Maritime Security in and beyond Asia
Instructors
Credits / Language / Semester
2Credits / English / Winter
Objectives/Overview
This unit examines the emergence and inter-relationship of a broad range of maritime security problems in and beyond Asia. Concentrating on the post-Cold War era, the objective of this unit is to provide an understanding of traditional maritime security problems such as inter-state conflict and rivalries, and non-traditional maritime security threats, such as politically motivated violence and the activities of organized crime syndicates. Furthermore, the unit looks at national and regional responses to these security threats and assesses the success and shortcomings of security cooperation.
Keywords
maritime, security, conflict, piracy, diplomacy, crime
Schedule
The course will first offer an overview of the concepts of traditional, non-traditional and human security. This will provide an understanding of the different ways in which security threats are perceived and will form the foundation of discussions throughout this course. The remainder of the course focuses on a wide range of maritime security issues and threats and how they affect human, national and international security. The topics examined will include:
-State responses to maritime security threats. Particular attention is paid to the emergence of navies and other maritime agencies, their strengths and weaknesses, and their role in addressing national and international maritime security threats. Furthermore, it will be discussed how corruption of government forces and under/self funding of military forces affect security in and beyond Asia.
-Non-state responses to maritime security threats. The increasing role of for-profit and not-for-profit non-state actors in addressing and managing maritime security threats will be examined. Particular attention is paid to the activities of Private Military and Security Companies in the maritime sphere.
-Contested maritime boundaries and areas. Here, overlapping claims of ownership of islands and water areas will be discussed. Furthermore, it will be examined how countries from within and outside Asia as well as regional organizations such as ASEAN address this issue and manage (potential) conflicts.
-Smuggling (arms, people and drugs). This part will provide an overview of criminal organizations and transnational criminal activities. It will examine how criminal organizations, such as Chinese Triads, use the maritime sphere for the illegal transfer of goods and people and seeks to explain why such organizations pose a threat to international, national and human security.
(Scheduled for October 5, 12, 19, 26 and November 2, 9, 16)
Teaching Methods
lectures and student discussions and presentations
Grading
Two or three shorter essays and also participation in the discussions (including a short presentation)
Required Text
None.
Reference Books
None.
Notes on Taking the Course
Intensive course.