Maritime Diplomacy Research Articles

Maritime Security Diplomacy Facing the Threat of Pollution and Environmental Damage to Realize Golden Indonesia 2045

Research analysis with qualitative methods that explain the relationship between the theory of maritime diplomacy and maritime security in the discussion. The correlation of Indonesian environmental law and international environmental law in the understanding between countries which is the basis for acting between countries so that there are safe limits and do not violate international or domestic Indonesian agreements. The discussion refers to the development of maritime diplomacy by analyzing the threat of pollution and environmental damage experienced by Indonesia. The results of research that takes environmental problems including pollution, wastewater that have occurred provide an overview of the threat of pollution and environmental damage that can arise from various sources, including pollution, climate change, deforestation, and unsustainable exploitation of natural resources.

Malaysia’s “Triadic Maritime Diplomacy” Strategy in the South China Sea

The importance of safeguarding Malaysia’s Kasawari gas field in the South China Sea has reoriented Malaysia’s maritime diplomatic strategies vis-à-vis China’s growing assertiveness in this semi-enclosed sea. China’s increased sea infringements through its coast guards and maritime constabulary forces have led Malaysia to adopt what this article coins as “triadic maritime diplomacy,” a combination of coercive, persuasive, and co-operative maritime diplomacy. Malaysia’s maritime diplomatic strategies thus act more as a set of contradictory policies rather than a decisive attempt to defend Malaysia’s sovereignty at sea. This article engages in qualitative inquiry to address two central empirical questions: Firstly, how has Malaysia managed the delicate balance between safeguarding its sovereignty at sea and maintaining close economic ties with China? Secondly, what accounts for Malaysia’s persistent “downplaying” stance despite the escalating intrusions around the Luconia Shoals, particularly concerning the Kasawari gas field? The findings of this study reveal three key aspects: Firstly, Malaysia’s prioritization of developing the Kasawari gas field has necessitated the adoption of seemingly contradictory policies, employing coercive maritime measures utilizing its naval assets while simultaneously adopting rhetoric that downplays crises. Secondly, Malaysia’s maritime diplomacy can be aptly characterized as “triadic” strategies, encompassing the adoption of coercive, persuasive, and co-operative approaches. Lastly, these seemingly inconsistent policies are a strategic response aimed at accommodating both immediate and prospective economic opportunities involving China, all while signaling its nonaligned stance to major global powers.

The Role of Non-State Actors in Maritime Diplomacy: International Organizations and NGOs in Resolving Maritime Disputes

The escalating complexities of maritime disputes necessitate a nuanced examination of the evolving role of non-state actors in maritime diplomacy. This research delves into the conceptualization of non-state actors in international relations, with a primary focus on the roles played by international organizations and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) in resolving maritime disputes. Employing qualitative research methods using secondary data, this study draws on existing literature to analyze the conceptual frameworks, roles of international organizations in conflict resolution, contributions of NGOs to maritime diplomacy, and factors influencing the effectiveness of non-state actors in dispute resolution. Findings illuminate the multifaceted nature of non-state actors, showcasing their diverse contributions to diplomatic efforts, from mediation and conflict prevention to post-conflict reconstruction. This research contributes novel insights by synthesizing existing knowledge on non-state actors in the context of maritime diplomacy and providing a comprehensive understanding of their impact on global and regional maritime governance. The study's findings inform policymakers, scholars, and practitioners engaged in maritime diplomacy, shedding light on the intricate dynamics that shape the effectiveness of non-state actors in addressing maritime challenges. Keywords: conflict resolution, international organizations, maritime diplomacy, NGOs, non-state actors

Maritime Diplomacy and Regional Cooperation Mechanisms: Insights from the Black Sea and Bay of Bengal

