Compellence in the Maritime Sphere

The aim of this thematic issue is to gain a better understanding of how and why compellence is used in the maritime sphere today. Building on coercion literature, we examine case studies in which state or non-state actors use compellence to influence the behaviour of another state or non-state actor, focusing on cases in which the compeller uses violence, aggression, or the threat of violence. By examining case studies from different parts of the world, we aim to gain better insights into the use of compellence at sea and to identify on what levels compellence in the maritime sphere works. By embedding the case studies in a common theoretical framework, the thematic issue also aims to contribute to the wider coercion literature, which focuses largely on land-based conflicts, and the more specialised literature on maritime coercion. Focusing on current maritime conflicts, the thematic issue will provide insights into how, if, and perhaps why compellence works in today’s maritime environment. 

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