Maritime Piracy: A Sustainable Global Solution

Authors

Paul Williams, American University Washington College of LawFollow
Lowry Pressly

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

2013

Journal

Case Western Reserve Journal of International Law

Volume

46

Issue

1-2

Abstract

Maritime piracy is a complex transnational security concern characterized by emerging international finance operations and organization, an oversupply of labor, and a low cost of market entry. This article provides a realistic picture of the driving forces behind maritime piracy in areas such as Southeast Asia, the Gulf of Aden, and the Gulf of Guinea. By examining some of the assumptions and proposed solutions in counter-piracy literature and policy, this article exposes some piracy illusions and proposes a sustainable, global response that addresses the persistent threat of modern maritime piracy. Today's manifold piracy challenges call for a multifaceted approach. Accordingly, this article sets forth a sustainable remedy that incorporates onboard security, an international tribunal to coordinate and secure the prosecutions of pirate organizers and financiers, and a set of policies that allows private industry to innovate while internalizing a greater portion of the political, legal, and economic costs of the shipping industry.

Recommended Citation

Paul Williams & Lowry Pressly, Maritime Piracy: A Sustainable Global Solution, 46 Case Western Reserve Journal of International Law (2013).
Available at: https://digitalcommons.wcl.american.edu/facsch_lawrev/1266