The Poseidon Project: The Struggle to Govern the World's Oceans

The concept of freedom of the seas, which states that the oceans are open to all ships, has been challenged in recent decades due to restrictions imposed during World Wars, national governments' expanding reach into the oceans, and environmental concerns. The Poseidon Project, by David Bosco, explores the history of humanity's attempt to create rules for the oceans and analyzes the challenges faced in building effective ocean rules while preserving maritime freedoms.

Format: Hardback
Length: 256 pages
Publication date: 07 April 2022
Publisher: Oxford University Press Inc

A captivating delve into the historical and contemporary controversies surrounding global ocean governance. In 1609, the Dutch legal luminary Hugo Grotius staunchly refuted the notion that even mighty sovereigns could claim ownership over the vast expanses of the oceans. As a ship traversed the sea, he argued, it left no more legal residue than a footprint in the sand. This sparked a philosophical and legal tussle, but Grotius' perspective ultimately prevailed. To this day, the freedom of the seas remains a vital legal tenet and a potent rhetorical tool. However, in recent decades, the freedom of the seas has eroded in various ways and for a multitude of reasons. During the tumultuous world wars of the 20th century, combatants imposed unprecedented limitations on maritime commerce, shattering international norms. National governments have steadily encroached upon the oceans, asserting their jurisdiction. Moreover, recent environmental concerns have led to the formulation of new international regulations governing high seas fishing. Against the backdrop of significant transformations in how the world views and interacts with the oceans, today's most perilous maritime disputes, such as China's territorial aspirations in the South China Sea, unfold. As David Bosco elucidates in his seminal work, "The Poseidon Project," the history of humanity's endeavor to establish rules for the oceans is alive and pertinent. Tracing the origins of the law of the sea and providing insight into the background of current maritime disputes, Bosco underscores the formidable challenge of crafting effective ocean regulations while safeguarding maritime freedoms. He analyzes how fragile international institutions and resolute activists are striving to maintain relevance in a world still predominantly governed by national governments. As maritime tensions escalate, "The Poseidon Project" emerges as an indispensable guide to the ongoing struggle for effective ocean governance.

Weight: 528g
Dimension: 165 x 244 x 30 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780190265649