What is the difference between pirates then and now?

Answer 1

Pirates of the past, particularly during the Golden Age of Piracy (17th-18th centuries), were often privateers or outlaws who targeted merchant ships for treasure and goods, operating primarily in the Caribbean and other trade routes. Today, modern piracy is more organized and often involves armed groups in regions like Somalia or the Gulf of Guinea, focusing on hijacking vessels for ransom or theft. While traditional pirates often adhered to a code of conduct among themselves, contemporary pirates tend to operate in lawless environments with little regard for such principles. Additionally, modern piracy is addressed through international law and naval patrols, contrasting with the more localized responses of the past.