How to govern the oceans has become a major political, environmental, and economic challenge. From the South China Sea to the Arctic Ocean and the deep seabed, questions about how humans use the oceans have become increasingly salient. In many of these contexts, “freedom of the seas” remains a powerful refrain, and particularly from U.S. politicians and military officials. But where did this concept come from? The Poseidon Project explores the origins, history, and evolution of freedom of the seas and considers what role it will play in the future of ocean governance. |