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Mapping the World Essentials

Season 5

2026 · 149 episodes · 9h 56m in all

Episodes

  1. 1

    1. Episode 1

    5 Jan 2026 · 4 min

  2. 2

    2. Episode 2

    6 Jan 2026 · 4 min

  3. 3

    3. Episode 3

    7 Jan 2026 · 4 min

  4. 4

    4. Episode 4

    8 Jan 2026 · 4 min

  5. 5

    5. Episode 5

    12 Jan 2026 · 4 min

  6. 6

    6. Episode 6

    13 Jan 2026 · 4 min

  7. 7

    7. Episode 7

    14 Jan 2026 · 4 min

  8. 8

    8. Episode 8

    15 Jan 2026 · 4 min

  9. 9

    9. Episode 9

    19 Jan 2026 · 4 min

  10. 10

    10. Episode 10

    20 Jan 2026 · 4 min

  11. 11

    11. Episode 11

    21 Jan 2026 · 4 min

  12. 12

    12. Episode 12

    22 Jan 2026 · 4 min

  13. 13

    13. Episode 13

    26 Jan 2026 · 4 min

  14. 14

    14. Episode 14

    27 Jan 2026 · 4 min

  15. 15

    15. Episode 15

    28 Jan 2026 · 4 min

  16. 16

    16. Episode 16

    29 Jan 2026 · 4 min

  17. 17

    17. Episode 17

    2 Feb 2026 · 4 min

  18. 18

    18. Episode 18

    3 Feb 2026 · 4 min

  19. 19

    19. Episode 19

    4 Feb 2026 · 4 min

  20. 20

    20. Episode 20

    5 Feb 2026 · 4 min

  21. 21

    21. Episode 21

    9 Feb 2026 · 4 min

  22. 22

    22. Episode 22

    10 Feb 2026 · 4 min

  23. 23

    23. Episode 23

    11 Feb 2026 · 4 min

  24. 24

    24. Episode 24

    12 Feb 2026 · 4 min

  25. 25

    25. Episode 25

    16 Feb 2026 · 4 min

  26. 26

    26. Episode 26

    17 Feb 2026 · 4 min

  27. 27

    27. Episode 27

    18 Feb 2026 · 4 min

  28. 28

    28. Episode 28

    19 Feb 2026 · 4 min

  29. 29

    29. Episode 29

    23 Feb 2026 · 4 min

  30. 30

    30. Episode 30

    24 Feb 2026 · 4 min

  31. 31

    31. Episode 31

    25 Feb 2026 · 4 min

  32. 32

    32. Episode 32

    26 Feb 2026 · 4 min

  33. 33

    33. Episode 33

    2 Mar 2026 · 4 min

  34. 34

    34. Episode 34

    3 Mar 2026 · 4 min

  35. 35

    35. Episode 35

    4 Mar 2026 · 4 min

  36. 36

    36. Episode 36

    5 Mar 2026 · 4 min

  37. 37

    37. Episode 37

    9 Mar 2026 · 4 min

  38. 38

    38. Episode 38

    10 Mar 2026 · 4 min

  39. 39

    39. Episode 39

    11 Mar 2026 · 4 min

  40. 40

    40. Episode 40

    12 Mar 2026 · 4 min

  41. 41

    41. Episode 41

    16 Mar 2026 · 4 min

  42. 42

    42. Episode 42

    17 Mar 2026 · 4 min

  43. 43

    43. Episode 43

    18 Mar 2026 · 4 min

  44. 44

    44. Episode 44

    19 Mar 2026 · 4 min

  45. 45

    45. Episode 45

    23 Mar 2026 · 4 min

  46. 46

    46. Episode 46

    24 Mar 2026 · 4 min

  47. 47

    47. Episode 47

    25 Mar 2026 · 4 min

  48. 48

    48. Episode 48

    26 Mar 2026 · 4 min

  49. 49

    49. Episode 49

    30 Mar 2026 · 4 min

  50. 50

    50. Episode 50

    31 Mar 2026 · 4 min

  51. 51

    51. Episode 51

    1 Apr 2026 · 4 min

  52. 52

    52. Episode 52

    2 Apr 2026 · 4 min

  53. 53

    53. Episode 53

    6 Apr 2026 · 4 min

  54. 54

    54. Episode 54

    7 Apr 2026 · 4 min

  55. 55

    55. Episode 55

    8 Apr 2026 · 4 min

  56. 56

    56. Episode 56

    9 Apr 2026 · 4 min

  57. 57

    57. Episode 57

    13 Apr 2026 · 4 min

  58. 58

    58. Episode 58

    14 Apr 2026 · 4 min

  59. 59

    59. Episode 59

    15 Apr 2026 · 4 min

  60. 60

    60. Episode 60

    16 Apr 2026 · 4 min

  61. 61

    61. Episode 61

    20 Apr 2026 · 4 min

  62. 62

    62. Episode 62

    21 Apr 2026 · 4 min

  63. 63

    63. Episode 63

    22 Apr 2026 · 4 min

  64. 64

    64. Episode 64

    23 Apr 2026 · 4 min

  65. 65

    65. Episode 65

    27 Apr 2026 · 4 min

  66. 66

    66. Episode 66

    28 Apr 2026 · 4 min

  67. 67

    67. Episode 67

    29 Apr 2026 · 4 min

  68. 68

    68. Episode 68

    30 Apr 2026 · 4 min

  69. 69

    69. Episode 69

    4 May 2026 · 4 min

  70. 70. Armenia: A Decision for Europe?

    5 May 2026 · 4 min

    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.

  71. 71. Russia: War weariness?

    6 May 2026 · 4 min

    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.

  72. 72. Eastern Congo: Resource Curse in Kivu

    7 May 2026 · 4 min

    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.

  73. 73. France and Africa: A New Strategy

    11 May 2026 · 4 min

    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.