This article conducts a comparative analysis of maritime diplomacy in the Black Sea and Bay of Bengal, focusing on the challenges and strategies of regional cooperation mechanisms like the Black Sea Economic Cooperation Organization (BSEC) and the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC). It explores the unique geopolitical contexts of these maritime regions, addressing issues such as territorial disputes, resource competition, piracy and environmental concerns. The study examines the influence of external powers, including Russia, the EU, China and the USA, and their impact on regional dynamics. Utilizing a comparative analysis approach, the study examines the geopolitical dynamics, roles and effectiveness of BSEC and BIMSTEC in promoting economic integration, security collaboration and crisis response, along with the influence of external powers on these dynamics. The findings reveal the pivotal roles of both organizations in addressing maritime challenges, despite facing issues like economic disparity among members and geopolitical tensions. Key initiatives like joint naval exercises and security agreements have been effective in enhancing regional maritime security and stability. The study concludes by highlighting the need for strengthening organizational frameworks, enhancing transparency and integrating environmental considerations into maritime diplomacy, considering emerging trends like cybersecurity and the increasing role of non-traditional actors.

India’s Maritime Diplomacy: SAGAR Policy as Focal Point

India’s Maritime Diplomacy: SAGAR Policy as Focal Point

The Quandary of Resolving Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated (IUU) Fishing Cases: Navigating the Crossroads of Judicial Processes and Maritime Diplomacy

The Quandary of Resolving Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated (IUU) Fishing Cases: Navigating the Crossroads of Judicial Processes and Maritime Diplomacy

Maritime Cooperation in the Indian Ocean Region: India's Diplomatic Engagement with its Neighbours

This review paper delves into India's diplomatic efforts within the Indian Ocean Region (IOR), particularly focusing on its maritime engagement with neighbouring countries. By examining both bilateral and multilateral initiatives, the paper aims to uncover how these endeavours have contributed to cooperation, security enhancement, and economic development in the region. Through case studies and empirical analysis, it scrutinizes the trajectory of India's maritime interactions with nations like Sri Lanka, Maldives, Bangladesh, and Myanmar. Moreover, it sheds light on crucial areas of collaboration, hurdles faced, and prospects for deeper cooperation. This comprehensive analysis offers valuable insights into India's evolving role and relationships in the IOR, providing a nuanced understanding of its maritime diplomacy.

New Trends of Indonesia’s Foreign Policy Under President Joko Widodo in The First Period

President Joko Widodo inherited many domestic and foreign political problems and opportunities inherited from the previous President. This article aims to analyze Indonesia's foreign policy during the first term of President Joko Widodo. This research is qualitative research that utilizes data to find solutions to problems based on existing social realities using scientific methods. The findings are that the Indonesian government under President Joko Widodo has carried out foreign cooperation, especially focusing on the pillars of security and peace, economic and maritime diplomacy, protection of Indonesian citizens and legal entities abroad as well as ASEAN cooperation to strengthen Indonesia as the world's maritime axis. Apart from that, cooperation with various countries in East Asia focuses on economic opportunities and infrastructure development, especially from China and South Korea. This tendency will give rise to rivalry in the East Asia region, making it difficult to build a strong regional organization that is needed for harmonious ASEAN-East Asia cooperation because these two regions are close together.

Blue Economy Initiatives and India's Maritime Diplomacy: Exploring New Frontiers for Economic Growth

This review paper delves into India's burgeoning emphasis on blue economy initiatives, presenting a fresh perspective within its maritime diplomacy framework. The analysis traverses through policy frameworks, bilateral agreements, and regional partnerships, dissecting India's endeavours to effectively harness marine resources in a sustainable manner. It scrutinizes initiatives aimed at promoting maritime trade and investment, while concurrently accentuating the imperative of enhancing ocean governance structures. Furthermore, the paper elucidates on the potential ramifications of India's blue economy endeavours, particularly in fostering regional cooperation among neighbouring nations. By addressing common challenges prevalent in the maritime domain, India's initiatives not only aim at bolstering economic growth but also aspire to serve as a catalyst for broader regional collaboration. Additionally, the paper underscores the strategic significance of India's blue economy pursuits within the Indo-Pacific region, highlighting how they align with and contribute to India's broader geopolitical interests in the area. In essence, this paper offers a comprehensive exploration of India's evolving approach towards blue economy initiatives, shedding light on their multifaceted implications for sustainable development, regional cooperation, and strategic positioning in the maritime domain.

