A “Constitution for the Oceans”: The Long Hard Road to the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea. By Kirsten Sellars. Cambridge, UK: Cambridge University Press, 2025. Pp. xvi, 372. Index.

Key Points

• The book aims to examine the historical context and the complex negotiations leading to the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea.
• Historical analysis of the development of ocean governance policies.
• Examination of international negotiations regarding marine resources.
• Literature review of existing legal frameworks and their implications.
• Details the challenges faced in creating a unified legal framework for ocean governance.
• Highlights key debates and compromises made during negotiations.
• Illustrates the impact of the Convention on international law and marine resource management.