The World in Images

S5 · E1 · 5 jan. 2026

Palantir: the marketing of cyberwar Aflevering 1

In a promotional video, the company Palantir presents its vision of future conflicts. Since Donald Trump's re-election, Silicon Valley has moved closer to power. Once adversaries, these powers are now converging to offer their shared vision of future warfare. Analysis.

S5 · E2 · 6 jan. 2026

Chongqing: The World's Biggest City Aflevering 2

With its unique, futuristic architecture, Chongqing epitomises the China of the future. As the youngest of Beijing’s megacities it also shows the astonishingly quick development of the nation and its geopolitical ambitions.

S5 · E3 · 8 jan. 2026

Racism in AI: Beware of the gorillas! Aflevering 3

A gorilla smoking shisha at the Family Allowance Office: this type of AI-generated content is flooding social media. A closer look at this outdated imagery that is reinventing itself and spreading racist stereotypes with impunity.

S5 · E4 · 12 jan. 2026

Trump’s 'Fecal' Video: When PR Hits a New Low Aflevering 4

In an AI-generated video, Donald Trump bombards millions of Americans who dared to protest against him with excrement. While this sequence is shocking in its vulgarity, it illustrates the president's new transgressive communication strategy.

S5 · E5 · 13 jan. 2026

The Fake Real Mine Tragedy in the Democratic Republic of Congo Aflevering 5

A mountainside riddled with holes on all sides collapses, burying numerous people. Following a mine collapse in Congo that killed around thirty illegal miners, these impressive but false images circulated in the media – and journalists worldwide fell for them.

S5 · E6 · 15 jan. 2026

The legendary wave of Nazaré Aflevering 6

Facing a crowd that also seems about to be engulfed, this surfer defies a wave over ten meters high. Captured in January 2025 in Nazaré, Portugal, this photo serves as a reminder of how images have been a springboard for surf culture.

S5 · E7 · 19 jan. 2026

Russia: Factory of Fake News Aflevering 7

Is Emmanuel Macron having a private luxury bunker built? At least that's what a video made in Russia "reveals," a video actually created with fake images and AI. Focus on this new stage of the Kremlin's masterfully waged information war.

S5 · E8 · 20 jan. 2026

When forgotten peoples disrupt the COPs Aflevering 8

An indigenous activist, shirtless and wearing a feather headdress, clashes with security personnel at the climate summit in Brazil: This photo, taken on the second day of COP30, illustrates the lack of consideration given to indigenous voices in the climate protection negotiations.

S5 · E9 · 22 jan. 2026

Cryptocurrencies conquer the advertising market Aflevering 9

Singing, dancing, mocking the economic crisis. All this is done in a curious commercial with which the US-based corporation Coinbase is promoting cryptocurrencies in the United Kingdom. Its message: Everything will be better with virtual money.

S5 · E10 · 26 jan. 2026

When AI Rewrites the Holocaust Aflevering 10

Created by artificial intelligence, striking images of concentration camps with emaciated prisoners have been flooding social media. How are false and wholly inaccurate images disrupting our understanding of the holocaust?

S5 · E11 · 27 jan. 2026

Beneath the Uniform: Bodycams as a Security Measure? Aflevering 11

In November 2025, Mediapart and Libération published body camera footage from police officers deployed during the demonstrations in Sainte-Soline on March 25, 2023. The videos show the bloody day from a completely new perspective.

S5 · E12 · 29 jan. 2026

How NATO Demonstrates Strength Aflevering 12

A warship explodes in the middle of the European Arctic Ocean. The spectacular footage, which rivals any blockbuster film, comes from a NATO naval exercise. The focus is on the alliance's communication strategy, demonstrating its defense capabilities and operational readiness.

S5 · E13 · 2 feb. 2026

Maduro Captured Aflevering 13

This photograph was the first proof that Nicolás Maduro had been kidnapped by US special forces and taken to the United States. Posted by Donald Trump on social media on 3 January, it shows the Venezuelan president handcuffed and dressed like a common criminal, an image that shocked the world and revived a long tradition of US imperialism in the Americas.

