Papers by Eduardo Cavalcanti de Mello Filho
Is the Commission on the Limits of the Continental Shelf Mandated to Consider Submissions from Non-States Parties to the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea?
International Journal of Marine and Coastal Law, 2024
This article scrutinises the mandate of the Commission on the Limits of the Continental Shelf (Co... more This article scrutinises the mandate of the Commission on the Limits of the Continental Shelf (Commission) to consider submissions from non-States Parties to the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (LOSC). It challenges the prevailing viewpoints that exclude non-State Parties from the submission process, proposing a nuanced approach that privileges legal orthodoxy and political feasibility. It proposes that LOSC Article 76, containing the Commission’s mandate, can be interpreted as a stipulation pour atrui, conferring rights to third States in accordance with Article 36 of the Vienna Convention on the Law of Treaties. Innovatively, this possibility is explored here with a particular concern for preserving the balance of interests achieved in 1982. Its timeliness is due to the intentions of making a submission recently expressed by the United States, a non-State Party.
Minnesota Journal of International Law, 2025
This article delves into the nexus between the 1982 U.N.
Convention on the Law of the Sea (“UNCL... more This article delves into the nexus between the 1982 U.N.
Convention on the Law of the Sea (“UNCLOS”) and the broader
international legal order, focusing on UNCLOS Article 287
tribunals with jurisdiction limited to disputes related to the
Convention. The study categorizes three gateways through
which external rules of international law influence the
interpretation and application of UNCLOS: Renvoi provisions,
systemic interpretation mechanisms, and systemic
integration via Article 293(1). Considering recent studies
highlighting UNCLOS as a “springboard for interaction,” this
research synthesizes legal dogmatics with insights from the
sociology of law and international relations theory. Mindful of
the momentum experienced by the “human rights at sea” and
the “ocean-climate nexus” movements, it offers a
comprehensive understanding of UNCLOS’s integrative limits,
crucial for maintaining its del
Journal of Conflict & Security Law, 2024
This article argues that a non-flag State can be considered the victim of an armed attack against... more This article argues that a non-flag State can be considered the victim of an armed attack against one or more merchant vessels and thus entitled to the right of self-defence under Article 51 of the Charter of the United Nations. This argument gains momentum in light of the recent Houthi attacks in the Red Sea against ships with diverse nationalities. Traditionally, attacks on merchant vessels have been considered attacks on the flag State due to the latter's economic interests in the vessels. However, given the prevalence of open ship registries, today over 70 per cent of world tonnage is registered under foreign flags. Consequently, the jus ad bellum concerning armed attacks against merchant vessels necessitates a reassessment. The first section of this article revisits the traditional understanding that only the flag State can be considered the victim of an armed attack on merchant vessels. Hinting at the popularization of open registries, this article then clarifies how the laws of the sea and naval warfare have dealt with this phenomenon. It is remarked that 'looking behind the flag', especially in naval warfare, has become inevitable. This realization is then transposed to the jus ad bellum. In doing so, this article examines key references concerning armed attacks against merchant vessel: the Oil Platforms judgment by the International Court of Justice and the 1974 Definition of Aggression. This article also engages with directly relevant State practice. Ultimately, this article demonstrates that these references support the need for the reassessment advanced here.
Journal of Territorial and Maritime Studies, 2025
Purpose—This paper presents an alternative appreciation of the Grotian law of the sea, challengin... more Purpose—This paper presents an alternative appreciation of the Grotian law of the sea, challenging the conventional association of his ideas solely with the “freedom of the seas.” The conventional perspective hinges on Grotius’ emphasis on long-term societal expediency as a pivotal factor in shaping the law of the sea, such as considering whether it is expedient for coastal states to exert jurisdiction over territorial waters. This reassessment aims to evaluate the compatibility of the contemporary law of the sea with the Grotian tradition.
