Piracy: Failed States

Piracy has increased dramatically off the coast of Somalia over the last 10 years. In 2007, 16 percent of all reported piracy took place in Somali waters. By 2010, piracy attacks in Somalia's waters accounted for 50 percent of reported attacks. It is [Page 300]suspected that Somali pirates are particularly successful because when they are arrested, officials settle by taking a share of the goods or money that the pirates have accumulated. Additionally, those arrested for piracy typically are released quickly and resume their trade. The complicit nature of officials exacerbates piracy. The systemic collusion between offenders and officials is a characteristic of a weak state. However, Somalia is more than a weak state; it is a failed state.

The recent rapid explosion of piracy cases ...