The maritime security landscape in Southeast Asia has become increasingly intricate, driven by enhanced state capabilities, rising cooperation among stakeholders, and the emergence of new threats coupled with the evolution of existing ones. To unpack these dynamics, the S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies (RSIS) Maritime Security Programme convened a roundtable of experts to examine how maritime threats are changing across the region.
This workshop is the third in a series that previously addressed conceptualizations of maritime security and the roles of stakeholders within this realm. Thirteen experts presented their insights on various maritime threats in Southeast Asia, including how these challenges have changed over the past two decades, the governance mechanisms employed to tackle these threats, and the harm they pose to regional stability and security.
The roundtable explored twelve different maritime threats, including interstate disputes, piracy, illegal fishing, climate change-induced disasters, and cyber-attacks, with the following key themes identified:
- Evolution of Threats: Over the past 20 years, maritime threats have transformed significantly. For instance, while efforts to combat illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing have shown initial success, they have also uncovered deeper issues such as forced labor in the fishing industry.
- Governance Mechanisms: Experts discussed various governance tools states utilize to respond to maritime threats. These include regional cooperation frameworks, which, while beneficial, often reveal gaps in managing issues that transcend national boundaries.
- Impact on Stakeholders: The threats discussed carry significant consequences for regional stakeholders, such as economic instability, humanitarian crises (like irregular migration), and security challenges rooted in territorial disputes.
- Maritime Awareness: Developing maritime domain awareness has been crucial in addressing these threats. Enhanced awareness allows for better monitoring and response capabilities, although the COVID-19 pandemic has strained resources, complicating enforcement and monitoring efforts.
- Collaborative Solutions: Many maritime threats are transnational, calling for enhanced cooperation among Southeast Asian nations. A unified approach is essential to manage not only traditional threats like piracy but also more recent challenges such as climate-induced disasters and cyber threats.
The roundtable highlighted the need for a coordinated regional response to these threats. The interconnected nature of the maritime challenges necessitates a comprehensive and collective strategy among Southeast Asian states to bolster resilience and security in the region. Current trajectories suggest that while initial successes in addressing maritime security challenges are promising, they can unearth new problems. Establishing stronger regional cooperation frameworks and practical solutions will be crucial to maintaining maritime security in Southeast Asia amidst a shifting threat landscape.
