All talk: The importance of cooperation in maritime security

Though the challenges of maritime security defy precise definition, they can be talked about, described, and the terms of practical cooperation made plain. Talk, more formally we would say collaboration, between practitioners is vital, since it is talk which animates trust, confidence and the practical solutions critical for good order. We think Sam would approve. The main claim of this paper is in Ernest Satow’s definition of diplomacy: “the application of intelligence and tact to the conduct of official relations between governments”. This paper is about diplomacy. Diplomacy is not foreign policy. Diplomacy is the conduct and execution of foreign policy. Specifically, this paper is about diplomacy as it is practised to secure good order at sea. The paper proceeds in three parts. The first part considers the character and the limitations of law. In Part Two, we explore the ideas of maritime security and good order at sea, and we see the need for collaboration. In Part Three, we consider the Indo-Pacific as a domain and opportunities therein for cooperation.