History Lessons for the Arctic: What International Maritime Disputes Tell Us about a New Ocean

by Heather A. Conley (Editor)

This study examines three historical maritime disputes to draw lessons and insights for the future of maritime governance in a rapidly transforming Arctic. The historical case studies—the 1920 Svalbard Treaty, the 1936 Montreux Convention, and the 1961 Antarctic Treaty—are highly instructive cases for a region that also must balance a confluence of international economic development, environmental protection, and security concerns along with strategic and ecologically sensitive maritime spaces. While historically unique, important lessons for the Arctic and its future governing needs are gleaned that address challenging geography, the assertion of national sovereignty, and the pursuit of shared environmental goals.

112 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 9, 2017

About the author

Heather A. Conley is senior vice president for Europe, Eurasia, and the Arctic and director of the Europe Program at CSIS. Prior to joining CSIS as a senior fellow and director for Europe in 2009, Conley served four years as executive director of the Office of the Chairman of the Board at the American National Red Cross. From 2001 to 2005, she was deputy assistant secretary of state in the Bureau of European and Eurasian Affairs with responsibilities for U.S. bilateral relations with the countries of Northern and Central Europe. From 1994 to 2001, she was a senior associate with an international consulting firm led by former U.S. deputy secretary of state Richard L. Armitage. Ms. Conley began her career in the Bureau of Political-Military Affairs at the U.S. Department of State. She was selected to serve as special assistant to the coordinator of U.S. assistance to the newly independent states of the former Soviet Union, and she has received two State Department Meritorious Honor Awards. Ms. Conley is frequently featured as a foreign policy analyst and Europe expert on CNN, MSNBC, BBC, NPR, and PBS, among other prominent media outlets. She received her B.A. in international studies from West Virginia Wesleyan College and her M.A. in international relations from the Johns Hopkins University School of Advanced International Studies (SAIS).