Understanding Somali piracy through cognitive resources theory

Abstract

This paper examines Somali piracy through the lens of Cognitive Resources Theory (CRT). By and large, Somali piracy consists of hijacking ships, mostly in the Indian Ocean and adjacent areas, and collecting ransom money so as to fund future pirates’ operations. CRT postulates that stress is the enemy of rationality, harming a group’s ability to operate logically and analytically, and impacting both leadership and group performance. Cognitive resources refer to a group’s combined skills and its leader’s experience and decision-making abilities. Based on these cognitive resources, CRT asserts that levels of high and low stress affect a leader’s ability to employ his or her intelligence and experience. To carry out a smooth hijacking operation, a Somali pirate group must alleviate stress. It must have a leader with intelligence and experience to carry out a successful mission in situations of high stress. It is the leader’s responsibility to maintain group unity by providing a supportive, directive environment. As we will see in this analysis, one of the many ways to achieve group normalcy and commitment is by imposing the diya and heer codes – a long-established system of norms and honour within Somalian clans.

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