| ID | 119500 |
| Title Proper | Privatizing the struggle against Somali piracy |
| Language | ENG |
| Author | Fitzsimmons, Scott |
| Publication | 2013. |
| Summary / Abstract (Note) | Pirate attacks against commercial vessels in the Western Indian Ocean and nearby seas reached an unprecedented level in 2011. Despite concerted efforts by the international community and shipping companies to address this threat by conducting naval patrols and equipping commercial vessels with non-lethal defenses, the frequency of pirate attacks continues to increase. The general ineffectiveness of existing anti-piracy measures has sparked interest in expanding the use of armed private security contractors to protect commercial vessels from pirate attacks. This article argues that armed private security contractors can, indeed, enhance the security of commercial vessels because these actors can provide onsite protection for commercial vessels, which should allow them to respond very quickly to pirate attacks, and because these actors are willing to use deadly force against pirates. However, this article also argues that expanding the use of these actors may increase the degree of violence used during pirate attacks, pose threats to the safety of innocent civilians, and violate a number of domestic and international laws. |
| `In' analytical Note | Small Wars and Insurgencies Vol. 24, No.1; Mar 2013: p.84-102 |
| Journal Source | Small Wars and Insurgencies Vol. 24, No.1; Mar 2013: p.84-102 |
| Key Words | Piracy ; Private Security Contractors ; Non - State Actors ; Somalia ; Conflict |