James Bridger on piracy.
Author: James Marcus Bridger
James Marcus Bridger previously served as a Content Editor and Senior Research Analyst with the Atlantic Council of Canada as part of the Department of National Defence’s Security and Defence Forum Program. He is a now a Maritime Security Consultant with Delex Systems Inc. in Washington, DC.
CIMSEC: Searching for a Somali Coastguard
James Bridger looks at the possibility of developing a Somali Coast Guard.
Safe Seas at what Price? The Costs, Benefits and Future of NATO’s Operation Ocean Shield
James M. Bridger discusses current counter-piracy efforts by NATO.
From Fighting Piracy to Terrorism, the PMPF Saga Continues
James M. Bridger traces the compelling story of the Puntland Maritime Police Force (PMPF).
Reexamining the Gulf of Guinea: Fewer Attacks, Better Pirates
James M. Bridger argues that just because there has been a reduction in instances of maritime piracy in the Gulf of Guinea does not mean that the problem is close to being solved as offenders have increased both their operational sophistication and target selectivity.
A Turkish Approach to Somalia
While several Western states have increased aid to Somalia and convened conferences to address its myriad problems, Ankara has taken a different approach by putting (work) boots on the ground.
Talking Somalia with Dr. Christopher Daniels
Interview by James M. Bridger Given the dangers associated with conducting research in the country, Somalia has long suffered from a dearth of genuine academic and journalistic inquiry—resulting in a number of myths and misconceptions. Seeking to counter this, Dr. Christopher Daniels has carried out extensive research in Somalia and the wider region in an Read More…
The EU’s Misguided Move to Fight Pirates Onshore
[captionpix align=”left” theme=”elegant” width=”320″ imgsrc=”http://farm2.staticflickr.com/1405/5178639570_e09c65894f_z.jpg” captiontext=” While successful at deterring and disrupting pirate attacks, foreign military operations alone cannot end Somali piracy.”] When confronting the crisis of Somali piracy, the preferred strategy of the international community has been to deploy naval vessels to protect vulnerable ships and deter and disrupt pirate attacks. The refrain that Read More…
NATO, The African Union and the Fight Against Piracy
By: James Marcus Bridger One would be hard pressed to find an article analyzing Somali piracy—be it journalistic, academic, or militarily focused—that does not make the claim that this maritime problem can only be solved on land. In the four years that the international community has attempted to address this crisis, however, a coherent and Read More…
A Somali Quagmire Part I – A Guide to the Players
By: James Marcus Bridger As was the case for much of the Cold War, Somalia once again finds itself playing host to a number of competing local, regional, and international actors. The beleaguered Transitional Federal Government (TFG) now controls the capital Mogadishu, thanks to an offensive launched by the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM)—a Read More…