Maritime Security Studies Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1750 words - 1

Maritime Security Studies - Essay Example This paper shall be discussed based on expert opinions by theorists and practitioners in the international and political arena. This study is being carried out with the hope of establishing a clear and comprehensive understanding of the subject matter, as it applies in the contemporary context. This study sets forth that marine terrorism in its most general context is not on the decline. However, the international community has consistently established better ways of dealing with marine terrorism. For which reason, marine terrorists have not been getting away with their activities as they have in the past. This has not stopped them however in perpetuating their terrorist activities. The Working Group of the Council for Security Cooperation in the Asia Pacific has set forth the most complete definition for marine terrorism. They set forth that marine terrorism is â€Å"the undertaking of terrorist acts and activities within the maritime environment, using or against vessels or fixed platforms at sea or port, or against any of their passengers or personnel, against coastal facilities or settlements, including tourist resorts, port areas and port towns or cities† (as cited by Marine Terrorism Research Center, 2011). In addition, it is also defined as the â€Å"use of threat or violence against a ship, its passengers or sailors, a port facility, or if the purpose of solely a platform for political ends† (Marine Terrorism Research Center, 2011). It is an act which is based on political ideals and goals. Various acts of maritime terrorism have been seen in different parts of the globe. Off the coast of Somalia, acts of piracy have increased the cost of transporting goods in the Gulf of Aden (Shortland and Vothknecht, 2011). A greater issue in the Gulf of Aden however is that of international security and regional stability as Somali piracy might be used to transport weapons or