Regional Cooperation on Maritime Piracy: A Prelude to Greater Multilateralism in Asia?

Abstract

This article examines the potential for the emergence of a multilateral maritime regime in East Asia founded on regional cooperation to reduce maritime piracy. Although multilateralism has not yet taken hold in Asia, this article suggests that maritime piracy might be the ideal issue on which to base greater regional cooperation in the future. The article examines the root causes and effects of maritime piracy, describes regional efforts to address the problem and potential challenges to a maritime regime, and provides policy recommendations for the future. The final analysis concludes that an East Asian anti-piracy regime is possible and that a regional approach to piracy may serve as a prelude to greater multilateralism on other issues, such as naval cooperation and counterterrorism efforts.