“Whoever controls the sea controls the trade; whoever controls the trade controls the world,” wrote Sir Walter Raleigh circa 1614. Alfred Thayer Mahan is credited for emphatically mentioning in his famous book, “The Influence of Sea Power upon History (1890),” that “The power of the Navy is the ultimate expression of a nation’s greatness.” The 21st century is often heralded as the “Asian Century,” with the Indo-Pacific region emerging as the epicentre of global economic and strategic activity.
The 'middle power maritime nations' concept has gained prominence as states compete for influence in this maritime-dominated arena. These nations, while not global superpowers, wield substantial naval capabilities and employ astute diplomacy to safeguard their national interests and shape regional dynamics. This article explores the synergy between naval development and strategic diplomacy, presenting a workable plan for nations seeking to ascend to middle-power maritime status. With its strategic location, growing naval ambitions, and unwavering commitment to maritime diplomacy, Bangladesh stands poised to emerge as an influential middle-power maritime nation, securing its place in the evolving Indo-Pacific order.
The Role of Middle-Power Maritime Nations
Jacques Cousteau, a French explorer and marine conservationist, highlights the enduring importance of the sea and aligns well with the strategic role of middle-power maritime nations when he writes, “The sea, once it casts its spell, holds one in its net of wonder forever.” Middle-power maritime nations are defined by their ability to project influence beyond their borders through a strategic blend of naval strength, economic vitality, and diplomatic sophistication. These nations play a pivotal role in maintaining regional stability, securing freedom of navigation, and contributing to the broader framework of global maritime governance. Notable examples include Australia, South Korea, and Indonesia. Increasingly, Bangladesh is emerging as a key player, making impressive strides in modernizing its naval capabilities while leveraging its strategic position in the Bay of Bengal to enhance its influence in the Indo-Pacific region.
Key Components to Build Middle Naval Power
The key components to construct a middle naval power range from, but are not limited to, the modernization of naval assets to develop capacity, select the right strategic partners for creating an effective alliance, economic diplomacy, trade connectivity, maritime security and governance. Let’s briefly discuss them one by one:
Component 1: Naval Modernization and Capability Development
A middle-power maritime nation enunciates its maritime doctrine to reflect its national aspirations and interests to pronounce its maritime policies, which dictate the maritime and naval strategy for effectively implementing modernization plans and capacity building.
A robust and resilient navy is the foundation of maritime power. Middle-power maritime nations traditionally invest in modernizing their fleets, acquiring advanced platforms such as submarines, destroyers, aerial and underwater surveillance capability, offshore patrol vessels (OPVs) etc.
Emphasis is placed on indigenous shipbuilding capabilities to reduce reliance on foreign suppliers and foster technological self-reliance.
Putting in place a comprehensive Marine Spatial Plan (MSP) to tailor Maritime domain awareness (MDA) and Underwater Domain Awareness (UDA) to enhance situational awareness in the maritime domain by deploying satellites, drones, and coastal radar systems to monitor and secure Exclusive Economic Zones (EEZs). Educate and train human power for their effective employment.
Component 2: Strategic Partnerships and Alliances
Middle-power maritime nations forge strategic partnerships with like-minded nations to enhance their maritime capabilities and extend their influence using naval power.
Participation in multilateral naval exercises in and around the Bay of Bengal and beyond, where the national interest dictates, to foster interoperability and build trust among regional navies.
Defence agreements and technology-sharing pacts with selected nations, even from other regions, to receive access to cutting-edge military technology and expertise.
Component 3: Economic Diplomacy and Trade Connectivity
Middle-power maritime nations leverage their strategic locations to become global trade and commerce hubs. Investments in port infrastructure, such as deep-sea ports and transhipment hubs, enhance connectivity and economic resilience.
Free Trade agreements (FTAs) and regional trade blocs, such as the Bay of Bengal Industrial Growth Belt (Big-B) and the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC), should be used to strengthen economic ties and secure supply chains for Bangladesh as an aspirant maritime middle-power.
Economic diplomacy attracts foreign investment in maritime infrastructure and blue economy sectors, such as fisheries, renewable energy, and marine biotechnology.
Component 4: Maritime Security and Governance
Middle-power maritime nations proactively address non-traditional security threats like piracy, illegal fishing, drug trafficking, illegal migration, marine pollution, etc.
They remain committed to contributions to international maritime organizations, such as the International Maritime Organization (IMO) and the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA), and demonstrate leadership and commitment to global maritime good governance. Humanitarian assistance and disaster relief (HADR) operations enhance a nation's soft power and reinforce its reputation as a responsible maritime actor.
