The Third United Nations Law of the Sea Convention (UNCLOS III, 1973–1982) was a ground-breaking event that saw the evolution of new ways of negotiating international rules and regulations for ocean governance. Many people were involved in shaping a new Law of the Sea, but not many have studied those individual’s contribution to the negotiations. “Elisabeth Mann Borgese Deep Ideology” illuminates the role of one of the key actors, during and after UNCLOS III.

The study examines the origins of Mann Borgese’s ideal of internationalism, and her ideas for applying her ideal to the convention through the concept of the common heritage of mankind (CHM). Mann Borgese did this by putting forward concrete proposals during the negotiations, by building institutions, and by affiliating herself with key people like Maltese ambassador Arvid Pardo and key delegations and groups like the Austrian Delegation, The Group of Landlocked and Geographically Disadvantaged States and the Evensen Group. The study argues that her ideal of internationalism stemmed from her earlier work with the Committee to Frame a World Constitution in Chicago and the Center for the Study of Democratic Institution in Santa Barbara under Robert M Hutchins. It demonstrates how she utilised her experiences in Chicago and Santa Barbara to stage her own Pacem in Maribus conferences, and to design and found the International Ocean Institute. It also explores her proposal for an ocean regime, and its potential to expand into a world regime. The study of Elisabeth Mann Borgese shows her ability to adapt to changing situations, and her willingness to downsize her ideas to achieve even just a small part of her idealist ambitions in relation to ocean governance.