Maritime Governance as an Instrument of National Security: A New Perspective for DHS and the U.S. Coast Guard

Abstract

“Whosoever commands the sea commands the trade; whosoever commands the trade of the world commands the riches of the world, and consequently the world itself.” Sir Walter Raleigh's statement from 1616 still applies today. Ninety percent of global trade travels over the oceans, including two-thirds of the world's oil. But “command of trade” is not accomplished solely through offensive operations to establish sea lines of communication and then defensive patrols to keep them open. Trade is lost to disaster, accident, negligence, and theft; trade rife with fraud and smuggling and trade impeded by unregulated activities disrupt prosperity as much as trade taken by an enemy, privateer, or pirate. Thus, to fully command trade, “whosoever” must also govern it. This article explores the balance between instruments of governance and defense and their roles in securing national objectives, and it then discusses a practical model for the Department of Homeland Security.

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