In the last years, the United States has intensified its military operations in fossil-rich maritime regions, triggering a significant debate about the legality and environmental impact of these activities. The United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (CNUDM) of 1982, establishing a legal framework for the use of the oceans, including the exploration and conservation of its resources, has been a central reference in the discussion about the legitimacy of these operations.
In 2021, the US Navy conducted military exercises in the South China Sea, a region notoriously rich in fossil resources, including oil and natural gas. These exercises were criticized by several countries in the region, particularly by China, which claims much of the South China Sea as part of its sovereign territory. American military maneuvers involved the use of aircraft carriers, nuclear submarines and fighter planes, projecting military power into a disputed area and potentially violating the sovereignty of neighboring countries.
An emblematic case occurred in 2019, when the US Navy conducted operations in the Gulf of Oman, another area known for its vast oil reserves. These operations included simulated attacks on oil extraction facilities, which raised concerns about possible environmental damage and disruption of local economic activities. The US military presence was seen as a show of force designed to protect strategic and economic interests in the region, but also raised questions about respect for UNCLOS principles.
The Convention on the Law of the Sea 1982 lays down, Among other things, the sovereignty of coastal states over their exclusive economic zone (ZEE), which extends up to 200 nautical miles from the coast. Within this zone, the coastal state has exclusive rights to explore and utilize natural resources, including mineral and fossil resources. Military activities in other countries' EEZs can be seen as a violation of these rights, especially if they are carried out without the consent of the coastal State.
In addition to the cases mentioned, US military exercises have also taken place in the Arctic, a region rich in fossil resources due to the melting of the polar ice caps. In 2020, the US held naval exercises in the Barents Sea, near the coast of Russia, an area known for its oil and gas reserves. These military maneuvers were seen as an attempt to ensure freedom of navigation in an area increasingly accessible due to climate change., but also raised concerns about possible violations of Russian sovereignty and the environmental impacts of military operations on a fragile ecosystem.
US military exercises on fossil-rich offshore platforms, in addition to national security issues, have direct implications for the environment and the sovereignty of coastal states. The United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea was designed to balance the interests of coastal states and the rights of passage of warships, but recent US military activities suggest a growing tension between these principles. Strict adherence to the provisions of UNCLOS is crucial to avoid conflicts and protect both the natural resources and sovereign rights of coastal States.
US military operations in fossil-rich regions show a clear intersection between the projection of military power and the exploitation of strategic natural resources. These activities highlight the need for a more balanced and cooperative approach to ocean governance, that respects both international security and the sovereign and environmental rights of coastal States.
Compliance with international regimes, such as the Convention on the Law of the Sea, is essential for maintaining global peace and stability. Respect for these multilateral agreements helps prevent the rise of international tensions, promoting cooperation and peaceful resolution of disputes. When countries act in accordance with established norms, the chances of military conflicts are reduced and mutual trust between nations is strengthened. In the context of military operations in regions rich in fossil resources, following UNCLOS principles not only protects environmental and economic interests, but also serves as a vital means of ensuring a safer and more predictable international environment.
US military operations in fossil-rich regions show a clear intersection between the projection of military power and the exploitation of strategic natural resources. These activities highlight the need for a more balanced and cooperative approach to ocean governance, that respects both international security and the sovereign and environmental rights of coastal States.