S5 · E14 · 3 feb. 2026

Deepfakes: Viktor Orbán's Electoral Weapon Aflevering 14

Shortly before the Hungarian parliamentary elections, Prime Minister Viktor Orbán's camp is employing a targeted disinformation strategy: A deepfake is intended to discredit Péter Magyar, the most prominent opposition figure. The incident demonstrates how digital manipulation undermines democratic processes – and raises the question of why such practices are still downplayed.

S5 · E15 · 5 feb. 2026

Fire and Ice: Skiing on a molten Mount Etna? Aflevering 15

In February 2025, during the eruption of Mount Etna, images of Italian skiers gliding along the edge of a lava flow went viral. A staged display of danger, typical of extreme sports, capable of inspiring as many daring feats as tragic accidents.

S5 · E16 · 9 feb. 2026

Hong Kong: The Towering Inferno Aflevering 16

While behind him, towers hundreds of meters high were ravaged by flames, this man's cry of distress resonated around the world. A historic photograph that became iconic thanks to a simple principle: bringing the disaster down to a human scale.

S5 · E17 · 10 feb. 2026

Close-up photos of Trump's inner circle spark controversy Aflevering 17

Vanity Fair magazine has ignited a controversy by publishing a series of extremely close-up portraits of Trump's inner circle. For example, needle marks were visible on White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt's upper lip. The focus is on deconstructing power – through unretouched photos.

S5 · E18 · 12 feb. 2026

Russian Drone: Returned to Sender Aflevering 18

As the Russian ambassador left the Moldovan Foreign Ministry, he suddenly found himself face to face with a Russian drone. This "return" demonstrates once again how much the drone has become a symbol of the escalating tensions between Europe and Russia.

S5 · E19 · 16 feb. 2026

The Great Modi Show Aflevering 19

Narendra Modi graces the front page of the Indian daily newspaper "The Indian Express" to mark his 75th birthday. The government-funded stunt is part of a large-scale media campaign – and a good opportunity to examine the president's influence on the cultural sector.

S5 · E20 · 17 feb. 2026

Film star Timothée Chalamet at the peak of PR Aflevering 20

Timothée Chalamet made headlines by appearing atop the Las Vegas Sphere to announce the release of "Marty Supreme." A spectacular event, emblematic of new film promotion strategies, at a time when the industry is struggling to fill theaters.

S5 · E21 · 19 feb. 2026

China: Becoming an Influencer to Save the Shop Aflevering 21

Live on Douyin, the Chinese equivalent of TikTok, these two young women aren't influencers, but fishmongers. Like them, to cope with plummeting consumer spending, many Chinese retailers have had to completely reinvent how they promote their products.

S5 · E22 · 23 feb. 2026

Ukraine: The Face of War Aflevering 22

Wearing a traditional Ukrainian shirt and bearing the visible scars of severe burns, eleven-year-old Roman Oleksiv addressed the Members of the European Parliament in Brussels. His account of the horrors of the war in Ukraine was deeply moving—so much so that his interpreter was at times speechless. The scene was powerful, but it also raises questions: How much space should children have in the media's portrayal of conflicts?

S5 · E23 · 24 feb. 2026

Donald Trump sells (not just) watches Aflevering 23

Donald Trump has launched his own watch brand and promotes it on US television. The real estate mogul, who rose to become head of state, has never shied away from lucrative business ventures: He transferred his image as a successful entrepreneur to politics.

S5 · E24 · 26 feb. 2026

A Showcase of Power: Egypt's New Museum Aflevering 24

After more than 20 years of construction, the Grand Egyptian Museum was inaugurated with a spectacular show. Thanks to the enduring global fascination with the culture of ancient Egypt, the pharaonic-style ceremony offered the authoritarian President al-Sisi an opportunity to demonstrate his power.

S5 · E25 · 2 mrt. 2026

Who's afraid of an information label? Aflevering 25

The Élysée Palace is now actively combating disinformation: After several media outlets accused the French president of trying to control the news, the Élysée Palace published a short fact-checking video on X.

