Modern Piracy

This reference text explains what modern piracy is, where and why it happens, and what measures are being taken to combat it. While piracy today typically occurs in specific areas—such as Somalia and Southeast Asia—a single pirate attack can involve and affect many different countries. For example, a supertanker traveling in the South China Sea might be owned by a Saudi Arabian oil company, built in South Korea, registered in Liberia, captained by an Italian, and crewed by Filipinos. And, as reports of attacks on commercial vessels and cruise liners become more common, the topic of modern piracy receives ever-increasing international scrutiny. This chapter-based reference handbook examines modern piracy from the mid-1970s to today. The subject is addressed from a global perspective, covering both the causes and consequences of present-day piracy and evaluating its impact on a number of related issues, including international law, commercial shipping, and terrorism.