Introduction to International Politics
Foreign Event Analysis
| Locale | ![[]](http://www.kvasaheim.com/flags/flag15-so.png "Flag of Somalia") | Somalia |
|---|---|---|
| Title |
The International Community’s Response to Somalia’s Piracy.
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| Summary |
The United Nations’ Security Council and the Nato military alliance have both recently taken steps to become more engaged in the struggle to secure the dangerous seas off the coast of Somalia. The rampant piracy which has continued to plague Somalia, is costing millions of dollars in ransoms, is preventing food aid from reaching a population in need, and contributing to the perpetual instability of this state. Therefore, the institutions have stated that international forces are “to use the necessary means, in conformity with international law ... for the repression of acts of piracy.” This clear statement that force can be used “shows the great importance attached by the international community to the severity and urgency of the piracy situation."
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| Analysis |
The international community’s involvement and concern regarding this situation is evidence of a shrinking world. The fact that these events are impacting states far from Somalia suggests an interconnected world. These connections are through different means. The fact that this piracy has made the seas unsafe is a concern for the international community because this threatens the freedom to securely transport goods and trade over the seas. The danger that is presented by Somalia’s pirates does impact trade and therefore states are economically affected. In addition to trade, security issues have been raised because these stolen ships hold weapons and could be placed in the hands of these reckless pirates. Also the piracy that has contributed to the instability of Somalia brings up a larger issue. The current condition of Somalia lacks a functioning government, peace, and order. With such conditions, prosperity and democracy are seemingly unattainable. It is suggested that not only will Somalia continue to suffer, but these conditions will not contribute to a safer and more prosperous world.
Somalia has been called the “most ignored tragedy in the world.” In addition to other motives dealing with security and trade, the international community’s action and intervention is addressing the humanitarian crisis in Somalia. With almost half of the population, 3 million people, in need of aid, the barrier that the pirates present can be considered as a contributing to their suffering and deaths. The international community has rhetorically addressed this humanitarian aspect and now a major function of these forces will be escorting ships carrying aid to ensure that it will reach those in need. This attention to human rights is an indication that states are concerned and involved with these issues in addition to their own security and are willing to contribute to and involve themselves in a pursuit to save lives and feed the starving, even if they are not their own citizens.
Force has been deemed acceptable and there is a clear security element to this current situation which the international community has responded to through institutions and within international law. There was obviously consideration of the community as a whole, and also discussion regarding what authority and power the institution had in this situation, in addition to the motives for action. The cooperation of states through institutions to address this situation emphasizes the notion that the security and stability of Somalia will be of benefit to the entire global community, in addition to the people of Somalia.
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| Perspective |  | Liberal |
| In-Region URL | ||
| Out-of-Region URL | ||
| Submitted | October 10, 2008 at 10:07 am | |
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