Maritime Diplomacy in Realizing the Vision of Golden Indonesia 2045 through the Concept of World Maritime Axis

Indonesia plays an important role in global maritime dynamics. The maritime sector is critical to international trade and regional security. The concept of the World Maritime Axis has been introduced as the basis for Indonesia's maritime development. The Golden Indonesia Vision 2045 is Indonesia's long-term roadmap to become a major economic power. It focuses on the optimal use of the maritime sector, with maritime diplomacy playing an important role in achieving this vision. This article examines the research objectives to answer the main question: "How do the projections and strategies of maritime diplomacy contribute to the achievement of Indonesia's Golden Vision 2045 through the World Maritime Axis Concept?". This study uses a qualitative approach to examine the projected achievement of the Golden Indonesia Vision 2045 through the concept of the World Maritime Axis. The data collection technique is a comprehensive literature review, including government policy documents, international reports, and relevant academic publications. Data analysis was conducted using content analysis techniques to identify, analyze and report patterns (themes) in the data. The research findings show that Indonesia must navigate shifts in global power competition. Indonesia's maritime diplomacy will play an important role in optimizing maritime resources for national and international interests. To strengthen these efforts, a strong defense and security posture is needed amidst regional dynamics.

Tread with caution: Vietnam’s retaliatory and deference measures vis-à-vis assertiveness at sea

ABSTRACT As a claimant state to the South China Sea, Vietnam is known to be decisive in safeguarding its maritime territorial claims. In order to be consistent with its echoed rules-based order in the South China Sea and its defense policy of non-alignment, this study argues that Vietnam's responses vis-à-vis China's assertiveness at sea have been through the employment of divergent maritime diplomatic strategies of retaliation and deference vis-à-vis China. This study concludes; Vietnam primarily employs civilian maritime hard power assets to showcase its active presence at sea to secure recognition of its contemporary maritime capabilities; Vietnam engages in limited-coercive maritime diplomacy through its maritime constabulary forces to indicate Vietnam's decisiveness in its maritime claims; and Vietnam's co-operative maritime diplomacy is through the conduct of joint exercises and training, and goodwill visits, with its strategic partners in Southeast Asia and broader Indo-Pacific region. It concludes that Vietnam is treading with caution with the US to deter producing signals of engaging closer with the US, which can cause elevated tensions at sea. This explanatory empirical research utilizes data from AMTI and relevant secondary sources between 2010-2022 and adopts the theoretical framework of Le Miere's tripartite typology of maritime diplomacy.

ROLE OF MARITIME STRATEGY IN RUSSIAN FOREIGN POLICY: A CASE STUDY OF BLACK SEA

Russia is using the Black Sea as a diplomatic tool in its foreign policy to achieve its maritime and foreign policy objectives, which are also linked with the country's strategic culture. This research investigates the significance of the Black Sea in Russia's Maritime Strategy for achieving its foreign policy objectives by using the balance of interest theory. This research employs two conceptual schemas. Firstly, with the help of maritime diplomacy, it analyses a tool to achieve foreign policy objectives in the waters. Secondly, the research uses the concept of strategic culture, which helps explore the diplomatic importance of the Black Sea in Russian foreign policy through the perspective of history and attitudes of decision-makers. This research highlights the case of the Black Sea for Russian maritime strategy, which also has a great economic significance for the region and world. It also highlights the importance of the Black Sea in the Russian maritime doctrine (2022) and links between maritime strategic culture and foreign policy objectives. It concludes that Russia is successfully pursuing its cooperative, coercive, and persuasive maritime diplomacy in the Black Sea region by providing humanitarian assistance, blocking Ukrainian access, and operating a stronghold at Sevastopol port as its naval base. In conclusion, this paper argues that strategic culture plays a vital role in employing the three diplomatic dimensions for achieving maritime objectives in the Black Sea. Bibliography Entry Fatima Sherazi, Anees. 2023. "Role of Maritime Strategy in Russian Foreign Policy: A Case Study of Black Sea." Margalla Papers 27 (2): 115-124.

