Maritime Terrorism In The Indian Ocean Rim

The Indian Ocean Rim (IOR) has become a major geopolitical and security interest in the 21st century. One of the biggest issues that faces the Indian Ocean today is the swift growth of maritime related security threats. This is a major concern to not only first world nations like the United States, but also to developing states in the region. Due to the lack of stability in the region, the Horn of Africa and the Arabian Peninsula have been a breeding ground for violent non-state actors. Piracy, illicit trade, and terrorism are just a few of the non traditional maritime security threats. With instability in an already pirate-infested area, the threat of a growing maritime terrorism domain is a looming and haunting notion. This thesis will look into the history of maritime based terrorist attacks, and the potential for up and coming non-state actors, terrorist organizations, and organized crime in a region of instability.