Operationalising the Quad: Maritime Security and Climate Change in the Indo-Pacific
Publisher: United States Studies Centre
Author(s): Kate Clayton
Date: 2024
Topics: Climate Change, Cooperation, Disasters, Governance
Countries: Australia, India, Japan, United States
This paper advances the case for enhanced Quad cooperation on maritime security and climate change. Climate change exacerbates prevailing maritime security challenges, including illegal fishing, natural disasters, piracy and maritime boundary issues. As the effects of climate change are not bound by state or maritime boundaries, a coordinated, multilateral approach to maritime security and resulting challenges across the Indo-Pacific is needed from middle and major powers in the region. The Quad’s comprehensive approach to non-traditional security and existing whole-of-region initiatives provides a strong basis for enhanced cooperation on interrelated security challenges. Increasing its attention on maritime security and climate change issues will help operationalise the Quad’s agenda, streamlining Quad programs to focus on achievable and inclusive initiatives that strengthen Indo-Pacific security. To combat criticisms of the Quad as a ‘talk shop,’ the partnership should focus on providing a platform for regional institutions to convene and coordinate and deliver public goods consistent with the region’s needs.