Maritime terrorism and trafficking in weapons of mass destruction

Abstract

Maritime terrorism and maritime-related weapons of mass destruction (WMD) proliferation pose serious risks to international peace and security and to the global economy, as 90 per cent of the world's goods travel through maritime transport. In addition to direct attacks, terrorist organizations may use maritime shipping to support their activities through weapons smuggling, human trafficking, and terrorist financing. This chapter assesses the legal and policy framework for countering maritime terrorism and maritime-related WMD proliferation, focusing especially on the tension between the freedom of navigation and maritime security. First discussing key treaty law developments to address maritime terrorism and maritime-related WMD proliferation, the chapter then examines practical measures, including improved information sharing and enhanced port security. The chapter also discusses key trends to countering these risks, including the US-led approach seeking to expand visit and boarding operations by qualifying exclusive flag State consent, the Proliferation Security Initiative, and bilateral ship-boarding agreements.