Maritime Security

Seaborne commerce and freedom of navigation are inextricably intertwined, with both contributing to the success and prosperity of the liberal world order. But maritime security is under threat both from great-power competitors and from non-state actors. Policy makers must come up with new solutions to resolve threats to maritime security and to secure a free and open maritime system in cooperation with allies and partners.

China’s basing quest in the Gulf: Pipe dream or strategic reality?

TURKEYSource Nov 13, 2024

Quiet before the storm: Is a new maritime security order taking shape in the Black Sea region?

By Serhat Güvenç

While Turkey and Europe have their own maritime strategies for the Black Sea, finding ways of cooperation is critical to counter Russia’s maritime power.
Eastern Europe Europe & Eurasia
China’s basing quest in the Gulf: Pipe dream or strategic reality?

New Atlanticist Oct 24, 2024

Dispatch from Taiwan: China’s military drills look more frightening outside of Taiwan than from inside

By Brian Kerg

The US and its allies took note when China launched large military exercises around Taiwan just after October 10. But it’s also important to pay attention to how Taiwanese reacted to Beijing’s saber-rattling.
China East Asia
China’s basing quest in the Gulf: Pipe dream or strategic reality?

New Atlanticist Oct 15, 2024

How the US and the Philippines should counter Beijing’s aggression in the South China Sea

By Elizabeth Freund Larus and James Rice

Washington, Manila, and their Indo-Pacific allies must work together to counter China’s maritime aggression in Philippine waters.
China Indo-Pacific

Content

MENASource

Jun 13, 2025

China’s basing quest in the Gulf: Pipe dream or strategic reality?

By Leonardo Jacopo Maria Mazzucco

While the Gulf remains central to China’s long-term maritime aspirations, its near-term military footprint is likely to stay limited.

China Maritime Security

UkraineAlert

Jun 12, 2025

Ukraine is shaping the future of drone warfare at sea as well as on land

By Peter Dickinson

Kyiv’s string of remarkable naval victories in the Battle of the Black Sea confirm that Ukrainian innovation is shaping the future of drone warfare at sea as well as on land, writes Peter Dickinson.

Conflict Defense Industry

New Atlanticist

Jun 9, 2025

China is carrying out ‘dress rehearsals’ to take Taiwan. Here’s how the US should respond.

By Adam Kozloski

With China escalating its operational tempo in the Taiwan Strait, the United States must enhance its forward defense posture in the Indo-Pacific.

China Conflict

Issue Brief

Jun 5, 2025

The world needs a maritime ‘elite league’ to combat rogue shipping

By Elisabeth Braw

Geopolitical tensions are undermining the mostly apolitical system that has regulated shipping since the 1950s, but hazards remain on the high seas. Countries interested in curtailing the rise of shadow vessels and the associated risks of accidents and environmental damage should band together to keep their waters places where the highest standards apply.

Economy & Business International Organizations

In the News

May 28, 2025

Hammes speaks about China’s maritime expansion on Midrats podcast

On May 5, Forward Defense nonresident senior fellow T.X. Hammes was a guest on the Midrats podcast. The episode, titled “China’s Overseas Bases & the Transition to War,” discusses how China continues to expand its ownership, access, and control of ports globally while simultaneously building the world’s largest navy and diverse set of military capabilities […]

China Conflict

MENASource

May 21, 2025

Iran’s shadow looms large over the Houthi ceasefire

By Fatima Abo Alasrar and Behnam Ben Taleblu

The Houthis may have suspended their attacks on US vessels, but it’s too soon for another “mission accomplished” in the Middle East.

Iran Maritime Security

New Atlanticist

May 7, 2025

What will Labor’s landslide mean for Australia’s foreign policy?

By Peter J. Dean

While Australian voters clearly rejected the Trump administration, both the country’s leaders and electorate still support close US ties.

Australia Elections

MENASource

May 5, 2025

How China turned the Red Sea into a strategic trap for the US

By Fatima Abo Alasrar

Beijing’s proxy warfare turns global trade routes into battlefields that the United States struggles to defend.

China Economy & Business

New Atlanticist

Apr 16, 2025

China is militarizing its coast guard against Taiwan. Here’s how Taipei and its allies can respond.

By Kitsch Liao

As new evidence emerges about China's long-suspected practice of using its coast guard for military purposes, Taiwan and the US have the tools to push back.

Maritime Security National Security

In the News

Apr 11, 2025

Global China Hub nonresident fellow Wen-Ti Sung on Beijing’s “punishing” drills around Taiwan

By Wen-Ti Sung

On April 4th, 2025, Global China Hub nonresident fellow Wen-Ti Sung spoke to Agence France-Presse about the PLA’s use of barges in a potential invasion of Taiwan. The article was reposted in:

China Maritime Security
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Experts

Fellow

Magnus Nordenman

Nonresident Senior Fellow

Forward Defense Scowcroft Center for Strategy and Security

Defense Industry Defense Policy

Fellow

Marvin J. Park

Nonresident Senior Fellow

Indo-Pacific Security Initiative Scowcroft Center for Strategy and Security

China Defense Policy

Fellow

Maisie Pigeon

Nonresident Senior Fellow

Africa Center

Africa Financial Crimes & Illicit Trade

Millennium fellow

Cassandra Roper

Project Manager, General Atomics Aeronautical Systems

Millennium Leadership Program

Maritime Security Nuclear Nonproliferation

Fellow

Steven R. Rudder

Nonresident Senior Fellow

Indo-Pacific Security Initiative Scowcroft Center for Strategy and Security

Indo-Pacific Maritime Security

Fellow

Russell Rumbaugh

Nonresident Senior Fellow

Forward Defense Scowcroft Center for Strategy and Security

Defense Policy Maritime Security
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Events

Public Event Mon, April 13, 2026 • 9:00 am ET

Admiral Daryl Caudle on the strategic vision for the US Navy
Defense Policy Maritime Security National Security