Africa and the Deep Seabed Regime: Politics and International Law of the Common Heritage of Mankind

Abstract

This book aims to fill a gap in the existing literature by exploring the role of African states in the development of the regime of the deep seabed beyond national jurisdiction (“the Area”) and the concept of the Common Heritage of Mankind (CHM), a relatively novel concept in international law and politics. In so doing, it places African states’ contributions to the evolution and development of the Area and the CHM in the context of vital historical, social, political and economic factors influencing African States’ attitude to the regime and concept. Further, the book draws linkages between international law norms developed in respect of the regime and developmental/geopolitical issues. It seeks to show that for African states the regime was not just about the construction of legal rules, but also provided an avenue to attempt to resolve outstanding north/south issues related to economic and social development. In addition, this book explores the role of African states in the governance of the Area, a global common. Besides, it also explores whether African states have been able to effectually engage with this regime and the idea of the CHM and the possible hindrances to such engagement. Further, it seeks to examine whether the African States have succeeded in ensuring a new place for the regime of the Area and the CHM in international law and politics.