Intelligence Collection in the Territorial Sea

Concepts and Complexities

Abstract

States possess a well-established legal competence over their territorial domains, which encompass internal waters, archipelagic waters, and the territorial sea. This realm of control is often called "sovereignty," a term that encapsulates a coastal state's inherent rights and responsibilities within its territory. These rights grant considerable discretion and freedom in managing their land and waters' internal affairs and resources. This authority, known as "imperium," embodies the capacity for governance, administration, and jurisdiction, a prerogative typically regarded as exclusive.

The concept of sovereignty and its exercise within a state's territory have wide-ranging implications, especially when it comes to intelligence collection activities conducted in the territorial sea. This article delves into the intricacies of intelligence collection within this sensitive maritime zone, exploring the legal frameworks, challenges, and the balance between national security imperatives and international norms.