PROGRESS AND PROSPECTS: PRESIDENT JOKOWI’S MARITIME DIPLOMACY AND GLOBAL MARITIME FULCRUM

When President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo first came into power in 2014, he introduced his vision and commitment of transforming Indonesia into a global maritime fulcrum (GMF), highlighting the notion as his first grand strategy of his administration’s foreign policy. President Jokowi promoted the concept in multiple international meetings abroad, in which his foreign minister, Retno Marsudi, echoed the same ideas to various international dignitaries. President Jokowi’s administration even took it further by codifying the vision in 2017 through a Presidential Regulation on National Sea Policy. However, when President Jokowi took oath for a second term in 2019, it seems there have been less enthusiasm from himself and his newly sworn in administration regarding the grand strategy. This is shown with even the words surrounding the grand strategy have not been mentioned by the president or his ministers. Even though President Jokowi and his administration have not been blatant regarding the global maritime vision, the concept is still very much relevant and viable for such a vast archipelagic nation like Indonesia. The first term of Jokowi’s presidency has shown efforts of implementation of the GMF concept, but various limitations in economic, security, and foreign policy aspects have halted the progress. Maritime diplomacy is still a very important concern that President Jokowi must push before leaving office and will be an important legacy for his successor to build upon in the next administration. Despite that economic transformation and recovery have been the priority of President Jokowi’s second term administration, it withholds the potential of Indonesia if a wider spectrum of maritime strategy is not brought forward. Indonesia holds the capacity to become a global maritime power and it is unjust to the nation if the country does not hold the steering wheel of maritime influence in the region. The GMF may have not been the strongest starting point, but neither should the concept be dismissed completely. It could always be built on with a more comprehensive and systematic strategy in order to reach the same means. Though the current state of the GMF lies more on the side of rhetoric, the materialization of the idea should not be a halted relay at the current administration. Bridging the progress of the GMF with the prospects that it holds in the future should be brought upon in the transition of power when Indonesia elects its next president in 2024.
 Keywords: Global Maritime Fulcrum, Maritime Diplomacy, Foreign Policy, Jokowi, Indonesia

Deciphering the maritime diplomatic properties of Malaysia's oil and gas explorations in the South China Sea

Studies in maritime diplomacy have treated the development of oil and gas explorations in the South China Sea as taken-for-granted events. On the contrary, this study argues that assessing the maritime diplomatic properties inherent in energy reserve explorations can reveal unique insights, motivations, and significance of maritime diplomatic events. It assesses Malaysia's oil and gas explorations in the Luconia Shoals, informed by the analytical framework of Le Mière's maritime diplomatic properties. Utilizing secondary data from the Asian Maritime Transparency Initiative between 2020 and 2023 related to Malaysia's oil and gas project developments in the Luconia Shoals, this article concludes that the maritime diplomatic events consist of the following characteristics: (1) pre-emptive and sustainment, underlining Malaysia's long-term plan of fulfilling the growing domestic energy demand, (2) explicitness of the messages transmitted to Chinese officials in order to repel any possibilities of adversaries misconstruing Malaysia's actions at sea, and (3) moderate kinetic effect due to the lethal weaponry at the disposal of the hard power assets deployed to handle occurring crisis. Evaluation of Malaysia's maritime diplomatic properties also reveals two worrying conclusions: (1) the existence of reactive events, which can cause disruptions at sea due to the lack of planning related to the actions taken by the Royal Malaysian Navy, and (2) asymmetrical power relations between China and Malaysia, predicted to cause China to continue its power projections at sea and aggravate Malaysian policymakers.

Dampak Pelaksanaan Multilateral Naval Exercise Komodo Terhadap Diplomasi Maritim Indonesia

Multilateral Naval Exercise Komodo (MNEK) is Indonesia's concrete effort to strengthen maritime diplomacy and the role of the Indonesian Navy (TNI AL) in the context of international relations. MNEK has been implemented four times starting from 2014 to 2023. MNEK is an active diplomatic initiative to build bilateral and multilateral relations, increase preparedness, and strengthen cooperation in responding to natural and humanitarian disasters. In its series of preparations, MNEK involves planning stages, namely the Initial Planning Conference (IPC), Middle Planning Conference (MPC), and Final Planning Conference (FPC), and involves the participation of various countries united in efforts to overcome common challenges. The implementation of MNEK has had a positive impact on Indonesia's maritime diplomacy by building trust building, strengthening a positive image, and making Indonesia a key player in global maritime cooperation.

