Book excerpt: The International Maritime Organization (IMO), as the United Nations specialized agency responsible for the regulation of shipping engaged in international trade from the points of view of maritime safety and the prevention and control of pol- tion by ships, recognizes that these goals can only be effectively achieved if each and every link in the corresponding chain of responsibility meets fully its obli- tions. Flag, port and coastal States, as well as the shipping industry itself, all have roles to play in collectively improving safety and protecting the environment, both marine and atmospheric, through the development, adoption, and uniform imp- mentation and enforcement of, global standards. In this book, Dr. Christodoulou-Varotsi sets out to explore the extent to which the actions of the European Union and the United States, as the main originators of high standards in these fields, constitute a paradigm to the rest of the inter- tional maritime community. In this regard, while underscoring the need for a - listic, multilateral approach to maritime regulation – as epitomized by the work of IMO – the author explores how standards could be enhanced through the use of unilateral action.