A network maritime security approach to intelligence sharing in the IOR. Issue 3 (2nd September 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Barnes, Jamal; Baldino, Daniel
• Is Part Of: Journal of the Indian Ocean region. Volume 14:Issue 3(2018)
• Page Start: 315
• Page End: 330
• Publication Date: 2018-09-02
• Subjects: Intelligence co-operation -- maritime security -- network analysis -- Indo-Pacific -- counter-terrorism; Indian Ocean Region -- Politics and government -- Periodicals; Indian Ocean Region -- Strategic aspects -- Periodicals; Indian Ocean Region -- Periodicals; Politics and government; Strategic aspects of individual places; Indian Ocean Region; Periodicals; 320.91824
• DOI: 10.1080/19480881.2018.1519298
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1948-108X

Abstract

ABSTRACT: The Indian Ocean Region (IOR) has become an area of critical strategic interest. It is also a region that contains a range of serious and evolving non-traditional security problems, including the problem of maritime terrorism. As a result, many IOR states have called for stronger pan-regional intelligence collaboration to assist in risk mitigation against such violent and destabilizing threats. This article explores the challenges involved in establishing an effective intelligence exchange network in a region characterized by mistrust, diversity and a lack of established security priorities and protocols. Building upon the success of the IOR's joint counter-piracy operations, it will argue that a less burdensome network-based approach is needed that can concentrate on issue-specific competencies and commonalties among states. In particular, while not without limitations, a more loosely coordinated and informal network governance approach can enhance opportunities to improve information-sharing to address common maritime security challenges, such as maritime terrorism, among IOR and extra-regional states.