What does maritime security primarily protect against?

The primary focus of maritime security is to safeguard against threats to a nation's sovereignty and the resources found within its maritime boundaries. This includes protecting against illegal activities such as piracy, smuggling, and unauthorized fishing, which can undermine a country's control over its sea territories and resources. By addressing these threats, maritime security aims to ensure the safety of maritime trade routes and the conservation of marine environments essential for the economy and national security.

Ensuring that nations can effectively manage and utilize their maritime resources without external threat is crucial, as these resources are often vital for energy, food security, and economic trade. The other options, while relevant in other contexts, do not accurately reflect the core focus of maritime security. Global economic policies relate more to intergovernmental agreements and economic stability rather than direct maritime threats. Cyber threats to national banks fall under cybersecurity, not maritime security. Lastly, regional land disputes between nations, while important, do not directly pertain to maritime security as they typically involve territory rather than maritime control.