Dysfunctional coastal states as a source of threats to maritime s ecurity

The main aim of this article is to present issue of threats posted by dysfunctional coastal states within maritime environment. Three types of threats, asymmetrical, nautological and ecological, as well as their causes, are identified and described. Also currently used countermeasures are analysed and some conclusions are presented. Evaluating methods of dealing with threats posed by dysfunctional states it is important to notice that focusing only on undertaking actions within maritime environment is ineffi cient. Fundamental reasons of considered threats has its origin in economic factors. As a result, economical stabilization and development should be considered as the most crucial issue in any attempt to eliminate those threats. However it must be connected with ability to execute law on sea as well as on land. This rise a question of proper use of owned means. In case of counteracting criminal threats problem is the frequent employment of military forces. This refers in particular to case of piracy, where new solutions are proposed by free market. Previous experience indicates that security systems against pirate attacks off ered by private companies have demonstrated to be eff ective. As a result, together with operations on land, they seems to be the most perspective solutions in case of counter-piracy activity.