S5 · E26 · 3 mrt. 2026

The Death of Renée Good: Images Lack Evidentiary Value Aflevering 26

The images of the death of American Renée Good, who was shot by an ICE officer, quickly spread around the world. The fact that they failed to clarify the circumstances of the crime, instead fueling a wide range of interpretations, casts doubt on the evidentiary value of photographs.

S5 · E27 · 5 mrt. 2026

Poland: AI in the service of Eurosceptics Aflevering 27

On TikTok, AI-generated young women are campaigning for Poland to leave the EU. The videos, which have already been viewed thousands of times, are even worrying the highest circles of the Polish government. The focus is on a new kind of disinformation campaign.

S5 · E28 · 9 mrt. 2026

Enlist! - Army with new recruitment strategies Aflevering 28

"Can you do it?" – With this question, the French army aims to recruit young people aged 18 to 25 for military service. But because there is once again war on European soil, it is essential to generate interest in military service without concealing the risks of combat deployment.

S5 · E29 · 10 mrt. 2026

Sexy Priests – Followers Guaranteed? Aflevering 29

Perfectly trimmed beard, toned body, and clerical collar: Some priests skillfully showcase their appearance online to gain reach. Behind these religious influencers lies a strategy carefully considered and controlled by the Catholic Church.

S5 · E30 · 12 mrt. 2026

AI brings Robin Williams back to life Aflevering 30

In a new video, the actor, who died in 2014, is resurrected with a strikingly realistic voice and facial expressions. What seems like a glimpse into the future is also a play on an age-old human dream: overcoming death. But where are the ethical boundaries of digital immortality?

S5 · E31 · 16 mrt. 2026

ICE: The Codes of Brute Force Aflevering 31

Shortly after Renée Good's death, this ICE photograph was seen as a symbol of the militarization of American power. As for the highly suggestive attire of its leader, Gregory Bovino, some recognized in it the uniforms of one of the darkest periods in history.

S5 · E32 · 17 mrt. 2026

It's so green! Aflevering 32

A green river, three ships spraying color, and thousands of spectators. Every year on St. Patrick's Day, the Irish national holiday, the Chicago River turns green. These striking images raise questions about the environmental impact of such large-scale events.

S5 · E33 · 19 mrt. 2026

President Macron's Black Mirrored Sunglasses Aflevering 33

An image from Davos has stuck in our minds: Emmanuel Macron wearing mirrored aviator sunglasses. On the front pages of the international press, the photo appeared as Europe's response to Donald Trump's imperialistic behavior.

S5 · E34 · 23 mrt. 2026

British Far-Right in "Reporter" Mode Aflevering 34

Images speak louder than words: the dominant language of our world. Images are powerful and ubiquitous. We are all exposed daily to a flood of images, which we perceive more or less consciously. What we see can shock or move us. But do we always understand what we see at first glance? Sonia Devillers contextualizes images and explains their background.

S5 · E35 · 24 mrt. 2026

How China is trying to intimidate Taiwan Aflevering 35

Images are language: the dominant language of our world. Images are powerful and ubiquitous. We are all exposed daily to a flood of images, which we perceive more or less consciously. What we see can shock or move us. But do we always understand what we see at first glance? Sonia Devillers contextualizes images and explains their background.

S5 · E36 · 26 mrt. 2026

Science Washing: A Clean Slate Through Science? Aflevering 36

For its 360th anniversary, the construction giant Saint-Gobain released a series of videos featuring an unexpected guest: François Gemenne, a climate specialist and former member of the IPCC. This blend of disciplines raises questions about the sometimes ambiguous relationship between scientists and polluting industries.

S5 · E37 · 30 mrt. 2026

A photographer's quick thinking Aflevering 37

A photographer, pinned to the ground by ICE agents, reacted with remarkable presence of mind, throwing his camera away before it could fall into the hands of his tormentors. A telling scene that became a symbol of eroding press freedom in the USA.

S5 · E38 · 31 mrt. 2026

Japan and Mount Fuji: A Visually Powerful Warning Aflevering 38

In August 2025, the Tokyo metropolitan area released a prevention video that resembles a cross between a news report and a disaster film. Its aim is to prepare the population for a potential eruption of Mount Fuji. The clip, created using artificial intelligence, illustrates how present the threat of natural disasters is in the collective consciousness.

