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Mapping the World Essentials

Season 5 · 153 episodes · Jan 5, 2026

  1. Episode 1

    Episode 1

    Jan 5, 2026

  2. Episode 2

    Episode 2

    Jan 6, 2026

  3. Episode 3

    Episode 3

    Jan 7, 2026

  4. Episode 4

    Episode 4

    Jan 8, 2026

  5. Episode 5

    Episode 5

    Jan 12, 2026

  6. Episode 6

    Episode 6

    Jan 13, 2026

  7. Episode 7

    Episode 7

    Jan 14, 2026

  8. Episode 8

    Episode 8

    Jan 15, 2026

  9. Episode 9

    Episode 9

    Jan 19, 2026

  10. Episode 10

    Episode 10

    Jan 20, 2026

  11. Episode 11

    Episode 11

    Jan 21, 2026

  12. Episode 12

    Episode 12

    Jan 22, 2026

  13. Episode 13

    Episode 13

    Jan 26, 2026

  14. Episode 14

    Episode 14

    Jan 27, 2026

  15. Episode 15

    Episode 15

    Jan 28, 2026

  16. Episode 16

    Episode 16

    Jan 29, 2026

  17. Episode 17

    Episode 17

    Feb 2, 2026

  18. Episode 18

    Episode 18

    Feb 3, 2026

  19. Episode 19

    Episode 19

    Feb 4, 2026

  20. Episode 20

    Episode 20

    Feb 5, 2026

  21. Episode 21

    Episode 21

    Feb 9, 2026

  22. Episode 22

    Episode 22

    Feb 10, 2026

  23. Episode 23

    Episode 23

    Feb 11, 2026

  24. Episode 24

    Episode 24

    Feb 12, 2026

  25. Episode 25

    Episode 25

    Feb 16, 2026

  26. Episode 26

    Episode 26

    Feb 17, 2026

  27. Episode 27

    Episode 27

    Feb 18, 2026

  28. Episode 28

    Episode 28

    Feb 19, 2026

  29. Episode 29

    Episode 29

    Feb 23, 2026

  30. Episode 30

    Episode 30

    Feb 24, 2026

  31. Episode 31

    Episode 31

    Feb 25, 2026

  32. Episode 32

    Episode 32

    Feb 26, 2026

  33. Episode 33

    Episode 33

    Mar 2, 2026

  34. Episode 34

    Episode 34

    Mar 3, 2026

  35. Episode 35

    Episode 35

    Mar 4, 2026

  36. Episode 36

    Episode 36

    Mar 5, 2026

  37. Episode 37

    Episode 37

    Mar 9, 2026

  38. Episode 38

    Episode 38

    Mar 10, 2026

  39. Episode 39

    Episode 39

    Mar 11, 2026

  40. Episode 40

    Episode 40

    Mar 12, 2026

  41. Episode 41

    Episode 41

    Mar 16, 2026

  42. Episode 42

    Episode 42

    Mar 17, 2026

  43. Episode 43

    Episode 43

    Mar 18, 2026

  44. Episode 44

    Episode 44

    Mar 19, 2026

  45. Episode 45

    Episode 45

    Mar 23, 2026

  46. Episode 46

    Episode 46

    Mar 24, 2026

  47. Episode 47

    Episode 47

    Mar 25, 2026

  48. Episode 48

    Episode 48

    Mar 26, 2026

  49. Episode 49

    Episode 49

    Mar 30, 2026

  50. Episode 50

    Episode 50

    Mar 31, 2026

  51. Episode 51

    Episode 51

    Apr 1, 2026

  52. Episode 52

    Episode 52

    Apr 2, 2026

  53. Episode 53

    Episode 53

    Apr 6, 2026

  54. Episode 54

    Episode 54

    Apr 7, 2026

  55. Episode 55

    Episode 55

    Apr 8, 2026

  56. Episode 56

    Episode 56

    Apr 9, 2026

  57. Episode 57

    Episode 57

    Apr 13, 2026

  58. Episode 58

    Episode 58

    Apr 14, 2026

  59. Episode 59

    Episode 59

    Apr 15, 2026

  60. Episode 60

    Episode 60

    Apr 16, 2026

  61. Episode 61

    Episode 61

    Apr 20, 2026

  62. Episode 62

    Episode 62

    Apr 21, 2026

  63. Episode 63

    Episode 63

    Apr 22, 2026

  64. Episode 64

    Episode 64

    Apr 23, 2026

  65. Episode 65

    Episode 65

    Apr 27, 2026

  66. Episode 66

    Episode 66

    Apr 28, 2026

  67. Episode 67

    Episode 67

    Apr 29, 2026

  68. Episode 68

    Episode 68

    Apr 30, 2026

  69. Episode 69

    Episode 69

    May 4, 2026

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    Episode 70

    Armenia: A Decision for Europe?

    May 5, 2026

