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This Week at ISN

14 18 April 2014

Our Weekly Editorial Roundup

JUMP TO Editorial Plan | Security Watch | Blog | Video

// Piracy and Maritime Security

What causes maritime piracy and why does it occur where it does? While it is true that piracy thrives under conditions of economic deprivation, state failure and general disorder, as in the case of Somalia, there are also instances when it depends on a degree of security and informal governance that truly anarchic circumstances cannot provide. Regardless of the environment, however, counter-piracy efforts in Southeast Asia and the recent upsurge of ocean-born crime in the Gulf of Guinea confirm that piracy remains a complex challenge that must be addressed with effective governance and regionally-based approaches. More

Is Piracy Eradicated?
14 April 2014

What are the root causes of maritime piracy and how should they be addressed? For James Kraska, the Janus-faced answer is simple the absence of the rule of law and the failure of land-based governance provide the ideal conditions for organized crime at sea. More

Maritime Piracy: A Chronic but Manageable Threat

15 April 2014

Are fragile states and bad governance responsible for maritime piracy? On the contrary, argues Bridget Coggins. Pirates also benefit from stable governments that provide easy access to corrupt officials and a steady stream of high value targets. More

Explaining the Economic Geography of Somali Piracy

16 April 2014

Why have some parts of the Somali coastline become havens for maritime piracy while other areas want nothing to do with it? For Anja Shortland, the evidence is clear a lack of infrastructure and economic development can make piracy more profitable than 'legitimate' forms of trade. More

Insecurity in the Gulf of Guinea: Assessing the Threats, Preparing the Response
17 April 2014

Why has the Gulf of Guinea replaced the Horn of Africa as the global center for maritime piracy? According to experts convened by the International Peace Institute, the reasons include economic deprivation, poor governance, pollution, poor natural resources management, and the ongoing crisis in the Sahel region. More

Countering Maritime Piracy and Robbery in Southeast Asia

18 April 2014

What explains the decade-long decline in maritime piracy and robbery in Southeast Asia? Miha Hribernik argues that regional cooperation primarily through the ReCAAP mechanism has been a key factor, which will become even more important with the added participation of Malaysia and Indonesia. More

// Security Watch
Not a New Cold War: Great Game II
14 April 2014

Are Russia and the West about to revisit the ritualized competition of the Cold War? Not according to Mark Galeotti. A more useful analogy is the Great Game, that freewheeling 19th century struggle between Great Britain and Russia over Central Asia. More

The Forever War? Military Control in Sri Lanka's North

15 April 2014

Is the Sri Lankan government finally bowing to international pressure and demilitarizing its most restive and northern province? Not according to the ICG. Colombo's claim that its security forces are gradually being relieved of their 'regional reconstruction' duties is a mere fiction. More

Why Don't Europeans Use NATO and the EU?

16 April 2014

Indeed, why are European states increasingly giving short shrift to NATO and EU-driven defense cooperation? The answer is simple, argues Bence Nmeth they aren't satisfied with the possibilities these two organizations now offer. More

Religious Polarization in Middle Eastern Politics

17 April 2014

International media coverage of the Middle East continues to underplay two worrying trends, writes Patrick Balbierz. Muslims have become deeply polarized and rifts between religious and secular political parties are threatening the region at a crucial point in its transformation. More

Troubled Pipelines in Burma

18 April 2014

Nicholas Borroz believes the Sino-Burmese pipelines project could yield significant economic and political benefits for Beijing and Naypyidaw. Yet, there are problems that both countries need to keep in mind, including that the pipelines will pass through some of Burma's more restive provinces. More

// Blog
Book Review: When Soldiers Say No
14 April 2014

Will When Soldiers Say No help to expand thinking on the arguments for and against conscientious objection? Gary Wilson thinks so. As he sees it, this publication effectively brings together a range of perspectives on the merits of saying 'no' to military action. More

Managing Paul Kagame, Africa's Enfant Terrible

15 April 2014

South Africa is at the forefront of regional efforts to manage diplomatic ties with Rwanda's Paul Kagame. Today, Peter Fabricius looks at how Pretoria is trying to keep one of Africa's most controversial leaders in check not just within the corridors of power, but also on the battlefield. More

Justice in Syria Could Help Break the Cycle of Revenge: Interview with Jeffrey Howell
16 April 2014

The Syrian Accountability Project was set up to collect documentation on war crimes so that perpetrators can be brought to
justice once conflict ends. In today's question and answer session, Jeffrey Howell explains how the organization's efforts may also help the country to rebuild itself without 'taking revenge'. More

Big Data, ICTs and New Media in Times of Crisis

17 April 2014

Can Big Data and the new media that both creates and disseminates it be used in crisis situations? How can it help communities to mitigate, respond and recover from conflicts and disasters? These were among the questions raised at our most recent Roundtable Discussion. More

Designing an Effective European Arctic Strategy

18 April 2014

How should the European Union (EU) go about securing a voice in Arctic governance? It's simple, says Edward Mortimer Brussels needs to focus on 'small target' goals that can be achieved through existing political structures. More

// Video
Chinese Anti-Piracy Operations in the Gulf of Aden
In this video, the US Naval War College's Andrew Erickson discusses his book "No Substitute for Experience: Chinese Anti-Piracy Operations in the Gulf of Aden," which describes how China has capitalized on its long-range anti-piracy experiences to increase its naval capabilities, confidence, and international stature. More

Bioterrorism: The Threat of 'Dual-Use' Technologies

In this video, three experts discuss the risks posed by the 'weaponizing' of biotechnology. In doing so, they consider how to prevent the misuse of the technology while also preserving it benefits. More

Private Anti-Piracy Navies: How Warships for Hire Are Changing Maritime Security
In this video, John-Clark Levin elaborates on his book "Private Anti-Piracy Navies: How Warships for Hire Are Changing Maritime Security." The text specifically examines how the outbreak of Somali piracy in 2008 led to an increase in the involvement of private security firms in the maritime realm. More

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Next week's theme: To What Extent is Climate Change Now a Threat to International Security?

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