The Sea and International Relations

The sea is an important international space that has been overlooked in International Relations (IR). This book brings the sea back into IR by highlighting theoretical puzzles, analyzing historical perspectives, and addressing contemporary challenges. It reconceptualizes the canvas of international relations to include the oceans as a social, political, economic, and military space that affects the workings of world politics.

Format: Hardback
Length: 296 pages
Publication date: 26 July 2022
Publisher: Manchester University Press

The oceans, which encompass more than seventy percent of the Earth's surface, have largely been overlooked in the realm of International Relations (IR). Historically, they have been treated as either a subsidiary of land or as a mere temporal phenomenon. However, in recent years, the significance of the sea in global politics has become increasingly apparent. This essay aims to rectify this trend of oceanic amnesia by drawing on interdisciplinary insights from IR, Historical Sociology, Blue Humanities, and Critical Ocean Studies. By highlighting theoretical puzzles, analyzing broad historical perspectives, and addressing contemporary challenges, The Sea and International Relations seeks to initiate a theoretical, conceptual, and empirical discussion about the sea and IR.

The book reconceptualizes the canvas of international relations to include the oceans as a social, political, economic, and military space that profoundly impacts the workings of world politics. It challenges the notion that the sea should be treated as a peripheral or secondary concern in IR and emphasizes its central role in shaping global affairs.

The oceans are not only vast and interconnected but also rich in resources and strategic importance. They play a crucial role in regulating the Earth's climate, providing transportation routes, and supporting livelihoods. Moreover, the sea is a domain of intense competition and conflict, as countries vie for control over valuable maritime resources, such as fisheries, shipping lanes, and energy reserves.

The essay explores various dimensions of the sea and IR, including the historical roots of oceanic amnesia, the geopolitical significance of the oceans, the challenges and opportunities presented by the sea in IR, and the role of the oceans in shaping the future of international relations. It also examines the ethical and environmental implications of oceanic activities and the need for sustainable management of the oceans.

In conclusion, the sea is a vital and complex component of global politics, and its significance to international relations has only grown in recent years. By reconceptualizing the sea as a social, political, economic, and military space, The Sea and International Relations contributes to a more comprehensive understanding of world politics and highlights the importance of sustainable management of the oceans.

Weight: 490g
Dimension: 144 x 224 x 28 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781526155108