    Armenia is moving closer to Europe politically. The focus of the European Political Community meeting in Yerevan was the country's change of course: After decades of Russian dependence, the loss of Nagorno-Karabakh, and Moscow's lack of protection, Armenia has been increasingly seeking closer ties with the EU and new security policy perspectives since 2024.

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    Episode 71

    Russia: War weariness?

    May 6, 2026

    Traditionally, Moscow celebrates the end of World War II with a large military parade. But this year it will be smaller: The Kremlin fears Ukrainian drone attacks. Furthermore, there are increasing signs that Putin's Russia is coming under economic, social, and military pressure. A look at the maps.

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    Episode 72

    Eastern Congo: Resource Curse in Kivu

    May 7, 2026

    Democratic Republic of Congo: President Tshisekedi proposes postponing the presidential elections scheduled for 2028 if the conflict in the east of the country is not resolved by then. War has repeatedly broken out in the two provinces east of Kinshasa – North Kivu with its capital Goma and South Kivu with its capital Bukavu – for decades.

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    Episode 73

    France and Africa: A New Strategy

    May 11, 2026

    French President Macron has chosen Kenya and its capital Nairobi, home to one of East Africa's largest metropolitan areas, for an Africa-France summit. The summit is intended to demonstrate that Paris is no longer focusing solely on its former colonies, but on the entire continent. France's post-colonial Africa policy is a thing of the past.

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    Episode 74

    Great Britain: A Time of Divisions

    May 12, 2026

    The recent elections in Great Britain confirm the fragmentation of the political landscape. In the local elections, Reform UK came out on top, followed by the Labour Party, the Liberal Democrats, the Conservatives, and the Greens. This serves as a reminder that the United Kingdom is the result of a unique political construct.

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    Episode 75

    Trump and Xi: A Showdown

    May 13, 2026

    Given Donald Trump's chaotic governance, China likes to present itself as a neutral and stable state. However, this doesn't prevent the country from discreetly supporting Tehran and Russia, colonizing islands in the South China Sea, and advancing its military buildup. On the occasion of the meeting between Trump and Xi Jinping in Beijing: an assessment.

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    Episode 76

    Hantavirus: Fear of a new pandemic?

    May 14, 2026

    The hantavirus outbreak on the "MV Hondius" is stirring up unpleasant memories. The passengers, who have since returned to their home countries, were all quarantined under more or less strict conditions. This shows how much fear this incident is triggering: the fear of a pandemic.

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    Episode 77

    Gulf Crisis: The Emirates Targeted

    May 18, 2026

    Since the Israeli-American offensive, a large part of Iranian retaliation has been directed at the United Arab Emirates: 551 ballistic missiles, 29 cruise missiles, 2,263 drones… The latest attack: a strike against the Barakah nuclear power plant. This provides an opportunity to try to understand why the Emirates are particularly targeted by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps.

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    Episode 78

    Putin in China: A Weak Friend

    May 19, 2026

    Xi Jinping is portraying Beijing as the center of power: After Donald Trump, he also received Vladimir Putin. The message: Nothing happens globally without China, but strategic proximity lies with Russia. While Moscow is weakened by war and crisis, Beijing's influence is growing – and the balance of power between the two partners is shifting.

