Restrictions on passage through straits and interoceanic canals

Nature

Difficulties concerning the right of passage through straits and interoceanic canals occur when the two bordering land areas are under the jurisdiction of different countries, or when the straight lies between portions of the land area of the same country but provides the only access by sea to the land of another country beyond the straight. Passage through such straits may be restricted or the strait may be closed under conditions of war or to further economic sanctions. The jurisdiction over straits waters may be subject to dispute, particularly if there is a conflict over the breadth of the territorial water claimed by the states in question.

Background

The strategic significance of straits and interoceanic canals emerged prominently in the 19th century with the opening of the Suez and Panama Canals, highlighting their role in global trade and naval power. International crises, such as the Suez Crisis of 1956 and repeated blockades of the Strait of Hormuz, underscored the vulnerability of maritime chokepoints, prompting ongoing diplomatic and legal debates over transit rights and the balance between national sovereignty and global navigation.

Incidence

Approximately thirty straits are considered important routes for international traffic, and there are three major interoceanic canals (Panama, Suez and Kiel).

Claim

Restrictions on passage through straits and interoceanic canals represent a critical global problem. These chokepoints are lifelines for international trade and energy supplies; any limitation threatens economic stability, escalates geopolitical tensions, and undermines the principle of freedom of navigation. Unilateral restrictions or blockades can disrupt supply chains, inflate prices, and even provoke conflict. The world cannot afford to ignore the immense risks posed by restricted access to these vital maritime corridors.

Counter-claim

Restrictions on passage through straits and interoceanic canals are vastly overstated as a global concern. Modern international agreements and technological advancements have rendered such issues nearly obsolete. Most nations respect established maritime laws, and disruptions are rare and quickly resolved. Focusing on this topic distracts from far more pressing global challenges. Frankly, worrying about these restrictions is an exercise in irrelevance in today’s interconnected and diplomatically robust world.