This book examines the complex nexus between state-centric approaches to maritime security and community-focused visions of the blue economy. It explores how littoral states press territorial claims and respond to threats such as piracy and terrorism, while simultaneously governing maritime spaces — including territorial waters and Exclusive Economic Zones — through legal measures and institutional reforms centered at Coast Guards, Navy, and civilian maritime agencies. As attention shifts towards harnessing resources at sea and protecting the marine environment, more robust enforcement measures are called against illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing, pollution, and other maritime crimes.
The book argues for a redrawing of maritime governance to encompass environmentally sustainable and equitable resource use, asset development, and protection, framed within inclusive access and rule-based regimes. Using a multiscalar lens, the chapters highlight layered governance (local, national, ASEAN and minilateral arrangements) and the interplay between state and non-state actors, particularly commercial fishing sectors and civil society organizations advocating for coastal communities.

Readership: Scholars, researchers, graduate students in international relations, security studies, political science, economics, Southeast Asian studies, development studies, and global governance programs; Environmental and sustainability academics, especially those focused on fisheries, coastal livelihoods, and climate change impacts; Maritime and ocean governance specialists, those working on law of the sea, UNCLOS, and marine policy; Government agencies in Southeast Asia dealing with fisheries, coast guard, customs, maritime police, and naval forces; Regional organizations such as ASEAN, and their working groups on maritime cooperation and environmental governance; International organizations (UN bodies, World Bank, FAO, IMO) engaged in ocean governance, sustainable development, and security; Think tanks and NGOs focused on maritime security, community livelihoods, and environmental sustainability; Libraries and academic institutions building collections on Southeast Asian politics, economics, and environmental governance.