Modernisation of Piracy: Colonial Hong Kong and Its Dangerous Maritime Connections, c. 1890-1950

A lecture by Dexter Hse (TCD) for the International History Research Seminar Series.

As societies in East Asia changed and modernised rapidly, people tried to catch up and cope with new social norms, geopolitical relations, and technological innovations. Pirates were no exception. With more than four centuries of piracy history, Hong Kong and the neighbouring region in the early 20th century saw yet another wave of piracy committed not by merely opportunistic criminal gangs, but by sophisticated and adaptive enterprises. This paper examines how these pirates evolved technologically, organisationally, and tactically over half a century, and how they navigated colonial expansions, civil and world wars, disasters, and economic upheavals.
Dexter Tse is a PhD researcher in the Department of History at TCD

The Centre for International History draws on the burgeoning insights of scholars in the past few decades that history does not stop at the border of the nation-state.  International history explores comparative approaches and uncovers transnational flows of commerce, politics, culture, and ideas. The Centre's research seminars and public events will display these methods while examining historical developments across the globe especially in the late modern period.

This event is run in accordance with Trinity’s Dignity and Respect policy, and its commitment to nurturing a respectful and inclusive research culture.
Please indicate if you have any access requirements, such as ISL/English interpreting, so that we can facilitate you in attending this event. Contact:  gearyd@tcd.ie