National Security, Economic Well-Being, and the Law of the Sea

Over 15 years after its entry into force, the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) is commonly considered an umbrella treaty for the management of the world’s oceans—one that provides a framework for determining jurisdictional boundaries, defining freedom of navigation, and conserving the ocean’s natural resources. While the United States views many aspects of the treaty as customary international law, and therefore abides by those aspects in practice, it has not ratified UNCLOS. The numerous national and international discussions regarding U.S. ratification of UNCLOS have included a wide range of perspectives on a spectrum of issues. In this seminar, international ocean management experts will explore the rationale for acceding, focusing specifically on the relevance of UNCLOS to national security and economic well-being.

SPEAKERS:

• Ambassador David A. Balton, Deputy Assistant Secretary, Oceans and Fisheries, Bureau of Oceans, Environment, and Science, U.S. Department of State
• Professor David D. Caron, President, American Society of International Law; Berkeley Law, University of California
• Rear Admiral Frederick J. Kenney, Jr., Judge Advocate General and Chief Counsel, U.S. Coast Guard
• Commander James Kraska, Howard S. Levie Chair of Operational Law, U.S. Naval War College

MODERATOR:

• Ms. Jordan Diamond, Deputy Director, Ocean Program, Environmental Law Institute

The 2011 Ocean Seminar Series is generously supported by the Naomi and Nehemiah Cohen Foundation.

Click here for more information on ELI's Ocean Seminar Series.