The Svalbard Treaty was an international treaty that recognized Norwegian sovereignty over the Svalbard archipelago. Signed in Paris, it marked a significant moment in Arctic governance, as the island group, located in the Arctic Ocean, had been subject to various claims and explorations by multiple nations. The treaty established Svalbard as a demilitarized zone, which meant that no military installations or troops could be stationed there by any of the signatory countries. Enacted initially to prevent military confrontations during a time of geopolitical tensions, the treaty facilitated peaceful international cooperation in Arctic exploration and resource management. This demilitarization came in the wake of World War I and was part of broader efforts to stabilize European borders and regions of contention in the post-war landscape. Under the terms of the treaty, all signatories would have equal access to the natural resources available on the islands, which included whaling, mining, and eventually scientific research endeavors. Thus, the 1920 signing set the stage for both Norwegian stewardship and international collaboration in one of the world’s most remote regions.