The Northwest Passage and Canadian Arctic Sovereignty

Research Paper (undergraduate) from the year 2011 in the subject Politics - International Politics - Topic: Miscellaneous, grade: A, Webster University, course: International Relations, language: English, abstract: This paper discusses the right of passage through the disputed Northwest Passage within the Canadian Archipelago. Varying claims made by the international community are analysed with a heavy focus on Canada and the United States. Furthermore, differing resolutions to the issues involved are compared in an attempt to come to a solution beneficial to all parties. The intention of this paper is to draw a conclusion as to which claims are valid in accordance with international law, establish an accurate definition of national sovereignty, and apply these findings to the various claims put forth. Continued Canadian strategies to solidify claims and the natural environment of the Arctic are also discussed.