The Law of the Sea and Security in the South Pacific

Abstract

The law of the sea has many, varied and often quite substantial implications for the security of South Pacific island states. It had them even before negotiations over the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) were concluded in 1982. It seems likely to continue to have them in the foreseeable future, both in similar and in new, sometimes unexpected ways, even after UNCOS comes into force on 16 November 1994.

The manner in which South Pacific island states define and pursue their security interests has been influenced by the law of the sea. Other aspects of their international relations, including relations with Australia, have been affected too.

This article begins with a brief account of the impact which the law of the sea has had on perceptions of security in the South Pacific. It goes on to consider the effects on the policies and actions of South Pacific island governments at home, in the region and further afield It assesses the consequences directly for – and relations with – Australia. It concludes with some general questions concerning future directions and possible options.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Edward P. Wolfers

This paper is a somewhat revised and updated version of a paper presented to a seminar on ‘Law of the Sea – Implications for Regional Security’, co-sponsored by the Australian Institute of International Affairs and the Royal Australian Navy’s Maritime Strategic Studies Project, Canberra, 18 October 1991.

The author is Foundation Professor of Politics, Head of the Department of History and Politics, Co-ordinator of the Postgraduate Program in International Relations, and Joint Director of the Maritime Policy Centre, University of Wollongong.