Emerging and non-traditional actors at the Poles

There is no doubt that Arctic States and Antarctic claimants have been in the drivers’ seat for governing the Polar Regions. Nevertheless, rising powers, supranational organizations and non-governmental organizations are playing more influential role in Polar governance as well. This Chapter examines the role of emerging and non-traditional actors in the development of international Polar Law with two prominent case studies: first, the rise of China and implications for future governance of the Arctic and the Antarctic Treaty System; and second, the involvement of the European Union in international law-making in the Polar regions. It concludes with some observations regarding the extent to which these actors are contributing to the future development of ‘Polar Law’.