Breaking the Ice: China and Lawfare in the Arctic

Author

Sophia Toner, University of Mississippi Main CampusFollow

Date of Award

Spring 5-10-2025

Document Type

Undergraduate Thesis

Department

Croft Institute for International Studies

First Advisor

Antonia Eliason

Second Advisor

Joshua First

Third Advisor

Oliver Dinius

Relational Format

Dissertation/Thesis

Abstract

This thesis examines China's engagement with international legal frameworks in the Arctic through a lawfare lens, using a structured analytical framework to assess whether Chinese activities constitute lawfare. Focusing on two key cases—China's involvement in submarine cable infrastructure and its navigation of the Northern Sea Route—the research applies Andrea Beck's three-part definition of lawfare: "(1) the misuse of the law in order to, (2) achieve a military objective, and (3) undermine the legal framework." The analysis reveals that China's Arctic engagement does not fully constitute lawfare according to this definition. Rather than misusing legal frameworks, China operates within existing structures while advocating for interpretations that accommodate its interests. China's activities are primarily driven by legitimate commercial objectives within its broader Belt and Road Initiative, with security considerations playing a secondary role. Instead of undermining legal frameworks, China adopts an evolutionary approach that seeks to shape them from within, reflecting its complex position as a non-Arctic state navigating a legal system historically dominated by Western powers. This suggests that concerns about Chinese Arctic activities should be addressed through strengthened multilateral governance and transparency requirements rather than through exclusionary policies based on security concerns alone.

Recommended Citation

Toner, Sophia, "Breaking the Ice: China and Lawfare in the Arctic" (2025). Honors Theses. 3354.
https://egrove.olemiss.edu/hon_thesis/3354