the same worries. I believe with the success of the 2016 Russian interference more and more nations are going to attempt to interfere with future elections. With the rise of cybercrime, this trend is more likely to grow rather than shrink

This Report concludes that outside forces are trying to influence the election. I feel that the efforts to counter this were due to the Russian interference in the 2016 election. By having the intelligence community being on guard during presidential elections, the agencies can assure Americans that the democratic system is not being jeopardized and that elections are being conducted fairly and legally. But As we see with the capital insurrection, even questioning the legality of an election by powerful political leaders could make Americans question the American democratic system. By having a report showing and disproving such rumors Americans can feel confident of the election system and not have any doubts about the results of the 2020 election.

I also agree. I believe that if we have more programs to actively seek if a person is willing to turn on a nation or an employer then we can lessen the possibility of an intelligence leak from happening. While being able to develop better ways of detecting such activity

This example of a counterintelligence case highlights the key indicators in how to identify an intelligence vulnerability. The biggest driving force for such a leak was a personal feeling of loyalty to another nation. If there was no sense of loyalty there could have still been a leak of information but this leak would not potentially jeopardize the nation's security. So to identify where a person's loyalty lies there needs to be a deep background investigation. That not just investigates a person’s background but also whom they are associated with. By having such a check an agency could be notified if a potential candidate who is applying for a security clearance has any relation or communication with foreign actors. If a person does there could then be a deeper investigation to see if the person has posted or stated anything sympathetic to a foreign nation. Which can determine what nation a person's loyalty lays. this could prevent a person whose loyalty lies with a foreign nation from receiving a security clearance in the first place. Preventing an intelligence leak from happening. With the current ways to indicate an intelligence vulnerability, agencies can identify what went wrong and how the intelligence was leaked. I feel that this approach is more reactive rather than proactive

I also agree. I think that the government is making it a priority to figure out how to track the spread of domestic terrorist activity through the internet. I also believe that due to the government's actions, the government understands the importance internet has when it comes to the spread of radical beliefs and ideology