Lessons From Africa For Global Maritime Security
While many focus on identifying lessons for Africa to improve the security, governance and development of the continent’s vast maritime domain, few examine the growing number of lessons emanating from Africa that could be applied to enhancing maritime security elsewhere around the globe. Between East African piracy, Gulf of Guinea oil theft, Mediterranean maritime migration, and rampant IUU fishing, Africa has become well-known for its maritime security problems. The attention, however, has been almost uniformly focused on the challenges, ignoring some of the remarkably innovative and effective approaches being taken to address those challenges.
Ironically, the escalation of criminality is, in many ways, born of a major realignment of the risk-reward calculus: criminals must be bolder, more brazen and more spectacular in order to achieve the sort of reward they want, as previous modalities of illicit activity are becoming too risky. The improvement in maritime security has been overshadowed by the attention placed on the increased threats. This session, therefore, will draw out some of the strategic, operational and legal lessons from the recent African experience, focusing particularly on cooperative security and operator-driven processes.
Dr. Ian Ralby works on maritime security matters around the world and is considered a leading practitioner in supporting the advancement of maritime security in Africa.
About this Lecture
LOO's offer U.S. Naval War College (NWC) students, faculty, and staff an opportunity to learn more about national and international socio-political subjects that may be of relevance to the NWC community.