Lincoln-Douglas Affirmative Speech: The United States Ought to Become a Party to the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS)

Honorable judge, esteemed opponents, and fellow debaters, I stand before you today to affirm the resolution: The United States ought to become a party to the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea. My argument rests on three fundamental pillars: the promotion of international stability, the safeguarding of U.S. national interests, and the advancement of global environmental stewardship.

Firstly, ratifying UNCLOS is crucial for fostering international stability and cooperation. The convention provides a comprehensive framework for regulating maritime activities, resolving disputes peacefully, and preventing conflicts over ocean resources. Currently, the absence of U.S. participation creates a legal vacuum, undermining the effectiveness of the convention and leaving critical maritime issues unresolved. This lack of engagement weakens international norms and encourages unilateral actions, potentially escalating tensions and jeopardizing global peace and security. By joining UNCLOS, the United States would strengthen the international legal order, promoting a more predictable and stable maritime environment for all nations. The established mechanisms for dispute resolution within UNCLOS offer a far superior alternative to unilateral actions or ad hoc agreements, reducing the risk of escalating conflicts and fostering a more cooperative international community.

Secondly, ratifying UNCLOS directly serves U.S. national interests. While some argue that UNCLOS infringes upon U.S. sovereignty, the reality is quite the opposite. The convention protects and clarifies U.S. rights and interests in the maritime domain, including its exclusive economic zone (EEZ). By becoming a party, the United States gains access to the dispute resolution mechanisms, ensuring its rights are protected and its claims are adjudicated fairly under international law. Furthermore, UNCLOS provides a clear legal framework for regulating activities within the EEZ, such as fishing, resource extraction, and scientific research, protecting U.S. economic interests and promoting sustainable development. The absence of a clear legal framework invites uncertainty and potential conflicts, jeopardizing U.S. economic and strategic interests. Participation in UNCLOS provides the United States with a stronger legal foundation to protect its maritime assets and interests.

Thirdly, ratifying UNCLOS is essential for advancing global environmental stewardship. The convention establishes a framework for protecting the marine environment, including provisions for preventing pollution, conserving marine biodiversity, and managing marine resources sustainably. The United States, as a major maritime power, has a significant responsibility in protecting the global oceans. By joining UNCLOS, the U.S. would strengthen international efforts to combat marine pollution, protect endangered species, and manage fisheries sustainably. The convention's provisions on marine scientific research also facilitate collaborative efforts to understand and address the challenges facing the ocean environment. Ignoring the environmental provisions of UNCLOS weakens global efforts to protect the oceans, a critical resource for all nations and future generations. U.S. participation would significantly enhance the effectiveness of these provisions and demonstrate a commitment to global environmental responsibility.

In conclusion, the United States ought to become a party to the UNCLOS. The benefits of joining far outweigh any perceived drawbacks. Ratifying UNCLOS promotes international stability, safeguards U.S. national interests, and advances global environmental stewardship. It is a crucial step towards a more peaceful, prosperous, and sustainable future for the world's oceans and the global community. Therefore, I urge you to affirm the resolution. Thank you.