The United Nations Institute for Disarmament Research (UNIDIR) has recently launched its own workstream on maritime security research. Through this new area of research, UNIDIR seeks to (1) promote common understandings around contemporary and future maritime security challenges, and (2) provide innovative policy solutions for a more secure, sustainable, and predictable ocean environment in support of international peace and security.
Contemporary societies are more dependent on the sea than ever before. Global trade, supply chains, energy, communication, and the green energy transition all require a safe and secure marine environment. Yet, the combination of geopolitical tensions, armed conflict, crime, terrorism, as well as pollution and climate change, poses significant threats not only to the opportunities of the blue economy but also to the general health and safety of the marine environment. These threats can amplify social, economic, and political pressures. While new technologies offer important solutions, they also introduce new risks.
Read more on the new workstream and its upcoming activities in our commentary Navigating the Depths: Unravelling the Complexity of Contemporary Maritime Security.