"Maritime Power and the Law of the Sea" by James Kraska is a comprehensive analysis of the evolving rules governing freedom of the seas and their impact on expeditionary operations in the littoral, near-shore areas. Here is a detailed overview of the book:

Key Themes

1. Freedom of Navigation: The book explores the mounting constraints to freedom of navigation in exclusive economic zones (EEZ), which are maritime areas extending seaward from a coastal state’s baseline up to 200 nautical miles, as defined by the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).
2. Expeditionary Operations: Kraska examines how these constraints affect the role of naval forces in expeditionary activities, including forward presence, power projection, deterrence, humanitarian assistance, and sea control.
3. Sovereignty and Security: The book delves into sovereignty, security, and environmental issues related to maritime law, arguing that EEZs deserve greater attention in international security policies.
4. Global Commons: Kraska discusses how control of the global commons, coupled with new approaches to sea power and expeditionary force projection, has given the United States and its allies significant sea power capabilities.

Plot Summary

The book is structured around eight chapters, each focusing on different aspects of maritime power and the law of the sea. It begins by analyzing the evolving rules governing freedom of navigation and how these changes impact naval operations. Kraska argues that the increasing tendency of coastal states to make excessive maritime claims, often based on creative interpretations of UNCLOS, poses significant challenges to international security. He emphasizes the need for greater attention to EEZs in U.S. oceans policy.

The book also explores the implications of these changes for expeditionary operations, including the challenges faced by naval forces in coastal littorals. It discusses how the developing legal order of the oceans, which fuses diplomacy, strategy, and international law, directly challenges unimpeded access to coastal areas. This has profound implications for American grand strategy and world politics.

Critical Reception

The book has received positive reviews for its comprehensive analysis and timely insights into the evolving maritime law and its impact on naval operations.

• Book Review by Allison Casey: The review highlights Kraska's argument that EEZs are underrepresented in international security discussions and deserve more attention. It praises the book for its detailed exploration of sovereignty, security, and environmental issues related to maritime law.
• Goodreads Rating: The book has been rated positively by readers, with many appreciating its detailed analysis of the complex issues surrounding maritime power and the law of the sea.

Overall, "Maritime Power and the Law of the Sea" by James Kraska is a seminal work that provides a thorough understanding of the evolving maritime law and its implications for naval operations and international security.