Citizen Action for Global Change: The Neptune Group and Law of the Sea

A case study of the effectiveness of nongovernmental organizations in international and national arenas, Ralph B. Levering describes and analyzes the work of three U.S.-based NGOs, known collectively as the Neptune Group. He discusses the group’s successful efforts during the Third United Nations Conference on Law of the Sea (UNCLOS
III1973-1982). He details the group’s effectiveness supporting negotiations in Washington and addressing the news media and public opinipn.

One of the most important international conferences of modem times, UNCLOS III thoroughly revised and updated the law of the sea. By organizing seminars and conducting research on difficult issues facing the conference, facilitating the flow of information among delegates, and publishing a newspaper, Neptune, the Neptune Group became the leading NGO at the conference.

Engagingly written, this history and memoir will interest students, scholars, officials, environmentalists, religious and world-order activists, and anyone interested in efforts to help create a more just and peaceful world order.

Ralph B. Levering has written six books, including The Public and American Foreign Policy, 1918-1978 and The Cold War: A Post Cold War History.

Until her death in 1991, Miriam L. Levering, was a long-time leader in the Neptune Group and other world-order organizations. She worked closely on law of the sea with environmental and church groups, including the Sierra Club and Methodist and Catholic organizations.