Jolly Roger out strait maritime piracy in contemporary Southeast Asia

Abstract

The severity of maritime piracy is growing in contemporary Southeast Asia. The International Maritime Bureau reports a significant increase in the violence toward merchant crews and a pattern indicating a disproportionate number of attacks upon oil tankers. This trend suggests and increased possibility of a major oil spill in the region as a result of piracy. Should such a spill occur, the governments of Southeast Asia may petition wealthier countries such as the United State to assist them in combating piracy. Such a request will force the United States to undertake a mission for which it is poorly prepared. The alternative would be the Chinese provision of assistance, which would impose a significant threat upon the stability of the region. Prior to the occurrence of an event that might lead to such a scenario, the United States should undertake efforts to combat piracy short of the devotion of significant military assets. Theses should include the sponsorship of anti- piracy training missions to the region and the fostering of improved diplomacy among concerned nations.