In the Beaufort Sea, which lies north of Alaska, Yukon and the Northwest Territories, there’s a wedge of ocean that has been in question for two centuries. As the border between Canada and America reaches the coastline, the two countries disagree as to which direction that boundary line proceeds into the tides. Canada says it should follow the 141st meridian west, extending the border between Alaska and Yukon. The U.S. asserts the line should instead be equidistant from the two nations.
Despite their differences, Canada and the U.S. have been able to resolve a wide range of practical issues, from the pursuit of oil and gas to commercial fishing in the region. The boundary disagreement hasn’t prevented the two countries from developing a seamless defence relationship to protect the region: the two coast guards operate on such a close basis, it’s hard to tell there even is a border. All of this is based on shared values and interests that have made the boundary issue seem almost irrelevant. But this may be about to change.
The re-election of Donald Trump has turned this relationship on its head — and is threatening to undermine it entirely. While Trump has not specifically mentioned the Beaufort Sea dispute, it is hard to see how the cooperation between nations can withstand what he has said.
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