Hypothesis: The Somali pirates represent the birth pangs of a new Somali government. Evidence: Their actions are in no way different from those of governments. They have claimed maritime territory and assumed the right to guard it. The proposition that, as a whole, they are vicious, lawless robbers seeking profit at the expense of others is both true and unfair. Allow me to elaborate. They are, of course, operating outside of any recognized legal system, and they seek profit at the expense of others – but so do governments which we consider legitimate, so that argument fails on its face. … Continue reading Somali Pirates as a Fledgling Government