A Ticking Time Bomb

Like a dormant virus piracy can flare-up in any part of the world where two conditions are extant; flourishing trade at sea and poor governance ashore. No sooner had the scourge of Somalian piracy been subdued by a concerted international effort than it erupted in the Gulf of Guinea. This unique study by retired Navy Captain (Dr) PK Ghosh brings timely focus on the festering problem of piracy afflicting oil-rich West African nations trapped in an unending cycle of corruption and ineffective governance. Even as exploitative Western nations pay mere lip-service to this problem the author warns us of the ''ticking time-bomb'' that Gulf of Guinea piracy represents. This well-researched monograph illuminates a dark area and deserves serious attention of the maritime and strategic communities. Admiral Arun Prakash Former Chief of the Naval Staff Indian Navy