National Security Interests and the Indian Ocean: An Australian Perspective

Abstract

This paper offers an Australian perspective on the security interests of the Indian Ocean. The author promotes 6 key messages: firstly, the geography of the Indian Ocean is very relevant to the security interests. Secondly, the maritime system is central to economic and strategic attainment. Thirdly, the Indian Ocean Region (IOR) lacks a common identity. Fourthly, is the potentially problematic consequences of climate change, and that the Indian Ocean has yet to be fully degraded, so it’s very valuable. Penultimately, there’s socio-economic unrest between and within some IOR states, due to civil wars and actions by non state actors. Finally, that extra-regional States are trying to gain power in the IOR. The author then offers the strategic importance of the Indian Ocean has to Australia.

Keywords: Indian Ocean, Australia, maritime security