Navigating New Frontiers: Technology, Ecocentrism, and Security in the Law of the Sea

The maritime legal landscape is governed by the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea of 1982, a crucial framework for ocean-related governance. However, as we progress into the 21st century, the convention is increasingly facing challenges that surpass its original scope. With technological advancements, ecocentric views, and security concerns taking precedence, there's a growing recognition of gaps within the existing legal structures. Current debates revolve around accommodating these new realities, including granting rights to marine ecosystems, enhancing security of subsea infrastructure against cyber threats, and resolving conflicts beyond national jurisdictions. Despite progress in understanding the intricacies of international maritime law, the rapid evolution in various spheres demands a re-evaluation and adaptation of the legal frameworks governing these waters.

This Research Topic aims to critically analyze how historical maritime disputes have influenced current legal standards and international relations in maritime contexts. The objective is to propose refined legal principles and methodologies tailored to address modern maritime challenges. By examining three focal areas—shifting perceptions towards marine ecosystems, the role of international agreements in mediating geopolitical tensions, and the vulnerability of critical infrastructure to contemporary threats—this research seeks to redefine conflict resolution strategies and promote a balanced approach to ocean governance.

To gather further insights in the multifaceted landscape of international maritime law reform, we welcome articles addressing, but not limited to, the following themes:
- Evolution of legal frameworks since the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea
- Doctrinal shifts towards ecocentric and sustainable governance in maritime law
- Analysis of the legal implications of the Agreement on biodiversity beyond national jurisdiction
- Security and legal challenges related to subsea infrastructure and cyber threats
- Methodological advancements for conflict resolution in international waters

We welcome submissions in the form of original research articles, review articles, case studies, policy analyses, and theoretical expositions.

Article types and fees

This Research Topic accepts the following article types, unless otherwise specified in the Research Topic description:

• Brief Research Report
• Conceptual Analysis
• Data Report
• Editorial
• FAIR² Data
• General Commentary
• Hypothesis and Theory
• Methods
• Mini Review
• ... View all formats

Articles that are accepted for publication by our external editors following rigorous peer review incur a publishing fee charged to Authors, institutions, or funders.

Article types

This Research Topic accepts the following article types, unless otherwise specified in the Research Topic description:

• Brief Research Report
• Conceptual Analysis
• Data Report
• Editorial
• FAIR² Data
• General Commentary
• Hypothesis and Theory
• Methods
• Mini Review
• Opinion
• Original Research
• Perspective
• Policy and Practice Reviews
• Policy Brief
• Registered Report
• Review
• Study Protocol
• Systematic Review
• Technology and Code

Keywords: Maritime law, United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, ocean governance, international disputes, ecocentric policy, subsea infrastructure security

Important note: All contributions to this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of peer review.