I Arrr Theories

Hey, guys, it’s pirate time again!

http://afp.google.com/article/ALeqM5iPS7w3VqKuj3eoPmsN8kZDeKmzgg

The pirate-captured tank-bearing, Ukrainian-made vessel has been pinned down by warships from the United States and other nations.

Let’s break this down.

Realism: It is in our nation’s national security interest to prevent the tanks from falling into the hands of the Islamic terrorists for which the pirates intend to deliver the vessel and, more importantly, the arms carried within it. Furthermore, to deliver the ransom demanded by the pirates would only spur further activity of the same nature, as it would be seen as extremely profitable; if you succeed, you are paid by the terrorists; if you fail, you can still collect a (very) hefty ransom. Win-win.

Liberalism: What we are seeing here is the increasingly relevant role of non-state actors in international relations. First, there are the pirates themselves; second, there is the fact that the pirates were attempting to aid terrorists, and there is no Nation of Terror for a Realist to deal with. Furthermore, by taking the course of action that we are, we are furthering the goal of a stabilized Somalia. A destabilized Somalia would lead to destabilization in neighboring states; therefore, by working multilaterally with the other present navies, we are striving towards mutual absolute gain.

Constructivism: Our national identity demands that we stop ne’er-do-wells, and especially pirates. To plunder is dishonorable (unless we are doing it, I suppose), and so we will stop them. Even the literal task of stopping pirates reminds us of the heroes of old, those great British ships of the line that would wreak havoc on the open sea. Romantic. Lovely! We will bring those pirates to justice because it fits into our national identity to do so.

The moral of the story?
Become a pirate!