Piracy or Maritime Terrorism? Developing a Comprehensive U.S. Counter-Piracy Policy

<p>In this post-9/11 world maritime security has taken on a much greater importance than in the past. No longer can the U.S. rely on vast ocean expanses to protect its homeland from seaborne attack or think of maritime violence as a law enforcement problem. Modern piracy is as ruthless and violent as it has ever been only nowadays the stakes are substantially higher and its instruments far deadlier. Global piracy and violence at sea are now national security threats and must be dealt with as such. Piracy and international terrorism are no longer mutually exclusive; one supports the other. To protect its national interests and provide for maritime security the U.S. must develop a comprehensive counter-piracy policy that utilizes a multi-faceted approach in order to combat the global threat that modern piracy brings. With the U.S. deeply integrated into the global economy it is imperative that security on our oceans remains undeniable in order to provide uninterrupted trade routes and secure access to U.S. shores. The U.S. is a key actor in supporting international efforts to repress piracy and must continue to lead the fight. However the U.S. can not do it alone. Constant budgetary constraints expanding international trade and the oceans' vast expanse won't allow it. By looking at current terrorist ties to piracy potential maritime threats international law considerations and current U.S. counter-piracy efforts five recommendations are offered for developing a comprehensive U.S. counter-piracy policy. Only through international and inter-agency cooperation can we maximize our ability to provide global maritime security and repress piracy on the high seas.</p><p>This work has been selected by scholars as being culturally important and is part of the knowledge base of civilization as we know it. This work was reproduced from the original artifact and remains as true to the original work as possible. Therefore you will see the original copyright references library stamps (as most of these works have been housed in our most important libraries around the world) and other notations in the work.</p><p>This work is in the public domain in the United States of America and possibly other nations. Within the United States you may freely copy and distribute this work as no entity (individual or corporate) has a copyright on the body of the work.</p><p>As a reproduction of a historical artifact this work may contain missing or blurred pages poor pictures errant marks etc. Scholars believe and we concur that this work is important enough to be preserved reproduced and made generally available to the public. We appreciate your support of the preservation process and thank you for being an important part of keeping this knowledge alive and relevant.</p><br>