Pirates in Paradise: A Modern History of Southeast Asia’s Maritime Marauders

Stefan Eklöf

2006. 184 pp, 14x21.5 cm

Tracing the development of piracy in Southeast Asia from the eighteenth century until today, this book provides profound insights into contemporary terrorism, piracy and transnational organized crime in the region.

Since the late twentieth century, piracy has returned to the world's oceans with a vengeance. Worst hit is Southeast Asia where thousands of people have lost their lives at the hands of pirates in the last 25 years. Here, oil tankers, cargo ships, passenger vessels, fishing boats and pleasure yachts all have been targets of ruthless attacks.

But who are these modern sea robbers who continue to infest the waters of Southeast Asia? Why have they not been suppressed by the security forces of the region? How serious is the problem for international shipping, for fishermen and for governments? This book is the first attempt to address these questions in a comprehensive and integrated manner.

About the Author

Stefan Eklöf Amirell is an Indonesia expert, and has also published more generally about Southeast Asian politics and history.  He completed his post-doctoral fellowship and history Ph. D at Lund University.