Author(s): Mihai SANDU
Publication name: Romanian Intelligence Studies Review
Publisher name: Mihai Viteazul National Intelligence Academy
Publication type: Journal article
Publication date: December 31, 2018
Pagination:
Issue/ Volume: 19-20/2018
DOI:
Abstract
Throughout history, one of the hottest regions in the world, South East Asia, has
represented one of the highest targets for the main actors who searched for dominance
on a regional or even international level. Found in the very heart of the region and of the
security equations of the great powers, the South China Sea and the string of islands and
straits that ensured its connections with the Indian Ocean have represented security and
economic nodal points that helped spread the influence and protect the strategic
interests of almost every major international player who desired to dominate the region.
Amongst these, the Malacca Strait stood and still stands today as one of the core
strategic points in the region and the entire world, bringing enormous satisfaction and
profits for those in control of it, while at the same time representing an increasing
vulnerability for the coastal states, for the major international players and especially for
the regional actors.
On a thorough analysis, controlling the Malacca Strait represented one of the
main strengths for most dominant international players, either by directly controlling it
or by imposing their influence on the strait through third parties or using military,
political and commercial links.
Moreover, today, Malacca is one of the most important and vulnerable spots in
the entire world. The high commercial and, particularly energy dependence on the strait
of both regional players and international actors put Malacca in the top of the strategic
points that the international security architecture depends on.
Keywords: Malaca maritime straits, hegemony, security equations, commercial
strategy, energy security.
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