Professor Glenn Reynolds Reviews the Case for Privateering Against Mexican Cartels
There has been a recent proposal to organize privateers to fight Mexican cartels, as suggested by Senator Mike Lee, which revives the historical practice of issuing “Letters of Marque and Reprisal” to authorize private parties to target cartel assets.
“Privateering” is when a private ship or person attacks enemy ships under a commission from a government. Privateering was a common practice until the 19th century.
Professor Glenn Reynolds explores this proposal further in his fun New York Post article on the subject.
Sail forth, privateers! Sharpen your cutlasses and load guns with grapeshot!Well, not exactly. Utah Sen. Mike Lee recently kicked off a conversation about the return of letters of marque and reprisal as a means of striking out against rogue states and non-state bad actors.In an era of asymmetric warfare, a new breed of US privateers could allow America to fight its enemies where they lurk….In Lee’s vision, Congress would designate trained civilians or established security firms to disrupt targeted supply lines and seize valuable assets without burdening taxpayers or risking US military personnel.Mexican drug cartels are his first suggested target. They have some boats and even ships hauling drugs into the United States, and sea-based operations could intercept them, just like the privateers of old.
Reynolds also review some of the likely challenges with this approach. As always, read the whole thing!
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