The Canadian-Russian relationship in the Arctic has been both dynamic and complex. From the time of the end of the Second World War to the current the security relationship has ebbed and flowed. During the Cold War, Canada faced direct attack by Russian bombers over the Arctic and then needed to work with the United States to provide the necessary infrastructure and geographic governance to ensure that the system of nuclear deterrence was maintained to prevent nuclear war from occurring. Both defence and deterrence were essential to the security of Canada and the western world, and perhaps for the entire world. However, because these events occurred in remote regions out of sight of most Canadians many remained largely unaware of the importance of the Canadian efforts in the Arctic.