In light of escalating tensions between the United States and Russia, discussions have emerged regarding the potential revival of privateering as a tactic to combat Russia's maritime activities, particularly its oil smuggling operations. Historically, privateering involved private vessels attacking enemy ships under government licenses, a practice that was prevalent from the 16th to 19th centuries but was effectively banned by the Paris Declaration of 1856 [fc1dccbd]. Proponents of this strategy argue that it could significantly weaken Russia's energy sector while simultaneously bolstering the US economy [fc1dccbd].
The Federalist has suggested that the US could leverage a 2001 law that allows for the issuance of privateer licenses without needing congressional approval, potentially enabling private vessels to engage in actions against Russian shipping [fc1dccbd]. This comes at a time when the US Navy is facing challenges, including a notable missile strike on the aircraft carrier Dwight Eisenhower by Houthi forces in June 2023, highlighting vulnerabilities in US naval operations [fc1dccbd].
While Russia has not engaged in modern privateering, the possibility of it doing so poses a significant maritime threat, raising concerns about the implications for international shipping and energy security [fc1dccbd]. As the geopolitical landscape continues to evolve, the exploration of historical tactics like privateering may become a focal point in US military strategy against Russia's shadow fleet and its broader maritime ambitions [fc1dccbd].