S5 · E39 · 2 apr. 2026

Barbie with Autism – Marketing or Inclusion? Aflevering 39

On TikTok, a girl unboxes her first "autistic" Barbie from Mattel. The doll is designed for social media and fits into the company's inclusive marketing strategy. But what does the product say about the current portrayal of this developmental disorder?

S5 · E40 · 7 apr. 2026

Destination Moon: China is fine-tuning its launch Aflevering 40

China is preparing for its first manned lunar mission in the coming years and is using this project for its public relations. A cheering crowd accompanies the arrival of three taikonauts, who will soon depart for the Chinese space station. Folkloric and communist symbolism is prominently featured in this ceremony.

S5 · E41 · 8 apr. 2026

The Swag of Dictators Aflevering 41

Despite the rose-tinted glasses and dolphins, Francisco Franco is clearly visible in the center of this image. As part of the TikTok trend "Pop Fascism," the Spanish tyrant, along with other European dictators, is haunting social media.

S5 · E42 · 9 apr. 2026

Robot Dogs – A Biting Allegory Aflevering 42

Mark Zuckerberg, Elon Musk, Pablo Picasso, or Andy Warhol – the American artist Beeple has placed these and other prominent figures on the bodies of strange robot dogs. A sensational installation that openly plays with the image of the powerful.

S5 · E43 · 13 apr. 2026

United24: Ukraine's PR Agency Aflevering 43

The ghosts of fallen young athletes touch the helmet of Vladyslav Heraskevych, the Ukrainian flag bearer at the Milan Winter Olympics, one after the other. Behind the video is United24 Media, a platform operated by the Ukrainian government that straddles the line between reporting and propaganda.

S5 · E44 · 14 apr. 2026

Kate Middleton: A Trip to the Countryside Aflevering 44

In January 2026, Kate Middleton, Princess of Wales, posted the last of four videos titled "Mother Nature" online. Beyond aristocratic pomp, she shares her thoughts on the power of nature. The videos were filmed in seemingly peaceful landscapes – a symbolic and strategic choice given the crises the royals are currently facing.

S5 · E45 · 16 apr. 2026

Hyena in the Moonlight: The Secrets of Wildlife Photography Aflevering 45

South African photographer Wim van den Heever was named "Wildlife Photographer of the Year" in 2025. His winning image shows a spotted hyena in the moonlight next to the ghostly ruins of an abandoned diamond mining town in Namibia. A rare image that shaped the development of wildlife photography.

S5 · E46 · 20 apr. 2026

Have babies! China changes its position Aflevering 46

This year's Chinese New Year celebrations focused on the theme of family – because after decades of a strict one-child policy, the country wants to change course and promote births. An analysis of the carefully designed Chinese propaganda campaign for births.

S5 · E47 · 21 apr. 2026

Roblox: Video Games as a Form of Protest Aflevering 47

An anti-ICE demonstration in a video game! On the gaming site Roblox, very young users are taking a stand against the US immigration authorities. Their protest makes it clear that online games can also be spaces for political expression.

S5 · E48 · 23 apr. 2026

Sweden: Moose as TV Stars Aflevering 48

A Swedish slow-TV program shows the moose migration calmly, uncut, and without commentary. The authentic and unusual format captivates audiences worldwide.

S5 · E49 · 27 apr. 2026

The Subtle Codes of Nuclear Deterrence Aflevering 49

In March 2026, from the Île Longue military base, Emmanuel Macron delivered a key speech on nuclear deterrence, in a carefully orchestrated event. A show of force where the symbolic power of the images rivaled that of the weapons.

S5 · E50 · 28 apr. 2026

German Carnival: Jesters' heads must roll Aflevering 50

A float in Düsseldorf's Rose Monday parade went down in history in 2026: It depicts Vladimir Putin impaling a carnival jester. The Kremlin sued Jacques Tilly, creator of the character and staunch advocate of the subversive power of carnival revelry.

