The aim of this seminar is to consider the geopolitical issues associated with maritime space in two very different regions, the Arctic Ocean, and the Western Indian Ocean. While distinct in oceanographic terms, these areas share some of the same geopolitical concerns, including tension between coastal states arising from competing defence strategies, access to maritime locations for bio marine resources, hydrocarbons, and seabed hard ores. As the century progresses, competition within maritime spaces is likely to increase, exacerbated by the impacts of climate change. The seminar examines challenges to current measures for maritime dispute resolution and prospective solutions.
Dr John Ash served in the Royal Navy as an oceanographer and was an Associate of the Scott Polar Research Institute. He holds a master’s degree and a PhD from the University of Cambridge in Polar Studies and has worked extensively on issues associated with the Arctic region. He has twice given oral evidence to parliamentary committees on aspects of Arctic policy.
Dr Colin Barnes is a Fellow of the University of Cambridge Centre for the Environment, Energy and Natural Resource Governance. He has a PhD in Economics from the University of Manchester and a master’s in international relations from the University of Cambridge. His master’s dissertation was on law, economics, and sustainable development with reference to the coastal and island states of Comoros, Kenya, Madagascar, Seychelles, and Tanzania. He has worked extensively in the Western Indian region on issues concerned with marine resources.
Dr Donatas Kupciunas is a Research Associate of the Baltic Geopolitics Programme and Research Fellow at Wolfson College. He is the author of The Vilnius Conflict in European Diplomacy 1919-1923.
The event will be followed by a drinks reception.
