Summary

In this episode of Breaking the Ice, we were joined by two leading experts on Arctic governance and defence: Dr. Rebecca Pincus, Director of the Polar Institute at the Wilson Center, and Dr. Andrea Charron, Director of the Centre for Defence and Security Studies at the University of Manitoba. We discussed the complex dynamics shaping Canada-US Arctic relations, particularly around UNCLOS, maritime boundaries, and growing geopolitical competition in the region.

Canada-US Arctic Relations and Expert Collaboration

We began by diving right into the multifaceted legal and geopolitical landscape of Canada-US relations in the Arctic. Dr. Pincus provided valuable context on the U.S. Extended Continental Shelf (ECS) initiative, explaining that despite not being a party to the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), the United States has conducted extensive scientific research in the Arctic, often carried out in collaboration with its Arctic neighbours, to support its claims. Dr. Charron elaborated on Canada’s own submission to the Commission on the Limits of the Continental Shelf (CLCS), noting that they include overlapping claims in the Beaufort Sea which present opportunities for cooperation, rather than conflict, between the two nations.

International Maritime Law, Resources and Arctic Defence

We also discussed some of the minutiae of international maritime law, including varying approaches towards understanding how international maritime boundaries are determined.

Both explored how their respective countries are working to protect their Arctic sovereignty, particularly in light of climate change and growing interest from non-Arctic states such as China. The conversation also touched on Russia’s strategic use of “lawfare”, with Dr. Charron explaining how Russia and Canada’s approaches to maritime claims differ, despite some perceived similarities.

The discussion also covered the potential for maritime resource development in the Arctic, though both believe that deep-sea mining remains far from a reality due to environmental concerns and economic barriers.

Arctic Boundaries And Indigenous Involvement

Both speakers emphasised the significance of Indigenous involvement in Arctic governance. Dr. Pincus noted the long standing collaboration that the U.S. has with Indigenous communities in Alaska. Dr. Charron noted that this is also the case and highlighted the continued importance of engaging Indigenous peoples in scientific research and decision-making processes as mandated by the Arctic Council. We also talked about the crucial and successful role that the ICC has and continues to play in terms of international maritime law and regulation.

Looking Ahead: Cooperation, Climate Change, and Arctic Governance

The episode wrapped up with a forward-looking discussion on the future of Canada-US Arctic cooperation. There was all around consensus on the need for continued collaboration to address the pressing challenges posed by climate change and rising global interest in the region. Both experts emphasised the importance of maintaining a rules-based international order in the Arctic, with the Arctic Council playing a central role in ensuring that Indigenous voices are heard and that scientific research is conducted responsibly.

For Further Reading:

Canada’s 2024 Defence Policy Update: Our North, Strong and Free outlines strategic investments in Arctic security and sovereignty.

Canada’s Critical Minerals Strategy highlights efforts to secure essential mineral resources crucial for national security and economic growth.

The US Department of Defense Arctic Strategy (2024) focuses on enhancing US Arctic security and collaboration.

The National Strategy for the Arctic Region (2022) outlines the US government’s priorities in the Arctic, including security, environmental protection, and sustainable development.

For more on the Outer Continental Shelf filing and other related Arctic research, explore the Wilson Center’s publications.