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Many disputes between states are specific. These deal with spaces and resources linked to marine ecosystems and activities, and require a special body of law, namely the International Law of the Sea. This not only defines states' rights over marine spaces but also, since 1950, the regulation of marine crises, disputes, and wars for control of coastal spaces and maritime areas to the high seas. Rules have been increasing in number as legal solutions to disputes over natural resources are proposed. These rules have been applied by a growing number of states, institutions, and jurisdictions. Following a period during which developing countries enjoyed influence in the construction of a body of law that provided strategic solutions, that influence may now be waning for the benefit of maritime states that now pay greater attention to environmental or fishing issues than to development.