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Politica e società | ARTE

Investigative documentary series, geopolitical analysis, and international commentary

Politics and society

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The Z symbol was spraypainted five times on the walls of a church. The community reacted with shock and alarm. Residents want a sense of peaceful unity to return to their area. Denis Bartuschkine is originally from Kazakhstan, and works with local children. Through sport, he seeks to give them self-confidence. His motto: we have always been neighbours and will remain so!

Since February 24, German Russians have been deeply divided.

Re: Russian Germans and the Ukraine War

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

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

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Playlists

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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.

ARTE Reportage

Five years ago in the in the Cabo Delgado region of northern Mozambique, jihadist violence broke out. One areas of the poorest in the country, its people already had enough to deal with, but things have gone from bad to worse. Islamist militias such as Al-Shabab, an offshoot of the Islamic State, have driven 800,000 people out of their villages and towns.

Mozambique: No Way Home

Islamist militias such as Al-Shabab, an offshoot of the Islamic State, have driven away 800,000 people

The Russian enclave of Kaliningrad sits between Lithuania and Poland. Once German East Prussia, it is now home to 1 million Russian citizens. What is life like in this small territory now practically cut off from its EU neighbours since the war in Ukraine began?

The Russian enclave of Kaliningrad sits between Lithuania and Poland and is now practically cut off from its EU neighbours since the war in Ukraine began.

Kaliningrad: Putin's Enclave

Fisherman Darren Kenyon is from Grimsby in north-east England. Like 70% of the people in the area, he voted for Brexit in the hope for a better deal for the fishing sector. But so far nothing has improved for the industry and the wider region. Former Boris Johnson supporters feel cheated.

British fishermen voted for Brexit in the hope for a better deal for their sector. But so far nothing has improved.

Re: British Fishermen and Brexit

The students of The Stars of the Desert programme are to become the new Bedouin elite. The alumni of this course go on to have amazing careers, thanks to the help of Jewish teachers who until then were only used to meeting Bedouins on the fringes of society. But the programme has also suffered a backlash from other Bedouins, who suspect Israel of only wanting to use this project to extend its influence.

Meet the students of the Desert Stars programme, the Israeli-Bedouin elite of the future.

Desert Stars Israel

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

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Investigation and reports

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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

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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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. 

Mapping the World Essentials

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

"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.

Ukraine: Putin's Syrian Ally

On May 9, Russia celebrated its victory day without a victory in Ukraine. Instead, President Putin further pushed the narrative of Russian victimhood, despite the fact that Moscow, not Kyiv, is the agressor. As the battle continues to rage, we take a look at Ukraine before and after the conflict.

As the battle continues to rage, we take a look at Ukraine before and after the conflict

Ukraine: Before and After the War

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

A Women's World

Insights

Kids

In a working-class area of Belfast scarred by The Troubles, the local population has been plagued by poverty, drugs and violence. The headmaster of Holy Cross School for Boys draws on the wisdom of ancient Greek philosophers to teach his pupils skills for life.

In a working-class area of Belfast, a local headmaster teaches ancient Greek philosophy to give his pupils skills for life.

Young Plato

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!

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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Martin Ritter is a German organic farmer, with land in both Germany and Ukraine. All of a sudden, his livelihood is located in a war zone. With the help of the municipality of Ostheim, he decides to send aid to Ukraine and to welcome refugees.

Martin Ritter is a German organic farmer, with land in both Germany and Ukraine. When war broke out, everything changed.

Re: Farming in a War Zone

As Lithuania stops Russia from transporting goods by train through its territory to Kaliningrad, a focus on the history of this singular Russian territory.

The Kaliningrad Affair

Planting trees against climate change: Ireland is reforesting its territory by growing spruces. But it's not just about being green, it's about profit. Wood is a big business... much to the displeasure of local environmental activists who want Ireland's forestry policy changed. 

Growing trees to be harvested for wood is big business - but what are the environmental ramifications? 