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    Episode 79

    Asia: An Aging Population

    May 20, 2026

    Busan, South Korea's vibrant port city, is facing a demographic collapse: Since 1995, 600,000 people have left the city, and almost half of the remaining 3.2 million inhabitants are over 50. Young people are moving to Seoul – but jobs and opportunities are scarce. This is an example of Asia's rapid demographic change, which poses existential challenges for entire regions.

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    Episode 80

    Lithuania: Air Raid Alert

    May 21, 2026

    In the Lithuanian capital, Vilnius, members of parliament (the Seimas) were informed via loudspeaker on Wednesday of an imminent aerial threat, prompting them to seek shelter. Residents received a message on their mobile phones. The reason was the possible incursion of drones from neighboring Belarus.

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    Episode 81

    War in Sudan: The Parties to the Conflict

    May 25, 2026

    Don't forget Sudan: The country has been at war for more than three years. 15 million people have been displaced, tens of thousands killed – according to the UN, one of the world's largest humanitarian crises. The conflict also highlights the growing importance of drones. According to the UN, drones have killed 880 civilians in Sudan since last January.

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    Episode 82

    Belarus: Ukraine worried

    May 26, 2026

    The Orechnik hypersonic missile that struck Kyiv on Sunday was launched from Belarus. This is likely part of a new Kremlin strategy: With the Russian army bogged down in the east, it is attempting to regain the upper hand by opening a northern front with Minsk's support. Belarus, Russia's backyard, has not always been so compliant.

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    Episode 83

    Abraham Accords: Trump, the Pope and the Catholics

    May 27, 2026

    In 2020, Donald Trump helped normalize relations between Israel and several Arab countries. Now, as the Middle East is shaken by multiple conflicts, the American president is demanding that Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Pakistan and Turkey do the same. A statement that disregards the reality of the dividing lines that currently run through the Middle East.

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    Episode 84

    Climate: Cities and Heat

    May 28, 2026

    Temperature records have just been broken across Western Europe. These extreme heat waves, which are becoming increasingly frequent due to human-induced climate change, are felt even more intensely in urban areas. This presents a good opportunity to look at cities around the world that are adapting and finding solutions to lower temperatures.

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    Episode 85

    Lebanon: Is Israel Pushing Beyond the Limits?

    Jun 1, 2026

    The Israeli flag now flies over the Beaufort Castle in southern Lebanon. While Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has hailed the move as a “decisive turning point,” the UN Security Council has convened an emergency meeting amid growing international criticism. France and other countries have condemned the continued military operations, with Paris stating that “nothing can justify the prolongation of Israeli military actions in Lebanon.”

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    Episode 86

    Global competition in pharmaceuticals

    Jun 2, 2026

    The annual ASCO congress in Chicago, a leading event in cancer research, highlighted U.S. breakthroughs in pancreatic cancer treatment as well as the rapid rise of Chinese biotechnology. China and India now compete directly with the United States and Europe in the global pharmaceutical market.

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    Episode 87

    Artificial Intelligence: France Takes the Lead

    Jun 3, 2026

    If foreign investors choose France to build data centers, it is notably because of its nuclear power, which ensures cheaper electricity regardless of the international context. AI requires a lot of electricity to operate. Today, this industry sits at the heart of all geopolitical challenges. Let’s pull out our maps.

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    Episode 88

    Morocco: The Continent’s Industrial Champion

    Jun 4, 2026

    According to the African Development Bank, Morocco became the continent’s industrial champion in 2026, overtaking South Africa. Positioning itself as a major port and logistics hub, the country has successfully attracted new investors and manufacturers, particularly in the automotive and aerospace sectors. This provides an opportunity to better understand Morocco’s strategy of international openness and integration, from the reign of Hassan II to that of Mohammed VI.

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    Episode 89

    Middle East: 100 Days of War

    Jun 8, 2026

    Despite the "ceasefire" between the United States and Iran, the situation seems to be slipping out of Donald Trump's control: Israel continues to strike Beirut’s southern suburbs, Hezbollah continues to launch rockets and drones at northern Israel, Iran fires ballistic missiles at the Jewish state, which in turn strikes Iran again in response... The Middle East has rarely appeared more unstable.

