amenaza_pirateria.pdf

Abstract
The general aim is to understand and explain the nature of current maritime
piracy and the threat it poses to international security when viewed firstly, as
a potentially asymmetric conflict and, secondly, as an organized-crime related
phenomenon. The study-case of Somali piracy is taken as the starting point.
The proposed methodology is based on a dual taxonomy of indicators for the
concepts of organized crime and asymmetric conflict. The relevant scientific
literature is analysed to determine whether Somali maritime piracy complies,
or fails to comply, with the taxonomies. A qualitative and quantitative study of
Somali pirate attacks commencing with the identification and analysis of the 887
incidents attributed to them from 2005 to 2010, involving a total of 19 items per
attack, thus enabling the pattern of attacks and evolution of the affected area
to be established. An analysis of the national and international contexts from
which this pattern has emerged is carried out, with special emphasis on the
factors which have given rise to Somali piracy, and the legal, political, military
and private-sector responses to the phenomenon. All the research conducted
has proved that Somali piracy can be categorised as organized crime, although
the modus operandi of the actual pirates is akin to that of the weaker partner in
an asymmetric conflict, due, mainly, to the nature of international response to
the problem. Finally, an assessment is made as to whether piracy is now a fresh
menace to international security and whether current responses are up to the
task of eradicating it.
Keywords: Maritime Piracy, Somalia, Indian Ocean, Organized Crime,
Asymmetric Conflict, International Security.
— 31 —