UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS)

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22 Articles
A tanker is docked at an offloading terminal.

Taking a Toll

How allowing Iran to charge for transit in the Strait of Hormuz could undermine U.S. strategy in the Pacific and beyond
Accused Somali pirates board a police van at the Indian naval dockyard/

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.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy speaks at the Diplomatic Conference for the Adoption of the Convention Establishing a Special Tribunal for the Crimes of Aggression Against Ukraine at the Hague on December 16, 2025 (via Council of Europe Media Gallery)

Toward A Just and Lawful Peace in Ukraine: Part I

A review of what law and lawyers have contributed toward the goal of a just and lawful peace in Ukraine over the past four years.
The Marinera oil tanker is seen on January 14, 2026 in Hopeman, Scotland. The Marinera oil tanker, previously known as the Bella 1, has entered UK waters at the request of the US to be replenished with "essential supplies." The Russian-flagged tanker was seized by US forces on 7 January 2026, between Iceland and Scotland, for allegedly violating sanctions by transporting oil for Venezuela, Russia, and Iran. (Photo by Peter Summers/Getty Images)

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.
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.

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.
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.
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.
The episode title appears with sound waves behind it.

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.
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