S5 · E51 · 30 apr. 2026

Iran: Trump and the War, Hollywood Style Aflevering 51

During the offensive against Iran, the White House posted videos on its social media channels that combined film scenes, video games, and real airstrikes. This new communication strategy deliberately blurs the line between war and entertainment.

S5 · E52 · 4 mei 2026

"MAGA Symphony": Donald Trump as Orchestra Conductor Aflevering 52

The painting depicts Donald Trump from behind, conducting an orchestra of his most loyal supporters. The painting, by a Trump sympathizer, is reminiscent of court painting, a genre generally considered a thing of the past.

S5 · E53 · 5 mei 2026

Why Iran is reenacting the war with Lego Aflevering 53

Iran is responding to US propaganda with AI-generated video clips that reenact the war using Lego figures. The regime uses these clips to stage supposed triumphs or ridicule its enemies. This report focuses on this new secondary theater of war, which heralds a new era of Iranian propaganda.

S5 · E54 · 7 mei 2026

Relooted: Gamers Plunder Colonial Looted Art Aflevering 54

In the Afrofuturistic heist video game Relooted, gamers must try to retrieve artworks from Western museums. This "liberation" of African artifacts offers a shift in perspective and highlights the extent of colonial looting.

S5 · E55 · 11 mei 2026

Episode 55 Aflevering 55

S5 · E56 · 12 mei 2026

Episode 56 Aflevering 56

S5 · E57 · 13 mei 2026

Episode 57 Aflevering 57

S5 · E58 · 18 mei 2026

When Filmmakers Turn to Advertising Aflevering 58

In February 2026, a striking commercial stood out during the Super Bowl broadcast. Directed by Yorgos Lanthimos and starring actress Emma Stone, the ad employs cinematic conventions to promote a product - in this case, a website creation platform.

S5 · E59 · 21 mei 2026

Cheburashka: The Stuffed Toy Dividing Russian Society Aflevering 59

A cult figure of Soviet culture, Cheburashka triumphed at the Russian box office in 2026. Adopted as a good-luck charm on the Ukrainian front, this childlike object now irritates the authorities - proof that animated cinema often carries profound ideological stakes.

S5 · E60 · 25 mei 2026

Has the Magic Vanished from Marine Zoos? Aflevering 60

The Marineland marine theme park in Antibes closed on January 5, 2025. Images of the orcas and dolphins that remained there sparked a heated public debate, reflecting a shift in societal attitudes towards zoos and wildlife parks.

S5 · E61 · 26 mei 2026

A missile planted in the landscape Aflevering 61

The photo has a surreal quality: A ballistic missile is lodged in a field in Syria. It hasn't exploded, and life at the impact site continues as normal. This is a striking metaphor for the intrusion of war into people's everyday lives.

S5 · E62 · 27 mei 2026

True Crime: Amateur Detectives on the Hunt for Clicks Aflevering 62

The video, posted online by a YouTuber specializing in "urban exploration," takes viewers on a tour of the former private jet of convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. Content revolving around crime has been booming on social media for several years. But how far should entertainment go when it comes to crime?

S5 · E63 · 28 mei 2026

Nepal: A former rapper as prime minister Aflevering 63

On March 26, 2026, to mark his election as Prime Minister of Nepal, singer Balendra Shah released a rap video – the culmination of a highly unconventional election campaign. This raises the question of the role of artists in politics.

S5 · E64 · 1 jun. 2026

Sports mascots - a powerful communication tool Aflevering 64

In September 2025, FIFA unveiled the mascots for the 2026 FIFA World Cup with an animated video. Inspired by the emblematic animals of the three host countries, these characters are a powerful marketing tool that reveals much about the relationship between humans and animals.

S5 · E65 · 2 jun. 2026

The Nutella jar and the ad that fell from the sky Aflevering 65

A jar of Nutella spotted in zero gravity during a live broadcast of the Artemis II mission: an unintentional product placement that became a marketing campaign. This art of opportunism invites us to dissect the strategies brands use to place their products everywhere.

