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Investigative documentary series, geopolitical analysis, and international commentary

Politics and society

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Forty years ago, in June 1982, Israel invaded southern Lebanon, dubbed Operation Peace for Galilee by the Israelis. A small guerrilla group came together in secret to resist this offensive. Formed and supported by the Islamic Republic of Iran, it officially declared itself in 1985 as Hezbollah: The Party of God.
Four decades later, this small group has grown to become one of the most important military and political forces in the Middle East. A party of resistance for some, a terrorist group for others, Hezbollah is admired as much as it is feared. But the organisation, practically a state within a state, is living through turbulent times as Lebanon is experiencing a major political and economic crisis.

As Lebanon experiences an existential crisis, a focus on the history of militant group Hezbollah, a controversial organisation supported by Iran.

Lebanon: Inside Hezbollah

Current Highlights

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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

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

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

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

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

Mapping the World Essentials - War in Ukraine

Our web-series explores the lives of women in Tunisia, Morocco, Egypt, Lebanon, Syria and the United Arab Emirates. We ask how the Arab Spring changed their societies and their roles.

Ten years on from the Arab Spring, Arab women reflect on how their lives have changed

Women of the Arab Spring

Collections

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Playlists

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A year and a half ago, a soldier filmed a civilian massacre perpetrated by the Ethiopian army in the rebel region of Tigray. Now captured by Tigrayan forces, along with many Ethiopian soldiers, the region is trying to bring those responsible to justice.

Ethiopia: Chronicle of a Massacre

A year and a half ago, a soldier filmed a civilian massacre perpetrated by the Ethiopian army in the rebel region of Tigray.

ARTE Reportage

Access to the Vistula Bay by ship without having to pass through Russian territorial waters is now possible with the completion of the Vistula spit canal, a flagship project of the Polish government. Many poles are proud of the feat of engineering while others are concerned about the environmental consequences.

Access to the Vistula Bay by ship without having to pass through Russian territorial waters is now possible with the completion of the Vistula spit canal, a flagship project of the Polish government. 

Poland: The Vistula Spit Canal

At the age of 12, Enrique Pérez Guerra was sexually abused by a priest. Paralysed by shame, he thought of committing suicide. Today he is one of only a few victims in Spain who are willing to speak out about their abuse as the Catholic church in Spain still refuses to fully cooperate with investigations.

At the age of 12, Enrique Pérez Guerra was sexually abused by a priest. Paralysed by shame, he thought of committing suicide. 

Sexual Abuse in the Church

All her life, Loredana Rossi from Naples has only ever wanted one thing: to be recognised as a woman. She has fought so hard against transphobia because her experiences as a transgender person in Italy has been marked by stigmatisation, intolerance and ostracism.

All her life, Loredana Rossi from Naples has only ever wanted one thing: to be recognised as a woman. 

Re: Loredana's Fight Against Transphobia

The war in Ukraine is dividing the Balkans and reviving old tensions. The small mountainous state of Montenegro, a country of barely 650,000 inhabitants, has been caught up in the geopolitical crossfire between West and East.

Montenegro: The Great Divide

The small mountainous state of Montenegro has been caught up in the geopolitical crossfire between West and East.

In St. Petersburg, a network of some 8,000 anonymous volunteers is helping Ukrainian refugees to flee Russia. Most of these Ukrainians entered Russia against their will through humanitarian corridors from the Donbass region and want to reach the EU as soon as possible.

In St. Petersburg, a network of some 8,000 anonymous volunteers is helping Ukrainian refugees to flee Russia. 

Russia: Help for Ukrainian Refugees

The Wagner group, a secret mercenary far-right Kremlin army, has struck a deal with the regime of Faustin-Archange Touadéra to stabilise the country in exchange for mineral resources. Russia is taking advantage of France's waning influence in this former colony. Our reporters met Central Africans who welcome the mercenary army, while others have fallen victim to their brutal attacks.

Russian Soft Power in The CAR

Russia is trying to increase its influence in the Central African Republic via the infamous Wagner Group.

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Investigation and reports

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ERB Event Zone

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

Europe of Artists

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

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.

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

Through the eyes of artists

Across Europe far-right parties are making significant gains at elections. A focus on Sweden, Italy, Germany and France and the strategies of the far-right parties to present themselves as ‘normal’.

The Normalisation of the Far Right

Climate change, the Covid pandemic and war brings into sharp focus the precariousness of the global food system. The war in Ukraine threatens the food security of many countries that rely on Kyiv as their main source of wheat.

