Maritime Security Dynamics of Archipelagic States: The Case of Maldives

Authors

  • Abdul Lateef Ali
  • Naghmana Zafar

Keywords:

Indian Ocean, Archipelagic State, Non-traditional Security, Maritime Threats

Abstract

Maldives is an archipelagic state situated in the birth place of maritime civilization- the Indian Ocean. In recent years, Maldives has seen a growing attraction towards its maritime space with the expanding economy fuelled by growing international tourism, shipping, overseas trade and fisheries. Owing to the strategic position of the country and its proximity to vital Sea Line of Communication (SLOC) that are infested with rising threats and crimes. Though Maldives does not have any territorial disputes with neighboring countries, the country is facing great challenges in dealing with narcotics, ERF and other non- traditional maritime threats especially environmental challenges. Maldives is facing various threats for her existence other than the issues faced due to climate changes. In order to meet these challenges it is proposed in this paper, the re-conceptualizing of Maldivian maritime management. An umbrella organization of Maritime Authority is proposed to synchronize the operations and information gathering of the Marine Police, Customs Services and Immigration department. Increased regional cooperation is proposed in order to tackle the collective non-traditional maritime security threats faced by the region as a whole. This paper does an extensive comparative analysis of the practices held in the regional and other archipelagic countries to draw lessons for Maldivian case study.

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Published

2022-08-25

Issue

Section

Articles