Strategic Competition > Security
Securing Strategic Sea Lanes
The Lifeblood of Global Power and Prosperity
“In a world of chokepoints and contested logistics, maritime power remains the backbone of global leadership.”
Greeting sailors during the commissioning of the USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76).
- Sea control has long defined great power status. Today, as global trade becomes increasingly exposed to coercive tactics and geopolitical risk, maritime power is again at the center of strategic competition. From the Taiwan Strait to the Red Sea, the U.S. must lead in securing the oceans that underwrite global commerce, alliance coordination, and power projection.
- This page explores how maritime freedom of movement, infrastructure security, and allied naval cooperation form a critical pillar of U.S. deterrence and economic resilience.
🔑 Key Takeaway
Maritime power is a pillar of strategic competition. The U.S. must invest in sea control, shipping resilience, and allied naval cooperation to safeguard economic lifelines, deter aggression, and project global influence.
Strategic Framing
- Sea power is central to strategic competition and economic stability.
- Maritime infrastructure—from ports to cables—is now a frontline asset.
- Grey Zone Tactics Require Blue Water Response: From coast guard aggression to port buyouts, rivals are testing maritime boundaries.
- Protecting the flow of goods, deterrence posture, and global rules depends on sustained sea control.
Insights & Engagements
🏛️ Engaging Administration or Congress, 📰 Op-Ed / Ariticle / Quoted ✍️ Policy Brief 👥 Roundtable / Visit 🎤 Speaking / Moderating 🎥 TV/Video 🌐 Global
Modernizing U.S. Maritime Capabilities
Reinforcing Maritime Commerce Resilience
Securing the Arctic
Securing Indo-Pacific Sea Lanes
Protecting Undersea Infrastructure
Ensuring Freedom of Navigation
Strategic Imperative
Sea control underwrites economic vitality and strategic freedom. In today’s era of contested chokepoints, grey-zone coercion, and infrastructure vulnerability, maritime power is not optional—it’s foundational. The U.S. must reassert its leadership at sea by investing in forward presence, commercial resilience, and allied naval integration.
👉 Related Pages
🔷 Featured Insights
It's Time for a Comprehensive National Maritime Strategy - Op-Ed in War on the Rocks with Dr. Jeff Kucik - March 28, 2024
America’s Maritime Blind Spot: How China is Gaining the Upper Hand on the High Seas - Wilson Center Policy Brief with Christa Brzozowski - March 5, 2025
Global Ports and US Maritime Strategy: Critical to Competitiveness and Daily Life - Wilson Center Now Interview - October 10, 2024
360° View of Policies Needed to Secure Shipping Chokepoints - Wilson Center Experts - February 13, 2024
Strategic Competition Demands America Up Its Game in Maritime Commerce - Report of Wilson Center Roundtable - May 8, 2023
The Geopolitical Importance of Southeast Asia and the Pacific - Fireside Chat with Rep. Norcross and Rep. Wittman - October 7, 2022
Marine Corps Risks Moving Too Fast, but Also Too Slow - Letter in Wall Street Journal - April 2, 2022