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Abstract
The September 2001 attacks in the US raised significant concerns that containers may be used to
carry out or facilitate terrorist attacks. The very large number of containers, the thousands of
firms and the multitude individuals involved in container shipping, and limited government
oversight over the global supply chain makes confronting this concern difficult. Further,
organized crime has long used containers to smuggle narcotics, weapons, people and other
contraband making it reasonable to assume terrorist groups may utilize containers to further their
own ends. Containers are, however, an integral component of a global supply chain that has been
designed to be fast and efficient. A terrorist attack that utilized containers and the maritime
supply chain could not only damage the short and long-term credibility of the entire global
logistics system, but it could damage the psyche of a nation’s citizens. Terrorism is ultimately
about inflicting psychological damage. A loss of faith in the integrity of the world’s maritime
shipping system would represent a major terrorist victory. The focus of this study is not on the
technical apparatus available to enhance container security, but rather on the institutional and
economic factors that will ultimately influence the effectiveness of security policies for the
maritime shipping network.