Lines of Division, Lines of Connection: Stewardship in the World Ocean

Abstract

This article investigates the history of drawing lines across ocean space. Although drawing lines generally is perceived as an act of division—as exemplified by the line drawn through the Atlantic Ocean by Pope Alexander VI in 1493—lines, like the ocean itself, often signify connection or other, more complex social relationships. In an attempt to break through commonly held perspectives on line drawing in marine governance, I suggest that key events (and lines) of modern marine history are characterized by a common norm of stewardship. I conclude by considering the flexibility of stewardship and by alerting the reader to alternate norms that could be used to generate ocean‐governance systems.

• marine governance
• marine history
• ocean space
• stewardship
• Treaty of Tordesillas

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Philip E. Steinberg

Dr. Steinberg is an assistant professor of geography at Florida State University, Tallahassee, Florida 32306–2190.