Windows of War: A View on African Piracy

Abstract

Using the experience and knowledge of Colin Gray as a social scientist, and his extensive knowledge of the theories of Carl von Clausewitz and Admiral Sir Reginald Custance, this paper intends to form a better theoretical base of understanding of the nature and conduct of piracy warfare in the 21st century. By applying Gray's 13 principles contained in "Modern Strategy" to the Barbary pirate wars with Algeria, Morocco, and Tunisia during Thomas Jefferson's presidency, the paper will develop a better understanding of antipiracy measures that will aid in forming strategic options for countering the African pirates of today. The analysis of Gray's 13 "Windows of War" results in three options that the United States can take to counter piracy in the Horn of Africa: United States as the Lead with Primary Economic Burden, United States Shares the Lead and Has Partial Economic Burden, or United States is a Partner within a Global Enterprise. Option 3 should be the first choice to consider. It will allow the United States and its international partners the most efficient and effective use of resources in achieving the seven goals of prevention, deterrence, reduced maritime domain vulnerability, holding pirates accountable for their actions, preserving freedom of the sea, protecting sea lines of communication, and leading and supporting an international effort against piracy. This option also is a force multiplier during times of force reduction due to the economic recession. This plan not only draws on the government-owned assets of international partners, but also engages the powers of littoral and maritime states, the international shipping industry, and other private and nongovernmental organizations. In conclusion, Option 3, based on the knowledge and lessons learned from Gray's 13 Windows of War, represents the most realistic and reasonable approach to international maritime security.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Mar 24, 2011
Accession Number
ADA560578

Entities

People

  • Thomas A. Scott

Organizations

  • United States Army War College

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Energy and Power Technologies
  • Ground and Sea Platforms
  • Weapons Technologies

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Department Of Defense
  • Education
  • Geography
  • Governments
  • Identification Systems
  • International Relations
  • Investments
  • Law
  • Maritime Security
  • National Security
  • Naval Operations
  • Navy
  • Security
  • Social Sciences
  • United States
  • War Colleges
  • Warfare

Readers

  • Economics
  • Military History of the United States in the 20th Century.
  • Naval Engineering and Maritime Security