Shifting Sands: Sea Level Rise, Maritime Boundaries and Inter-state Conflict

Abstract

While the international security dimensions of climate change have received an increasing amount of attention, one impact that has not been widely discussed is the role that sea level rise could play in rendering maritime boundaries around the globe uncertain. The argument of this article is that this confusion of maritime boundaries could have potentially significant consequences in creating inter-state disputes, possibly leading to conflicts and international instability. This article will outline how sea level rise will confuse maritime boundaries and how these maritime boundary shifts could lead to inter-state disputes and conflict. © 2010 The Author. Journal compilation © 2010 Political Studies Association.