Publication

This report argues that over the past five years, there has been an increase in coastguard and maritime border response capabilities across much of ASEAN. Further, ASEAN states have primarily focused their new capabilities on enhancing physical presence patrols and response within their respective exclusive economic zones (EEZs). As a result, coastguards have become important strategic ‘cushions’ between navies in ASEAN. Behind this trend lies the assumption that coastguard vessels are less threatening, but the text’s authors warn this approach may also have negative implications for the maritime security of ASEAN nations.