Info et société | ARTE

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Politics and society | ARTE

Política y sociedad | ARTE

Polityka i społeczeństwo | ARTE

Politica e società | ARTE

Investigative documentary series, geopolitical analysis, and international commentary

Politics and society

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Vladimir Putin's foreign policy, both opportunistic and unscrupulous, has put Russia back on the map as a world power to be reckoned with in recent years. This documentary uncovers what Putin wants for Russia on the world stage, and how he is achieving his geopolitical goals.

What does Vladimir Putin really want? Focus on the Russian leader's goals for his country.

Inside Putin's Head

Current Highlights

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Many of these journalists didn't expect to become war reporters. But then their homeland became a conflict zone. As armies picked up guns, they picked up their cameras.

A look at daily life in Ukraine, as filmed by Ukrainian journalists

Dispatches From Ukraine: Local Journalists Report

How do our neighbours in Europe see the pressing social issues of our time? Which of today's problems and challenges concern them the most, and how do they deal with them? Five partners, five languages and one joint project: The European Collection. ARTE joins forces with Germany's ARD and ZDF, France Télévisions and Switzerland's SRG SSR to offer a selection of documentaries and reports on European current affairs and the issues driving our politics and society.

The view of our European neighbours on current political and social issues in Europe.

The European Collection

Chinese people make do without Google, Facebook, Youtube, Twitter. Instead, the regime has built its own online offer. How is this Chinese internet structured and what does it mean for democracy and debate?

How is this Chinese internet structured and what does it mean for democracy and debate? 

Internet Made in China

On 24 February, Russian armed forces invaded Ukraine. We follow the war day by day and provide background information with special insights, reports and documentaries.

War in Ukraine

Regular bite-sized shorts focusing on different aspects of the war in Ukraine from a geopolitical perspective.

Mapping the World Essentials - War in Ukraine

The Brazilian president is criticised for many policies: Gun control, Amazon deforestation, policies against minorities, as well as his handling of the coronavirus pandemic. A focus on Bolsonaro’s Brazil, a divided country.

A focus on Bolsonaro’s Brazil, a divided country.

Bolsonaro's Brazil

Collections

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Playlists

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A breakaway region of Moldova that is not recognised internationally, Transnistria is largely pro-Russian. The war in Ukraine has awakened fears that Russia will try to annex the region.

A breakaway region of Moldova that is not recognised internationally, Transnistria is largely pro-Russian. 

Moldova: Transnistria and Russia

In Rakovets, a village in western Ukraine, local people’s lives have been turned upside down since the war began. Myron Miroslavovitch's wife has left the village and his two sons are fighting at the front.

In Rakovets, a village in western Ukraine, local people’s lives have been turned upside down since the war began.

Ukraine: A Village in Wartime

On 13 March, the Yavoriv military base was hit by Russian missiles, killing 35 people and injuring 134. Although located in eastern Ukraine, not a NATO member, the base has been used for joint operations with the North Atlantic Alliance. Let’s take a moment to get an overview of NATO’s presence in eastern Europe.

A focus on the presence of the North Atlantic Alliance in eastern Europe.

Nato: What Presence in Eastern Europe?

Parallel to the very real war in Ukraine, an information war is raging. Some Ukrainian newspapers are translating their articles into Russian to combat what they see as Moscow’s distorted media picture of the conflict.  

Parallel to the very real war in Ukraine, an information war is raging. 

Ukraine: The Information War

Over a million people have fled Ukraine, hoping to find refuge in neighbouring countries; We report from the Polish border town of Przemyśl, where the town's railway station has been transformed into an official meeting point for refugees.

Over a million people have fled Ukraine, hoping to find refuge in neighbouring countries; We report from the Polish border town of Przemyśl, where the town's railway station is a meeting point for refugees.

Polish Border: Ukrainians Seek Refuge

American workers are asking for better conditions and higher wages. In Aspen, the famous ski resort and billionaire’s playground, the cost of living and inequality of earning is reaching crisis levels.

In Colorado the cost of living and inequality of earning is reaching crisis levels.

Colorado, USA: The Return of Class Struggle

On the Finnish border with Russia, the war in Ukraine brings back unpleasant memories of the Soviet invasion of their country during world war II.

