Disputed Sovereignty: A Bilateral Solution to the Northwest Passage

Abstract

This study examines how the legal dispute between Canada and the United States, on the status of the Northwest Passage could be resolved through diplomatic means. It asserts that Canada is unable to unilaterally defend its claim to the Passage because it is unwilling to allocate the financial and military resources necessary for such a large undertaking. Joint military enforcement and policy cooperation with the United States outlined in an informal regime in which both countries continue to agree to disagree on the legal status of the Passage, will provide a more cost effective and politically pragmatic alternative to the current dispute. The creation of such an informal bilateral regime should include future efforts for joint environmental protection of the region and the mutual collaboration between military and civilian personal as well as, government agencies in monitoring naval passage through the Strait.