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Comparing the robustness of Arctic and Antarctic governance through the continental shelf submission process
Citation
Weber, M, Comparing the robustness of Arctic and Antarctic governance through the continental shelf submission process, Polar Record, 50, (1) Article 252. ISSN 0032-2474 (2014) [Refereed Article]
Copyright Statement
Copyright 2014 Cambridge University Press
DOI: doi:10.1017/S0032247412000496
Abstract
The processes undertaken by Arctic states and Antarctic claimant states to submit data to the
Commission on the Limits of the Continental Shelf (CLCS) demonstrates the robustness of polar governance. The
robustness of a governing system reflects its capacity to deal with emerging issues. For the purposes of this article,
robustness comprises the effective protection of rights in the absence of prejudice and participant confidence. In the
Arctic, unilateral assertion of continental shelf entitlement can proceed due to the nature of the CLCS process and
recognition of sovereignty. Combined with the voluntary nature of Arctic governance, the process does not hamper
cooperation in scientific research, boundary delimitation or engagement in initiatives such as the Arctic Council. In
the Antarctic, a coordinated approach to continental shelf delimitation protected claimant states’ entitlement to a
continental shelf and the right of other states not to recognise sovereignty. States demonstrated commitment to the
Antarctic Treaty and acted according to accepted norms. Though different in structure, each polar governing system
has its own characteristics of robustness. State authority drives participant confidence and regional cooperation in the
Arctic. In the Antarctic, norms of behaviour foster system legitimacy and resilience is reinforced by the consequences
of abandoning the system. With continued acceptance of the individual governing-system dynamics, emerging issues
can be accommodated in both polar regions.
Item Details
Item Type: | Refereed Article |
---|---|
Research Division: | Law and Legal Studies |
Research Group: | Environmental and resources law |
Research Field: | Environmental law |
Objective Division: | Expanding Knowledge |
Objective Group: | Expanding knowledge |
Objective Field: | Expanding knowledge in law and legal studies |
UTAS Author: | Weber, M (Ms Melissa Weber) |
ID Code: | 98869 |
Year Published: | 2014 |
Deposited By: | IMAS Research and Education Centre |
Deposited On: | 2015-03-05 |
Last Modified: | 2015-04-02 |
Downloads: | 0 |
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