Dampak Kerja Sama Jepang-Filipina Terhadap Keamanan Maritim Jepang

Japan and the Philippines are countries rich in history, culture, and natural wealth closely tied to the sea. Japan has engaged in maritime diplomacy with the Philippines in the realm of security. Maritime security cooperation between the two nations forms the foundation for collaboration in the management of marine resources, cultural exchanges, economics, and maritime security. The objective of this research is to examine the impacts that can result from Japan-Philippines cooperation on Japan's maritime security. This research employs a mixed-methodology to elucidate the scope and impacts stemming from Japan-Philippines cooperation on Japan's maritime security. The research findings demonstrate that the impact of Japan-Philippines cooperation on maritime security provides critical access and plays a vital role in strengthening regional security in the area. Success in achieving assured maritime security conditions has positive effects on Japan in various sectors, especially in the trade sector. This leads to an increase in trust and facilitates smooth trade activities in the maritime region due to guaranteed maritime security. This approach reflects Japan's commitment to being more proactive in upholding global maritime security and collaborating with its regional partners to achieve shared prosperity and peace in the region and the world.

Maritime Digital Diplomacy: Legal Revitalization and Reform of Modern and Solutive Diplomacy

The existence of international politics and the foreign policy processes of a country has changed since the presence of the internet as a form of digitalization. The internet changed the practice of diplomacy and relations between countries. The Internet of Things is provided for all sectors. This also changes the dimension of diplomacy to digital diplomacy. Digital diplomacy cannot replace face-to-face diplomacy, but it still exists, and its needs will continue to increase. Digital diplomacy has also not been accommodated in the 1961 Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations, even though the development of diplomacy is very dynamic, along with the many disputes that arise between countries. Disputes between countries that often arise are disputes in the maritime sector. Therefore, maritime diplomacy is needed in resolving disputes in the maritime sector, considering that one of Indonesia's maritime axes. This research is normative juridical research that uses qualitative methods with statute and conceptual approach. The result of this research is that maritime digital diplomacy has a position as a means of communication and political negotiation, which is important for defending and fighting for national interests. Indonesia needs maritime digital diplomacy as a medium to fight for national interests and strategic issues in the maritime sector. A modern and solutive revitalization and legal reform of diplomacy is needed in order to establish good relations between countries.

The Use Of Mediation In Maritime And Fisheries Dispute Resolution

AbstractThe sea is one of the boundaries between countries and is one of the sources of income and life of a nation, Marine Management provides benefits that are so great that all parties orcountries want to explore and exploit these resources, including the high seas, so thatsometimes it causes disputes between partiesincluding between countries in carrying outits management. Disputes that occur can be resolved nationally or internationally,depending on the parties to the dispute in it. Internationally, the settlement of fisheriesdisputes that occur at sea can be resolved peacefully between the two parties, but if apeaceful agreement between the parties cannot be reached , then the procedure forresolving fisheries disputes at sea can be done by mediation methods, namely cooperativemaritime diplomacy, persuasive maritime diplomacy and coercive maritime diplomacy.Keywords: Alternative Dispute Resolution, Marine, Fisheries

Indonesian Maritime Diplomacy

This article discusses why the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA) is significant for Indonesia and how Indonesia plays a strategic role in IORA to realize national interests and advance its vision as the World Maritime Axis? In answering these questions, we build arguments based on Christian Le Miere's theory of maritime diplomacy and Helen Milner's theory of international cooperation. The argument in this article consists of two things. First, IORA is very significant for Indonesia because the organization has a common vision with Indonesia's national interest. Second, in order to achieve this goal, the Indonesian government utilizes cooperative and persuasive maritime diplomacy as a means of enhancing international cooperation. This is demonstrated by Indonesia's involvement in encouraging negotiations and facilitating cooperation in the IORA forum. This is also reinforced by Indonesia's election as chair of IORA for the period 2015 to 2017 as a manifestation of Indonesia's existence as a maritime country in the international arena.

Evolution of Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (quad) in Changing the Dynamics of India-China Relations

Quad is an important factor for India’s strategic interest towards China. India and China have different aspects towards the maritime diplomacy of Indo-Pacific and Indian Ocean Region.