Re: Money Grows on Trees

According to the latest calculations by the OECD, South Korean women could live to be over 92 years old on average in 2070, and men over 89. That would be a world record. What's the secret?

South Korea: An Obsession With Health

South Koreans are on track to be the longest-lived people in 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

The Tigray region has been cut off from the rest of Ethiopia because of the civil war. Supplies are low and people are starving. Because of the fighting, crops could not be sowed and there is no harvest this year? It is the youngest that are the first to die in what is a major humanitarian crisis.

Ethiopia: Tigray Humanitarian Crisis

The Tigray region has been cut off from the rest of Ethiopia because of the civil war. Supplies are low and people are starving.

In June, inflation reached a record high of 8.6% in the Eurozone with the price of some essentials soaring.

Inflation: The New Global Menace

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

"Hard power" means economic, military, and demographic power; "soft power" means symbolic, cultural, and informational power. And now there is also "food power": the weaponised production of food. Wheat, one of the most consumed grains and traded on the stock exchange, has become a geopolitical issue.

The Weaponisation of Wheat

 Wheat, one of the most consumed grains and traded on the stock exchange, has become a geopolitical issue

On the French Caribbean island of Martinique , large-scale use of insecticides caused serious damage. But the earth is being revitalised by several initiatives inspired by age-old agricultural practices. 

A Documentary by Florence Lazar

Revitalising the Earth

Many Taiwanese are realising that if Ukraine can stand up to Russia, they might just be able to pull off the impossible, and stand up to China. Inspired by Ukraine's surprisingly successful resistance, some civilians are studying the basics of civil defense, others are taking urban warfare courses, and some are considering how to renovate old bomb shelters.

Taiwan: Learning from Ukraine

Many Taiwanese are realising that if Ukraine can stand up to Russia, they might just be able to pull off the impossible, and stand up to China.

Even in Germany, forest fires represent a risk: due to the climate change, they are of extreme intensity and capable of reducing immense areas to ash. Are German firefighters equipped to deal with increasingly frequent fires? What are the appropriate fire fighting strategies?

When Germany Burns

Are German firefighters equipped to deal with increasingly frequent forest fires?

Re: Wildfires

Women are twenty-seven times more likely than men to be harassed on social media. This shocking finding, published by the European Women's Lobby in 2017, suggests that cyber-violence against women is not a series of isolated acts, but a systemic scourge. Sociological studies have shown that it is mostly committed by men who, contrary to popular belief, belong to more privileged socio-economic groups. Feeling protected by the virtual nature of their actions, the perpetrators are organised and sometimes carry out "digital raids", or harassment in packs, with terrible consequences, both personal and professional, for their victims.
 
This documentary focuses on women’s testimony from all walks of life who have been victim of online abuse and examines the harm this phenomenon does to them and to democratic debate.

Online Abuse Against Women

This documentary focuses on women’s testimony from all walks of life who have been victim of online abuse and examines the harm this phenomenon does to them and to democratic debate.

#FatUglySlut

Re: The Russian Germans and the Ukraine War

Some six million people have already fled Ukraine. Among them, 730,000 Ukrainian refugees passed through humanitarian corridors that take them deep into enemy territory. Now they are huddled in isolated camps in the middle of the Russian countryside and many want to leave the country as quickly as possible.

Some 730,000 Ukrainian refugees are cooped up in isolated camps in the middle of the Russian countryside

Re: Ukrainian Refugees in Russia

Understanding geopolitics has never been more urgent. Mapping the World analyses Putin's unprecedented attack on Ukraine with a short history of relations between Russia and Ukraine. Political scientist Anna Colin Lebedev and the head of the French Institute for International Relations (IFRI), Thomas Gomart provide context.

Putin and Ukraine: What Next?

We put Putin's attack on Ukraine in context with a short history of relations between Russia and Ukraine

Serbia, a country of 7 million people wants to join the European Union. But its path to accession is built on an economic model that gives short shrift to environmental protection. Belgrade regularly tops the list of the worst air in Europe due to polluting coal power plants.

