Picking Up Where We Left Off on Maritime Security

Picking Up Where We Left Off on Maritime Security

From Picking Up Where We Left Off by the Hollings Center for International Dialogue

January 16, 2026 · 32 min

About this episode

The episode discusses evolving maritime security challenges in Southeast Asia and their implications for global trade and geopolitical stability.

In this episode of Picking Up Where We Left Off the conversation revisits the evolving maritime security challenges facing Southeast Asia—a region central to global trade and geopolitical stability. Building on insights from a 2024 Hollings Center dialogue in Kuala Lumpur, the episode explores how traditional threats such as smuggling, human trafficking, and illegal fishing are increasingly intertwined with emerging risks, including “dark shipping,” sanctioned oil transfers, and the growing vulnerability of undersea infrastructure. The discussion underscores how Southeast Asia’s heavy reliance on secure sea lanes makes disruptions at sea not only a regional concern, but one with direct implications for international commerce, energy flows, and digital connectivity worldwide. Featuring perspectives from Gilang Kembara of Nanyang Technological University and Elina Noor of the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, the episode highlights the often-overlooked risks to submarine cables that carry the vast majority of global internet traffic, as well as the safety, environmental, and accountability gaps created by illicit maritime practices. The guests emphasize that addressing…

People in this episode

Guests: Gilang Kembara, Elina Noor

Topics covered

Keywords

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Nanyang Technological University, Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, Association of Southeast Asian Nations

Places: Southeast Asia, Kuala Lumpur

More episodes of Picking Up Where We Left Off

Explore listener stats, chart rankings, contacts and more on the Picking Up Where We Left Off podcast page.