The Anarchic Sea: Maritime Security in the Twenty-First Century

Abstract

Maritime security covers many issues including disputes over ownership of the continental shelf and of the boundaries of Exclusive Economic Zones, as well as protecting citizens from ballistic missile attacks using sea-based platforms and the introduction of non-native marine species to new aquatic habitats. Loss of key habitats and species may harm tourism and the wider economy while illegal fishing and smuggling often degrade the maritime environment. Nor should we forget that the sea is a favoured means of transit for trans-national terrorist and criminal groups, and smuggling of drugs, people and weapons remains a perennial concern for governments and their agencies trying to police the seas. Even today, however, the threat of conventional naval warfare has not receded entirely: rivalries over the ownership of the continental shelf, in areas such as the Spratley and Paracel Islands and the Lomonosov Ridge, could well be the harbinger of future conflict. Securing access to an ever-dwindling source of oil and gas may also threaten conflict on a worldwide basis as navies confront each other to secure economically vital sea lanes of communications in a time when energy security concerns are high on political the political agenda. Sloggett's book deals with this fascinating range of issues in a comprehensive manner also provides a blueprint for the development of maritime security, an integrated solution based around creating accurate and timely maritime domain awareness and sharing this with both military and commercial users of the sea.

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