This book examines the evolution, function, problems and prospects of private security companies in the maritime sector.

The private security industry continues to evolve after its renaissance over the past few decades, first in Africa, and later in Iraq and Afghanistan. Despite this, little academic work has been done to date on the role of private security in the maritime environment. This lacuna has become more pronounced as the threat of piracy, terrorism, and other acts of maritime political violence have caused littoral states and commercial entities alike to consider the use of private security to mitigate risks.

Maritime Private Security is an edited volume specifically dedicated to combating the absence of academic research in this area. The discussion of this multi-faceted subject is organised into four key parts:

• Part I: The Historical and Contemporary Market in Maritime Private Security Services
• Part II: The Emergence of Private Anti-Piracy Escorts in the Commercial Sector
• Part III: The Privatization of Coast Guard Services
• Part IV: Private Security Responses to Maritime Terrorism

This book will be of much interest to students of naval policy and maritime security, private security companies, piracy and terrorism, international law and IR in general.

'Maritime Private Security should be required reading for anyone interested in maritime history and current challenges. Importantly, this book fills a void in the growing literature on counter-piracy operations by examining the expanding role of the private sector. As nations face the challenge of declining naval force structure, this volume promises to continue as a staple on the bookshelves of those interested in maritime security.' - Brian Wilson, International Journal of Maritime History, Vol. 24, 1, June 2012

'Maritime Private Security is a must read for anyone interested in how today's world economy and society influence combating piracy and maritime terrorism now and inthe future.' - Cindy Vallar, Pirates and Privateers

Claude Berube teaches in the Political Science Department at the United States Naval Academy, and is co-author of two books and 20 articles.

Patrick Cullen is a Postdoctoral Fellow at the Institut Barcelona D’Estudis Internacionals, and has a Ph.D. in International Relations from the London School of Economics.