GOVERNING THE SEABED: EXPLAINING DIVERGENT STATE POSITIONS IN DEEP SEA MINING GOVERNANCE

Abstract

This paper examines factors that shape state positions on deep sea mining governance amid growing demands for rare earth minerals. It investigates why some states support deep sea exploration and extraction, while others call for moratorium or outright ban. I argue that great powers such as the United States and China prioritize geo economic interests, while norm entrepreneurs and some small states emphasize precautionary measures. This thesis uses a mixed methods approach with a quantitative fixed effects logit model, and qualitative case studies including the United States, China, France, and South Pacific States/The Cook Islands. The findings show how resource incentives and geopolitical rivalries drive divergent state behavior and how power and norms shape governance outcomes in the global commons.