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US Extended Continental Shelf
Welcome to the Wilson Center's comprehensive hub dedicated to the United States Extended Continental Shelf (ECS). Explore the background and impact of the US ECS Project through a variety of ECS-related publications and content, and dive into an informative journey through the depths of maritime boundaries and resources.
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What is the ECS?
Understanding the background and history of maritime territorial zones and extended continental shelf claims is crucial for grasping the potential implications of the US Extended Continental Shelf Project. The two publications below offer unique perspectives and context for the United States Extended Continental Shelf endeavor.
Understanding the US ECS
Arctic Horizons: A Primer and Critical Questions on Extending US Territory in the Arctic Ocean
Mead Treadwell, former Chair of the US Arctic Research Commission, offers important background context and his perspective on the economic, security, and environmental implications of the US Extended Continental Shelf Project.
Securing US Territorial Rights in the Arctic: New Actions to Protect America's Continental Shelf
Over two decades, the US government has diligently gathered data to establish the ECS's outer limits. A forthcoming announcement, guided by international law and the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), will delineate the extent of US maritime territory. Senior Fellow Evan T. Bloom and Brookings Institution Federal Executive Fellow Jeremy Greenwood, urge policymakers to engage in proactive diplomatic efforts and consultations for broad support in this joint Wilson Center and Brookings Institution publication.
This collection of insights and and analyses is brought to you by the Polar Institute, Canada Institute, and the Environmental Change and Security Program.
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