Design, Methodology, Approach—This paper relies on bibliographic sources, particularly primary ones, such as Grotius’ original works. While predominantly rooted in legal dogmatics and theory, this methodology draws inspiration from contextualist historiography to enhance comprehension of Grotius’ law of the sea.
Findings—By disassociating him from the exclusive identification with the freedom of the seas, this alternative reading of Grotius suggests that the contemporary law of the sea, in pursuit of societal expediency and more democratically, aligns with Grotian principles as far as the current institutional and normative development of the international legal
order permits.
Practical Implications—Given Grotius’ substantial influence on scholarly perceptions of the law of the sea, the proposed reassessment may impact how relevant epistemic communities conceptualize the contemporary law of the sea. It is suggested that the Grotian perspective elaborated here is the discipline’s historical and ontological origin. Therefore, the pursuit of societal expediency has always been, and still is, an axiomatic element essential to the law of the sea praxis.
Originality, Value—Recognizing the Grotian law of the sea’s foundation in expediency is not a novel contribution. This paper distinguishes itself by detaching Grotius from the mainstream free seas thesis. The originality lies in asserting that despite increasing limitations on this freedom, or precisely because of them, the contemporary law of the sea remains inherently Grotian as it responds to a changing factual setting and is based on an institutionally and normatively evolved international legal order and arguably does this toward long-term societal expediency
Revista da Escola de Guerra Naval, 2022
This article aims to analyze the legal regime of the exclusive economic zone (EEZ) regarding mili... more This article aims to analyze the legal regime of the exclusive economic zone (EEZ) regarding military exercises or maneuvers (MEMs) conducted by third States. First, we check whether the Convention on the law of the Sea directly gives the coastal State jurisdiction over MEMs or all States the freedom to conduct them. Then, in the case of no direct attribution, we analyze the residual attribution by Art. 59. Next, in the event of direct or residual attribution to all States, we examine how that freedom should be exercised and its limits. Finally, we address the application of the prohibition on the use of force to MEMs in the EEZ. We conclude that the coastal State may require its consent for third States to conduct such activities in their EEZ. Discretion in the exercise of this power will depend on the interpretation adopted and our primary point is that discretion is absolute. These conclusions give legal support to positions adopted by Bangladesh, Brazil, China, India and others.
A Guerra na Ucrânia e o Direito Internacional: Debates Atuais, 2023
A dimensão marítima do confl ito no leste europeu tem recebido pouca atenção e, provavelmente, os... more A dimensão marítima do confl ito no leste europeu tem recebido pouca atenção e, provavelmente, os eventos da Ilha da Serpente atraíram a maior parte da percepção popular 1. Entretanto, o Mar Negro e o Mar de Azov, palcos de escaramuças naquele confl ito, além de estratégicos para as ações em terra, constituem importante via de conexão da Ucrânia com o resto do mundo. E, neste contexto, o direito da guerra naval (Law of Naval Warfare) é aplicável. Num esboço dessa aplicação, na primeira seção, o presente capítulo abordará o direito da guerra naval em si e como ele se relaciona com o direito dos confl itos armados e o direito do mar, geralmente aplicável em tempos de paz. Apesar de reconhecido como sub-ramo, o direito da guerra naval apresenta sensíveis variações em relação ao direito dos confl itos armados. Estas variações acompanham as diferenças entre os confl itos em terra e mar. Ademais, embora desloque a aplicação do direito do mar em tempos de paz em vários aspectos, o direito da guerra naval é integrado por normas daquele em instâncias basilares. Os exemplos principais são os espaços marítimos e parte dos regimes jurídicos respectivamente aplicáveis, como, de um lado, o mar territorial e a zona econômica exclusiva (ZEE) e, de outro, a soberania exercida pelo Estado costeiro sobre o mar territorial e a obrigação de terceiros de ter em devida conta os direitos do Estado costeiro na ZEE. Considerado em sua relação com a mais ampla ordem jurídica internacional, o direito da guerra naval é comumente dividido em três partes: (i) condução das hostilidades e proteção humanitária (jus in bello), (ii) neutralidade marítima, e (iii) presas marítimas 2. Na seção seguinte, este capítulo 1 HUNDER, M.; BALMFORTH, T. Rússia abandona Ilha da Serpente em vitória estratégica para Ucrânia.
