ABSTRACT
In this chapter, I examine two ways in which states can work together and develop hydrocarbons resources to their mutual benefit. The opportunities for peaceful exercise by coastal states of sovereign powers over very extensive maritime spaces have never been greater, but the combination of political will and economic aspiration still presents significant challenges. It is in this setting that there is scope for using mechanisms such as joint development zones (JDZs) and international unitization agreements (IUA). These legal instruments have assumed an important role in the past few decades as states have sought to interpret and implement the evolving international law of the sea to their advantage.1
