Selective Engagement of US Naval Power in Maritime Conflicts: The Guardian of Freedom of Navigation

Abstract

Since the Second World War, the United States has deterred conflictual behaviors over maritime claims that can impede the freedom of navigation, because it is essential for maintaining its leading position in the global system. Basically, many US naval warships operating in the sea clearly shows the US intention to maintain status quo and to prevent the occurrence of any types of disruptions in disputed maritime areas. However, it does not necessarily mean that the pacifying effect of US naval power is homogeneous to all maritime claims. When considering the vast area of the sea and the limited number of US naval warships, it is impossible to deploy an equal number of naval warships to all maritime areas. Therefore, the influence of US naval power in maintaining order in the sea is conditional based on the characteristic of maritime claims which can determine the US priority to use its naval power. This research finds that when maritime claims are related to the freedom of navigation, the pacifying effect of US naval power to maintain stability in the sea is increased.