<i>Mare Clausum et Mare Liberum</i>

Résumé

... In this paper I have attempted to trace the evolution of two important legal concepts - important for international law, but also important for world policy. The rules of international law reflect the political ambitions and needs of states. This was true for the historic periods covered herein, and it is true for today. We have penetrated into the arguments and thoughts surrounding the concepts of mare clausum and mare liberum. In ancient times the former concept was widely recognized, and the latter broke through during the seventeenth century, reflecting new needs of the existing states. ...