Component 5: Effective Diplomacy as the Enabler of Maritime Power
1. Balancing Major Powers:
Middle maritime powers navigate the complex dynamics of great power competition by adopting a balanced approach. They avoid aligning too closely with any single power while maintaining constructive engagement with all.
Hedging strategies, such as diversifying defence partnerships and economic ties, reduce vulnerability to external pressures.
2. Promoting Regional Stability:
Diplomatic initiatives, such as confidence-building measures (CBMs) and conflict resolution mechanisms, contribute to regional stability. Middle maritime powers mediate disputes, leveraging their neutrality and credibility to facilitate dialogue and cooperation.
3. Advancing Norms and Rules-Based Order:
Middle-power maritime nations promote the principles of a rules-based international order and adherence to international law, such as the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).
They strive to shape regional norms and frameworks like the SAARC, IORA, and ASEAN. Revisit the Indo-Pacific outlook to ensure inclusivity and respect for sovereignty.
4. Cultural and Smart Power Diplomacy:
Cultural diplomacy, including educational exchanges and tourism promotion, enhances a nation's soft power and fosters people-to-people connections.
Maritime heritage and traditions reflecting ocean literacy are showcased to build a distinct national maritime identity to strengthen regional harmony.
Case Study: Bangladesh’s Path to Middle Power Maritime Status
After the successful Monsoon Revolution of Bangladesh 2.0, and the unprecedented yet sublime leadership of Dr. Muhammad Yunus as the head of the caretaker government, Bangladesh is emerging as a key player in the Indo-Pacific maritime domain, thanks to its strategic location in the Bay of Bengal and stabilizing the rapidly growing economy. With its ‘Blue Economy’ vision in place, Bangladesh is uniquely positioned to leverage its maritime potential. However, the country and its leadership must urgently prioritize naval modernization and maritime diplomacy to secure its interests and contribute to regional stability. The key initiatives, as the author contemplates, Bangladesh should focus on include:
Naval Modernization: Bangladesh is expanding its naval capabilities by modernizing its fleet and blending old and new platforms to maintain combat readiness. The inventory includes a mix of ageing submarines, frigates, and corvettes, alongside ex-Royal Navy OPVs. The acquisition of two Ming-class submarines from China in 2017 marked a significant leap forward in strengthening naval capabilities. Still, the country needs at least two additional submarines to enhance operational readiness and maritime deterrence.
Maritime Infrastructure Development: Infrastructure development is vital to enhancing Bangladesh’s maritime potential. The Matarbari Deep Sea Port and the modernization of Chittagong and Mongla ports will improve trade connectivity and expand Bangladesh’s reach in regional and global markets. These developments will also serve as a foundation for boosting Bangladesh's maritime economic influence.
Economic Diplomacy: Bangladesh's geostrategic location offers significant opportunities to attract foreign investment, particularly in the maritime infrastructure and blue economy sectors. Active participation in regional trade blocs like BIMSTEC will help strengthen Bangladesh's economic ties and facilitate the realization of its maritime ambitions. Economic diplomacy will be crucial for positioning Bangladesh as a key player in the maritime space.
Maritime Security: Beyond naval modernization, Bangladesh must address non-traditional maritime security threats, such as piracy, climate change, and illegal fishing. Bangladesh can further solidify its commitment to securing its waters and a stable global maritime order by participating in international maritime organizations and contributing to global maritime governance.
Diplomatic Engagement: Bangladesh's diplomatic efforts, while significant, still fall short of expectations when it comes to leveraging its growing maritime influence. Bangladesh must re-align its diplomatic strategies to reflect its emerging role as a key Indo-Pacific player to realize its aspirations. Strengthening ties with major regional powers and positioning itself as a crucial stakeholder will allow Bangladesh to influence regional and global maritime policies.
As an alternative to Conclusion: A Roadmap for Aspiring Middle Power Maritime Nations
Graduating to middle-power maritime status requires a comprehensive and balanced approach integrating naval modernization, economic vitality, and effective diplomacy. Nations like Bangladesh must invest in naval capabilities and maritime infrastructure to secure their interests and project influence. Next, they should forge strategic partnerships and engage in multilateral frameworks to enhance their regional and global standing.
Leveraging economic diplomacy to boost trade connectivity and attract investment in the blue economy is essential, as is championing a rules-based maritime order to contribute to regional stability through proactive diplomatic engagement.
By adopting this roadmap, Bangladesh can effectively navigate the complexities of the Indo-Pacific and emerge as an influential middle-power maritime actor. Its journey should highlight the importance of a balanced approach that combines hard, soft, and smart power to ensure sustainable maritime influence and security. This strategic trajectory will shape a prosperous maritime future for Bangladesh, firmly establishing its place in the dynamic geopolitics of the 21st century.
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