Can U.S.-Led Efforts Reduce Piracy in the Malacca and Singapore Straits?
Abstract
Maritime piracy in the Strait of Malacca has dramatically increased since 1998. Efforts by regional countries to combat pirates have had limited success. If left unchecked, piracy could severely affect global trade, regional stability and the flow of oil to Asia. Analyzing current and previous efforts to combat piracy in the Straits of Malacca and Singapore will determine what worked and did not work to reduce the number of attacks against ships. This paper will show that increased coordinated and combined patrols as well as improved intelligence-sharing will significantly reduce the number of pirate attacks in the Strait of Malacca. Indonesia, Malaysia, and Singapore do not have the full resources available to accomplish this alone and will require the assistance of a coalition of willing partners with a stake in the region. Since the United States is the only country that has the resources, capabilities, and experience to bring countries together, it is the nation best suited to lead such an effort. Under U.S. Pacific Command's Regional Maritime Security Initiative (RMSI), the United States can lead a successful effort that will reduce piracy and armed robbery in the Straits.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Feb 10, 2004
- Accession Number
- ADA463868
Entities
People
- Jeffrey L. Scudder
Organizations
- Naval War College