Cultural Influences on the Law of the Sea: History, Legacy, and Future Prospects

This unusual book should be a mainstay of maritime law literature. It assembles regional standpoints to show how cultural norms and traditions have affected the law of the sea, for example freedom of seas, state sovereignty and preservation of marine space. There is also some intersection with elements of commercial maritime law, such as maritime security and deep seabed mining. 

It sets out how regional identity and ocean governance interact in the law of the sea. It then moves on to how western Europe’s doctrine of freedom of the seas was rooted in legal traditions that stressed liberty. There is an examination of how eastern Europe’s post-communist legal ethos evolved and of integration within EU and NATO maritime frameworks. Russia, East Asia, South Asia, Africa, South America, North America and Oceania receive similar treatments, with each territory given a dedicated chapter. 

The book concludes by reflecting on how cultural diversity will shape challenges maritime law faces, such as deep-sea mining, rising sea levels and security. Its comparative approach will be of interest to those working at the crossroads of legal pluralism, regional diplomacy and marine environmental policy. 

Dr Carlo Corcione is a lawyer and manager specialising in trade, shipping and logistics