| dc.description.abstract | In the 21 st century, maritime piracy has become a profitable business that threaten the
lives of seafarers and coastal communities, interferes with global commercial activities that rely
on the transit of goods through seaways and disrupt the aquatic environment. This study looks at
curbing maritime piracy in International Waters, with the East African Coastline being the case
study region. The theoretical underpinning of this study is based on the assumptions of the
economic rational choice theoretical that sets to explain the proliferation of piracy through the
analysis of economic concepts that are relevant to understanding what drives piracy in the East
African coast and further illustrate the role that the international system plays in addressing these
issues globally. Data for this study was collected through key informant interviews and
secondary data sources from publications and research carried out by reliable and reputable
international organizations.
The study examines monetary motives, angles of religious fundamentalism, terrorism
and perceived acts of nationalism and protection of territorial sovereignty as the causes of
maritime piracy in the region. The study then further examines the effects maritime piracy has on
the region in an attempt to fully understand the related threats associated with acts of piracy. The
study examines the normative and institutional frameworks in existence to control and manage
East African maritime piracy with further critical analysis of the role played by the political
instability onshore Somalia.
Key recommendations based on the findings of this study are pegged on the need to
formulate and implement land-based, development- oriented policies that are culturally,
politically and economically sensitive. The recommendations in this research project call for the
creation of political stability in Somalia, the promotion of good governance, enhancing regional
corporation, providing incentives to local clans and addressing illegal, unprotected and
unregulated fishing. These policies; if adopted could result in a decrease in piracy activities in
the region; resulting in increased maritime security, maritime trade and consequently a rise in the
development of the East African coastal countries. | en_US |
