Ep 6. Pirates

Explained is a documentary series that explores a wide range of topics affecting our world today. In season 2 episode 6, titled Pirates, the series takes a deep dive into the world of piracy and its impact on global trade and security.

The episode starts with a brief history of piracy, tracing its roots back to the ancient world and taking us through the “Golden Age” of piracy in the 17th and 18th centuries. We learn about some of the most notorious pirates of that time, including Blackbeard and Captain Kidd.

The main focus of the episode, however, is on modern-day piracy. We learn that piracy is still a major problem in some parts of the world, particularly off the coast of Somalia. The show explores why piracy persists in these areas and what is being done to combat it.

The episode features interviews with experts in the fields of maritime law and international relations, as well as with former pirates themselves. Through these interviews, we learn about the various factors that contribute to modern-day piracy, including poverty, corruption, and political instability. We also learn about the ways in which pirate groups operate, often using sophisticated technologies to locate and board ships.

The show also explores the impact that piracy has on global trade, arguing that the cost of piracy is ultimately passed on to consumers in the form of higher prices. We learn about some of the measures that shipping companies have taken to protect their ships and crews, including installing anti-piracy measures and hiring private security firms.

Despite these efforts, piracy remains a persistent problem in some parts of the world. The episode looks at some of the innovative solutions that have been proposed to combat piracy, including establishing “floating courts” to try pirates on the spot and providing economic alternatives to communities that rely on piracy for their livelihoods.

Overall, the episode provides a fascinating and thought-provoking look at a complex and multifaceted problem. While piracy may seem like a relic of the past, this episode makes it clear that it still has real-world consequences today. As always, Explained serves to educate viewers about topics that are often overlooked or misunderstood, and Pirates is no exception.