Creating an Analytical Framework: Maritime Security, Risk and Vulnerability

Abstract

Traditional and contemporary concepts of maritime security are explored, along with concepts of risk and vulnerability, as they apply to strategic analysis. A brief epistemological scan supports the development of a conceptual basis for understanding the nexus between security, risk and vulnerability. The emerging convergence between security and risk, as normative concepts, is identified. Theoretical constructs are drawn together to develop a composite framework with practical applications for complex international security contexts. A universal definition of maritime security is proposed that includes traditional and non-traditional security challenges and encompasses notions of risk and vulnerability. Common theoretical bases and workable definitions likely to be acceptable to the majority of actors are necessary precursors to practical collective and cooperative maritime security advancement in the Indian Ocean.