In February 2026, I delivered a lecture at the VII Winter Crash Course at CECRI – the Centre for International Relations Studies at the University of Minho​ examining the blue economy as a coupled ecological–economic–political system. The discussion explored how maritime governance, strategic autonomy, and financial architecture interact in shaping development pathways across the Indo-Pacific.

Particular emphasis was placed on blue finance, risk allocation, and the role of private capital mobilisation in strengthening—or undermining—fiscal resilience and sovereignty.

Synopsis

This lecture explores the blue economy as a coupled ecological–economic–political system. In parts of the Indo-Pacific, maritime zones dwarf land territory, making ocean governance central to sovereignty and development strategy.

The presentation examines how strategic autonomy at sea depends not only on legal rights and enforcement capacity, but also on financial architecture. From blue bonds and blended finance to private capital mobilisation, the structure of financing plays a critical role in shaping resilience and long-term governance outcomes.

As ocean-based economic activity expands, the central question is not whether growth will occur, but whether governance capacity and capital alignment keep pace.

Hero image credit: NASA (public domain)