Addressing Challenges in the Maritime Commons 2018

On September 24, 2018, NBR’s John M. Shalikashvili Chair in National Security Studies hosted “Addressing Challenges in the Maritime Commons,” a public discussion on the global challenges that navies face in today’s maritime realm. The event, which featured a panel of international navy chiefs, highlighted the maritime security situation in the Indo-Pacific and the Atlantic Ocean as today’s navies adapt to a diverse range of threats.

Audio

Speakers

Moderator
Admiral Jonathan W. Greenert (ret.), 30th Chief of Naval Operations, U.S. Navy; Shali Chair in National Security Studies, NBR

Panelists

Admiral Eduardo Bacellar Leal Ferreira, Commander of the Navy, Brazilian Navy

Rear Admiral John Martin, Chief of Navy, Royal New Zealand Navy

Admiral Bill Moran, Vice Chief of Naval Operations, U.S. Navy

Vice Admiral Michael Noonan, Chief of Navy, Royal Australian Navy

Admiral Tomohisa Takei (ret.), 32nd Chief of Staff, Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force; Distinguished International Fellow, U.S. Naval War College

Left to right: Admiral Tomohisa Takei, Vice Admiral Michael Noonan, Admiral Eduardo Bacellar Leal Ferreira, Rear Admiral John Martin, Admiral Bill Moran, and Admiral Jonathan Greenert.

Event Background

Navies around the world continue to face significant challenges to global maritime security—challenges that are likely to continue into the foreseeable future. Conflicting sovereignty claims in the East and South China Seas continue to be two of the primary security issues in the Indo-Pacific. The stability of the Indo-Pacific and the protection of some of the world’s busiest trade routes will depend a great deal on the ability of regional powers to manage these disputes and maintain maritime security. Across the world’s littoral regions, persistent environmental degradation creates a greater demand for humanitarian assistance and disaster relief missions—straining the capacity of maritime forces, but also driving greater partnership. Additionally, maritime security is critical to stemming the flow of illegal drug trafficking. Given the predominance of these and other challenges, as well as the current state of geopolitical flux, strengthening security will require enhanced cooperation and the sharing of best practices between navies.

(Banner: DoD photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Paul Kelly, U.S. Navy/ Released)