Christian Bouchard

Indian Ocean Islands: geopolitics, ocean, environment

Islands are intrinsic parts of the Indian Ocean Region’s physical geography and human landscape. Historically, many have played substantial roles in the regional cultural and economic networks, as well as in the regional political developments. Today, at least three issues bring these islands back to the forefront of the regional and global affairs, namely environment, ocean and geopolitics. However, there has not been yet a lot of research and publication on this phenomenon of islands’ growing significance in the specific context of the Indian Ocean Region. Firstly, the islands today are of great interest in terms of geopolitics and geostrategy. Island states and island territories have their own internal political dynamics, and they are strongly involved in regional cooperation and international island networks. Among other things, the sovereignty over some islands is still disputed (as for example, for the Chagos Archipelago), some maritime domains are still in the making (some unsettled maritime boundaries, claims for extended continental shelf), and there is an increase interest to develop their military functions. On this latter point, we can even affirm that many of the islands have been very much involved in the recent regional strategic developments, and military cooperation with foreign powers has increased significantly. Developing stronger links with their surrounding waters is another main issue for the islands. The ocean is seen as providing economic opportunities (blue economy: fishing, aquaculture, tourism, energy, etc.), but also as an environment that needs to be better protected (biodiversity, ocean physicochemical conditions) and controlled (regulation, monitoring, policing, defence). Like the other coastal states, the islands have gained extended rights and duties over larger oceanic spaces, as granted by the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea. This made them very relevant in regard to the regional maritime affairs and well positioned in the regional and international programs to develop the blue economy and maritime security. Finally, in regard to the environment, the islands are recognized as being very fragile and facing growing pressures, which are both internal and external. On the one hand, local natural resources and ecosystems need to be exploited and managed in a sustainable manner, with specific efforts to be made to limit the environmental degradation and pollution, as well as to expand conservation. On the other hand, the islands are also going to be greatly affected by global changes, including changes in climate conditions and sea level rise. Overall, environmental sustainability and climate change adaptation have emerged as main challenges for the twenty-first century. Failing to cope with these issues could have significant regional repercussions in terms of migrations and stability. With this in mind, we realized this special edition falls short of providing a comprehensive picture of the islands’ growing significance in the Indian Ocean Region. Nevertheless, we propose an interesting mix of papers addressing some of the main issues listed above, hoping that this will initiate the development of a much stronger island research agenda feeding both island studies and Indian Ocean studies. Addressing the three subthemes in order, this special issue includes ‘Balancing and bandwagoning: explaining shifts in Sri Lankan foreign policy’ by Rajni Nayanthara Gamage, ‘Cocos and Christmas Islands: building

Indian Ocean region: The evolving context and rising significance of the African littoral

The African littoral of the Indian Ocean is a significant part of the Indian Ocean region. In the context of the IOR–ARC, focus is given to the African littoral of the Indian Ocean Rim, which consists of 10 states plus three French island territories. However, an African Indian Ocean extended area of 24 states plus the French islands can be identified as part of the broader Indian Ocean region, to which we refer as the African Indian Ocean littoral and hinterland. This highlights the fact that the African land-locked states represent a pertinent and significant dimension to the relation between the African littoral and the rest of the Indian Ocean region. Overall, this African Indian Ocean littoral and hinterland is a region of low socio-economic development facing many challenges. Nonetheless, it is a region on the move, and some substantial improvements can be expected during the entire twenty-first century. The potential, and perhaps even expected outcome of a much larger and healthier population, a better performing and more open economy, and an increase in and more efficient management of maritime activities will set the scene for the rising significance of the African littoral to both the Indian Ocean region and the Indian Ocean Rim, thus also increasing its geopolitical and geostrategic significance.

Monsoon: the Indian Ocean and the Future of American Power

With Monsoon: The Indian Ocean and the Future of American Power, Robert D. Kaplan invites us on a very enlightening exploration of the geopolitical and strategic context of the Indian Ocean Region. Combining personal travel experiences in the area with a strong knowledge of its geography, history, recent geopolitical developments and ongoing trends, Kaplan conducts a brilliant and realistic analysis of the situation and explains in detail its claim that the Indian Ocean will be ‘center stage for the twenty-first century’. At the same time, the book raises the question of the future of the American power and role in this region of growing importance, searching the entire area for lessons and developments that the United States cannot neglect.