War in Ukraine: Finnish Anxiety

Investigation and reports

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Zwar sind andere Instrumente weniger sperrig, unumgänglich ist das Klavier aber nicht nur aus Platzgründen: Der imposante Flügel erfüllt den Raum dank Saiten und Hämmern mit klassischem Charme. Ob allein oder in Begleitung eines Orchesters: Entdecken Sie große Klassiker genauso wie Stücke der Gegenwart am klangvollen Klavier – in unserer Piano-Playlist.

Stories from across the continent

Video reports from European broadcasters including Germany’s BR, Belgium’s RTBF, Ireland's RTÉ, Portugal’s RTP, Swissinfo and more.

A European Perspective

ERB Event Zone

Saype is a graffiti artist with a difference. He doesn't spray his works on walls but in fields and on grass, using his own biodegradable paint. His huge works of art are best appreciated by drone, where the true scale is revealed. 

Gymnastics

Saype, Green-Fingered Graffitti Artist

For the last 50 years, German artist Christina Kubisch has been obsessed with the sounds of everyday life.

Christina Kubisch - Sound Artist

The American director Peter Sellars was invited to the Salzburg Festival. For the 2017 edition he staged The Clemency of Titus by Mozart.

Carte Blanche to Peter Sellars

Square Artiste: Peter Sellars

Mariusz would never have become the artist he is now if Poland had not joined the European Union. He now creates striking murals in cities all over the world.

Europe of Artists

Mariusz Waras, Street Artist

French writer Emmanuel Ruben is a bicycle enthusiast. Writing about his cycle from west to east following Europe’s longest river, the Danube, Ruben reflects on Europe and migration.

Rewriting Europe Along the Danube

Europe as a source of inspiration: Meeting artists from across the continent whose works spring from Europe’s cultural diversity.

Through the eyes of artists

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Ten years after Gaddafi's fall, what state is Libya in? There's the official government based in Tripoli that is recognised by the international community, and rival forces controlled by General Khalifa Haftar.

Libya: A Global Power Struggle

Ten years after Gaddafi's fall, what state is Libya in?

Mapping the World

"Our submarine cables may be the target of nations tempted to damage them," declared the Minister of the Armed Forces Florence Parly a few days before the outbreak of war in Ukraine. A Russian ship was even been spotted several times off Ireland. Does Russia have the means to deprive Westerners of the Internet?

Underwater Cables: A New Frontline?

Does Russia have the means to deprive Westerners of the Internet?

If there is one friend that Moscow can rely on its Bashar Hafez al-Assad’s Syria. It is thought that Syrian recruits are fighting in Ukraine in return for Putin coming to the Syrian regime’s aid back in 2015.

Mapping the World Essentials

Ukraine: Putin's Syrian Ally

An overview of women’s rights around the world from the right to vote, access to education and abortion rights.

A Women's World

The Alps have always been a formidable barrier but one which mankind has always crossed. Today eight states share the mountain range which has seen the birth of winter sports, been a crucible for environmental protection as well as the site of colossal engineering projects.

The Alps have always been a formidable barrier but one which mankind has always crossed.

The Alps: A European Story

From the North Sea to the Black Sea, the Rhine and the Danube form a link across Europe. Mapping the World navigates the history of the two longest rivers of the European Union.

Rhine and Danube: Two Rivers, Two Europes

Iraq in 2022: Will the emerging nation succeed in resisting foreign influence and from Iran in particular? What does the future hold for the Kurdish autonomous region? And will the USA ever really leave?

Iraq in 2022: Will the emerging nation succeed in resisting influence from foreign powers, and from Iran in particular? 

Iraq - A Sovereign Country?

Insights

Kids

When we think of sluggishness, we think of impotence, fatigue or laziness. We imagine teenagers sprawled in front of the television, or balls of runny mozzarella. But it is also the softness of a hot brioche, the comfort of a bed, the pleasure of relaxation.

Is Sluggishness Comforting?

Relaxation is both a blessing and a curse

Philosophy

Video games give us access to virtual worlds, where the constraints of reality and death are lifted. Today, Meta wants to democratise virtual reality, with the "metaverse". But are video games an escape from the world, or a different way to experience it? Do they augment reality, instead of impoverishing it?

