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War for profit: English corsairs, institutions and decentralised strategy

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  • Nicholas Kyriazis
  • Theodore Metaxas
  • Emmanouil M. L. Economou

Abstract

In this study, we propose that in states with relatively weak central authorities, decision-makers had to develop market-oriented organisation solutions to successfully face a grave external threat, and these solutions proved to be efficient. Using an interdisciplinary approach that combines institutional theory, history and strategy, we analyse a case study, the use of corsairs (privateers) by England in the late sixteenth and early seventeenth centuries. We have found that the development of partnership companies went hand in hand for commercial and military purposes. English privateers proved to be economically efficient and superior to the centrally planned war operations of the Spanish empire.

Suggested Citation

  • Nicholas Kyriazis & Theodore Metaxas & Emmanouil M. L. Economou, 2018. "War for profit: English corsairs, institutions and decentralised strategy," Defence and Peace Economics, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 29(3), pages 335-351, April.
    • Handle: RePEc:taf:defpea:v:29:y:2018:i:3:p:335-351
    DOI: 10.1080/10242694.2015.1111601
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

    1. Economou, Emmanouel/Marios/Lazaros & Kyriazis, Nicholas & Prassa, Annita, 2016. "The Greek merchant fleet as a national navy during the war of independence 1800-1830," MPRA Paper 76414, University Library of Munich, Germany.
    2. Economou, Emmanouel/Marios/Lazaros & Kyriazis, Nicholas, 2019. "The emergence of the joint-stock companies in the Dutch Republic and their democratic elements in business," MPRA Paper 91447, University Library of Munich, Germany.

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