Governança Global dos Oceanos, 2020
University of Pennsylvania Journal of International Law, 2023
The definition of peaceful purposes reservations (PPRs) in the Law of the Sea Convention (LOSC) i... more The definition of peaceful purposes reservations (PPRs) in the Law of the Sea Convention (LOSC) is still elusive. Some scholars argue that its meaning is similar to the content of Article 301, LOSC, the prohibition of the use of force. Another group claims that such a narrow interpretation is inadequate and instead argues for a broader understanding that includes more than just the prohibition of the use of force. Whereas broad interpretations regarding PPRs in the international seabed area (Area) and on the high seas do not seem to prosper, the broad interpretations of PPRs in the exclusive economic zone (EEZ) are still worth discussing; many developing states restrict foreign military exercises or maneuvers (MEMs) in their EEZs by claiming that such activities are non-peaceful. Against this background, this Article asks whether the PPR restricts third states’ abilities to conduct MEMs in their EEZs. This investigation analyzes whether a broad interpretation of PPRs (especially regarding the EEZ) can be justified considering contemporary international law. To provide a comprehensive answer, this Article also examines the prohibition of the use of force in the EEZ as contained in Article 301, LOSC, and its influence on the lawfulness of MEMs. By tackling these topics, this Article aims to help understand the nature of military activities in EEZs, which are still controversial today and bear great political relevance to American foreign policy, including but not limited to activities in the South China Sea.
Nuova Antologia Militare, 2021
A great law of the sea controversy concerns the coastal State’s power
to require its consent for... more A great law of the sea controversy concerns the coastal State’s power
to require its consent for third States to conduct military exercises or maneuvers (MEM) in the exclusive economic zone (EEZ). To address it, this article analyzes the exclusive economic zone’s legal regime as contained in the 1982 Law of the Sea Convention and in customary international law. It includes direct and residual rights attribution to the coastal State or all States, the limits of these rights, and the prohibition on the use of force in the EEZ. The present author concludes that coastal States may require their consent with absolute discretion. This is so because, since the right concerning military exercises was not directly attributed, it should be residually attributed to the coastal State as its security interests generally prevail over other States’ mostly strategic interests. Alternatively — if the right is to be directly or residually attributed to all States — the coastal State’s discretion is limited to activities affecting its rights and jurisdiction in the EEZ. Nevertheless, the procedure for exercising discretion still favors the coastal State, because other States shall have its rights and duties in due regard, comply with its internationally lawful laws and regulations, and refrain from the illegal use or threat of force.
Revista da Escola de Guerra Naval, 2022
Este artigo objetiva analisar o regime jurídico da zona econômica exclusiva (ZEE) no concernente ... more Este artigo objetiva analisar o regime jurídico da zona econômica exclusiva (ZEE) no concernente a exercícios ou manobras militares (EMMs) conduzidos por Estados terceiros. Primeiro, verificamos se a Convenção sobre Direito do Mar atribui diretamente ao Estado costeiro a jurisdição sobre EMMs ou a todos os Estados a liberdade de conduzi-los. Depois, na hipótese de não haver atribui-ção direta, examinamos a atribuição residual pelo Art. 59. Em seguida, no caso de atribuição ao Estado terceiro, esmiuçamos como a liberdade deve ser exercida e seus limites. Por fim, abordamos a aplicação da proibição do uso da força a EMMs na ZEE. Concluímos que o Estado costeiro pode exigir seu consentimento para que terceiros conduzam as referidas atividades na sua ZEE. A discricionariedade no exercício deste poder dependerá da interpretação adotada e nosso principal ponto é que a discricionariedade é absoluta. Essas conclusões dão sustento jurídico a posições adotadas por Bangladesh, Brasil, China, Índia, Irã e outros.