  74. 74. Great Britain: A Time of Divisions

    12 May 2026 · 4 min

    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.

  75. 75. Trump and Xi: A Showdown

    13 May 2026 · 4 min

    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.

  76. 76. Hantavirus: Fear of a new pandemic?

    14 May 2026 · 4 min

    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.

  77. 77. Gulf Crisis: The Emirates Targeted

    18 May 2026 · 4 min

    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.

  78. 78. Putin in China: A Weak Friend

    19 May 2026 · 4 min

    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.

  79. 79. Asia: An Aging Population

    20 May 2026 · 4 min

    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.

  80. 80. Lithuania: Air Raid Alert

    21 May 2026 · 4 min

    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.

  81. 81. War in Sudan: The Parties to the Conflict

    25 May 2026 · 4 min

    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.

  82. 82. Belarus: Ukraine worried

    26 May 2026 · 4 min

    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.

  83. 83. Abraham Accords: Trump, the Pope and the Catholics

    27 May 2026 · 4 min

    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.

  84. 84. Climate: Cities and Heat

    28 May 2026 · 4 min

    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.

  85. 85. Lebanon: Is Israel Pushing Beyond the Limits?

    1 Jun 2026 · 4 min

    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.”

  86. 86. Global competition in pharmaceuticals

    2 Jun 2026 · 4 min

    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.

  87. 87. Artificial Intelligence: France Takes the Lead

    3 Jun 2026 · 4 min

    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.

  88. 88. Morocco: The Continent’s Industrial Champion

    4 Jun 2026 · 4 min

    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.

  89. 89. Middle East: 100 Days of War

    8 Jun 2026 · 4 min

    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.

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

    9 Jun 2026 · 4 min

    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.

  91. 91. Bahrain: The End of Calm

    10 Jun 2026 · 4 min

    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.

  92. 92. FIFA World Cup 2026 - Sport and Geopolitics

    11 Jun 2026 · 4 min

    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.

  93. 93. G7 Summit: In What Context?

    15 Jun 2026 · 4 min

    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.

  94. 94. France-Senegal: A Changing Relationship

    16 Jun 2026 · 4 min

    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.

  95. 95. Political Assassinations: Putin’s Version of Warfare

    17 Jun 2026 · 4 min

    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.

  96. 96. American technology: are Europeans dependent?

    18 Jun 2026 · 4 min

    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.

  97. 97. Latin America’s Shift to the Right

    22 Jun 2026 · 4 min

    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.

  98. 98. United Kingdom: Political Instability

    23 Jun 2026 · 4 min

    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'.

  99. 99. Heatwave: the effect on the seas

    24 Jun 2026 · 4 min

    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.

  100. 100. Earthquake in Venezuela: A Country Under Pressure

    25 Jun 2026 · 4 min

    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?

  101. 101. Crimea: Strategy of Isolation

    29 Jun 2026 · 4 min

    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.

  102. 102. Europe: Why the Heatwaves Are Intensifying

    30 Jun 2026 · 4 min

    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?

  103. 103. Ireland: Setting the Course

    1 Jul 2026 · 4 min

    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.

  104. 104. South Africa: Migration as a Political Target

    2 Jul 2026 · 4 min

    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.

  105. 105. Syria: A new chapter?

    6 Jul 2026 · 4 min

    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?

  106. 106. Can Europe defend itself without the United States?

    7 Jul 2026 · 4 min

    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?

