Pirates and Privateers
The History of Maritime
Piracy
Cindy Vallar, Editor
& Reviewer
P.O. Box 425,
Keller, TX 76244-0425
Books for
Adults ~ Modern Piracy
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
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
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