Whoever Rules the Waves Rules the World: Sea Power and the Law of the Sea

We are pleased to share a newly published paper by Kal Raustiala, The Promise Institute Distinguished Professor of Comparative and International Law, 𝘞𝘩𝘰𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘳 𝘙𝘶𝘭𝘦𝘴 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘞𝘢𝘷𝘦𝘴 𝘙𝘶𝘭𝘦𝘴 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘞𝘰𝘳𝘭𝘥: 𝘚𝘦𝘢 𝘗𝘰𝘸𝘦𝘳 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘓𝘢𝘸 𝘰𝘧 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘚𝘦𝘢, which is out in the American Journal of International Law this month.

In this essay, Professor Kal Raustiala examines the recent history and evolving trajectory of the Law of the Sea through key contemporary debates, including China’s activities in the Arctic, deep seabed mining, the South China Sea dispute, and the human rights and environmental challenges facing the world’s oceans.

Drawing on a review of four major books on maritime politics, history, and law, the paper offers timely insight into how sea power continues to shape the international legal order.