Video Games: A Real Fake Experience?

Are video games an escape from the world, or a different way to experience it?

Brazilian filmmaker Marcelo Novais Teles tells his life story as an exile through the home movie intimacy of the Super 8 camera.  

By Marcelo Novais Tele

The Exiled

Ghofrane was a lifelong victim of racial discrimination. Now she's a political activist in Tunisia, determined to put an end to racism in her country. In 2019 she was a candidate for the Tahya Tounes party. The film accompanies her in her political endeavors, while also revealing the private and vulnerable side of the self-confident young woman.

Ghofrane was a lifelong victim of racism. Now she's a political activist in Tunisia, determined to stop it

She Had a Dream

Casey, the new flatmate, was everything Alessandro was not. He was energetic, adventurous and charismatic. Alessandro started to document this strange creature with his video camera, so different from himself. They were in their early twenties and living in Rome...every experience together felt new and exciting. But when Casey moved to the Middle East to work as a TV journalist, Alessandro's world was opened up even more.
Drawn from 15 years of footage, The Things We Keep is an intimate look at friendship, a celebration of people's common humanity and an invitation to break out of one’s comfort zone.

Drawn from 15 years of footage, The Things We Keep is an intimate look at friendship and an invitation to break out of one’s comfort zone.

The Things We Keep

The pandemic, the climate emergency ... Everything seems extremely fragile at the moment. But is it possible to grow with crises? If so, what is the key? How can adaptability and courage make you more resilient?

Streetphilosophy

The solution to having your plans upset? Don't make plans

Be Antifragile!

During Ramadan, Jasmine and her husband Said would always spend the evening breaking fast with their friends, family or wider community. But for the second year running, this most important period in the Muslim calendar is a subdued affair. In Turkey, imam Osman Gökrem continues to help the homeless despite the pandemic, and in Paris, student Yasmine sets up a pop-up store selling sweets. 

ARTE Reportage

For the second year running, Ramadan - the most important period in the Muslim calendar - is a subdued affair

Ramadan in Europe

Switching viewpoints

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Mariupol, in Ukraine, wealthy from its steelwork and coal industries, got caught up in the conflict between separatists and the Ukrainian government. In spite of the threat, life continues, with all its joys, loves and sorrows. Filmed before the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Director Mantas Kvedaravicius has sadly died in the Russian siege of the city in April 2022.

A poetic portrait of the Ukrainian city of Mariupol, caught up in the conflict between separatists and the Ukrainian government. Filmed in 2016.

Mariupol

Some Russians feel unfairly condemned by international sanctions and deplore their government. Others believe in Putin and in state television; and agree with the Russian Orthodox Church, which says the West is decadent. But despite all the propaganda, thanks to the Internet, Russians who want to know the truth can find the truth.

Russia: Journey to a Divided Country

Some Russians feel unfairly condemned by international sanctions and deplore their government

Ordinary Ukrainian citizens are preparing to resist the Russian invader by joining the army and helping the resistance in any way they can.

Ukraine: Resisting the Agressor

Three Japanese men have fallen under the charms of high school student Rinko, a character from the video game Love Plus. The game finally leads them to the seaside resort of Atami, where the virtual world and real life collides.

Three Japanese men have fallen under the charms of high school student Rinko, a character from the video game Love Plus

Petit ami parfait

The Russian invasion of Ukraine has brought the people of Kyiv together like nothing else. Calling on the spirit of the Maidan Revolution of 2014, they are ready to resist.

Ukraine: Maïdan Spirit

Vladimir Putin's agressive foreign policy has put Russia back on the map as a world power to be reckoned with.

Putin: Return of the Russian Bear

The Long Breakup is a feature length documentary about Ukraine’s struggle to escape Russia’s embrace, leave its Soviet past behind and become a truly independent nation. Ukrainian-American journalist Katya Soldak, of Forbes Magazine, now living in New York City, tells the story of her home country as it exits the USSR, works through two revolutions, and endures a war with Russia—all through the eyes of her family and friends in Kharkiv, Ukraine.

The Long Breakup takes viewers on an intimate journey that illustrates how big geopolitical changes affect people on a personal level, and explores what happens when democracy slips away and a nation must fight for the right to choose its future.

