Abstract
When states legalised the maritime domain in the 20th century, the relationship between states and maritime space changed. Since the turn of the millennium, certain global trends have further amplified the role of the oceans in international affairs. This has led to a renewed focus on maritime space, as well as states' rights and responsibilities within this domain, delineated through the concept of a ‘boundary’ at sea. What, in essence, is a maritime boundary? Why do states end up disputing them? Perhaps more important, how do states go about settling such disputes, and how can we better understand the development of the legal and political principles that frame such endeavours? These are the questions examined in this article, which sets out to examine the concept of maritime boundaries and related disputes. Leaning on political science, international law and political geography, it reviews how the idea of a maritime boundary came about; what principles govern how they are drawn; how they at times are resolved; and possible future trends that might impact boundary-making at sea.
Highlights
When states legalised the maritime domain in the 20th century, the relationship between states and maritime space changed
In 2010, Norway and Russia agreed on a maritime boundary in the Arctic, stretching from the Eurasian landmass almost all the way to the North Pole
The worsening in relations between the two countries after the Russian annexation of Ukraine in 2014 have made bilateral relations resemble those of the Cold War when the two countries were on opposing sides in the larger ‘East West’ dispute
Summary
In 2010, Norway and Russia agreed on a maritime boundary in the Arctic, stretching from the Eurasian landmass almost all the way to the North Pole. It is unlikely that Norway and Russia would have been able to reach an arrangement today, a decade later As the former Norwegian foreign minister highlighted explaining one of the factors behind the agreement: ‘There must be trust between the negotiating partners’.2. The worsening in relations between the two countries after the Russian annexation of Ukraine in 2014 have made bilateral relations resemble those of the Cold War when the two countries were on opposing sides in the larger ‘East West’ dispute This speaks to the challenge of settling boundary disputes. In other words, is everything, when it comes to settling maritime boundaries This begs the question: What, in essence, is a maritime boundary, and why do states end up disputing them? From the 15th to the 19th centuries, the use of maritime space in exploration, dominance and industrialisation transformed the world [8]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
