Maritime Security is a globally linked system, which is of immediate importance for both land-locked and coastal states. While western research mainly focuses on the North Atlantic and European region, maritime challenges in South America receive less attention. The maritime security challenges faced by South American states have an impact that extends far beyond the continent's borders. Drug smuggling, illegal fishing and underfunded navies are just some of the problems states have to deal with – with consequences for Europe and the rest of the world. The predominantly Latin American authors and the associated regional perspective offer valuable insights into the most serious challenges and existing security policy and strategic solutions. With contributions by Érico Esteves Duarte | Christian J. Ehrlich | Ralph Espach | James Howe | Danilo Marcondes | Ignacio Mardones | Leonardo Faria de Mattos | Gabriela Paulucci da Hora Viana | Andrea Luiza Fontes Resende de Souza | Samuel Rivera Páez | Wilder Alejandro Sánchez | Bill Travis | Rafael D. Uribe-Neira