Maritime Security

Geopolitics of the Sea In this episode of Maritime Matters, Dr Matthias Catón, Managing Director of the German Maritime Centre, sits down with Professor Christian Bueger, professor at the University of Copenhagen, a leading voice in maritime security and global governance. Professor Bueger, who has advised the United Nations Security Council, NATO, and the European Council, shares key perspectives on varied topics and discusses the evolving risks and realities facing the world’s oceans. Their wide-ranging conversation uncovers the complex web of threats at sea. Together they examine why maritime security matters not just for industry, but for the resilience of the global economy, energy supply, and digital infrastructure. Key Topics Defining Maritime Security: Christian Bueger explains how the concept connects diverse concerns, from national security and marine safety to piracy, smuggling, and the protection of vital subsea cables, reflecting our growing dependence on activities at sea. The Evolving Threat Landscape: The discussion tracks piracy hotspots, the risks posed by criminal networks, the surge of "grey zone" tactics such as sabotage and shadow fleets, and how crises in regions like the Strait of Hormuz reverberate internationally. Public and Private Responsibilities: Examining the interplay between state actors and industry, the episode highlights the necessity for cooperation and self-protection and considers the limitations of naval power and the role of redundancy and resilience, especially for critical infrastructure. Rules-Based Order and International Cooperation: Christian Bueger and Matthias Catón debate the strength and adaptability of the legal framework at sea, discussing the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, the challenge of enforcement, and emerging gaps in maritime governance amid growing geopolitical fragmentation. Guest Bio Christian Bueger is Professor of International Relations at the University of Copenhagen, co-director of an international network on maritime security, research fellow at the United Nations Institute for Disarmament Research, and associate fellow at the Charles Telfair Centre, Mauritius. As an author of over 200 publications, he is recognised for bridging research and policy, and is a globally cited expert on piracy, maritime infrastructure, and ocean politics. Nautical Numbers Christian Bueger’s nautical number: 5 million – the number of people who spent time at sea last year on cruise ships. This figure captures not only the scale of maritime leisure but the increasing density and diversity of ocean activities, and the hidden risks passengers might not consider when they embark. Navigator’s Table Christian Bueger recommends a tiny barbecue spot on Mauritius, the Fruit de mer chez Marie Noel. It’s an ideal place to enjoy freshly caught seafood, ocean views, and a taste of life in one of the world’s maritime hotspots. Enjoyed this episode? Subscribe to Maritime Matters for expert analysis of shipping, offshore industries, and the key issues shaping the maritime world. Visit the German Maritime Centre’s website for research, sector updates, and more from Germany and beyond. Please share this episode if you found it insightful.