The purpose of this monograph is to propose a solution to the problem of piracy off Somalia and in the Gulf of Aden. This report provides a historical background of piracy and more specifically, the history and the "roots" of Somali piracy. Of most significance is the lawlessness and lack of governance in the failed state of Somalia. Piracy off the waters of Somalia and the Gulf of Aden has spiraled out of control. The U.S. Navy and the international community have been unable to eliminate piracy, let alone reduce the threat. Despite the increased resources dedicated to Somali piracy, the attacks continue to increase. Pirates simply adapt and change their tactics, attacking ships further and further out to sea, in areas where there is no naval presence. Almost unanimously, experts agree Somali piracy will not be eliminated until there is functional governance in Somalia. The same experts also agree that effective governance in Somalia is not likely to occur anytime in the near future. Pirate attacks in Somali waters more than doubled from 2008 to 2009, accounting for nearly 40 percent of the 293 pirate attacks reported worldwide. This monograph finds that, so far, there has been a high tolerance for piracy. As attacks and ransom demands continue to increase, however, nations and shipping companies will bear an increasing financial burden. Providing continuous maritime security for the 2.5 million square miles of ocean and two thousand three hundred mile coastline around Somalia would require the fleet of the entire U.S. Navy. This is simply unsustainable. Conversely, restoring governance in Somalia would require no less than complete occupation of the country. Again, this is something the U.S. government is unwilling to undertake. The solution to the counter-piracy effort is the development of a Somali-based maritime security force, in a sense, privateering. This incentive-based coastguard would be responsible for patrolling the waters off Somali to protect shipping vessels and to control illegal fishing. Laws outlawing ransom payments to pirates -which exacerbates piracy -must be passed. Leveraging neighboring African countries such as Kenya and Somaliland for capacity building and training must also be considered. Coordination of these efforts should be the responsibility of the AU. Ultimately, the goal is to develop an alternative source of income for the Somali population to deter them from engaging in piracy. The investigative method for this monograph was initially used to determine the problem. Historical books, journals, news articles, media reports and student monographs provided the base for the general principle of piracy. Travel through the Advanced Operational Arts Senior Fellowship proved another useful method of inquiry as it afforded visits to numerous senior leaders and think tanks. The teaching method of classroom discussions and group analysis also assisted in the development of the hypothesis. Email and personal interviews with select subject matter experts, was yet another tool in the development of the relevant inquiry.

ADA 530683 Approved for public release; distribution is unlimited. The opinions and conclusions expressed herein are those of the student-authors and do not necessarily represent the views of the U.S. Army Command and General Staff College or any other governmental agency. (References to these studies should include the foregoing statement.)