Thread: Piracy improving international relations

Following the 2004 Indian Ocean Tsunami, the United States offered humanitarian assistance to the countries impacted.

Since the 1997 ESEAN Crisis, piracy on the Stait of Malacca had become a major issue, having increased to a point of concern to maritime commerce. The worlds most critical strategic chokepoint, Malaca is the "Heart of Asia", the Strait which had been controlled by Western Nations since 1521 until Japan's invasion on December 7, 1941.

Following the WWII, sovereign states were established. Some would argue the U.S. intervention in Viet Nam was due to partial concern that Russia would expand to Malacca and gain control. Malacca is so important, as hydrocarbons flow from the Middle East and Africa to China; and goods flow back towards Europe after production in East Asia. With the sole Blue Water Navy, the U.S. has become the policemen of commerce.

However, the Bush Administration decided to create a Coalition of Actors along the Strait to mitigate the piracy threat. Indonesia, Malaysia, and Singapore united to defeat the it; though I would argue multiple Pirate Boats were wiped out by the Tsunami itself. This type of interdependence for common goals Improves Relations.

The U.S. continues to operate in the region to provide support for the countries. But it is not the U.S. Navy's exclusive undertaking. It was a strong foreign policy victory by the Bush Administration. While he appeared heavy handed with unilateral invasion of Iraq, this was more practical. Plus, it minimized concerns of Al Quada operating in primarily Muslim Indonesia, as stronger relations between the U.S. & the country emerged from 2004.

The Gulf of Aden piracy issue by contrast is far less significant. The U.S. has a Naval Base in Djibouti to adequately patrol the Gulf of Aden. And when the Somalian's on Skiffs see the U.S. patrols, they are not as apt to act violently.