Executive Summary
This paper advocates for strengthened cooperation within the Quad—comprising Australia, India, Japan, and the United States—on maritime security and climate change, issues intertwined in the Indo-Pacific region. Climate change intensifies existing maritime threats, such as illegal fishing, piracy, and natural disasters, necessitating a collective, multilateral response among regional powers.
The Quad’s approach to non-traditional security offers a framework for addressing these connected challenges, providing a foundation to streamline programs that can effectively enhance security in the region. By focusing on these interrelated issues, the partnership could dispel criticisms regarding its effectiveness and shift towards operational outcomes that address regional needs.
Policy Recommendations
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Joint Maritime Security and Climate Change Dialogue: A collaborative dialogue involving working groups from the Quad and regional organizations like ASEAN and the Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) should be initiated to tackle maritime security and climate-related security challenges collectively.
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Establish Quad Coast Guard Meetings: These meetings aim to enhance cooperation among coast guards from Quad nations, facilitating a coordinated approach to maritime security issues, including illegal fishing and environmental protection, which are exacerbated by climate change.
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Expand Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) Exercises: Inclusion of regional organizations in Quad HADR tabletop exercises will ensure a comprehensive response to disasters, while fostering collaborative practices among affected states.
Introduction
The Indo-Pacific is recognized as the most climate-vulnerable region globally. Climate change compounds existing security concerns, such as resource scarcity and political instability, leading to an increase in piracy and transnational crime. The Quad has historical roots in disaster response, as illustrated in its coordinated efforts during the 2004 Indian Ocean Tsunami, which highlighted the necessity for a coordinated maritime and environmental security approach.
Current Quad Initiatives and Criticisms
The Quad’s working groups focus on various non-traditional security threats, yet the expansive agenda has generated criticism for being ineffective—a ‘talk shop.’ Particularly, the COVID-19 vaccine initiative fell short, showcasing the need for a more focused approach.
To be effective, the Quad must capitalize on its strengths in climate and maritime security, while acknowledging the interconnections between diverse issues, such as health and infrastructure resilience. The alignment of these priorities can streamline and make Quad initiatives more impactful.
Recommendations in Detail
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Joint Dialogue on Maritime and Climate Security: Involving regional organizations will leverage local knowledge for greater effectiveness and promote inclusive decision-making.
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Quad Coast Guard Coordination: Reinforcing the role of coast guards will strengthen mutual capacities to address threats effectively, ensuring that coordination aligns with national strategies on climate and maritime security.
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Broadening HADR Exercises: Including regional partners in HADR drills aligns with the realities of climate impacts that often cross boundaries, fostering more successful collaborations during disasters.
Conclusion
The Quad has a unique opportunity to reinforce its legitimacy by addressing the intertwined challenges of climate change and maritime security effectively. By narrowing its focus and incorporating regional partnerships, the Quad can enhance its role in the Indo-Pacific, demonstrating its commitment to delivering public goods that address vital regional needs. Implementing these recommendations will not only strengthen the Quad’s positions in maritime climate security but also contribute to the broader resilience of the Indo-Pacific community against climate threats.
