Rodolphe Durand - The Pirate Organization. Lessons from the Fringes of Capitalism [2012][A]

Book Description
A short history of piracy and capitalism.
When capitalism spread along the trade routes toward the Indies…when radio opened an era of mass communication . . . when the Internet became part of the global economy…pirates were there. And although most people see pirates as solitary anarchists out to destroy capitalism, it turns out the opposite is true. They are the ones who forge the path.
In The Pirate Organization, Rodolphe Durand and Jean-Philippe Vergne argue that piracy drives capitalism’s evolution and foreshadows the direction of the economy. Through a rigorous yet engaging analysis of the history and golden ages of piracy, the authors show how pirates form complex and sophisticated organizations that change the course of capitalism. Surprisingly, pirate organizations also behave in predictable ways: challenging widespread norms; controlling resources, communication, and transportation; maintaining trade relationships with other communities; and formulating strategies favoring speed and surprise. We could learn a lot from them—if only we paid more attention.
Durand and Vergne recommend that rather than trying to stamp out piracy, savvy entrepreneurs and organizations should keep a sharp eye on the pirate space to stay successful as the game changes—and it always does.
First published in French to great critical acclaim and commercial success as L’Organisation Pirate: Essai sur l’évolution du capitalisme, this book shows that piracy is not random. It’s predictable, it cannot be separated from capitalism, and it likely will be the source of capitalism’s continuing evolution.

Reviews
“…this is a stimulating book filled with new ideas. Philosophically minded land- lubbers will enjoy it just as much as barnacle-backs.” — The Economist

“All this economic theory is paired with engaging analysis of the history and golden ages of piracy.” — Financial Times

“An interesting and thought-provoking read. The book debunks popular myths about piracy being random and suggests instead that it is predictable, cannot be separated from capitalism and will be the source of capitalism’s continuing evolution.” — The Irish Times

“Rather than try to stamp out piracy, entrepreneurs and businesses should watch how pirates behave in order to stay successful.” — Telegraph.co.uk

“This is an important book that adds to our understanding of the transition between different phases of capitalism...We recommend it.” — Compass, the magazine of the Association of Professional Futurists

“Turns out piracy is not just opportunist brigandry, but a driver of capitalist evolution and a pointer to economic direction. So watch the pirates and stay ahead of the game. Yo, ho, ho and hoist the Jolly Roger!” — The Australian Way (Quantas Airlines inflight magazine)

Praise for the French Edition of The Pirate Organization (L'organisation pirate)
“When laws and technologies change, piracy . . . tends to arise. This was true when the age of navigation led sailors into waters where no one was ruler, and it is true on the frontiers of the information age today.” — Christopher Caldwell, Financial Times

“A stimulating piece to savor” — Le Monde

“Daring, challenging, stimulating” — Technikart

“Inspiring ideas that push further the boundaries of reflection” — Les Echos

“A remarkable essay” — Les Influences

About the Author
Rodolphe Durand is the GDF-Suez Professor of Strategy at HEC Paris. In 2010 he received the European Academy of Management’s Imagination Lab Foundation Award for Innovative Scholarship. His work has been published widely in academic journals. Jean-Philippe Vergne is an assistant professor of strategy at the Richard Ivey School of Business at the University of Western Ontario. His ongoing research on the global arms industry received the inaugural Grigor McClelland Doctoral Dissertation Award in 2011.