Territory in a world of limits: Exploring claims to oil and ice

Abstract

Purpose

To determine the normative philosophical legitimacy of territorial claims to the Arctic high seas.

Methodology/approach

In this chapter I sketch a philosophical guideline for determining the scope of territorial rights based on established theories of territorial claims.

Findings

The scope of territorial rights should be limited to a geographical domain within which a group can establish a site of justice. Because currently a site of justice is not possible in the Arctic high seas, no state can extend a territorial claim to that area.

Implications

If adopted, this theory would prohibit the establishment of claims to the Arctic high seas made by countries such as Russia, Denmark (via Greenland) and Canada.

Citation

Nine, C. (2013), "Territory in a world of limits: Exploring claims to oil and ice", Environmental Philosophy: The Art of Life in a World of Limits (Advances in Sustainability and Environmental Justice, Vol. 13), Emerald Group Publishing Limited, Leeds, pp. 137-155. https://doi.org/10.1108/S2051-5030(2013)0000013010