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    Episode 90

    Xi Jinping, Kim Jong-un: an alliance of mutual interest

    Jun 9, 2026

    Xi Jinping’s visit to North Korea serves several purposes: to showcase China’s diplomatic power, but also to remind Vladimir Putin that the Pyongyang-Moscow alliance, strengthened in the context of the war in Ukraine, must not overshadow the Pyongyang-Beijing relationship. For his part, Kim Jong-un benefits from playing both sides - Russian and Chinese.

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    Episode 91

    Bahrain: The End of Calm

    Jun 10, 2026

    Following the destruction of an Apache helicopter, Donald Trump decided to strike Iran once again. Iran, in turn, targeted several countries in the region, including Bahrain. This discreet Gulf monarchy has hosted the US Fifth Fleet for years, something long seen as its “life insurance.” But today, on the contrary, Bahrain is no longer spared from war.

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    Episode 92

    FIFA World Cup 2026 - Sport and Geopolitics

    Jun 11, 2026

    Despite meeting all U.S. entry requirements, World Cup referee Omar Artan was denied entry and returned to Somalia, a country previously described by the U.S. president as a terrorist haven. The 2026 World Cup is already unlike any other, as the celebration of sport cannot escape major geopolitical tensions.

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    Episode 93

    G7 Summit: In What Context?

    Jun 15, 2026

    As the G7 gathers in Évian, leaders aim to address major global crises and support efforts to end ongoing conflicts. Discussions include a planned U.S.-Iran agreement expected to be signed in Geneva. At the same time, questions remain over whether regional ceasefires will hold and whether the G7 still has the influence needed to help resolve today’s most pressing international challenges.

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    Episode 94

    France-Senegal: A Changing Relationship

    Jun 16, 2026

    In Senegal, Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko, a leading advocate of stronger national sovereignty, was dismissed by President Bassirou Diomaye Faye, once his close ally. Unlike the governments of Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso, Faye has not pursued a public break with France. Even so, relations between Paris and Dakar are evolving. Let's take a closer look.

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    Episode 95

    Political Assassinations: Putin’s Version of Warfare

    Jun 17, 2026

    Semion Skrepetski, a Russian cartoonist who criticized Putin’s regime, was shot dead in Poland on June 15. Polish authorities have since arrested two Belarusian suspects believed to have acted on behalf of Russia or Chechnya. This provides an opportunity to map some of the political assassinations allegedly carried out by the Kremlin across the former Soviet region and Europe.

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    Episode 96

    American technology: are Europeans dependent?

    Jun 18, 2026

    At the Vivatech show, India and Europeans are displaying a common ambition: to counterbalance Chinese and American domination. Because, as the Trump administration's decision to reserve Anthropic's most sophisticated AI services for Americans only, Europeans are cruelly dependent on American technology and politics.

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    Episode 97

    Latin America’s Shift to the Right

    Jun 22, 2026

    Will Abelardo de la Espriella reshape Colombia’s future? The right-wing politician has gained attention with promises of mega-prisons, air strikes on drug-trafficking camps with support from Israel and the United States, and major cuts to public spending. His rise reflects a broader trend as political dynamics across Latin America continue to shift rightward.

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    Episode 98

    United Kingdom: Political Instability

    Jun 23, 2026

    With Keir Starmer ‘s resignation, British politics is still unstable after six prime ministers in the ten years since the Brexit vote. Starmer’s sucessor could well be Andy Burnham, the popular former Mayor of Manchester, nicknamed 'the King of the North'.

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    Episode 99

    Heatwave: the effect on the seas

    Jun 24, 2026

    Europe is going through a historic heatwave on land, but also at sea, with temperatures 2 to 5 degrees above average: these days, 20°C has been recorded in the English Channel off Dunkirk, 23°C in the Bay of Biscay; 19°C in Lübeck, on the Baltic; between 25 and 27°C in Nice… An overheating of the seas and oceans with serious consequences.

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    Episode 100

    Earthquake in Venezuela: A Country Under Pressure

    Jun 25, 2026

    Venezuela is facing one of its strongest earthquakes in more than a century, adding to an ongoing political and economic crisis. Months after the U.S. capture of former President Maduro, democratic transition and economic recovery remain stalled. How are these overlapping crises reshaping the country's future?

