La question de l’Océan Arctique entre tropisme juridique et wishful thinking

This article examines the question of the Arctic Ocean through the phenomenon of legislative tropism. The article specifically analyses the different manifestations, from an historical and contemporary perspective, of the international system when it has been used to challenge the controversial application of the standard criteria applied when a State makes a claim of sovereignty over formerly ice-covered marine territory, which is today being consumed by the gradual receding of the ice itself due to global warming. In the light of this persisting phenomenon of this natural dissipation, the Arctic Ocean is assuming a new central position of international relevance. Looking toward the future with an attitude of wishful thinking, the study ends with the hope of a positive answer which could arise from the requisite solidarity and cooperation between the Arctic State and non-Arctic States in their attempts to find equilibrium between the individual State’s interests and those of the International Community.