S5 · E66 · 4 jun. 2026

Israeli Propaganda in New York's Times Square Aflevering 66

A huge billboard in New York's Times Square displays the portrait of Iran's new Supreme Leader – accompanied by a clear message of hate. The political instrumentalization of this public space by the Israeli government illustrates how blurred the line between advertising and propaganda has become.

S5 · E67 · 8 jun. 2026

When FIFA designs a tactic for Gaza Aflevering 67

Brand-new football pitches rising from the rubble of Gaza: this is the scene envisioned in the partnership video between FIFA and Donald Trump's Peace Council. Behind this backdrop, from which Gazans have been erased, other issues are apparent.

S5 · E68 · 9 jun. 2026

Sumo wrestlers, heavyweights of diplomacy Aflevering 68

Twenty years after their last trip, sumo wrestlers are back in the United Kingdom. Whether in the streets of London or in the Royal Albert Hall, specially transformed into a dojo, these prominent representatives of Japanese culture have attracted everyone's attention.

S5 · E69 · 11 jun. 2026

Favela tourism: Can poverty become a vacation video? Aflevering 69

Filmed by drone in a Rio favela, a tourist walks through a landscape littered with corrugated iron and concrete. These viral videos, designed for online platforms, reignite the debate about tourism in the favelas: between a spectacle of misery and a reflection of a grim social reality.

S5 · E70 · 15 jun. 2026

Iran: Political Messages on Public Walls Aflevering 70

In Tehran, a giant billboard portrays two celebrated figures from Iran’s military history. Carefully designed and tightly controlled, the image reflects a long-standing tradition of using walls and public spaces as tools of political communication. Across centuries and political systems, governments have used highly visible displays to shape public narratives and project power.

S5 · E71 · 17 jun. 2026

India: Tamil Cinema as a Pathway to Politics Aflevering 71

In southern India, a major Tamil film star surprised many by winning regional elections with a newly founded political party. His rise from popular screen icon to political leader highlights a long-standing phenomenon in the state of Tamil Nadu, where the influence of Tamil cinema has often helped launch successful political careers.

S5 · E72 · 18 jun. 2026

Friend: The AI Necklace Facing Public Backlash Aflevering 72

A controversial advertising campaign for "Friend," an AI-powered necklace designed for conversation, sparked a wave of negative reactions. In several places, posters were vandalized, reflecting broader concerns about the growing role of technology in everyday life and reviving debates linked to modern forms of Luddism - opposition to technological change.

S5 · E73 · 22 jun. 2026

Trump’s Vision for a Triumph Arch Aflevering 73

Ahead of the 250th anniversary of U.S. independence, Donald Trump has proposed building a monumental triumph arch in Washington, D.C. The project reflects the revival of an architectural symbol historically associated with power, prestige, and national identity - a highly visible structure that is at once spectacular, political, and deeply ideological.

S5 · E74 · 23 jun. 2026

Israel-Palestine: Images at the heart of a war of narratives Aflevering 74

On April 10 2026, Italian weekly L'Espresso published a striking photo of an Israeli settler in military clothing grimacing opposite a Palestinian woman with downcast gaze. The image sparked accusations of stereotyping and antisemitism and triggered diplomatic reactions, becoming part of the broader Israel-Palestine war of narratives.

S5 · E75 · 25 jun. 2026

The Battle for the Rainbow Flag Aflevering 75

Removed by the Trump administration from the Stonewall National Monument in New York, the rainbow flag was raised again on February 12, 2026 in Manhattan, birthplace of the Pride movement. A symbol of resistance, it has been central to a global visual conflict since 1978.

S5 · E76 · 18 jun. 2026

Friend : le collier IA qui n'a pas que des amis Aflevering 76

Une publicité... vandalisée. Celle pour un collier équipé d’une intelligence artificielle, avec laquelle il est possible de converser. Elle a suscité une avalanche de réactions hostiles, au point de réveiller un courant qui s’oppose à l’essor de la technologie : le "luddisme".

S5 · E77 · 1 sep. 2026

In the Netherlands, the police display the suspects' names. Aflevering 77

S5 · E78 · 3 sep. 2026

Why is Putin posing with children? Aflevering 78

S5 · E79 · 7 sep. 2026

The war seen through Hezbollah drone footage Aflevering 79

Since March 2026, Hezbollah has released disturbing footage of suicide-drone attacks on Israeli targets in southern Lebanon, seeking to challenge Israel’s narrative and intimidate the military and public.