Serbia: The Rubbish Dump of Europe

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In 2014, Kharkiv orphanages were sent many children from the Donbas. When Russian troops started bombing the city, the children were again transferred to a centre, this time in a remote mountain area. These moves have consequences on their mental health. A report by Ukrainian journalist Alla Pasmanduche for TSN 1+1.

Theatre for the Displaced Children of Kharkiv

Children from Kharkiv were taken to a children's home in the mountains to protect them from Russian attacks.

Dispatches from Ukraine

For a new generation of designers, "fast fashion" and disposable clothing is over! Their motto: "less is more". They are making a radical change in the fashion world by using timeless designs to produce clothing that is sustainable, and fair trade.

For a new generation of designers, "fast fashion" and disposable clothing is over! 

Re: Fashion Rebels

Ever since ex-US President Barack Obama oriented US foreign policy towards Asia under the slogan "Pivot to Asia," Sino-US rivalry has come to the fore. Two major powers collide over trade, military might and diplomacy.

The Pacific: Centre of the World

Two major powers collide over trade, military might and diplomacy.

Are civil rights and liberties under pressure in the 21st century? The show explores the global balance of power between democrats and autocrats, namely the Western democratic model and Sino-Russian authoritarianism. Democratic, geopolitical and digital challenges will be crucial in tomorrow's world.

Fragile democracies

Are civil rights and liberties under pressure in the 21st century?

In the wake of the Ukraine war, Central Asia is more than ever a strategically important region. Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan and Turkmenistan have long since rediscovered their identity and historical roots since the end of the Soviet Union. What are the differences and similarities between these Central Asian countries, little known to the West?

Central Asia, a Global Crossroads

In the wake of the Ukraine war, Central Asia is more than ever a strategically important region.

Violence, drugs and prostitution are a fact of life for the many children in the 5th district of Bucharest, considered the most dangerous in the city. From the Roma minority, Valeriu Nicolae grew up in poverty. With his teams, he ensures that these children have a roof, food and above all that they have access to education.

Violence, drugs and prostitution are a fact of life for the many children in the 5th district of Bucharest.

Re: Bucharest’s Lost Children

Lynxes, leopards or crocodiles: Having exotic wild animals as pets is popular in Russia. For some it’s a status symbol, for others it’s a lucrative source of revenue. But this passion for big cats or bears is not without its dangers.

Lynxes, leopards or crocodiles: Having exotic wild animals as pets is popular in Russia.

Russia: Wild Animals as Pets

Xi Jinping went to Hong Kong to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the handover and install the new governor, John Lee, who will bring Hong Kong even closer to Beijing. We take a look back at the story of this unique city full of dramatic landscapes and contradictions. It's about to become a Chinese city like any other.

Xi Jinping in Hong Kong

We take a look back at the story of this unique city full of dramatic landscapes and contradictions.

On 22 July 2016 a German high-school student David Sonboly killed nine people in a seemingly random attack in a Munich shopping-centre. Why do some young people become mass murderers? A look at radicalisation within extreme-right groups online.

Youth Violence Online

Why do some young people become mass murderers? A look at radicalisation within extreme-right groups online.

Like. Hate. Die

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.

Re: Loredana's Fight Against Transphobia

The resistance against the Taliban is embodied by the Massoud family and is organised in the rebel province of Panjshir. Commander Ahmad Shah first drove the Soviets out of this mountainous territory in the 1980s.

The Afghan Resistance

The resistance against the Taliban is forming in the remote rebel province of Panjshir. 

Alexis Fleming lives surrounded by more than a hundred animals: goats, sheep, pigs, and chickens. They've all been rescued from the slaughterhouse. To accommodate them, she set up a farm animal hospice on the Scottish coast. At 40, suffering from an incurable disease, she sees her farm as a place full of life where death is not a taboo subject.

Re: For the Love of Animals

Alexis Fleming runs an animal hospice where death is not a taboo subject

A Scottish Animal Hospice

27-year-old German alpinist Jost Kobusch wants to climb Everest, alone, without oxygen and in Winter, when the roof of the world is deserted. 