  107. 107. What can Ukraine contribute to Europe's defense?

    8 Jul 2026 · 4 min

    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?

  108. 108. Why do countries hold gold reserves?

    9 Jul 2026 · 4 min

    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?

  109. 109. Why Iran Is Not Losing the War Against the United States

    31 Aug 2026 · 4 min

    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.

  110. 110. Russia Strikes Back

    1 Sept 2026 · 4 min

    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.

  111. 111. West Bank: Escalation Ahead of the Election

    2 Sept 2026 · 4 min

    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?

  112. 112. Europe’s Rivers: The Impact of Drought

    3 Sept 2026 · 4 min

    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.

  113. 113. Why Is the AfD Dominant in Eastern Germany?

    7 Sept 2026 · 4 min

    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.

  114. 114. Trump’s Cartographic Provocations

    8 Sept 2026 · 4 min

    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.

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

    9 Sept 2026 · 4 min

    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.

  116. 116. Can the world agree on maps?

    10 Sept 2026 · 4 min

    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?

  117. 117. Why is Putin attacking Ukrainian trains?

    14 Sept 2026 · 4 min

    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.

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

    15 Sept 2026 · 4 min

    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.

  119. 119. The EU’s political season begins with the Canada card

    16 Sept 2026 · 4 min

    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?

  120. 120. Why Are Freshwater Reserves Running Out?

    17 Sept 2026 · 4 min

    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.

  121. 121. Germany in Transition: A Changing Political Landscape

    21 Sept 2026 · 4 min

    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.

  122. 122. Has the UN Ever Stopped a War?

    22 Sept 2026 · 4 min

    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.

  123. 123. Why Trump and Xi Jinping See Eye to Eye on AI

    23 Sept 2026 · 4 min

    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.

  124. 124. Why Popes Are Geopolitical Actors

    24 Sept 2026 · 4 min

    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.

  125. 125. Why Switzerland Rejects Strict Neutrality

    28 Sept 2026 · 4 min

    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.

  126. 126. Spain: Pedro Sánchez’s Record

    29 Sept 2026 · 4 min

    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.

  127. 127. Morocco: A Woman at the Helm

    30 Sept 2026 · 4 min

    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.

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

    1 Oct 2026 · 4 min

    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.

  129. 129. Brazil: Bolsonaro leads first round

    5 Oct 2026 · 4 min

    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.

  130. 130. Yemen: A New Front in the Middle East?

    6 Oct 2026 · 4 min

    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.

  131. 131. October 7, 2026: Who Will Make Peace?

    7 Oct 2026 · 4 min

    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.

  132. 132. Belarus: In Putin's Service

    8 Oct 2026 · 4 min

    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.

  133. 133. Trump and Russia, a Long History

    12 Oct 2026 · 4 min

    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.

  134. 134. Spain’s Vox and Europe’s Far Right

    13 Oct 2026 · 4 min

    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.

  135. 135. Saudi Arabia in an Age of War

    14 Oct 2026 · 4 min

    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.

  136. 136. Ukraine: Can It Cope Without Musk's Satellites?

    15 Oct 2026 · 4 min

    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.

  137. 137. Why are several European countries facing similar social crises?

    19 Oct 2026 · 4 min

    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.

  138. 138. Netanyahu's Wars

    20 Oct 2026 · 4 min

    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.

  139. 139. Macron in the Gulf States to Secure Diesel Supplies

    21 Oct 2026 · 4 min

    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.

  140. 140. Biodiversity Conference: Can Wildlife Still Be Saved?

    22 Oct 2026 · 4 min

    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. 141

    141. Brazil - Is Lula Bucking Latin America’s Trend?

    26 Oct 2026 · 4 min

    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.

  142. 142. Serbia - What Comes After Vučić?

    27 Oct 2026 · 4 min

    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. 143

    143. Episode 143

    28 Oct 2026 · 4 min

  144. 144. Commonwealth: Reparations for Slavery?

    29 Oct 2026 · 4 min

    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. 145

    145. Episode 145

    2 Nov 2026 · 4 min

  146. 146

    146. Episode 146

    3 Nov 2026 · 4 min

  147. 147

    147. Episode 147

    4 Nov 2026 · 4 min

  148. 148

    148. Episode 148

    5 Nov 2026 · 4 min

  149. 149

    149. Episode 149

    9 Nov 2026 · 4 min

Mapping the World Essentials Season 5: quick answers

How many episodes are in Mapping the World Essentials Season 5?

Season 5 of Mapping the World Essentials has 149 episodes, about 10 hours in total.

When did Mapping the World Essentials Season 5 come out?

Season 5 premiered on 5 Jan 2026.

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