Maritime security

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Exploring the maritime domain

The Maritime Security Research Group draws together scholars from diverse disciplines who are interested in security within the maritime domain. We take a broad approach to maritime security, one which encompasses not only traditional hard security concerns but also human security, maritime crime and the ‘blue economy’.

The group has expertise in international law, history, strategy, naval affairs and a range of Indo-Pacific regional perspectives. Its current focuses include strategic competition, the South China Sea disputes, non-traditional security threats and wider issues of sea power and lawfare. The group combines academic staff, postgraduate researchers and visiting fellows, and it works with external collaborators from across academic, government and policy sectors. 

The Maritime Security Research Group is led by Professor Douglas Guilfoyle.

Research themes

Strategic competition in the maritime domain

Our research examines contested claims and how states seek to consolidate them and the dynamics of maritime conflict between rival powers, especially in the South China Sea.
 

Sea power in the modern age

Our research theme investigates the role of sea power in relation to technological change, diplomacy and international law.
 

Transnational maritime crime and non-traditional security threats

Moral responsibility and formal organisations explores the duties of states, multinational corporations, international financial institutions and intergovernmental organisations within the context of environmental harm, human rights, financial crises, genocide prevention and foreign aid.
 

The rules-based maritime order

The rules-based maritime order examines the role of international law and international legal argument in ocean governance and conflict.
 

Explore

Naval Studies Group

The Naval Studies Group (NSG) contributes to the work of the Maritime Security Research Group. NSG members combine about 150 years of cumulative naval experience with an extensive academic output in the form of books, monographs and articles. 

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Publications

Our researchers

Professor of International Law and Security Douglas Guilfoyle
Professor of International Law and Security
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Senior Lecturer in History & Maritime Strategy Richard Dunley
Senior Lecturer in History & Maritime Strategy
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Visiting Fellow Mark Bailey
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Professor of International Law and International Relations Shirley Scott
Professor of International Law and International Relations
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2023-05-Jian-Zhang
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Phuong Nguyen
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