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    Episode 101

    Crimea: Strategy of Isolation

    Jun 29, 2026

    Moscow: Putin delivered a speech ahead of the parliamentary elections in September. In it, he made a rare admission that the country was facing problems. And with good reason: Ukrainian drones had once again struck Russian territory. Through air strikes - particularly on the Crimean Peninsula - Kyiv aims to cripple the Russian economy and force Putin into negotiations.

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    Episode 102

    Europe: Why the Heatwaves Are Intensifying

    Jun 30, 2026

    After western Europe, extreme heat has spread east, with record temperatures triggering maximum alerts across several countries. According to the IPCC, Europe has warmed about twice as fast as the global average since pre-industrial times. What is driving these increasingly intense heatwaves?

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    Episode 103

    Ireland: Setting the Course

    Jul 1, 2026

    Ireland is assuming the EU presidency for six months. There is no shortage of crucial issues: economic recovery, the new migration pact, ties with Washington... and, of course, security. For Ireland—long proud of its neutrality and pacifism (Dublin spent just 0.2% of its GDP on defense)—no longer feels secure following the Russian invasion of Ukraine.

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    Episode 104

    South Africa: Migration as a Political Target

    Jul 2, 2026

    South Africa has seen renewed waves of xenophobic protests, with tensions remaining high despite a relatively calm demonstration on June 30. The country has faced recurring anti-migrant violence for two decades, and political parties - including allies of former President Jacob Zuma - are using the issue to strengthen their position ahead of local elections.

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    Episode 105

    Syria: A new chapter?

    Jul 6, 2026

    While much of the Middle East remains unstable, Syria has entered a new political phase following the fall of Bashar al-Assad. Under interim leader Ahmed al-Sharaa, the country is drawing renewed international attention. What opportunities and challenges could shape Syria's future?

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    Episode 106

    Can Europe defend itself without the United States?

    Jul 7, 2026

    As doubts grow over long-term U.S. security commitments and Russia remains a major threat, European countries are increasing defense spending and strengthening military cooperation. How dependent is Europe on the United States, and what would greater strategic autonomy look like?

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    Episode 107

    What can Ukraine contribute to Europe's defense?

    Jul 8, 2026

    Despite sustained attacks, Ukraine has demonstrated remarkable military resilience and developed extensive battlefield expertise. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy says these capabilities could significantly strengthen NATO if Ukraine were to join the alliance. What can Europe learn from Ukraine's defense experience?

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    Episode 108

    Why do countries hold gold reserves?

    Jul 9, 2026

    Around 30 tonnes of Venezuelan gold remain frozen at the Bank of England under sanctions. Venezuelan authorities say they want to use the assets for earthquake relief and reconstruction. Beyond this case, why do many countries maintain large gold reserves, and what role do they play?

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    Episode 109

    Why Iran Is Not Losing the War Against the United States

    Aug 31, 2026

    Despite Donald Trump’s threats, Iran continues to rely on China and Russia for oil purchases and military supplies amid tensions over the Strait of Hormuz. Tehran has reportedly rebuilt part of its drone arsenal, highlighting how a seemingly calm summer proved short-lived.

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    Episode 110

    Russia Strikes Back

    Sep 1, 2026

    A weakened Russia is intensifying attacks on Kyiv, while Ukrainian intelligence warns of a possible invasion plan from the Belarusian border. Meanwhile, a Russian lawmaker has openly called for the use of tactical nuclear weapons. Whether credible in the short term or not, these threats reflect a weakened Russia fighting back.

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    Episode 111

    West Bank: Escalation Ahead of the Election

    Sep 2, 2026

    Israel's governing coalition under Prime Minister Netanyahu holds 64 of 120 Knesset seats, but polls suggest it may lose its majority in the upcoming parliamentary election. Beyond the result lies a key question: could a change in coalition alter Israel's policy toward the Palestinians and international law?

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    Episode 112

    Europe’s Rivers: The Impact of Drought

    Sep 3, 2026

    In Romania, the Cernavodă nuclear power plant, which supplies 20% of the country’s electricity, was shut down because of the low water level of the Danube. More broadly, all European waterways are being affected by the heatwaves and droughts the continent has recently experienced. The Loire, Po, and Rhine are at red alert level. Yet Europeans cannot live without their rivers.

