The importance of the security of energy shipments in the Straits of Malacca for littoral user states and user states : a thesis presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of 149.896 Master of Defence Studies at Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand

Abstract

In the globalized wortd, how we understand and interpret the world is partly dependent on how we define the world we are trying to understand and interpret. A number of different definitions further are employed to define this. In the study of international relations, to understand and interpret the world we should not only learn about diplomacy and strategy but also need to look at the issues of war, peace, conflict, and cooperation. Subsequently, one has to consider world trade, communication, transportation, emergence of global society in politics, economics and security. These areas provide significant implication for study, along with the world oil energy security in the Sea Lanes of Communication having a major impact on each. Maritime transport still remains the most inexpensive means of transporting bulk goods, and the world energy: oil, coal, etc. Over 80% of the world's trade involves ocean transit and the world's sea lanes and chokepoints are vital in supporting regional and distant economies. The Straits of Malacca, second busiest chokepOints, located in Southeast Asia, consist of the Strait of Malacca itself and the Strart of Singapore. Due to its limitation in narrow width, capacrty for shipping vessels, and a number of sea criminals, the Straits of Malacca becomes increasingly important not only for user states; China, Japan, India, and the Unrted States of America, but also for the littoral user states; Indonesia, Malaysia, and Singapore.