Archipelagic Analogues? Indonesian Baselines, Canadian Arctic Sovereignty, and the Framing of Mental Maps, 1957–62

Abstract

In 1957, Indonesia shocked the maritime powers of the world when it drew straight baselines enclosing the archipelagic state. Canadian legal experts studied the case thoroughly, debated the prospects of its success, and anticipated the types of precedents it might set—particularly for the Canadian Arctic. Although Indonesia proved an imperfect archipelagic analogue, its actions encouraged officials to contemplate the extent of Canada’s Arctic domain. Balancing national interests, alliance politics, and competing interpretations of international law, Canadian decision makers devised a prudent, pragmatic approach that allowed others to push the boundaries of maritime law and establish a foundation so that Canada could secure sovereignty over its Arctic waters.