Maritime Security Issues in an Arc of Instability and Opportunity

The Pacific Arc of islands and archipelagos to the north and east of Australia has been characterised both as an ‘arc of instability‘ and as an ‘arc of opportunity‘. It is the region from or through which a threat to Australia could most easily be posed, as well as an area providing opportunities for Australia to work on common interests with the ultimate objective of a more secure and stable region. Maritime issues are prominent among these common interests. This article identifies these issues and their relevance to Australia‘s maritime strategy. It suggests measures Australia might take to exploit the opportunities these interests provide.