Polar Geopolitics - Arctic and Antarctic analysis Emerging trends in American engagement in the Arctic and Antarctic under Trump 2.0
Sep 10, 2025
Evan Bloom, a former senior diplomat with over two decades shaping U.S. polar policies, dives into emerging trends in American engagement in the Arctic and Antarctic. He discusses the alarming funding cuts for polar science, the proposed investments in icebreakers, and the intricacies of extended continental shelf claims around Alaska. Bloom also sheds light on the vital role of the Arctic Council amidst geopolitical tensions and emphasizes the need for collaboration in shaping future governance in both polar regions.
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Polar Law As A Distinct Discipline
- Polar law has emerged as a distinct discipline combining domestic law, law of the sea, treaties, and scientific governance.
- Increased global interest and climate-driven accessibility make integrated legal frameworks more important than ever.
U.S. Uses UNCLOS Rules Without Ratifying UNCLOS
- The U.S. treats UNCLOS continental-shelf rules as customary law and has done extensive surveys to define Arctic rights.
- The U.S. can still make a formal submission to the Commission on Limits of the Continental Shelf in future decades.
Russia Is Indispensable To Arctic Governance
- The Arctic Council's value depends on including Russia because it holds half the Arctic territory.
- Excluding Russia would hollow out the Council's relevance and communication function.
