Contemporary Security Threats on the High Seas

Abstract

Maritime piracy is broadly defined as armed robbery and acts of violence on the high seas or within territorial waters. It represents a significant transnational security problem because of its financial costs, threats to crew safety, and potential security implications. It has thus become an important feature on the global security landscape. Data indicate that it is a global problem but that it is highly spatially concentrated in four regions: East Africa, the Gulf of Guinea, and South and Southeast Asia. More significantly, contemporary trends indicate that violence and hostage taking are increasing, especially in places where it was not previously widespread. Despite international efforts, pirate attacks remain persistently high in places where it has been endemic. Pirate activity appears to be a function of governance, and there are two components to this problem. First, most pirate attacks emanate from poorly governed states. The second factor is related to a fundamental disconnect between international and domestic law and enforcement.