This event was the first of two witness seminars that revisited issues relating to policing modern piracy through the recollections of those who were closely involved to record their oral histories.
The focus of this seminar was on the international policing of and responses to modern day piracy and ship hijacking including Somalian and Malay pirates in the Gulf and Indian Ocean.
A small panel of witnesses briefly introduced themselves and commented on their professional role and understanding of the topic and its relevance. They were asked a number of questions to initiate a discussion highlighting different perspectives and experiences.
The session was then thrown open to the invited audience for comment, further questions or brief relevant testimony to extend the discussion. The seminar was recorded and transcribed to add a valuable dimension to historical and broader academic debate contributing an important resource for scholars and for policymakers.
Speakers included international negotiators and security experts and representatives from the UK's Joint Forces HQ.
The event was hosted in association with Dr Michael Kandiah, Co-director of the Institute of Contemporary British History Witness Seminar Programme, Kings College London.
We were grateful to Terra Firma Risk Management for providing essential advice and support to businesses, private individuals, governments and aid organisations worldwide.