Legal Definitions - blockade

Definition: A blockade is a military tactic used by a belligerent to prevent access to or exit from an enemy's ports by stationing ships to intercept vessels trying to enter or leave those ports. For a blockade to be effective, it must be maintained by a force sufficient to prevent access to ports.

Examples:

• A country may establish a blockade to prevent goods and supplies from reaching its enemy during a war.
• A naval force may station ships to prevent ships from entering or leaving a port during a conflict.

These examples illustrate how a blockade is used to restrict access to ports during a conflict. The purpose of a blockade is to weaken the enemy's ability to receive supplies and reinforcements, which can help to bring an end to the conflict.

There are different types of blockades, including:

• Pacific blockade: A blockade that is established without a declaration of war.
• Public blockade: An established blockade of which the blockading nation gives formal notice to the governments of neutral nations.

These types of blockades may be used in different situations, but they all involve the use of military force to restrict access to ports during a conflict.