However, the conversation around these strategic regions often lacks a nuanced understanding of the distinct governance frameworks that regulate each polar region. Why Governance MattersBefore analyzing the specific legal mechanisms, it is important to understand why these frameworks matter to the modern national security expert. The tangible governance of the Arctic is heavily reliant on three principal executive agreements negotiated under the auspices of the Arctic Council:1. Agreement on Enhancing International Arctic Scientific Cooperation (2017): This agreement aims to facilitate the movement of researchers and equipment across borders. AntarcticaIn contrast to the Arctic, Antarctica is a massive continent surrounded by the Southern Ocean.