Chapter Two American Maritime Security Policy and Strategy

Abstract

A major focus of the U.S. maritime security effort is strengthening international norms and legal regimes. National Security Presidential Directive (NSPD)-41, Maritime Security Policy, was the highest U.S. outline of American interests in maritime security. The policy established guidelines to enhance U.S. national security and homeland security interests in the oceans, which were broadly defined to include littoral seas and inland waterways. Maritime Security Interagency Policy Committee (MSIPC) is a functional policy coordinating committee that implements and refines NSPD-41, executing American strategy relating to maritime security. The 2005 National Strategy for Maritime Security (NSMS) was released in September 2005 and, even after the release of Presidential Policy Directive (PPD)-8, remains the capstone U.S. document for maritime security under the National Security Strategy. The NSMS sets forth the relationship between the worldwide maritime domain and broader themes of U.S. national security.Keywords:American maritime security policy; cooperative strategy; global supply chain security; homeland security; national security strategy