Climate change, the Covid pandemic and war in Ukraine brings into sharp focus how important food supplies are.

The Power of Grain

Liz Truss becomes prime minister at a difficult time for the United Kingdom: The aftermath of the pandemic, Brexit problems, the war in Ukraine and the energy crisis. Where will she lead Britain?

New British PM: Liz Truss

Mapping the World Essentials

80% of Sri Lanka doesn't have enough to eat due to severe shortages. The country is collapsing under the weight of a huge amount of debt it owes to China and India. In power for nearly 20 years, the Rajapaksa clan fled, threatened by its people. The political dynasty had long ignored the warnings of economists, refused IMF aid, and implemented surprising measures that have contributed to emptying state coffers and impoverished farmers. Deprived of tourism for 3 years due to the Covid pandemic, Sri Lanka is struggling to recover. We take stock with Bhavani Fonseka, Sri Lankan human rights lawyer.

Sri Lanka's state coffers are empty and many people go hungry.

Sri Lanka in Crisis

The British government is pursuing a controversial migration policy of sending foreign nationals that have illegally crossed the channel to Rwanda. What awaits them in a country 6,000 kilometres from London?

London - Kigali: Migrant Scandal

The British government is pursuing a controversial migration policy of sending foreign nationals that have illegally crossed the channel to Rwanda. 

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

In Latin America, 12 countries are currently governed by left-wing parties, while only 7 are governed by right-wing parties. In 2022, three presidential elections are expected on the continent: in Costa Rica, Colombia and Brazil. Elections that could change the face of the continent.

In Latin America, 12 countries are currently governed by left-wing parties, while only 7 are governed by right-wing parties.

The Left in Latin America

Insights

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Нападение России на Украину повергло Европу в шок и пролило свет на хрупкое положение независимых СМИ в России. Кроме видеоконтента на украинском, ARTE предлагает подборку материалов на русском языке, освещающих ужасные события в Украине, а также культурные программы и концерты солидарности с Украиной со всего мира. (ARTE is offering content in Russian).

ARTE in Russian

Помимо видеоконтента на украинском, ARTE предлагает подборку материалов на русском языке, освящающих ужасные событиям в Украине, а также культурные программы и концерты солидарности с Украиной со всего мира.

ARTE на русском 

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Kids

In this episode, Ronja explores what can give us hope for the future even when things seem bleak. At Leopoldplatz, she meets one of the most hopeful people in Berlin: DJ Bombay sells curries from his food truck and is always in a good mood. "I've been through so many crises in my life that nothing can knock me out," he says. Then there's  boxer Mazen, who loses every fight and still goes on. Nun Sister Mechthildis meanwhile is full of hope and happiness, living away from the hustle and bustle of life in her convent.

Don't Lose Hope!

In this episode, Ronja explores what can give us hope for the future even when things seem bleak.

Streetphilosophy

Jan explores all the different ways of being alone. He searches for gold in a field with Wolfgang Herkt and his metal detector. After long hours of solo searching, Wolfgang says: "Being alone helps with difficult decisions because there are no distractions." The author Kathrin Weßling is the opposite: she communicates 24/7, writes books and constantly posts to social media. But loneliness lingers... not least of all for refugees. Evgeniy Zamyatin, who works as a lawyer for Alexei Navalny's anti-corruption foundation, fled to Berlin, far from friends and family.

Face Loneliness!

Jan explores all the different ways of being alone.

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?

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

Be Antifragile!

Austrian author, songwriter and artistic director puts a spotlight on Rigoberta Menchú, Guatemalan human rights activist and Nobel peace prize winner.

Square Artist

André Heller Interviews Rigoberta Menchú

Director, screenwriter and comedian, Marilyne Canto wanted show how peace between Israelis and Palestinians is possible, despite the pessimism that rules global news headlines. More than 20 years after the assassination of Israeli Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin (1995), she chose to film Ofer Bronchtein, one of his former colleagues.

Carte Blanche to Maryline Canto

Switching viewpoints

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Asbestos has been banned for decades in Europe but its effects are still with us. Cleaning up the carcinogenic fibre from our ageing buildings is a colossal task and it is still being produced and sold in many countries worldwide. Unscrupulous companies turn a profit whilst people die from exposure to the harmful substance. Will we ever be rid of asbestos?

Asbestos has been banned for decades in Europe but its effects are still with us. Will we ever be rid of the carcinogenic fibre?

