8. Prospects for Collective and Cooperative Maritime Security in the Indian Ocean Region

The objectives of regional and extra-regional actors in the Indian Ocean region (IOR) converge at sea. The sea lines of communication are the world’s most important. In the medium term, the oceanic environment impacted by climate change generates the greatest security challenges. Massive humanitarian and ecological crises will overwhelm adaptation and response capacities. Procrastination will result in unmitigated disasters beyond current experience, with significant maritime security consequences. A proposed way ahead is to conceptualize the IOR as an integrated maritime system in which participants have mutual objectives threatened by common risks and shared vulnerabilities. Evidence from risk-based approaches can identify opportunities and actions for cooperative and collective maritime security. Appropriately resourced policy-level strategic risk assessments, combined with strong leadership and political will, are required.