UNCLOS not adequate for the Arctic because states can easily opt out of dispute resolution

However, even if the United States decides to ratify the treaty, there is still an inherent structural problem that may prevent the UNCLOS from solving disputes of any magnitude. This structural problems is that nations may opt-out of the UNCLOS dispute resolution procedures.¹³⁴ In fact, every Arctic nation except Norway has chosen this method to avoid the binding language of the UNCLOS.¹³⁵ The treaty’s substance hardly matters if there is no way to enforce its provisions.