S5 · E80 · 8 sep. 2026

Should we fear China’s giant spacecraft? Aflevering 80

A Chinese TV program on aerospace innovation showed sci-fi-like images of space carriers and alien spacecraft, blurring fiction and reality. A look at how futuristic imagery fuels the imagination of space conquest.

S5 · E81 · 10 sep. 2026

Artificial waves in the summer heat Aflevering 81

In June 2026, Louis Vuitton opened its fashion show with a giant artificial surf wave. Amid record summer heat, the spectacle sparked criticism, highlighting concerns over the fashion industry’s response to the climate crisis.

S5 · E82 · 14 sep. 2026

Behind the niqabs, far-right propaganda Aflevering 82

At a nationalist rally in London, three activists from the French identitarian group Némésis appeared on stage in niqabs before removing them to cheers. The provocative stunt illustrates the far right’s evolving visual strategies.

S5 · E83 · 15 sep. 2026

How Elon Musk puts SpaceX into orbit Aflevering 83

As SpaceX prepares for a potential IPO, its futuristic tech advertising targets investors while reinforcing the myth of Musk as a near-messianic entrepreneur.

S5 · E84 · 17 sep. 2026

Trolling the manosphere to sell yogurt Aflevering 84

French brand Sojasun taps into the manosphere’s hostility toward soy in a provocative ad for its desserts - a savvy marketing stunt reflecting the wider culture war over food.

S5 · E85 · 21 sep. 2026

Meta’s Smart Glasses: The Glamour of Surveillance Aflevering 85

Meta is pulling out all the stops to win over the general public: Kylie Jenner is reinventing herself as a tech ambassador, lending her glamorous image to the company’s smart glasses. Yet these glasses could also be used as a tool for surveillance; potentially at the expense of privacy and consent.

S5 · E86 · 22 sep. 2026

Kai Trump: A YouTuber in the White House Aflevering 86

A glimpse into the inner workings of American power: to mark the 250th anniversary of US independence, YouTuber Kai Trump takes her followers on a tour of the White House. Authenticity is the promise. Behind it, however, lies an opportunity to turn a profit from her grandfather’s presidency.

S5 · E87 · 24 sep. 2026

North Korea’s Endless Tears Aflevering 87

At the heart of this image: women in tears, a smiling Kim Jong-un, and the joy of sporting triumph. But this snapshot of the North Korean women’s football team celebrating victory in the Asian Champions League is, above all, a striking example of how sporting emotion can be harnessed for propaganda.

S5 · E88 · 28 sep. 2026

Lula Works Out His Re-Election Bid Aflevering 88

Brazilian President Lula, dressed in shorts and a tank top, is filmed by his wife during an early-morning workout. By livestreaming himself exercising on Instagram, the Brazilian president is seeking to rejuvenate his image and project an energetic, determined persona.

S5 · E89 · 29 sep. 2026

Paul Watson: The Risky Tactic of Ramming Aflevering 89

Sea Shepherd France and the Captain Paul Watson Foundation use a shocking video to denounce krill fishing. Drawing on pirate imagery, the NGOs employ a familiar communication strategy: provocation to capture public attention.

S5 · E90 · 1 okt. 2026

Defying Vertigo: Fear as Spectacle Aflevering 90

On January 25, 2026, American free solo climber Alex Honnold scaled Taiwan’s 508-meter Taipei 101 without safety equipment. Beyond the feat, the climb was conceived from the outset as a highly spectacular Netflix streaming event.

S5 · E91 · 5 okt. 2026

Keir Starmer and the cursed back-seat photo Aflevering 91

Taken on February 9, 2026, the viral image of the British prime minister looking defeated from the back seat of his car invites us to examine how press photography shapes our view of political power.

