Corsairs and Constitutions: Civil ensigns in the union of Norway and Sweden, 1814–1821. Issue 2 (15th March 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Maliks, Jakob
• Is Part Of: Scandinavian journal of history. Volume 42:Issue 2(2017)
• Page Start: 125
• Page End: 143
• Publication Date: 2017-03-15
• Subjects: civil ensign -- Barbary regencies -- separation of powers; Scandinavia -- History -- Periodicals; Electronic journals; 948
• DOI: 10.1080/03468755.2016.1270998
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0346-8755

Abstract

Abstract : This article is concerned with the impact of the activities of so-called Barbary states on the political discourse on a separate Norwegian civil ensign in the union of Norway and Sweden, 1814–1821. In this parliamentary discourse, the argument was made that the Barbary states' practice of selling treaties of safe passage in order for Christian states to avoid their ships being captured and crews enslaved could endanger the internal political stability of the union. Political measures were taken to avoid such a situation occurring. This case is an indication of how established modes of coexistence between Europe and North Africa could become problematic with the advent of modern constitutions.