Elisabeth Mann Borgese, UNCLOS, and the Arctic: The Power of Normative Thinking and Her Legacy

Abstract

In a volume dedicated to the memory Elisabeth Mann Borgese, it is it is fitting to reflect upon the impact that the focus of her life’s work has had on the international system. Those who have had the privilege of knowing her can attest to the power of her ideals and her vision for the future. Coming out of the ravages of the Second World War, she dedicated her life to making the world a better place. To that end, she concentrated on the study and promotion of the 1982 United Nations Convention of the Law of the Sea (unclos). It was her core belief that the facilitation of an equitable sharing and sustainable utilization the world’s oceans would be a fundamental component of international co-operation and peace. Her commitment and drive in supporting the development of the Third United Nations Conference on the Law of the Sea and the implementation of unclos was an important element of the treaty’s ultimate success. She is rightly referred to by many as the ‘mother’ of the Convention (alongside its ‘father’, Arvid Pardo, her good friend and colleague). thoughts and plans regarding ocean