S5 · E92 · 6 okt. 2026

Russia's *Immortal Regiment* as a Propaganda Tool Aflevering 92

The 'Immortal Regiment' memorial march has been used by the Kremlin for propaganda. This photo shows a portrait of a recently killed Russian soldier alongside those of World War II veterans, linking today's war in Ukraine to Russia’s narrative of national greatness.

S5 · E93 · 8 okt. 2026

Marching Zulu Warriors - Tradition Used to Fuel Xenophobia Aflevering 93

Few things are more intimidating than a martial procession of warriors. A short TikTok video captures such a spectacle at an anti-immigration protest in South Africa, where Zulu warrior imagery is used in a context of growing hostility toward migrants.

S5 · E94 · 12 okt. 2026

How Poland Is Preparing for War Aflevering 94

On August 15, 2026, Poland’s Armed Forces Day featured an impressive military parade broadcast live on TVP. The show of military strength reflects Poland’s preparations for the possibility of a Russian attack.

S5 · E95 · 13 okt. 2026

Nepal Floods: Where Does Our Morbid Fascination Come From? Aflevering 95

S5 · E96 · 15 okt. 2026

Do You Have to Make French Fries to Get Elected? Aflevering 96

S5 · E97 · 19 okt. 2026

FLNC: The Ritual of a Secret Press Conference Aflevering 97

In early August 2026, Corsican separatists of the FLNC held an unusual press conference: armed and masked, they drew on the highly codified imagery of underground organizations. A staged display designed to project a threatening image.

S5 · E98 · 20 okt. 2026

Israel: Ben-Gvir's Far Right Spectacle Aflevering 98

Activists from the Global Sumud flotilla humiliated by the IDF. Posted in May 2026 on X by Itamar Ben Gvir, Israel’s Minister of National Security, this video is emblematic of the aggressive and spectacular nature of the Israeli far right’s political messaging.

S5 · E99 · 22 okt. 2026

When Explorers Turn Science Into a Spectacle Aflevering 99

Heading to the South Pole, explorer Matthieu Tordeur traveled to Antarctica with a team to study the ice sheet. Through striking images, he aims to make science more visible and spark public curiosity - but at the risk of turning scientific research into a spectacle.

S5 · E100 · 26 okt. 2026

Hunting Migrants: Video Games from the White House Aflevering 100

On September 3, 2026, the White House launched retro-style video games, including a Snake-inspired game in which players catch migrants. The controversial imagery reflects the Trump administration’s communication strategy.

S5 · E101 · 27 okt. 2026

The Milky Way - Race for the Perfect Image Aflevering 101

Captured by the European Space Agency’s Euclid telescope, this unprecedented image of our galaxy features 60 million stars and 6 billion pixels. Beyond its technical achievement, it reflects the competition between space agencies for public attention.

S5 · E102 · 29 okt. 2026

Iran: Why Target Donald Trump’s Son? Aflevering 102

Broadcast on Iranian state television and shared on social media, a video purports to show how to approach and kill Donald Trump’s youngest son. It comes amid escalating Iranian threats against the United States and a climate of retaliation.

S5 · E103 · 2 nov. 2026

Why Is the Confederate Flag Making a Comeback? Aflevering 103

Masked men march in formation behind the Confederate flag, once associated with the slaveholding South during the American Civil War. Over time, the emblem has also become a recognizable symbol of the American far right.

S5 · E104 · 3 nov. 2026

Road Trip Reality TV - Trump’s Transportation Secretary Tours the US Aflevering 104

Sean Duffy turns his cross-country journey into a multi-episode YouTube reality show, blending politics and entertainment in a style increasingly associated with the MAGA movement.

S5 · E105 · 4 nov. 2026

The Statue of Liberty - Symbol of the American Dream Aflevering 105

Featured on the cover of Time magazine on July 6, 2026, the Statue of Liberty is reimagined by Shepard Fairey, a street artist and outspoken Trump critic, as a contemporary and deeply human symbol of American ideals.

S5 · E106 · 9 nov. 2026

The Strategic Use of Images of Migrant Boats Aflevering 106

Scenes of panic, tear gas and a damaged inflatable boat appear in a video released not by an NGO denouncing border violence, but by the British government itself, showing the interception of a migrant boat in the English Channel.