Viv Forbes

Viv Forbes is an Adjunct Research Fellow in the Geography department at the School of Social Sciences, University of Western Australia. Holding a part-time academic position, Forbes focuses on maritime legal frameworks and ocean governance with regional expertise in Southeast Asia, particularly Malaysia and China.

Research interests center on maritime jurisdictional boundaries, international ocean law, and geopolitical dynamics in the Asia-Pacific. Key themes include South China Sea disputes, ASEAN-China diplomatic relations, and interdisciplinary approaches to marine environmental policy. Work integrates legal, political, and geographical perspectives to address complex maritime security challenges.

Recent publications reveal a concentrated research trajectory in maritime legal studies, with increasing emphasis on Malaysia's territorial claims and China's strategic expansion in the Pacific. The forthcoming 2025 monograph on Malaysia's maritime limits represents the culmination of specialized expertise, while collaborative chapters examine ocean governance frameworks. Publications consistently analyze intersections between regional trade networks, diplomatic negotiations, and evolving maritime security paradigms.