Asbestos – The Never-Ending Story

Is Italy the cradle of populism in Europe? French professor Marc Lazar, specialist in the history and political sociology of Italy, looks at the political history of Italy.

Lessons in Geopolitics

Italian Populism

The construction of the Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline, which would have transported Russian gas to Germany via the Baltic Sea, caused concern in Central and Eastern Europe. Ukraine was particularly insistent of the risks involved. Poland and the Baltic States also repeatedly warned about Europe's dependence on Russia.

The construction of the Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline had been a cause for concern for Eastern states for years

Nord Stream 2: The Fears of Eastern Europe

A year and a half ago, a soldier filmed a civilian massacre perpetrated by the Ethiopian army in the rebel region of Tigray. Now captured by Tigrayan forces, along with many Ethiopian soldiers, the region is trying to bring those responsible to justic

The philanthropic foundation set up by US billionaire Bill Gates quietly co-finances experiments with genetically modified organisms (GMOs) in several African countries. In the age of philanthropic capitalism, billionaires "save the world" and make money in the process. But who is helped the most, ordinary Africans or the food industry?

 In the age of philanthropic capitalism, billionaires "save the world" and make money in the process. An investigation into GM experiments in Africa.

Africa, GMOs and Bill Gates

Re: Sexual Abuse in the Church

Pakistan is facing flooding on an unprecedented scale due to unusually heavy monsoon rains. More than 728 people have been killed in the past month, 31,000 homes have been destroyed and 500,000 livestock drowned, whilst 32 million people have been displaced.

Pakistan: Surviving the Deluge

32 million people are displaced in Pakistan in unprecedented flooding due to unusually heavy monsoon rains.

For over 20 kilometers, the new bridge stretches across the Kerch Strait and connects Crimea to Russia. Inaugurated in 2018 by Russian President Putin, it seals the annexation of the Crimean peninsula by Russia with a monument in steel and concrete.

Russia: Building and Burning Bridges

A controversial new bridge over the Kerch Strait connects Crimea to Russia as President Putin consolidates his claim to the contested territory

Is this a turning point in the war in Ukraine? In Russia, critics of Putin are raising their voices as the Russian military experiences setbacks and Putin meets Xi Jinping at the OCS summit.

OCS Summit: Putin and Xi Jinping

As  Lebanon experiences an existential crisis, a focus on the history of militant group Hezbollah, a controversial organisation supported by Iran.

On 25 September, Italians go to the polls for an early election as the Mario Draghi government fell apart. Why does Italy have such unstable governments and what will the outcome of this latest election be?

Italy: European Champion of Instability?

In Ittoqqortoormiit, a remote settlement on Greenland’s east coast, polar bears are a common sight. But with climate change it is harder for the bears to hunt seals, their favoured prey, so they come into town more often to look for food. Defending the town, and the wild bears, is the polar bear patrol.

In Ittoqqortoormiit, a remote settlement in Greenland, the polar bear patrol protects local people and the wild bears as well.

Re: Greenland's Polar Bear Patrol

As Russia is occupied with its Ukrainian offensive, the conflict in between Armenia and Azerbaijan, that in 2020 left 7,000 dead, is flaring up again. In a region that Russia considers its sphere of influence, other regional powers, Iran and Turkey are taking an interest.

Armenia-Azerbaijan Conflict

In February 2020 Italy was the first European country to be hit by the coronavirus pandemic. In so many areas Italy seems to act as a seismograph for the rest of Europe being the first to experience to experience the earthquakes of fascism, populism and the migration crisis of recent years.

Italy: European Testing Ground

Fati didn't want to go to Europe, it was her husband's dream. Unemployed, the TV repairman left their village in Ghana to try to make it to Europe, but didn't make it any further than Libya. He was arrested in Tripoli, and asked Fati to join him. She went, and when she fell pregnant, the couple decided to make one last bid at reaching the West. They made it to Italy and were sent to a migrant camp. It was there that Fati broke. She asked to be repatriated. But she paid a heavy price: her husband divorced her, and her community considers her a failure.

Fati's Choice

After several months in Italy in a migrant camp, a young Ghanaian mother decided to return home

Generation Africa

At the end of the 20th century, the Danish island of Bornholm in the Baltic Sea faced many challenges: a population exodus, rising unemployment and a lack of prospects for islanders. But everything changed in 2007 as Bornholm worked to become a model green island.

A Danish Island Goes Green

Re: Bornholm: Eco Paradise

Every year Russia celebrates Victory day on 9 May to mark the end of the Second World War with great pomp and ceremony. The story of a steadfast Soviet Union defeating the forces of fascism looms large in the Russian imagination, a story that Vladimir Putin uses to his own ends.

