Abstract
A discussion of maritime security in Southeast Asia focuses on the struggle against piracy/sea robbery & efforts to resolve maritime territorial/boundary disputes. The recent increase in piracy & sea robbery incidents has resulted in a disagreement between the US & regional countries over the root causes. Factors that contribute to the problem are examined, along with concerns that terrorists might join pirate gangs; the role of the US & other external powers; & efforts to improve maritime security through regional cooperation like the implementation of trilateral coordinated naval patrols by Indonesia, Malaysia, & Singapore. As the result of cooperative efforts of regional states complemented by capacity-building support from external powers, the maritime security situation in Southeast Asia has improved significantly since 2004. A review of territorial & boundary disputes highlights the complicated South China Sea conflict between China & several Association of Southeast Asian Nations members. It is concluded that the future prospects for maritime security in Southeast Asia depend on a continuation of enhanced regional & international cooperation.
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