In this lively book, Alan L. Karras traces the history of smuggling around the world and explores all aspects of this pervasive and enduring crime. Through a compelling set of cases drawn from a rich array of historical and contemporary sources, Karras shows how smuggling of every conceivable good has flourished in every place, at every time. Significantly, Karras draws a clear distinction between smugglers and their more popular criminal cousins, pirates, who operated in the open with a type of violence that was nearly always shunned by smugglers. Explaining the divergence between the two groups, the book illustrates both crossovers and differences.
At the same time, states and empires tolerated smuggling since eliminating smuggling was a sure route to a disgruntled and disorderly citizenry, and governments required order to remain in power. As a result, smuggling allowed individuals to negotiate an unstated social contract that minimized the role of government in their lives. Thus, Karras provocatively argues that smuggling was, and is, tightly woven into an uneasy relationship among governments, taxation, citizenship, and corruption.
Bringing smugglers and smuggling to life, this book provides a fascinating exploration for all readers interested in crime and corruption throughout modern history.
Alan L. Karras is associate director of the International and Area Studies Academic Program at the University of California, Berkeley.
Table of Contents
Chapter 1: Smuggling in Regional and Global Perspective: "Truck, Barter, and Exchange" Chapter 2: "It's Not Pirates!" Chapter 3: The Political Economy of Smuggling Chapter 4: Smuggling: Patterns and Practices Chapter 5: Smuggling, "Custom," and Legal Violations Conclusion
What People are Saying About This
Lauren Benton
In this original and fascinating book, Alan Karras argues convincingly that smugglers were not the bandits of popular imagination but deserve a prominent place in world historical narratives. Karras's fresh treatment of the subject combines analytical insights and rich historical case studies. The approach showcases Karras's expertise in migration, trade, and social networks of the Atlantic world.
Merry E. Wiesner-Hanks
This superb book approaches its topic from a new perspective, exploring the cultural meaning and political impact of smuggling in many parts of the world. Through richly textured archival sources and fascinating visual materials, Alan Karras makes clear that men and women from all social levels participated in and benefited from smuggling. His analysis transforms smuggling from a peripheral economic activity to a central means through which individuals and communities shaped the development of the modern state. Essential for readers seeking a more nuanced view of the real global economy.
