8 - Conclusion

Summary

Historically, maritime power has been associated with economic prosperity. During the glorious Greek and Roman eras, the Mediterranean was the centre of maritime power. In the late BC period till the 14th century, Asia emerged as the heart of the commercial world with extensive trade linkages. During the 15th to the 20th centuries, Europe emerged as a major maritime power led by the Portuguese, Dutch, Spaniards, French and English through occupation and subjugation of Asian littorals. With the decline of European colonial domination and the ascent of America, maritime power shifted to the Atlantic. In the 21st century, Asia has emerged as the most dynamic region in economic and strategic terms. There has been a focused attention on economic growth among a number of states in Asia which is reflected in their respective GDP growth rates and booming trade.

In the 21st century, Asia is witnessing a maritime revival led by China and India as they build their maritime power as an important component of their grand strategy to be major strategic players in Asia. These two Asian powers are in fact reliving their ancient maritime pre-eminence pivoting on maritime connectivity, trade, movement of people, culture, religion and ideas. Southeast Asia is significant in the maritime rejuvenation of Asia in the way it was in ancient times that witnessed its importance to China and India and its geographical significance connecting the Indian and the Pacific Oceans, a strategic reality that continues till today.

Maritime developments are integral to the Asian economic and security environment; for many countries in the region, economic vitality depends on safe and secure sea lines of communications that have resulted in greater strategic significance for both merchant and naval shipping. Coastal and offshore resources provide an important means of livelihood for many countries in the region. Thus security is enmeshed in maritime affairs. The regional security concerns are reflected in the arms acquisition programmes that have a strong maritime orientation.

This study has attempted to show that an appreciation of maritime power shapes the power and destiny of a nation. In the past, states have used maritime power to augment their national power and employed it to safeguard national interests. The study has, though very briefly, argued that it is possible to systematically assess the maritime power of countries and through empirical assessments rank the perceived maritime power of states.