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    Episode 113

    Why Is the AfD Dominant in Eastern Germany?

    Sep 7, 2026

    The far-right AfD has won the state election in Saxony-Anhalt, reflecting a historic political shift. The party advocates deportations of people without legal residence, ending public funding for Holocaust remembrance and closer ties with Russia. Its victory was driven by Ulrich Siegmund, who campaigned on nostalgia for East Germany.

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    Episode 114

    Trump’s Cartographic Provocations

    Sep 8, 2026

    Amid a trade dispute with Canada, Donald Trump proposed renaming Lake Ontario “Lake America.” His team had already published maps depicting Canada as a possible 51st US state, as well as Greenland. Trump uses cartographic provocations when reality fails to match his ambitions.

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    Episode 115

    Why the Black Sea Is at the Heart of the Russia-Ukraine War

    Sep 9, 2026

    Since 2022, Vladimir Putin has sought to cripple Ukraine’s economy and regain control of its ports, echoing the Soviet era. In recent weeks, the Black Sea and Odesa region have once again become central to the war.

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    Episode 116

    Can the world agree on maps?

    Sep 10, 2026

    The UN has adopted a resolution encouraging world maps that better reflect the true size of continents, especially Africa. Introduced by Togo on behalf of the African Union, it passed almost unanimously, with only the US voting against. Can the world still agree on universal standards that respect geographical realities and international borders?

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    Episode 117

    Why is Putin attacking Ukrainian trains?

    Sep 14, 2026

    A Russian drone struck a locomotive at Yahodyn station, near the Polish border, shortly after passengers had left following an air-raid alert. They were unharmed. Shortly before, a diplomatic train carrying European officials and other Western figures had passed through. Experts believe the attack was intended to intimidate and deter Western support for Ukraine.

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    Episode 118

    Strait of Hormuz and Bab el-Mandeb: Two Strategic Chokepoints Under Tension?

    Sep 15, 2026

    Hormuz carries around 20% of global oil traffic in peacetime and has become central to tensions between the United States and Iran, driving up oil prices. Meanwhile, the Houthis in Yemen threaten Bab el-Mandeb, another vital Red Sea passage.

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    Episode 119

    The EU’s political season begins with the Canada card

    Sep 16, 2026

    As Europe faces daily provocations from Vladimir Putin and shifting US strategies, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney addressed the European Parliament in Strasbourg. Why is the EU turning to Canada, and what challenges lie ahead?

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    Episode 120

    Why Are Freshwater Reserves Running Out?

    Sep 17, 2026

    The world’s freshwater stocks are under growing pressure. The World Meteorological Organization warns that the water cycle is becoming more irregular and unpredictable. Climate change is a key factor, but excessive water extraction is also depleting reserves. Lake Annecy illustrates the growing stress on water resources.

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    Episode 121

    Germany in Transition: A Changing Political Landscape

    Sep 21, 2026

    Germany is undergoing profound political change. After the far-right AfD won the election in Saxony-Anhalt on 6 September, voters went to the polls in Berlin on Sunday. The far-left Die Linke came out on top, ahead of Chancellor Friedrich Merz’s CDU, while the AfD made significant gains. In Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, the AfD narrowly came first, with the Social Democrats just behind; the AfD had doubled its 2021 result. Two state elections that reflect a Germany in the midst of profound political and social change.

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    Episode 122

    Has the UN Ever Stopped a War?

    Sep 22, 2026

    Against the backdrop of today’s conflicts, questions are being raised about the effectiveness of the United Nations. Russia’s increasingly devastating attacks in Ukraine, the crisis around the Strait of Hormuz, the conflict between the Houthis and Saudi Arabia, and Israel’s settlement expansion in the West Bank paint a bleak picture for UN Secretary-General António Guterres, who is due to leave office at the end of 2026. Yet the UN has contributed to ending or containing wars in the past — from the Iran-Iraq War and the Soviet withdrawal from Afghanistan to the aftermath of Iraq’s invasion of Kuwait. Its history, however, also includes major failures.

