The Application of Conventional Military Deterrence Theory to Maritime Law Enforcement Interdiction

Today illegal drugs, especially cocaine, and illegal aliens continue to flow into the United States in massive quantities. Interdiction programs intended to stem the flow of drugs and aliens have been relatively unsuccessful. The cost of drug use and illegal aliens creates crushing financial burdens on our federal, state, and local governments, as well as on individuals. Maritime law enforcement interdiction operations more closely approximate military operations than conventional law enforcement. Military deterrence theory, both nuclear and conventional, is well researched and documented. This research has identified the elements which create conventional military deterrence. Through comparison of the elements of conventional military deterrence to maritime law enforcement interdiction we can identify shortcomings in creating deterrence in maritime law enforcement interdiction. Application of conventional military deterrence theory to maritime law enforcement interdiction can improve our understanding of the methods and tools necessary to create deterrence in maritime smuggling.