Transatlantic Security in Baltic: How Realistic is Poland’s Concept of Protecting NATO’s Eastern Flank against Russian Aggression?
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America’s intellectual center for the study of the relationship between maritime strategy and international security
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New Featured Series: "Up for Debate"
“Up for Debate” is a project of the Center for Maritime Strategy geared towards driving thoughtful, energizing discussion about pressing issues facing the U.S. Sea Services and international maritime security.
Our monthly series places two contrasting expert views into written conversation with each other about a timely issue of maritime significance. “Up for Debate” provides a platform for respectful and informed debate which can shape thinking about maritime strategy and security policy. The authors’ arguments are their own, not reflecting any institutional perspectives.
Read the September edition here and stay tuned for the October feature!
In the News
Interviewed by Lori Lundin , Voice of America, September 29, 2023: FLASHPOINT UKRAINE: Atomic Energy Agency Calls for Russia to Relinquish Control of Ukraine Nuclear Plant?
?“'For the past year, the maritime domain really has been left out of the conversation largely within Ukraine’s counteroffensive and within its defense mechanisms, but as you say, we are seeing turning off the tides. When it comes to the western Black Sea, where Russia has been able to reshape the western Black Sea to its liking and to its own interest.’”?
Featured Publications
In?The MOC October 5, 2023: Transatlantic Security in Baltic: How Realistic is Poland’s Concept of Protecting NATO’s Eastern Flank against Russian Aggression??
Poland has strategically bolstered its military, particularly in the Baltic Sea area, to guard against potential Russian threats and protect NATO's eastern flank. It underscores the necessity of a collective NATO defense doctrine to deter any possible Russian aggression in the region.??
In?The MOC October 3, 2023: Sea Control in the Black Sea Still Up for Grabs
By Steven Wills
Ukrainian forces have notably damaged the Russian Black Sea Fleet through targeted missile and drone strikes, while Russia retains a formidable undersea threat with its Kilo-class submarines despite the impairments to its surface fleet.
Recent Happenings?
Airbus U.S. Space & Defense and CMS Announce Partnership to Counter IUUF??
领英推荐
The Center for Maritime Strategy welcomes the partnership of Airbus U.S. Space and Defense, a trusted U.S. government leader in military aircraft, satellites, geospatial intelligence and cyber capabilities. The IUUF Working Group convenes key members of the U.S. government, academia, industry, and international partners, allowing stakeholders to discuss the issues presented by and challenges in dealing with illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing. Support from Airbus will advance the Center’s analysis, publications, and high-level convenings engaging key stakeholders across government, academia, and industry to drive national security policies rooting in promoting peace, prosperity, and security.?
Discussing IUU Fishing?
In accordance with the announced partnership with Airbus U.S. Space and Defense, the Center for Maritime Strategy (CMS) inaugurated its first IUUF seminar, featuring RDML Jo-Ann Burdian, USCG, as the keynote speaker. The discussion was skillfully moderated by Dr. Ian Raby, a Non-resident Senior Fellow at the CMS.?
Fact-Finding Trip to Sweden?
Last week, CMS embarked on an investigative trip to Stockholm and Gothenburg, concentrating on Nordic Baltic maritime security and Sweden's potential NATO accession. Former Deputy U.S. Secretary of Defense, Ian Brzezinski, part of the delegation, was interviewed by Sveriges Radio, underscoring Sweden's strategic Baltic Sea position and anticipating its substantial contributions to NATO upon membership. Brzezinski asserted, regarding recent U.S. actions, “That’s not how a country that is about to withdraw behaves," during his conversation with Ekot.?
Learning Lessons from IUUF Gaming?
Last week, Admiral (ret.) Foggo and Andrew Park engaged in a Pew Charitable Trusts-sponsored Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated Fishing (IUUF) simulation at the CNA. Through role-playing alongside experts and practitioners from various sectors, the CMS team scrutinized the pivotal significance and limitations of conducting counter-IUU Fishing initiatives.?
Podcast: Maritime Nation?
Dr. Steve Wills talks with Secretary John Lehman about the state of and direction for the Congressional Commission on the Future of the Navy. Secretary Lehman offers a unique perspective on Commission — and more broadly on commissions’ organization and functions — thanks to his service on the 9/11 Commission and experience as the 65th Secretary of the Navy.
An old commercial once intoned “When EF Hutton Talks, People Listen,” and likewise, when Secretary John Lehman talks naval issues on Maritime Nation, everyone should listen.
The Admiral's Reading List
BBC October 6, 2023: BBC witnesses Chinese ships blocking Philippines supply boats
By Virma Simonette & Joel Guinto ?
Chinese vessels were witnessed blocking Filipino supply boats headed to an outpost in the contested South China Sea, escalating ongoing tensions between Manila and Beijing regarding territorial claims in the region. The Filipino vessels, two of which belonged to the Philippine Coast Guard and were carrying a month's worth of supplies to the Second Thomas Shoal, eventually managed to circumvent the larger Chinese ships, ensuring the delivery of resources despite several hours of confrontation and being dangerously close to conflict, reflecting the high-stakes dispute over the resource-rich and strategically important maritime area.