A Film by Katya Soldak

Ukraine’s struggle to escape Russia’s embrace, leave its Soviet past behind and become a truly independent nation. A feature-length documentary from 2020.

The Long Breakup

In the Idlib region, the last enclave still held by the opposition to Bashar Al Assad, many Syrians are following the situation in Ukraine with concern: they know that the future of their country also depends on the outcome of this war in Europe. After 11 years of war in Syria, which has cost the lives of at least 500,000 people, they still dream of freedom and democracy.

Syria and Ukraine: The Same Struggle?

After 11 years of war, the people of Idlib still dream of freedom and democracy

Church and sexual abuse of minors has long been an issue. But in addition to the paedophilia scandals, other revelations are shaking the Catholic Church: allegations from across the world of nuns being sexually abused by priests. In February 2019, Pope Francis acknowledged the abuse for the first time. This documentary gives an insight into an issue in the Catholic Church that has remained largely unreported.

All over the world priests are said to have sexually abused nuns. An investigation.

Sex Slaves Of The Catholic Church

Covid is spreading mainly in overcrowded disadvantaged neighborhoods. The measures, very strict, are saturating the hospital system of the territory. The new Fanchang Hospital, built with Chinese assistance, currently has more than 50,000 patients. Health authorities, too, have different opinions. Some advocate the abolition of mass testing and say a complete lockdown of the city is impossible, while others say Hong Kong should take inspiration from the mainland.

Hong Kong: The Victims of China's Covid Policy

Is Hong Kong's covid policy causing as many problems as it claims to solve?

Their days and nights are filled by the sound of bombardment. They would have liked to flee, but they are too old, too sick or destitute to leave their homes. But some brave volunteers are helping them escape the danger.

Ukraine: The Ones Who Stayed

Their days and nights are filled by the sound of bombardment. They would have liked to flee, but they are too old, too sick or too poor to leave their homes. 

With France holding the European presidency and with presidential elections on the horizon, a focus on the French nation. An assessment of its economic, cultural and military influence in the world today.

France: Still a Major Power?

 An assessment of France's economic, cultural and military influence in the world today.

After the collapse of the USSR, thousands of nuclear weapons were dismantled in Europe. The threat of the Cold War seemed to be over as nuclear bunkers were converted into rave-party venues. But today the arms race is back. Nuclear powers are rebuilding their arsenal and with the Russian invasion of Ukraine, fear of nuclear fallout has returned. This documentary takes stock of the current global nuclear arsenal and attempts to estimate the current level of risk.

Nuclear Weapons Are Back

With the Russian invasion of Ukraine, fear of nuclear fallout has returned. This documentary takes stock of the current global nuclear arsenal and attempts to estimate the current level of risk.

The New Cold War

Why did the Russian army retreat to southern and eastern Ukraine? What did we know, before this war in Ukraine started, of Russian military power? Was it overrated? How does it measure up to American and Chinese military powers?

Russia's Military Might

What did we know, before this war in Ukraine started, of Russian military power?

At Lviv station, a convoy prepares to make its way to Kyiv. The driver in his cabin, is at the front of the train. In the other cars are volunteers and men going into battle. Without even picking up a gun, Evgeni, a train driver, is now on the de facto front line.

Ukraine: Keeping the Trains Running

Without even picking up a gun, Evgeni, a train driver, is now on the de facto front line

В борьбе против российской армии участвуют и иностранные добровольцы. В начале войны президент Украины Владимир Зеленский обратился с призывом к гражданам иностранных государств помочь стране защитить себя.
 
 С тех пор на его призыв откликнулись более 20 000 добровольцев из более чем пятидесяти стран. Что побуждает этих людей идти на войну?

Интернациональный легион территориальной обороны Украины

До лав Збройних сил України вливаються іноземні волонтери. На початку війни президент України Володимир Зеленський закликав іноземних бійців допомогти в обороні країни. Відтоді, як повідомляється, на його заклик відгукнулося понад 20 тис. волонтерів з понад 50 країн. Тож що спонукає цих людей вирушити на війну?

Український іноземний легіон

In recent years, the number of sex reassignment operations has increased in many European countries, especially amongst the under 30s. What are the consequences of gender transitioning? While many feel relieved, others regret it afterwards.

