Ioana-Roxana OLTEAN
Maritime dispute resolution has always proven to be a volatile field of international law. This article will examine the mechanism of solving disputes as set up by UNCLOS and will look at the tendencies or particularities resulting from the cases of states involved in such matters. Despite its initial promise, the use of these mechanisms has been limited, with many states opting for informal negotiations or avoiding adjudication altogether. The article explores the structural aspects of UNCLOS’s dispute resolution system, highlighting challenges such as “forum shopping” and the reluctance of powerful states to comply with adverse rulings. It concludes by discussing the future viability of the UNCLOS dispute resolution system, raising concerns over the increasing resistance of major powers to international legal processes, and the potential long-term impact on global maritime governance.
