The Anarchic Sea

Description

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.

Reviews

‘[A]major reference point in the debate on how the complexity of Maritime security can be managed.’ — International Affairs

‘Dr Sloggett provides a thought-provoking analysis of the relevance of the classic theories of Alfred Mahan and Julian Corbett to today’s maritime scene, leading again to the conclusion that there are eternal verities of maritime power which we ignore at our peril. … we should heed his warning.’ — Sir Jeremy Blackham, Editor, The Naval Review.

‘The world’s oceans are a highway for world trade, a source of vital protein and the last great energy frontier. That also makes them the target for criminals, terrorists and rogue states. Dave Sloggett has done a formidable job in analysing, describing, and defining a subject that must be of interest to all those who depend on secure oceans — everyone, that is.’ — Martin Murphy, Senior Fellow, Atlantic Council of the United States and author of Somalia, the New Barbary? Piracy and Islam in the Horn of Africa

‘Sloggett has written a book all too seldom found in private security; a serious and weighty yet newsy look, with a long and international perspective.’ — Professional Security

Author(s)

Dave Sloggett, PhD, is a writer and consultant whose knowledge of counter-terrorism and counter-insurgency arises from his involvement in the development of military and law enforcement doctrine in these domains, coupled with his on-the-ground experience in conflict zones.