The Legal Status of the São Pedro and São Paulo Archipelago in Light of Article 121 of UNCLOS and the South China Sea Arbitral Award: Uncontested Right to EEZ and Continental Shelf or Brazilian “Creeping Jurisdiction”?
Global Challenges and the Law of the Sea , 2020
Brazil has historically advanced what has been labelled a “territorialist” agenda for the uses of... more Brazil has historically advanced what has been labelled a “territorialist” agenda for the uses of the sea, having defended extended rights and powers for the coastal State over waters adjacent to the shore. A well-known Brazilian stance has been to adjust the São Pedro and São Paulo Archipelago (ASPSP) to the definition of “island” pursuant to Article 121 of the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), so that it generates an Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) and a continental shelf of its own. Certain of such a right, Brazil has established a massive marine protected zone within the entirety of the Archipelago’s EEZ. Nonetheless, the recent arbitration award granted in the dispute between the Philippines and China over the South China Sea has endorsed new understandings on the regime of islands, which could eventually counter Brazilian interests regarding the Archipelago. Thus, the present contribution problematizes the position of Brazil amidst possible controversies prompted by the aforementioned arbitration award, whilst aiming to ascertain the consequences of recent jurisprudential findings concerning the concept of “island”, and glimpses into the future of Brazil’s position regarding the rights generated by the Archipelago.
Perth International Law Journal, 2020
Scholarly literature on the law of the sea has relied on historically constructed concepts. Howev... more Scholarly literature on the law of the sea has relied on historically constructed concepts. However, their meanings seem to be often misunderstood or unexplored. This reveals an imprecise comprehension of the subject as a product of successive historical events. Furthermore, the contemporary law of the sea is built upon a complex structure, surrounding the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea, heavily influenced by key historical factors. This paper proposes a three phases of the law of the sea in history approach aiming to understand how these successive events are intertwined and influence the law
of the sea in the 21st century. The research method is predominantly inductive. It counts on the guidance mainly of bibliographic sources, referencing the lex lata and judicial precedents. The hypothesis proved consistent and highlights key historical advances that ultimately explain essential aspects of the contemporary law of the sea. This contribution comprises a necessary understanding that may solidly underpin any more profound regard to the present-day law of the sea.
Direito do Mar: Reflexões, Tendências e Perspectivas, 2019
Este trabalho tem por objeto o caso de 2019 relativo à detenção de três embarcações navais ucrani... more Este trabalho tem por objeto o caso de 2019 relativo à detenção de três embarcações navais ucranianas, entre Ucrânia e Rússia, em sede de pedido de medidas provisórias, no Tribunal Internacional de Direito do Mar, especialmente no que se refere ao uso da força e à execução da lei no mar (maritime law enforcement). Para tanto, primeiramente analisa os procedimentos relativos às medidas provisórias do Tribunal, em seguida passa a considerar os principais aspectos fáticos e normativos sobre o caso. Ato contínuo, a pesquisa investiga o entendimento do direito internacional sobre o uso da força e o maritime law enforcement. O artigo conclui que o Tribunal respeitou acertadamente a função do procedimento específico – medidas provisórias sob o Artigo 290(5), da Convenção de Montego Bay –, sem, contudo, deixar de dar contribuições ao desenvolvimento do direito internacional. Tais contribuições são: (i) a ilegalidade de atividade de law enforcement não a descaracteriza como tal, seguindo posicionamento da Corte Internacional de Justiça; e (ii) pode haver situações em que há uso de força e maritime law enforcement ilegais ao mesmo tempo, mesmo quando a embarcação sujeita a tais condutas é de Estado, possui imunidade.
