Undersea Communication Cables Security in Narrow Seas and Chokepoints: The Red Sea and the Gulf
摘要
This chapter analyzes the security vulnerabilities of undersea communication cables in narrow seas and chokepoints, specifically focusing on the waters surrounding the Arabian Peninsula. It highlights how the concentration of shipping lanes and critical infrastructure in confined maritime corridors heightens their susceptibility to disruption and sabotage by malicious actors. The chapter examines various threats, regional responses, and the security roles of extra-regional states, including the United States and others. NATO’s involvement, however, is limited due to its distinct mission and strategic focus. By drawing on initiatives from the Indo-Pacific related to undersea cable security, the chapter offers policy responses and proposals that include the adoption of a regional seas framework to secure undersea cables. This will, by extension, enhance maritime security through greater involvement of regional actors in these strategically significant and vulnerable narrow seas.