Pirate FlagPirates and PrivateersPirate Flag

The History of Maritime Piracy

Cindy Vallar, Editor & Reviewer
P.O. Box 425, Keller, TX  76244-0425

Skull & crossbones
                  divider Skull & crossbones dividerSkull & crossbones dividerSkull & crossbones dividerSkull & crossbones divider


Home
Pirate Articles
Book Reviews
Pirate Links
Sea Yarns Galore
Thistles & Pirates


Books for Adults ~ Modern Piracy

Cover Art: Contemporary Maritime Piracy in
                Southeast Asia
Contemporary Maritime Piracy in Southeast Asia: History, Causes and Remedies
by Adam J. Young
ISEAS Institute of Southeast Asian Studies, 2007, ISBN 978-981-230-470-0, US $29.90 / Singapore $39.90

Pirate thumbs-upPirate thumbs-upPirate thumbs-upPirate thumbs-upPirate thumbs-up

We often assume piracy in the western world is and was the same as that found in the eastern world, but as Adam Young aptly points out, it is and was not. For nearly 2,000 years piracy has been a part of life in Southeast Asia. Social and political changes over the centuries have caused this villainy to adapt to these changes. Whether in the past or the present, these crimes have common traits that include “socio-cultural views, economic growth with concomitant political development, poverty and inefficient distribution of wealth, and fragmented or challenged hegemony.” In his analysis of piracy in history, as well as modern day, Young focuses on the state, for without the cooperation of all nation states, piracy in this region will continue.

The book begins with a glossary, for many terms associated with piracy in Southeast Asia are words with which most readers won’t be familiar. After the introduction, an examination is made of historical piracy followed by causes of piracy today. Young concludes by summarizing this study and suggesting ways in which nation states may work together to eliminate pirate attacks. He includes two appendices that provide information on UNCLOS and SUA (two laws addressing the problem), and statistics on attacks. The book contains both a detailed index and bibliography, and all citations are footnoted at the end of each chapter.

What sets this book apart from others is that Young provides a historical perspective to assist us in understanding piracy in the region today. This is a key element in fighting pirates, for if we lack a good grounding in the past, which differs greatly from that of the West, we cannot comprehend what’s happening in Southeast Asia today, both in terms of the scope and frequency of attacks and why nation states are so reticent to accept assistance. Of equal importance is the comparison between western concepts of piracy versus the reality of piracy in eastern waters. Without clearly understanding these two facets, this crime will continue to plague maritime shipping.



Review Copyright ©2008 Cindy Vallar

Home
Pirate Articles
Book Reviews
Pirate Links
Sea Yarns Galore
Thistles & Pirates


Gunner = Send Cindy a
                      message
Click to contact me

Background image compliments of Anke's Graphics