The Crawling Border
The diplomatic crisis over whether lobsters swim or crawl
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Beschreibung
Discover the 1960s conflict where Brazil and France nearly went to war over the biological classification of lobsters.
"The Crawling Border – The diplomatic crisis over whether lobsters swim or crawl" tells the story of the "Lobster War" between Brazil and France (1961–1963). The conflict began over fishing rights off the coast of Pernambuco. Brazil claimed lobsters were "crawling animals" belonging to the continental shelf (their territory). France claimed lobsters were "swimming animals" and thus fair game in international waters.
Political historian Marcus Void narrates the escalation: Brazil mobilized its navy, and France dispatched a destroyer class warship. The debate reached the absurdity of experts arguing about the "hopping" capabilities of crustaceans.
"The Crawling Border" is a case study in how biology intersects with geopolitics. It serves as a humorous but insightful look at international law, showing how nations will mobilize fleets to defend definitions that suit their economic interests.
Autor*in
Marcus Void
Author
Themen in »The Crawling Border«
Lobster War Brazil France 1961 International Law Diplomacy Absurd History