Mapping the World Essentials

1. Episode 1

Air Date: 2022-03-07

2. Episode 2

Air Date: 2022-03-08

3. Episode 3

Air Date: 2022-03-09

4. Episode 4

Air Date: 2022-03-10

124. Episode 124

Air Date: 2022-12-08

1. Episode 1

Air Date: 2023-01-16

1. Episode 1

Air Date: 2024-01-22

1. Episode 1

Air Date: 2025-01-20

1. Episode 1

Air Date: 2026-01-05

2. Episode 2

Air Date: 2026-01-06

3. Episode 3

Air Date: 2026-01-07

4. Episode 4

Air Date: 2026-01-08

5. Episode 5

Air Date: 2026-01-12

6. Episode 6

Air Date: 2026-01-13

7. Episode 7

Air Date: 2026-01-14

8. Episode 8

Air Date: 2026-01-15

9. Episode 9

Air Date: 2026-01-19

10. Episode 10

Air Date: 2026-01-20

11. Episode 11

Air Date: 2026-01-21

12. Episode 12

Air Date: 2026-01-22

13. Episode 13

Air Date: 2026-01-26

14. Episode 14

Air Date: 2026-01-27

15. Episode 15

Air Date: 2026-01-28

16. Episode 16

Air Date: 2026-01-29

17. Episode 17

Air Date: 2026-02-02

18. Episode 18

Air Date: 2026-02-03

19. Episode 19

Air Date: 2026-02-04

20. Episode 20

Air Date: 2026-02-05

21. Episode 21

Air Date: 2026-02-09

22. Episode 22

Air Date: 2026-02-10

23. Episode 23

Air Date: 2026-02-11

24. Episode 24

Air Date: 2026-02-12

25. Episode 25

Air Date: 2026-02-16

26. Episode 26

Air Date: 2026-02-17

27. Episode 27

Air Date: 2026-02-18

28. Episode 28

Air Date: 2026-02-19

29. Episode 29

Air Date: 2026-02-23

30. Episode 30

Air Date: 2026-02-24

31. Episode 31

Air Date: 2026-02-25

32. Episode 32

Air Date: 2026-02-26

33. Episode 33

Air Date: 2026-03-02

34. Episode 34

Air Date: 2026-03-03

35. Episode 35

Air Date: 2026-03-04

36. Episode 36

Air Date: 2026-03-05

37. Episode 37

Air Date: 2026-03-09

38. Episode 38

Air Date: 2026-03-10

39. Episode 39

Air Date: 2026-03-11

40. Episode 40

Air Date: 2026-03-12

41. Episode 41

Air Date: 2026-03-16

42. Episode 42

Air Date: 2026-03-17

43. Episode 43

Air Date: 2026-03-18

44. Episode 44

Air Date: 2026-03-19

45. Episode 45

Air Date: 2026-03-23

46. Episode 46

Air Date: 2026-03-24

47. Episode 47

Air Date: 2026-03-25

48. Episode 48

Air Date: 2026-03-26

49. Episode 49

Air Date: 2026-03-30

50. Episode 50

Air Date: 2026-03-31

51. Episode 51

Air Date: 2026-04-01

52. Episode 52

Air Date: 2026-04-02

53. Episode 53

Air Date: 2026-04-06

54. Episode 54

Air Date: 2026-04-07

55. Episode 55

Air Date: 2026-04-08

56. Episode 56

Air Date: 2026-04-09

57. Episode 57

Air Date: 2026-04-13

58. Episode 58

Air Date: 2026-04-14

59. Episode 59

Air Date: 2026-04-15

60. Episode 60

Air Date: 2026-04-16

61. Episode 61

Air Date: 2026-04-20

62. Episode 62

Air Date: 2026-04-21

63. Episode 63

Air Date: 2026-04-22

64. Episode 64

Air Date: 2026-04-23

65. Episode 65

Air Date: 2026-04-27

66. Episode 66

Air Date: 2026-04-28

67. Episode 67

Air Date: 2026-04-29

68. Episode 68

Air Date: 2026-04-30

69. Episode 69

Air Date: 2026-05-04

70. Armenia: A Decision for Europe?

Air Date: 2026-05-05

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. Russia: War weariness?

Air Date: 2026-05-06

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. Eastern Congo: Resource Curse in Kivu

Air Date: 2026-05-07

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. France and Africa: A New Strategy

Air Date: 2026-05-11

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. Great Britain: A Time of Divisions

Air Date: 2026-05-12

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. Trump and Xi: A Showdown

Air Date: 2026-05-13

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. Hantavirus: Fear of a new pandemic?

Air Date: 2026-05-14

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. Gulf Crisis: The Emirates Targeted

Air Date: 2026-05-18

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. Putin in China: A Weak Friend

Air Date: 2026-05-19

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. Asia: An Aging Population

Air Date: 2026-05-20

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. Lithuania: Air Raid Alert

Air Date: 2026-05-21

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. War in Sudan: The Parties to the Conflict

Air Date: 2026-05-25

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. Belarus: Ukraine worried

Air Date: 2026-05-26

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. Abraham Accords: Trump, the Pope and the Catholics

Air Date: 2026-05-27

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. Climate: Cities and Heat

Air Date: 2026-05-28

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. Lebanon: Is Israel Pushing Beyond the Limits?

Air Date: 2026-06-01

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. Global competition in pharmaceuticals

Air Date: 2026-06-02

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. Artificial Intelligence: France Takes the Lead

Air Date: 2026-06-03

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. Morocco: The Continent’s Industrial Champion

Air Date: 2026-06-04

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. Middle East: 100 Days of War

Air Date: 2026-06-08

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

Air Date: 2026-06-09

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. Bahrain: The End of Calm

Air Date: 2026-06-10

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. FIFA World Cup 2026 - Sport and Geopolitics

Air Date: 2026-06-11

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. G7 Summit: In What Context?

Air Date: 2026-06-15

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. France-Senegal: A Changing Relationship

Air Date: 2026-06-16

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. Political Assassinations: Putin’s Version of Warfare

Air Date: 2026-06-17

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. American technology: are Europeans dependent?

Air Date: 2026-06-18

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. Latin America’s Shift to the Right

Air Date: 2026-06-22

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. United Kingdom: Political Instability

Air Date: 2026-06-23

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. Heatwave: the effect on the seas

Air Date: 2026-06-24

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. Earthquake in Venezuela: A Country Under Pressure

Air Date: 2026-06-25

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. Crimea: Strategy of Isolation

Air Date: 2026-06-29

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. Europe: Why the Heatwaves Are Intensifying

Air Date: 2026-06-30

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. Ireland: Setting the Course

Air Date: 2026-07-01

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. South Africa: Migration as a Political Target

Air Date: 2026-07-02

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. Syria: A new chapter?

Air Date: 2026-07-06

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. Can Europe defend itself without the United States?

Air Date: 2026-07-07

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. What can Ukraine contribute to Europe's defense?

Air Date: 2026-07-08

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. Why do countries hold gold reserves?

Air Date: 2026-07-09

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. Episode 109

Air Date: 2026-08-31