Russia: Putin's World View

 The story of a steadfast Soviet Union defeating the forces of fascism looms large in the Russian imagination, a story that Vladimir Putin uses to his own ends.

Europe is energy dependent on Russia, paying 750 million euros every day for Russian oil and gas which indirectly finances the war in Ukraine. A spotlight on two alternative producer countries: Algeria and Venezuela.

Alternatives to Russian Oil and Gas

3,000 Yazidi women and children are still missing. 300,000 women, men and children are displaced in camps in northern Iraq. After dealing with the horrors of mass murders, kidnap, and rape, the Yizidis are not done suffering. Now, they must rebuild their lives amidst the ruins of what once was.

Iraq: Yezidi Survivors

The Yizidis are not done suffering. Now, they must rebuild their lives amidst the ruins of what once was

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Sakura dreams of fighting sumo professionally. But for her, that's off the table: female sumo wrestlers don't exist. There are no adult women's clubs and once she's left school, that will be it for the sport that has given her purpose and joy. But that might be about to change; for sumo to be an Olympic sport, it can't discriminate against women.

Japan: Women in Sumo

Sakura dreams of fighting sumo professionally. But for her, that's off the table: female sumo wrestlers don't exist.

In Kenya, female circumcision has been banned since 2011. In spite of numerous NGOs campaigning against it, the brutal practice continues in rural areas.

Kenya: Stopping Female Circumcision

"If he hits you, he loves you." That's the kind of tone-deaf attitude that many Russian women still face when it comes to confronting domestic violence and abuse. One woman is killed every hour. And when they pluck up the courage to finally call the police, the police don't always come. 

Russia: Women in Danger

When Jana called the police for help, nobody came. She was killed by her partner shortly after

Many of the African migrants that arrive illegally in France come from Guinea. The city of Mamou has seen a lot of young people leave to try their luck abroad. Barely half reach their destination with the rest returning to their home country. ARTE meets these returnees to find out how their lives are going after their long journey.

Guinea: The Returnees

The death of Elizabeth II has become a geopolitical event. The “funeral of the century” will be attended by heads of state from across the world. Is this a symbol of British soft power and the power of the English language?

Elisabeth II - British Soft Power

The death of Elizabeth II has become a geopolitical event. The “funeral of the century” will be attended by heads of state from across the world. 

At the "end of life" consultation at the public hospital in Liège (Belgium), patients tell Dr. Damas of their suffering and their wish to end their lives. A compelling and moving documentary on euthanasia.

Closing Words

Founded in 1948 after the trauma of the holocaust, Israel, where three-quarters of the population is Jewish, has gone through many crises and has tense relations with the Palestinian territories and neighbouring Arab states.

Israel: Endless Conflict, New Alliances

It is a vital shipping route that everyone in the region wants access to. But it is China that is muscling in to the South China Sea by insisting that it is Chinese territorial waters.

Power Play in the South China Sea

It is a vital shipping route that everyone in the region wants access to. But it is China that is aggressively imposing itself in the South China Sea by insisting that it is Chinese territorial waters.

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It has been two years since ISIS were defeated in Mosul, their former stronghold. The widows and children of ISIS members are now unwanted in the city. Without official papers they cannot move freely through the city and fear for the future.

Iraq: Ghosts of Mosul

Why does the European Union allow deadly pesticides banned at home to be exported to developing countries? Brazil, especially, uses large quantities of harmful pesticides imported from Europe with terrible effects on the population’s health.

Why does the European Union allow deadly pesticides banned at home to be exported to developing countries? 

Pesticides: European Hypocrisy

The situation on the border between Poland and Belarus continues to deteriorate: in September 2021, nearly 9,000 people tried to reach the European Union illegally through Poland. That's twice as many as in August. And revealing the truth of the situation is difficult, as journalists and NGOs are forbidden from the area. ARTE reporter Ulrike Däßler and her team was detained by police in the course of making this report, for no reason other than trying to do their jobs.

The situation on the border between Poland and Belarus continues to deteriorate

Belarus to Poland: The Migrant Tragedy

Last summer in Germany, spruces and pines started dying faster than ever before. Foresters, forest owners and scientists all agree. It's the worst state the forest has been in for a generation. Other countries in Europe are also struggling.

Climate change means many trees are too dehydrated to properly defend themselves against bark beetle... and the beetles have ravaged the landscape