Power Dynamics and Ocean Conflict Management：environmental Impact Scenarios in the Maritime Disputed Areas

Abstract

Little research has sought to understand environmental conditions in areas characterized by maritime territorial disputes. In observing bilateral dispute cases through the angle of the environment, this paper posits the existence of five different environmental impact scenarios reflecting states’ behaviours in maritime conflict resolution. Using an international relations perspective, this research synthesizes realism, the idea of relative power with deterrence theory to build an analytical framework to explain the logic behind states’ actions in the context of militarized maritime conflicts. Two cases—the South China and the Aegean Seas—are discussed to examine this framework.