The truth about piracy

Abstract

This paper investigates the link between the rationales between piracy attacks, the information gathered from such incidents and if the same information may be used to address the rationale behind piracy to combat and prevent it. A common understanding of piracy is sought, especially where it relates to the “where” piracy takes places and how it being limited to the High Seas, being outside a State’s jurisdiction limits its combating and prevention. The seven rationales behind piracy is then indicated, followed by insight into how piracy information currently is composed off and then brought together by indicating which information is required based on which rationale behind piracy as its incentive. The approach was to identify how information may be used to indicate the reasons for piracy and so combat and prevent piracy from happening. The main reason is that piracy is undertaken exclusively for financial gain as robbery is the common motive today although ships are still stolen. This paper seeks to understand why the financial gain is sought via piracy attacks. Lastly, the paper highlights how much of this approach is presenting a new perspective in the combat and prevention of piracy.