Elisabeth Mann Borgese’s vision of maritime security was pacem in maribus—peace in the ocean—which became the thematic title of a series of international conferences beginning in 1970. Although the themes varied widely over more than four decades, the first such event was security-focused and titled “Pacem in Maribus: Quiet Enjoyment: Arms Control and Police Forces for the Oceans.” Although Elisabeth was, by her own admission, a utopian idealist, and forceful advocate of naval disarmament, she was sufficiently pragmatic to recognize that until humanity becomes perfect, a perfectly peaceful, global ocean remains an aspirational vision. To enjoy peace, people must feel secure and, as the authors of this part will show, achieving security on the ocean and along its coasts is much more than having naval and police protection, or living behind well-defended walls. In addition to defense against all kinds of human perversity, pacem in maribus also requires an interdisciplinary approach to addressing economic insecurity, and the risks of natural, technological, and human-caused disasters. That, in her own words, requires the ‘comprehensive security’ approach reflected in the essays which follow.
Ocean Governance and the United Nations, (Halifax: Centre for Foreign Policy Studies, Dalhousie University, 1995), 181.