Flag-Planting: What Legal Framework Governs the Division of the Arctic Continental Shelf?

On 2 August 2007, the Russians planted a titanium flag on the floor of the Arctic Ocean at the presumed spot of the North Pole. This act of bravado was an effective public relations gesture that set media worldwide abuzz, and this for two reasons. First, this scientific and technological exploit, which entailed not only descending 4200 metres beneath the icecap but also resurfacing at the precise point of entry, demonstrated Russia's continued importance in the scientific world. Second, Russia thereby reminded the world that it was still a great power, one that intended to defend vociferously its claims in the Arctic, and to deploy all necessary measures to have those rights recognized by the international community. The race for information concerning the Arctic Ocean floor is on. Indeed, the less-reported aspect of the Russian expedition to the North Pole is that it is part of a vast program of scientific research on the geology and the geomorphology of the Arctic seabed.