Nuova Antologia Militare. Journal of Sism by Eduardo Cavalcanti de Mello Filho
Nuova Antologia Militare, 2021
This is the No. 8 Issue of Nuova Antologia Militare. Summary: Articles. 1 Aspects militaires de ... more This is the No. 8 Issue of Nuova Antologia Militare. Summary: Articles. 1 Aspects militaires de l’exil religieux en Belgique (1901-1914) par Jean-Baptiste Murez p. 7. - 2 Prima di Pola. Un inedito progetto italiano di architettura navale del 1915 per un mezzo d’assalto di superficie di Piero Cimbolli Spagnesi p. 33. – 3 ‘Arma novella di barbarie antica’. Le mazze ferrate austro-ungariche sul fronte italiano (1915-1918) di Francesco Cutolo p. 57. - 4 L’assistenza religiosa ai prigionieri e agli internati austro-ungarici in Italia (1916-1918), di Balazs Juhasz p. 87. - 5 La Regia Marina all’Esposizione Aviatoria di Amsterdam (1919) di Andrea Rizzi p. 113. - 6 La cooperazione militare italo-sovietica negli anni Trenta. Un inedito diario della missione navale sovietica del 1932 di Igor O. Tyumentsev p. 159. - 7 Diplomazia aeronautica ed esportazioni. Il ruolo delle missioni estere della Regia aeronautica di Basilio Di Martino p. 187 – 8 Greece and the Defense of Crete by Georges Yiannikopoulos p. 241. – 9 Dead and missing Slovenes in the Italian armed forces and as prisoners of war during the Second World War: questionnaires on sources, numbers, names by Irena Uršič p. 271. – 10 L’ultima vittoria della difesa contraerei: fronte del Golan, 1973 di Riccardo Cappelli p. 291. – 11 The Turan Army. Opportunities for a new military cooperation led by Turkey by Dávid Biró p. 333. – 12 The legal regime of the exclusive economic zone and foreign military exercises or maneuvers by Eduardo Cavalcanti De Mello Filho p. 361. Documents: 1 Le insidie dei palloni aerostatici di Filippo Cappellano e Livio Pierallini p. 391. – 2 The Italian Army in the Second World War: A Historiographical Analysis by, Simon Gonsalvesp. 407. Book Reviews: 1 Charles E. White, Scharnhorst. The Formative Years 1755-1801 [by Martin Samuels] p. 433. 2 Basilio Di Martino, Paolo Pozzato, Elvio Rotondo, La zampata dell’orso. Brusilov 1916 [di Gastone Breccia] p. 437. 3 Elizabeth Cobbs, The Hello Girls. The America’s First Female Soldiers [di Paolo Pozzato] p. 443. 4 Ignaz Miller, 1918. Der Weg zum Frieden [di Paolo Pozzato] p. 447. 5 Ezio Ferrante, Il grande ammiraglio Paolo Thaon di Revel [di Marcello Musa] p. 451. 6 Pierpaolo Battistelli, La guerra dell’Asse. Strategie e collaborazione militare di Italia e Germania, 1939-1943 [di Filippo Cappellano] p. 455. 7 Richard Carrier, Mussolini’s Army Against Greece [di Piero Crociani] p. 465. 8 E. Di Zinno e Rudy d’Angelo, I Generali italiani di Rommel in Africa Settentrionale [di Luigi Scollo] p. 473. 9 Magnus Pahl, Monte Cassino 1944. Der Kampf um Rom und seine Inszenierung. [di Paolo Pozzato] p. 479. 10 S. L. A. Marshall, Uomini sotto il fuoco [di Paolo Pozzato] p. 483. 11 Claretta Coda e Giovanni Riccabone, La Battaglia di Ceresole Reale 1944 [di Roberto Sconfienza] p. 487. 12 Claretta Coda, Helpers & POW. I prigionieri di guerra alleati [di Roberto Sconfienza] p. 495. 13 Thomas Edwin Ricks, The Generals. American Military Command from World War Two to Today [di Matteo Mazziotti di Celso] p. 501. 14 Carmelo Burgio, Da Aosta alla Sicilia [di Antonino Teramo] p. 505. 15 Giuliano Luongo (cur.), Neutralità e Neutralità armata [di Giulia de Rossi] p. 509. 16 Leonardo Tricarico e Gregory Alegi, Ustica, un’ingiustizia civile [di Virgilio Ilari] p. 513.
