Law of the Sea

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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.
The Agent of The Gambia, Abubacarr Marie Tambadou, Minister of Justice and Attorney General of the Gambia, speaks on the first day of the December 2019 hearings before the International Court of Justice. Seated at the front is the Agent of Myanmar, Aung San Suu Kyi, Union Minister for Foreign Affairs of the Republic of the Union of Myanmar.

When Crises Become Courtrooms: How Africa’s Engagement with the ICJ Is Rewriting the Playbook of International Law

Litigants from Africa and the African diaspora are doing more than “using” courts during emergencies. They are actively shaping doctrine.
An oil tanker remains anchored at the dock during a walk around the outskirts of the 'El Palito' refinery on December 18, 2025 in Puerto Cabello, Venezuela.

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.
Two crude oil tankers

Blockading Venezuela: The International Law Consequences

Expert analysis of the announced U.S. military blockade of Venezuela
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt answers questions during a press briefing

Was the Visit and Seizure of the Skipper off the Coast of Venezuela Lawful?

Experts examine the international law basis of the U.S. boarding and seizure of a vessel carrying Venezuelan crude.
A statue of U.S. President Harry S. Truman stands in the Capitol Rotunda on September 29, 2022 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images)

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?

The United States’ Dirty War on “Narco Terrorism”

By Professor Ben Saul, the Challis Chair of International Law at University of Sydney and United Nations Special Rapporteur.
The International Court of Justice (ICJ) members arrive to issue first Advisory Opinion (AO) on States' legal obligations to address climate change, in The Hague on July 23, 2025. The top UN court on July 23, 2025 described climate change as an "urgent and existential threat", as it handed down a landmark ruling on the legal obligations of countries to prevent it. (Photo by JOHN THYS/AFP via Getty Images)

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.
A model of an underwater internet cable

A New Strategy to Counter Chinese Sabotage of Taiwan’s Undersea Cables

U.S. policymakers must adopt a comprehensive strategy to counter China's "shadow fleet" and enhance Taiwan's undersea cable security.
Two large ships make their way through frozen ice on the Bering Strait.

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.
A group of representatives of small island nations stand, smiling for a group photo, in front of the International Court of Justice building.

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…
The emblem of the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea is shown against a brown wall. The emblem depicts a gold set of scales of justice and waves against a dark blue background.

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.
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