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    Episode 123

    Why Trump and Xi Jinping See Eye to Eye on AI

    Sep 23, 2026

    As AI becomes a key arena of US-China competition, both powers are investing heavily in generative models while concerns grow over censorship, deepfakes and copyright. Despite warnings from major tech leaders about AI risks, Trump and Xi appear to favor limited regulation and continued competition.

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    Episode 124

    Why Popes Are Geopolitical Actors

    Sep 24, 2026

    Pope Leo XIV visits France, with stops at UNESCO, Notre-Dame, the Stade de France and Metz, where he will speak about Europe and peace. His visit comes as Russia intensifies its war against Ukraine and hybrid attacks threaten other European countries - offering a first look at the geopolitical role of this American pope.

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    Episode 125

    Why Switzerland Rejects Strict Neutrality

    Sep 28, 2026

    Swiss voters rejected by more than 70% a proposal from right-wing conservatives to enshrine “strict neutrality” in the Constitution. The move would have prevented Switzerland from imposing sanctions on Russia over its invasion of Ukraine. Despite the Kremlin’s involvement in the debate, voters backed limits to neutrality.

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    Episode 126

    Spain: Pedro Sánchez’s Record

    Sep 29, 2026

    Spain faces sharp contrasts: the economy is growing, yet youth unemployment remains high. Migration policy is under pressure after the Ceuta crisis, while tens of thousands protest in Madrid over soaring rents and housing costs. With major elections ahead in 2027, we map Sánchez’s record since taking office in 2018.

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    Episode 127

    Morocco: A Woman at the Helm

    Sep 30, 2026

    Following the September 2026 parliamentary elections, King Mohammed VI appointed Fatima Ezzahra El Mansouri as Morocco’s first female prime minister. The country combines regular elections and multiple parties with a highly centralized monarchy in which the king retains substantial political power.

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    Episode 128

    Dubai-Tel Aviv Flight: What’s the Context?

    Oct 1, 2026

    An Omani pilot reportedly attacked his Indian co-pilot with a knife during the flight, prompting passengers to intervene and forcing an emergency landing. While the facts remain unclear, the incident comes amid a highly volatile regional situation that is also reviving memories of another trauma.

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    Episode 129

    Brazil: Bolsonaro leads first round

    Oct 5, 2026

    Flávio Bolsonaro leads Brazil’s presidential election with 47%, ahead of incumbent Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva at 45%. The runoff is set for October 25. Bolsonaro may have more potential support from eliminated conservative candidates. Voters also elect 27 governors, 513 members of the lower house and 54 senators.

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    Episode 130

    Yemen: A New Front in the Middle East?

    Oct 6, 2026

    After the war linked to the Strait of Hormuz, the Houthis have sought control of the Bab el-Mandeb Strait in the Red Sea. This threatens Saudi Arabia’s oil exports to Asia and has brought high-intensity fighting back to Yemen. To understand the country’s history and geography, let’s look at the map.

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    Episode 131

    October 7, 2026: Who Will Make Peace?

    Oct 7, 2026

    On October 7, 2023, Hamas attacked six Israeli military bases and nearby kibbutzim, killing 1,163 people and taking 251 hostages. Three years later, we look at how the conflict has spread across the region - and at the Oslo Accords as a possible path toward peace.

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    Episode 132

    Belarus: In Putin's Service

    Oct 8, 2026

    Since challenging Alexander Lukashenko in the 2020 presidential election, opposition leader Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya has become a symbol of resistance. Forced into exile for her safety, she now lives in Poland and warns that Lukashenko serves Vladimir Putin’s strategy to weaken and divide Europe.

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    Episode 133

    Trump and Russia, a Long History

    Oct 12, 2026

    Facing low poll ratings ahead of the US midterm elections, Donald Trump has struck a deal with Vladimir Putin to buy Russian diesel in an effort to lower fuel prices, which have surged due to the war with Iran that Trump himself launched. However, the initial shipment is too small to significantly affect prices at the pump.