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Papers by Eduardo Cavalcanti de Mello Filho
Convention on the Law of the Sea (“UNCLOS”) and the broader
international legal order, focusing on UNCLOS Article 287
tribunals with jurisdiction limited to disputes related to the
Convention. The study categorizes three gateways through
which external rules of international law influence the
interpretation and application of UNCLOS: Renvoi provisions,
systemic interpretation mechanisms, and systemic
integration via Article 293(1). Considering recent studies
highlighting UNCLOS as a “springboard for interaction,” this
research synthesizes legal dogmatics with insights from the
sociology of law and international relations theory. Mindful of
the momentum experienced by the “human rights at sea” and
the “ocean-climate nexus” movements, it offers a
comprehensive understanding of UNCLOS’s integrative limits,
crucial for maintaining its del
Design, Methodology, Approach—This paper relies on bibliographic sources, particularly primary ones, such as Grotius’ original works. While predominantly rooted in legal dogmatics and theory, this methodology draws inspiration from contextualist historiography to enhance comprehension of Grotius’ law of the sea.
Findings—By disassociating him from the exclusive identification with the freedom of the seas, this alternative reading of Grotius suggests that the contemporary law of the sea, in pursuit of societal expediency and more democratically, aligns with Grotian principles as far as the current institutional and normative development of the international legal
order permits.
Practical Implications—Given Grotius’ substantial influence on scholarly perceptions of the law of the sea, the proposed reassessment may impact how relevant epistemic communities conceptualize the contemporary law of the sea. It is suggested that the Grotian perspective elaborated here is the discipline’s historical and ontological origin. Therefore, the pursuit of societal expediency has always been, and still is, an axiomatic element essential to the law of the sea praxis.
Originality, Value—Recognizing the Grotian law of the sea’s foundation in expediency is not a novel contribution. This paper distinguishes itself by detaching Grotius from the mainstream free seas thesis. The originality lies in asserting that despite increasing limitations on this freedom, or precisely because of them, the contemporary law of the sea remains inherently Grotian as it responds to a changing factual setting and is based on an institutionally and normatively evolved international legal order and arguably does this toward long-term societal expediency
to require its consent for third States to conduct military exercises or maneuvers (MEM) in the exclusive economic zone (EEZ). To address it, this article analyzes the exclusive economic zone’s legal regime as contained in the 1982 Law of the Sea Convention and in customary international law. It includes direct and residual rights attribution to the coastal State or all States, the limits of these rights, and the prohibition on the use of force in the EEZ. The present author concludes that coastal States may require their consent with absolute discretion. This is so because, since the right concerning military exercises was not directly attributed, it should be residually attributed to the coastal State as its security interests generally prevail over other States’ mostly strategic interests. Alternatively — if the right is to be directly or residually attributed to all States — the coastal State’s discretion is limited to activities affecting its rights and jurisdiction in the EEZ. Nevertheless, the procedure for exercising discretion still favors the coastal State, because other States shall have its rights and duties in due regard, comply with its internationally lawful laws and regulations, and refrain from the illegal use or threat of force.
of the sea in the 21st century. The research method is predominantly inductive. It counts on the guidance mainly of bibliographic sources, referencing the lex lata and judicial precedents. The hypothesis proved consistent and highlights key historical advances that ultimately explain essential aspects of the contemporary law of the sea. This contribution comprises a necessary understanding that may solidly underpin any more profound regard to the present-day law of the sea.
Nuova Antologia Militare. Journal of Sism by Eduardo Cavalcanti de Mello Filho