RISKS AND THREATS IN THE 21ST CENTURY MARITIME SECURITY

Demetrios N.  Tsailas

Demetrios N. Tsailas Senior Research Fellow at the Institute for National and International Security ( INIS)

Keywords: maritime security, maritime strategy, conflict, terrorism, illegal migration, piracy, maritime power, naval power

Abstract

Original Research

DOI: https://doi.org/10.37458/ssj.6.1.7

The complexity and fragmentation of maritime security efforts stem from a range of overlapping national, regional, and international interests, legal frameworks, and operational priorities. As maritime security encompasses a broad array of issues—such as piracy, illegal fishing, smuggling, environmental protection, and territorial disputes—it involves a diverse set of actors, including national navies, coast guards, international organizations, regional bodies, and private sector players. Each of these actors often has its own unique goals, approaches, and priorities, which may not always align. A major challenge is that states prioritize different threats depending on factors like their geographic location, economic reliance on maritime trade, and political agendas. For instance, a nation bordering key shipping lanes may focus on anti-piracy operations, while a coastal state facing extensive illegal fishing might prioritize environmental and resource protection. As a result, these varying priorities can lead to fragmented security efforts, where coordination is inconsistent and often reactive rather than proactive. Additionally, the globalized nature of maritime activities means that crises, often drive short-term, ad-hoc responses. These actions, while critical in addressing immediate threats, often lack a long-term, coherent strategy. In essence, while global interconnectedness in trade, energy, and security demands a coordinated maritime security approach, conflicting national interests, legal disputes, and the reactive nature of current security frameworks often hinder the creation of a unified and strategic global maritime security framework.

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