Maritime Issues and Oceans

CSIS experts spotlight the maritime security environment in the Indo-Pacific, using regional experience and satellite imagery to provide leading analysis.

Photo: Golden Fleet/U.S. Navy

Photo: Golden Fleet/U.S. Navy

Why the Golden Fleet Will Sail

Debates over a new battleship miss the larger issue—how to generate affordable naval firepower at scale. Seen as an arsenal ship, a “Golden Fleet” could reinforce distributed maritime operations while helping reform U.S. shipbuilding.

Commentary by Benjamin Jensen — January 9, 2026

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Gregory B. Poling

Gregory B. Poling

Director and Senior Fellow, Southeast Asia Program and Asia Maritime Transparency Initiative
Harrison Prétat

Harrison Prétat

Deputy Director and Fellow, Asia Maritime Transparency Initiative
Joel Coito

Joel Coito

Military Fellow, Defense and Security Department

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Status of the Force with VADM Brendan McLane

Join CSIS for a Maritime Security Dialogue event featuring Vice Admiral Brendan McLane, Commander, Naval Surface Forces Commander, Naval Surface Force, Pacific Fleet, for a discussion on the future of the Navy’s surface warfare efforts.

Event — January 16, 2026

Why the Golden Fleet Will Sail

Debates over a new battleship miss the larger issue—how to generate affordable naval firepower at scale. Seen as an arsenal ship, a “Golden Fleet” could reinforce distributed maritime operations while helping reform U.S. shipbuilding.

Commentary by Benjamin Jensen — January 9, 2026

What the Bella-1 Teaches Us About Targeting Shadow Fleets

After a globe-spanning chase, the United States seized a sanctioned oil tanker tied to Iran and Venezuela. What does the Bella-1 reveal about shadow fleets, AIS manipulation, and how maritime interdiction is reshaping sanctions enforcement?

Critical Questions by Jose M. Macias III — January 8, 2026

What the New National Security Strategy Means for Naval Forces

The 2025 National Security Strategy recasts naval power as an economic and industrial instrument, pushing the Navy toward unmanned systems, hemispheric missions, and more cost-effective approaches to deterring China.

Commentary by Benjamin Jensen, Mackenzie Eaglen, and Henry H. Carroll — December 18, 2025

Ghost Busters: Options for Breaking Russia’s Shadow Fleet

Countering Russia’s ghost fleet requires more than sanctions. A coordinated strategy using open-source intelligence, maritime law, and multilateral diplomacy can impose real costs on illicit trade networks fueling Moscow’s war—without escalating military conflict.

Commentary by Benjamin Jensen and Jose M. Macias III — December 15, 2025

Protecting Subsea Cables: Detect to Deter, Sue to Secure

Subsea cables power global commerce. Though rare, cable attacks impose real costs. But leading technologies are democratizing maritime data and deterring would-be saboteurs. To further deter intentional cable attacks, cable owners should aggressively pursue legal remedies. 

Commentary by Joel Coito — December 12, 2025

Navigating the Divide: Why the U.S. Navy Must Resume FONOPs in Indonesia

For nearly a decade, the U.S. has quietly acquiesced to Indonesia’s restrictive maritime claims to avoid diplomatic friction. This policy has failed. To prevent a catastrophic loss of access during a future crisis, the U.S. Navy must resume targeted Freedom of Navigation Operations.

Commentary by Patrick Panjeti — December 11, 2025

Southeast Asia Radio

Energy Transitions and Climate Developments in Southeast Asia with Jenny Schuch-Page

Greg and Elina are joined by Jenny Schuch-Page to discuss regional energy transitions and climate developments after COP 30. Japhet and Lauren cover the latest from the region, from SCS naval drills to multifaceted cooperation from unlikely partners.

Podcast Episode by Gregory B. Poling, Lauren Mai, and Japhet Quitzon — December 4, 2025

CSIS Southeast Asia Radio