The political and humanitarian situation in Somalia is desolate and unfortunately, there are no short-term improvements for this sober perspective. The reaction of the international community is to take direct action against the maritime part of the problem, the maritime piracy. Small navies can play a significant role in establishing the regional solutions as stated in the Djibouti code. The Royal Netherlands Navy is a small, but high technical Navy with modern ships, submarines and helicopters. The Dutch political interest in supporting the maritime mission in the Horn of Africa is the economical dependence that is garnered from freedom of the sea. Since 2005, the Royal Netherlands Navy has not only actively participated, but been at the forefront of both the NATO and EU counter-piracy missions. Moreover, piracy in the Horn of Africa has further developed the geopolitical relations between global operating navies such as China and the United States. That being said, these smaller navies are ideally suited to play the role of intermediary for larger navies and can also help develop communications and unity of effort at the operational levels. The international cooperation. that occurs during counter- piracy operations in the Horn of Africa is also a positive. Not only does this cooperation contribute to the long term effects on counter-piracy operations, but it also helps improve geopolitical relations and reduce tension between countries. Furthermore, both small and large navies alike can reap the benefits of increased relations. This is especially true when developing future joint global maritime security missions for these navies around the world. Maritime counter-piracy operations around the Horn of Africa have accelerated the development of geopolitical relations.


    Access

    Access via TIB

    Check availability in my library


    Export, share and cite



    Title :

    What are the Challenges for Small Navies to Make a Difference in Counter-Piracy Operation in the Horn of Africa


    Contributors:
    T Mestrini (author)

    Publication date :

    2011


    Size :

    36 pages


    Type of media :

    Report


    Type of material :

    No indication


    Language :

    English