The United States and arctic straits: The northwest passage and the bering strait

This contribution will compare and contrast the U.S. approach to the two 'North American' Arctic straits - the Northwest Passage and the Bering Strait. This will highlight the differences between the long-standing U.S. position in regards to Canadian regulation and management of the Northwest Passage and its position in the case of the Bering Strait. Brief consideration will be given to the navigational framework for international straits under the law of the sea, followed by an overview of U.S. Arctic policy and the approaches that it brings to bear with respect to Arctic navigation. Separate consideration will then be given to the Northwest Passage and Bering Strait, before some concluding remarks.