US 'Law Enforcement' Seizes Tanker in International Waters, Calls it 'Freedom'
The Financial Times highlights the U.S. attempt to seize a Russia-linked tanker in the Atlantic. This bold act of maritime repossess-sion, couched in the language of sanctions enforcement, conveniently sidesteps the messy detail of international waters. One might recall similar broad interpretations of sovereignty when resource-rich nations are involved, or the U.S. finds a creative reason to
'intervene'. While the U.S. government zealously enforces its own unilateral sanctions globally, one might wonder about the precedent this sets. How many nations get to play global sheriff without a uniform? This aggressive stance on economic warfare, far from the battlefields, raises questions about whose rules truly govern the high seas—(hint: it's not the ones printed). It seems 'rule of law'
is a selective buffet item for those with the biggest navy.