The Geopolitics of Maritime Security: Environmental Changes and Emerging Strategic Rivalries in Contested Channels

Global Journal of Peace and Conflict Studies | Vol. 6, No. 11, November 2015 | pp. 532–540

DOI: 10.46882/2015/GJPCS/000081

Article Type: Original Research Paper

Title: The Geopolitics of Maritime Security: Environmental Changes and Emerging Strategic Rivalries in Contested Channels

Names of Authors: Astrid Lindstrom¹, Min-Ho Chen²

Authors’ Affiliations: ¹Department of Political Science, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway; ²Department of International Relations, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan

Abstract: Abstract: Accelerated environmental degradation and climatic anomalies have turned historically isolated maritime regions into primary focuses for international geopolitical competition and resource exploitation. This research examines emerging security dynamics and potential resource conflicts among littoral states as new shipping lanes and hydrocarbon deposits become accessible. Utilizing strategic modeling, maritime spatial data, and policy documents from 2008 to 2014, we analyzed military infrastructure developments and maritime border claims. The empirical models confirm that the opening of seasonal shipping lanes matches a 45% increase in military deployments and naval exercises within contested exclusive economic zones. The study indicates that traditional institutional frameworks are structurally ill-equipped to handle hard security disputes, as their mandates are limited to environmental and sustainable development issues. The paper highlights that overlapping continental shelf claims could lead to localized accidents if cooperative frameworks are not expanded. We recommend establishing a binding multilateral treaty specifically addressing regional security cooperation to prevent unilateral militarization.

Keywords: Maritime Security, Strategic Rivalries, Geopolitics, Resource Exploitation, Climate Anomalies, Multilateral Treaties, Exclusive Economic Zones

Manuscript Timeline: Received: June 15, 2015; Revised: August 22, 2015; Accepted: September 29, 2015; Published: November 08, 2015

Citation: Lindstrom, A., & Chen, M. H. (2015). The Geopolitics of Maritime Security: Environmental Changes and Emerging Strategic Rivalries in Contested Channels. Global Journal of Peace and Conflict Studies, 6(11), 532–540. DOI: 10.46882/2015/GJPCS/000081

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