LE3 .A278 2013

2013

Biro, Andrew

Acadia University

Bachelor of Arts

Honours

Envirironmental & Sustainability Studies

Environmental & Sustainability Studies

This thesis explores the political and ecological origins of Somali piracy. Incidents of piracy along the coast of Somalia have increased rapidly in recent years, with record highs in 2009 as 406 incidents of Somali piracy, more than half of the total worldwide incidents of piracy that year, were reported. Nations around the world are struggling to quell piracy in Somalia, however, the problem of piracy along the Somali coast remains. In order to develop a deeper understanding of the phenomenon of Somali piracy, this thesis will explore its root causes through primary and secondary source research, focusing on the nuanced ways in which nature and humanity remake each other, shaping piracy. This thesis will argue that Somali piracy is the product of a plurality of multi-scale human-environment interactions that have continuously redesigned each other, with the collapse of the Somali state, the perpetration of environmental injustices, and the occurrence of natural disasters being key factors that shaped the development and evolution of piracy in Somalia. This thesis enhances an understanding of the root causes of Somali piracy, and lays the groundwork for a solution to piracy’s underlying conditions to be crafted and implemented.

The author retains copyright in this thesis. Any substantial copying or any other actions that exceed fair dealing or other exceptions in the Copyright Act require the permission of the author.

https://scholar.acadiau.ca/islandora/object/theses:1057