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RUSI Journal Radio

S4E4: Strategic Trends in Maritime Security

Jun 10, 2024
Tim Edmunds, a Professor of International Security and Director of the Global Insecurities Centre at the University of Bristol, sheds light on the evolving nature of maritime security shaped by geopolitical shifts and climate change. He discusses the dual role of conflict and collaboration in maritime security, highlighting threats like terrorism alongside international cooperative efforts. Edmunds also examines Arctic security challenges presented by melting ice and the impact of ocean industrialization, calling for enhanced global coordination to navigate these pressing issues.
44:13

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Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • Maritime security is evolving due to increasing ocean industrialization and emerging threats like piracy and political extremism.
  • The UK's National Strategy for Maritime Security emphasizes a holistic approach that integrates cyber security, environmental protection, and inter-agency collaboration.

Deep dives

The Evolving Strategic Landscape of Maritime Security

The current strategic picture of maritime security has been shaped by both persistent and emerging challenges. Key structural changes include the increasing industrialization of ocean space, highlighted by significant growth in shipping and fishing activities over recent decades. By comparing figures such as the rise in containerized cargo from 102 million tons in 1980 to 1.3 billion tons in 2017, it becomes evident that human activity at sea is accelerating. Concurrently, various threats such as piracy, maritime terrorism, and political extremism are complicating this landscape, necessitating a comprehensive understanding of how these dynamics interact.

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