Charleston, SC’s harbor is one of the East Coast’s most strategic hubs. A gateway for global trade, military logistics, and maritime innovation. But with that importance comes exposure.
Recent incidents, from vessel malfunctions near the Ravenel Bridge to congestion delays, show how disruptions can test resilience. Now imagine if the disruption wasn’t malfunction, but intentional.
The likelihood of a deliberate rogue vessel entering Charleston Harbor is low, but not zero. For a port serving dual-use purposes (commerce and defense), it’s worth asking: how do we prepare responsibly without alarmism?
Federal, state, and local agencies already do an outstanding job. Still, the Law of Armed Conflict (LOAC) offers useful foresight:
👉 Distinction — identifying legitimate threats versus protected civilian infrastructure.
👉 Proportionality — ensuring any defensive response minimizes civilian harm.
👉 Necessity — acting only when required and only to the extent needed to neutralize a threat.
👉 Humanity — maintaining restraint and respect for life, even under pressure.
While LOAC applies to armed conflict, its principles can inspire responsible preparedness in homeland and port security planning. This helps ensure responses are lawful, effective, and coordinated before any crisis.
Charleston has always bridged commerce and defense. Using LOAC insights helps keep us protected, principled, and prepared.
🚢 Preparedness rooted in law isn’t alarmism. It’s foresight.
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Disclaimer: Conflict Orbit is a private entity. The views are informational (not legal advice) and those of Richard Waring in his private capacity. Viewing or responding to this post does not create an attorney-client relationship. There is no guarantee of results.
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