Law of the Sea
33 Articles
Where the Law Gets Thin: The Jurisdictional Gap Pirates Exploit
UNCLOS’s piracy provisions codified a model rooted in older piracy patterns that don’t match today’s near-shore threat. Today, piracy is a recurring, adaptive threat.
The Law of Naval Warfare and the U.S. Capture of Neutral Merchant Vessels: The Case of the Marinera
In‑depth legal examination of the U.S. capture of the Russian‑flagged tanker Marinera and its implications under the law of naval warfare.
A Law of the Sea Assessment of the U.S. boarding of the Bella 1 / Marinera
Based on the publicly available information to date, it is difficult to sustain the lawfulness of the U.S.-led and UK-supported seizure of the Marinera.
The Just Security Podcast: Can the U.S. Seize Russian Flagged Oil Tankers?
Tess Bridgeman speaks with Rob McLaughlin about the legality of the U.S. interception and seizure of two Russian-flagged oil tankers in international waters.
Maritime Law Enforcement on the High Seas: Authority, Jurisdiction, and the Seizure of The Skipper
An expert explainer on the U.S. boarding and seizure of the oil tanker, “The Skipper,” off the coast of Venezuela.
Crisis as Catalyst: Seabed Minerals and the (Un)Making of International Law
Will President Trump, as President Truman did during the WWII era, succeed in refashioning the law governing international seabed minerals?
Climate-Vulnerable States Vindicated in the Hague: A First Look at the International Court of Justice’s Climate Advisory Opinion
With this unanimous opinion, the ICJ has taken a clear stand in favor of a coherent and equitable international legal response to climate change.
Countering Russian Lawfare and Gray Zone Operations
Using international venues to confront Russian malign efforts is key to effectively calling out illegitimate and illegal Russian activities.
An Interim Report on the ICJ’s Climate Advisory Opinion
The International Court of Justice's proceedings in a climate change advisory opinion case stand to issue important, authoritative guidance about the nature and interaction of…
What to Watch for Following Historic Climate Opinion from ‘The Oceans Court’
The Tribunal issued the first-ever opinion by an international court articulating States’ obligations with respect to climate change.
The Just Security Podcast: A Landmark Court Opinion on the Ocean and Climate Change
The ITLOS decision is a major victory for the Commission of Small Island States on Climate Change and International Law.
Q&A: ‘The Oceans Court’ Issues Landmark Advisory Opinion on Climate Change
ITLOS determined that UNCLOS requires parties to take specific, concrete steps to prevent, reduce, and control greenhouse gas emissions.