International terrorism at sea as a menace to the civilization of the 21st century

This article posits that the menace of terrorism at sea has traditionally been overlooked, especially since the events of September 11 in New York that were perpetrated by air. Beginning with a general discussion of what motivates a terrorist and the different kinds of terrorism, the article then moves on to maritime terrorism and piracy and their legal and practical distinctions. The Convention for the Suppression of Unlawful Acts Against the Safety of maritime Navigation of 1988, which made great strides in detailing and codifying terrorism at sea, is discussed, as well as the role of the UN International Maritime Organization in combating terrorism at sea. Finally, the article sums up the current state of affairs and what still remains to be accomplished to effectively battle international maritime terrorism, which the author sees as the world's next great threat.