Piracy in the Straits of Malacca

Piracy has long been an international security problem that nations have dealt with to ensure maritime commerce, trade, and other commercial interest continues uncontested. In the last twenty years, one region of the world--the Straits of Malacca (SOM)--has been an area where traditional fishermen and unemployed seafarers have turn to piracy to support their families and attain a better way of life. However, with nearly 70,000 vessels transiting the SOM yearly, ensuring a safe and uninterrupted passage, are critical for the economies of the US and our Asian partners. The author suggest that to ensure the security of the United States, USPACOM must continue to be vigilant in the Straits of Malacca by helping regional countries develop a multi-layered offensive strategy, including, the development of an anti-piracy national, bi-lateral, and multi-lateral offensive military responses; facilitating of a common information picture in countries bordering the SOM; and assisting countries bordering the SOM provide economic alternatives to its unemployed citizens.