SEA TRADE AND SECURITY: AN ASSESSMENT OF THE POST-9/11 REACTION

This paper outlines the threats against and vulnerabilities of the sea-trade system; describes the international and US response; discusses gaps that have not been adequately addressed and issues that are not yet resolved; and concludes that many security goals cannot be met without relying on others to retrofit security into the complex systems that are the basis of world economic well-being. The current effort directed by HSPD 13/NSPD41 to develop an integrated national strategy for maritime security, under the cognizance of the National Security Council and the Homeland Security Council, recognizes both the strategic importance of maritime security issues and the need to involve a wide range of government agencies in addressing a strategic response to these issues. The government is trying to integrate homeland security with homeland defense and national security. This attempt to develop new strategies using Cold War structures and conceptual frameworks may be unworkable. It remains to be seen whether new approaches are required.