With increased economic activities and shifting of global power axis, the 21st century will witness greater human interface with the oceans. While global powers may contest to dominate the waters essential for trade and sustenance, the emerging powers and rising economies will be aspiring for freedom of navigation to bolster their trade and economic independence. Consequently, there is potential for conflict and therefore greater need for laws to govern the activities in the high seas. However, often the powerful nations do not completely abide by the idea of a rules based international order, especially, when it is against their perceived national interests. The contestation in South China Sea is a clear manifestation of this trend.

This book deals with how the United Nations Convention on the Laws of the Sea (UNCLOS) could provide solutions for managing the maritime global commons. The book also provides an ideal example of how extremely complex maritime disputes between India, Bangladesh and Myanmar were resolved in the Bay of Bengal by an abiding commitment towards UNCLOS and reliance on international rules-based mechanisms for dispute resolution.