Effectiveness of the maritime security architecture within the Wior in addressing traditional, non-traditional and emerging threats
Bibliographic Data
| ID | 19491940 |
|---|---|
| Authors | John Otieno Okul (Stellenbosch University, corresponding author) |
| Year | 2026 |
| Volume | 8 |
| Publication date | 2026-05-01 |
| Peer Reviewed | Yes |
| Open Access | Yes |
| Type | ARTICLE |
| Venue | Frontiers in Political Science (JOURNAL) |
| Journal identifiers | ISSN: 2673-3145 • E-ISSN: 2673-3145 |
| Publisher | Frontiers Media SA (PUBLISHER • CH) |
| DOI | 10.3389/fpos.2026.1756401 |
| OpenAlex | W7159935704 |
| Language | EN |
| References cited | 19 |
The article examines the effectiveness of the Maritime Security Architecture (MSA) in the Western Indian Ocean Region (WIOR), focusing on how well it addresses traditional, non-traditional, and emerging maritime threats. It highlights significant structural and strategic weaknesses, where responses to maritime insecurity remain fragmented and heavily influenced by external powers. The region faces a complex threat landscape, including piracy, illegal fishing, drug and human trafficking, cyber threats, environmental degradation, and the impacts of climate change. These challenges are further complicated by competing state interests, great power rivalries, and shifting regional alliances. The article concludes that the MSA, in its current orientation, is inadequate. It lacks regional ownership, coordination, and the capacity to respond proactively. It recommends developing a more coherent, locally driven strategy that strengthens institutional collaboration, enhances enforcement capabilities, and critically examines the role of external actors in shaping regional security priorities. This analysis reveals a major gap in Africa's approach to maritime security, especially within the context of the WIOR. There is a pressing need for a more integrated and regionally responsive maritime security framework
Border Security · Enforcement · Enterprise information security architecture · Human security · Maritime Security · National security · Coastal Management and Development · International Maritime Law Issues · Maritime Security and History · Architecture
| Citation velocity | historical |
|---|---|
| Highly cited | No |