Last reviewed September 2, 2026
Krigsvold is a dignity within the Grand Duchy of Westarctica. It is held by James P. Howard, II and takes its name from the Krigsvold Nunataks in Marie Byrd Land, West Antarctica.
The title is symbolic. It conveys no sovereignty, ownership, jurisdiction, or governmental authority over the nunataks or any other Antarctic place. Westarctica is a micronational project and nonprofit organization; it is not a state recognized by any national government or international body.
That is the status. The purpose is more interesting.
A title used as a public instrument
Peerage attracts attention because it carries the language of place, continuity, and obligation. Krigsvold uses that attention to support work that can be judged on ordinary, practical terms:
- explaining Antarctic climate science with primary sources attached;
- funding graduate research through an annual $1,000 Fellowship;
- making evidence-led arguments for climate and conservation action; and
- publishing a record of awards, activity, and corrections.
The title does not make the science more authoritative. It creates a durable public identity from which to present the science, support researchers, and ask people to pay attention.
The relationship to place
Krigsvold corresponds to a real feature in the Australian Antarctic Gazetteer: the Krigsvold Nunataks, a group of exposed peaks at the head of Strauss Glacier. Two related dignities held by James correspond to Mount Rubin de la Borbolla and Matikonis Peak.
These places ground the work in the physical geography of West Antarctica. They are reference points, not possessions. See Three Antarctic Places for the maps, names, and history.
What readers should expect
Claims about Antarctica should identify their source and measurement period. Briefings should distinguish observation, projection, and judgment. Fellowship awards should identify their recipients and purposes. Errors should be corrected in public.
In short: the dignity supplies the name; the public record supplies the credibility.