Help for Young Trans People

In recent years, the number of sex reassignment operations has increased in many European countries, especially amongst the under 30s.

Re: Stranger in my own Body

Almost 60% of the Brazilian population is now food insecure and around 20 million Brazilians suffer from hunger... This is Twice as many as in 2018. A situation further aggravated by the COVID-19 epidemic that has caused more than 600 000 deaths and ruined the economy.

Hunger in Brazil

Almost 60% of the Brazilian population is now food insecure and around 20 million Brazilians suffer from hunger.

Most of Mariupol's infrastructure has been destroyed. The city is a strategic port on the Black Sea, as it's not far from Crimea (annexed by Russia) and located in the Donbas, which is already under the influence of the Kremlin. As the invasion falters, the Russian army has fallen back to the separatist region, hoping that there at least, they can secure a victory.

The Kremlin Saves Face in the Donbas

The Russian army has fallen back to the Donbas, hoping that there at least, they can secure a victory

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Российские атаки на Украину сильно напоминают военные преступления в Сирии в 2015 году. Российские бомбы наносили удары по гражданской инфраструктуре, в том числе по школам и больницам. И то, что произошло в Алеппо, сейчас происходит в Мариуполе и Харькове.
 
 Моавия Атраш и Ахмад Фалаха поговорили с жителями Сирии, которым сегодняшняя война в Украине напоминает об их собственном трагическом опыте.

Война в Украине возрождает в памяти сирийские кошмары

Напад Росії на Україну нагадує про російські військові злочини 2015 р. в Сирії, коли російські бомби нищили цивільну інфраструктуру – школи та лікарні. Трагедія Алеппо тепер повторюється в Маріуполі і Харкові. Сирійські журналісти Моавія Атраш та Ахмед Фалаха поспілкувалися з сирійцями, в яких кадри війни в Україні пробуджують жахливі спомини.

Війна в Україні воскрешає сирійські кошмари

Несмотря на то, что российские войска отступили из окрестностей Киева, на востоке Украины продолжает свирепствовать война. Жители Северодонецка (Луганская область), которые не смогли бежать от войны, все еще живут в подземных убежищах, опасаясь обстрелов и бомб. Представленный здесь репортаж был снят на Донбассе 2 апреля нашими украинскими коллегами Русланом Ярмолюком и Михаилом Путией для программы TSN 1+1.

На востоке Украины бушует война

В то время как на юго-востоке Украины бушует война, Одесса, расположенная дальше к западу, до сих пор оставалась в стороне от боевых действий. Тем не менее этот культурный и экономический центр с миллионным населением, который называют "жемчужиной Черного моря", готовится к атаке.
 
 Украинские журналисты засняли повседневную жизнь добровольца, работающего на линии фронта. Эти кадры были сняты 10 и 11 марта.

Добровольцы на защите Одессы

Хоч на південному сході України вирує війна, розташовану трохи західніше Одесу воєнні дії поки що оминають. Втім, цей культурний та економічний центр з понад мільйонним населенням, який ще називають Чорноморською перлиною, також готується до відбиття атак. У репортажі, знятому 10 – 11 березня 2022 р., наші українські колеги розповідають про день з життя волонтера, що забезпечує постачання на лінію фронту.

Волонтери на захисті Одеси

Попри виведення Росією своїх військ з київських передмість війна продовжує безжально нищити схід України. Через загрозу бомбардувань мешканці Сєвєродонецька, які не змогли евакуюватися, змушені вже другий місяць жити в бомбосховищах. Сюжет було знято на Донбасі 2 квітня нашими українськими колегами Русланом Ярмлюком і Михайлом Путьою для ТСН «1+1»

На сході України вирує війна

The largest democracy in the world is a patchwork of languages, ethnicities and religions bound together in a secular state.  But Narendra Modi’s Hindu nationalist government, in power since 2014, seems to imperil this delicate balance.

Modi's India

The country on the southern tip of the Arabian Peninsula was once known as Happy Arabia, a wealthy, fertile land which was the home of the Queen of Sheba in ancient times. Today Yemen is in blighted by a long-running civil war due to a complex past and present.

Today Yemen is in blighted by a long-running civil war due to a complex past and present.