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    Episode 134

    Spain’s Vox and Europe’s Far Right

    Oct 13, 2026

    Europe's far-right parties are gaining ground but remain divided. In Ceuta, Spanish Vox leader Santiago Abascal and Jordan Bardella, leader of France's National Rally, highlighted their shared positions on migration. Meanwhile, Vox is moving closer to Spain's conservatives, whose historical narrative has been criticized for downplaying Franco's dictatorship.

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    Episode 135

    Saudi Arabia in an Age of War

    Oct 14, 2026

    Houthi forces have increasingly targeted Saudi Arabia, striking airports, military bases and oil infrastructure. As tensions with Iran and its regional allies open multiple fronts, the Gulf monarchies face growing security challenges that threaten their economic growth model.

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    Episode 136

    Ukraine: Can It Cope Without Musk's Satellites?

    Oct 15, 2026

    As US support for Ukraine comes under renewed strain, President Zelenskyy seeks backing from the UK and EU. Meanwhile, Elon Musk's SpaceX has reportedly restricted the Ukrainian military's access to Starlink, its satellite internet network, raising concerns about Kyiv's ability to sustain its war effort.

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    Episode 137

    Why are several European countries facing similar social crises?

    Oct 19, 2026

    In France, Italy and Belgium, legitimate protests over rising living costs and underfunded public services were hijacked by rioters, leaving looted shops and damaged institutions amid overwhelmed security forces. High public debt is another common factor, while Moscow and Washington predictably framed the unrest to suit their own narratives.

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    Episode 138

    Netanyahu's Wars

    Oct 20, 2026

    Ahead of Israel's parliamentary election, Donald Trump voiced full support for Benjamin Netanyahu. Netanyahu said they shared a mission to eliminate the Iranian threat. What began as retaliation after October 7, 2023, grew into devastating wars waged without a legal framework.

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    Episode 139

    Macron in the Gulf States to Secure Diesel Supplies

    Oct 21, 2026

    After visiting Kuwait, the UAE and Bahrain, French President Emmanuel Macron traveled to Qatar to secure diesel imports, avoid shortages and ease fuel prices. The visits come as France faces a deep political and social crisis and relies heavily on imported fuel.

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    Episode 140

    Biodiversity Conference: Can Wildlife Still Be Saved?

    Oct 22, 2026

    At COP17 in Yerevan, Armenia, countries worldwide, except the United States, are discussing how to halt species extinction. The goal is to protect 30% of the world's land and oceans by 2030, despite global investment still heavily favoring nature's destruction over its protection.

  141. Episode 141

    Brazil - Is Lula Bucking Latin America’s Trend?

    Oct 26, 2026

    With a lead of 4.4 million votes, 80-year-old former metalworker Lula becomes president of Brazil for the fourth time. His victory contrasts with the rise of right-wing forces across South America, but he must contend with Flávio Bolsonaro’s party, which dominates both houses of Congress.

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    Episode 142

    Serbia - What Comes After Vučić?

    Oct 27, 2026

    After two years of protests, Serbia’s student-led electoral list has defeated Aleksandar Vučić, who had been in power for 14 years. The movement promises honest government, the rule of law and separation of powers. Will Serbia move closer to the EU or maintain its ties with Russia and China?

  143. Episode 143

    Episode 143

    Oct 28, 2026

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    Episode 144

    Commonwealth: Reparations for Slavery?

    Oct 29, 2026

    King Charles III opens the Commonwealth Summit in Antigua and Barbuda. The organisation comprises 56 states, most of which are former British colonies. A key topic of the summit is the legacy of the transatlantic slave trade. Several member states are calling for financial compensation and the return of looted cultural artefacts.

  145. Episode 145

    Episode 145

    Nov 2, 2026

  146. Episode 146

    Episode 146

    Nov 3, 2026

  147. Episode 147

    Episode 147

    Nov 4, 2026

  148. Episode 148

    Episode 148

    Nov 5, 2026

  149. Episode 149

    Episode 149

    Nov 9, 2026

  150. Episode 150

    Episode 150

    Nov 10, 2026

  151. Episode 151

    Episode 151

    Nov 11, 2026

  152. Episode 152

    Episode 152

    Nov 12, 2026

  153. Episode 153

    Episode 153

    Nov 16, 2026