An Introduction
The world faces one of the most turbulent periods for Maritime Security. Whether it is attacking undersea infrastructure like the explosions on the Nord Stream pipeline (2022) or the cutting of the undersea cables in the Red Sea (2024), nations face significant challenges in protecting and assuring critical infrastructure and services.
The Regions in Conflict focuses on the following zones:
- South China Sea and the struggle to expand and control the ocean.
- The Red Sea and Gulf of Aden face struggles ranging from a resurgence of piracy and terrorism.
- The Black Sea that sees new technologies and tactics being used the Russia-Ukraine conflict.
- The Caribbean continues to suffer from criminality and piracy.
The International Association of Maritime Security Professionals (the Association) continues to monitor these different conflicts from the perspectives of both the conflict itself and the secondary impact of transnational crime.
What is clear from ongoing observation is that conflict in the maritime space is in a transformative period. This transformation is occurring on many fronts, including (1) the expansion of the conflict to involve commercial shipping or operations to a greater extent, (2) the further expansion of military applications inside “cyberspace”, (3) the adoption of technologies that create an increasingly asymmetric environment, and (4) the adoption of new techniques and tactics.
While many have approached the concept of regions in conflict as being a “Navy” issue, this is no longer the case. Attacks on infrastructure, such as the 2022 Nord Stream pipeline sabotage, the 2024 damage to undersea cables in the Red Sea, and the disruption of satellite-based technology have blurred the line between military and civilian issues. The attacks on shipping by Houthi rebels in Yemen cast thoughts back to the 1980s tanker wars (Iran/Iraq) that saw commercial shipping at increased risk as a result of conflicts.
The Association does not take political sides in its operations. Still, it does limit its involvement with parties that may be involved in actions that would be considered contrary to the good governance of the sea or international stability.