The impact of piracy on international security: The case of Somalia, 1991-2010

Abstract

Piracy in the region and in the world is of course not a new phenomenon, however, the momentous rise in the frequency and sophistication of piracy off the Somali coast is of great concern. The main objective of this study is to assess the impact of piracy on international security with a case study of Somalia from 1991 to 2010. The study specifically aims to analyze the root causes of piracy off the coast of Somalia, examine the various approaches by the international community and their effectiveness in dealing with piracy and finally to explore the development of international law in dealing with piracy as a crime. The study uses Buzan's concept of security that uses the three levels of analysis namely; individual level of analysis, state level and the international political system. The research methodology used is exploratory research relying heavily on secondary research. The study contends that piracy has been caused by the lack of a central government, weak governing institutions and the extreme poverty in the country.