In what ways can maritime security be redefined beyond traditional threat containment?
The Navy chief suggests that maritime security should not be seen only as threat containment. I want to understand what other dimensions—such as economic, environmental, or diplomatic—should be considered for a holistic approach.
Maritime security has traditionally focused on protecting territorial waters from military threats, piracy, and illegal activities. However, in the modern context, it encompasses a much broader range of issues that impact national and global well-being. Redefining maritime security involves considering several non-traditional dimensions:
- Economic Security:
- Ensuring the safety of sea lanes for uninterrupted trade and energy supplies.
- Protecting offshore resources like oil, gas, and fisheries from illegal exploitation.
- Preventing smuggling and trafficking that can harm national economies.
- Environmental Security:
- Safeguarding marine ecosystems from pollution, oil spills, and overfishing.
- Addressing the impacts of climate change, such as rising sea levels and extreme weather events.
- Promoting sustainable use of ocean resources.
- Humanitarian and Disaster Response:
- Providing timely assistance during natural disasters like tsunamis and cyclones.
- Ensuring maritime search and rescue operations for distressed vessels and migrants.
- Diplomatic and Legal Dimensions:
- Resolving maritime boundary disputes peacefully through international laws like UNCLOS.
- Engaging in regional cooperation and joint exercises to build trust among nations.
- Combating transnational crimes through coordinated efforts with other countries.
- Technological and Cyber Security:
- Protecting maritime infrastructure from cyber-attacks and technological sabotage.
- Ensuring secure communication and navigation systems at sea.
Answered
a month ago