Case 172 - Negotiating an International Regime to Mine the Deep Seabed

Bowen, Robert E.

In 1982 the participants of the Third United Nations Conference on the Law of the Sea signed what has been called the new constitution of the oceans. This case study traces the development of the structure and role of the International Seabed Authority in international minerals management and follows the work of the Preparatory Commission for the International Seabed Authority. It creates an understanding of the importance of strategic considerations in the development of negotiating positions and policy preferences. It can be used in courses on international bargaining and negotiations, international political economy, international politics, or resources management.