About this season
Then complex world of geopolitics broken down into ten minute, bite-sized chunks. You'll never sound uninformed at the dinner table ever again.
Episodes (30)
1. Episode 1
Aired 18 January 2020 • 10 min
2. Episode 2
Aired 1 February 2020 • 10 min
3. Train - means of transport of the future
Aired 8 February 2020 • 10 min
Measured against the criteria of the 21st century, the railway offers numerous advantages: it is a means of transport that is networked worldwide and enables ever higher speeds. Transportation or travel by rail is far more environmentally friendly than by plane, car or truck. China is now relying on railways on a large scale, particularly with the "New Silk Road" initiative. "With open cards" tells the old story of the global railroad, which has a great future ahead of it. [arte]
4. Episode 4
Aired 22 February 2020 • 10 min
5. Episode 5
Aired 29 February 2020 • 10 min
6. Episode 6
Aired 7 March 2020 • 10 min
7. Episode 7
Aired 21 March 2020 • 10 min
8. Episode 8
Aired 28 March 2020 • 10 min
9. Episode 9
Aired 4 April 2020 • 10 min
10. Episode 10
Aired 11 April 2020 • 10 min
11. Epidemics: A Long History
Aired 30 May 2020 • 10 min
A look back at the great epidemics and pandemics of human history and how they spread through the world. The propagation of the Black Death in medieval Europe, the Spanish Flu in the 20th century or indeed Covid-19 today, all indicate how human populations are linked via trade, travel and geography.
12. Episode 12
Aired 6 June 2020 • 10 min
13. A World of Forests
Aired 13 June 2020 • 10 min
Humans have been exploiting the world’s forests for centuries. Today the most important industries causing deforestation are timber, palm oil extraction, soya farming and raising cattle. But we are also realising the importance of forests to the planet and to mankind.
14. Plastic Planet
Aired 22 August 2020 • 10 min
Since the end of the Second World War we cannot seem to live without plastic: Invading every industry worldwide and creating an island of plastic waste in the oceans one third the size of the USA. Can we free ourselves from our addiction to plastic? [arte]
15. Islam, Islamism: What geographical spread
Aired 29 August 2020 • 10 min
How are Muslim communities distributed across the globe in 2020? How did Islam come into being and how did it spread? A glance at the world map shows where the individual Islamic denominations are to be found. "With open cards" explains the basics and takes a look at terms that repeatedly cause heated debates. [arte]
16. The increasing expansion of the Caspian Sea
Aired 5 September 2020 • 10 min
The Caspian Sea is surrounded by the five riparian states Kazakhstan, Azerbaijan, Turkmenistan, Iran and Russia and their complex network of interests. Oil and natural gas deposits as well as rich caviar stocks arouse desires. "With open cards" sheds light on the geostrategic significance of the world's largest inland waterway, which is subject to major overexploitation. [arte]
17. Episode 17
Aired 12 September 2020 • 12 min
18. A History of Immigration in Europe
Aired 19 September 2020 • 10 min
The history of Europe since the end of the Second World War cannot be properly understood without taking into account immigration. Within countries, between European countries as well as from outside Europe, immigration has always been a hot topic.
19. Putin, Erdogan The watch on the Black Sea
Aired 26 September 2020 • 10 min
Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Vladimir Putin rule two influential states bordering the Black Sea and regularly dominate the headlines. Since the annexation of the Crimea and the construction of the "Turkish Stream" gas pipeline, they have been in the limelight more than ever. Despite the currently tense relations between their countries, both statesmen are pursuing a common goal: to keep the Western powers away from the Black Sea region. Why is this region strategically so important? [arte]
20. The new Silk Road - Xi Jinpings Monopoly
Aired 3 October 2020 • 10 min
Since Chinese President Xi Jinping announced the construction of a new Silk Road in 2013, the world has feared the growing Chinese influence on the global economy. What is the project really about? How far has it progressed? And what does China gain from it? Transportation, infrastructure, credit and cultural investment - China is now present on all continents. Will Xi Jinping win his gigantic monopoly? [arte]
21. Greenland - Desire in the eternal ice
Aired 10 October 2020 • 10 min
In August 2019 Donald Trump announced that he was in talks with Denmark to buy Greenland. His dubious offer was rejected, but reminded the world of the strategic importance of the Emerald Isle. The melting of the ice is changing the course of the Arctic waterways, and Greenland, rich in raw materials, is increasingly attracting the interest of the major powers. [arte]
22. China: One Country, Many Facets
Aired 17 October 2020 • 10 min
On October 3, "Mit offenen Karten" celebrates its 100th edition. The anniversary program looks at Xi Jinping's China from the inside: The Middle Kingdom and its world power aspirations are constantly on everyone's lips, but do people really know what is going on within its borders? The magazine focuses on this huge country full of contrasts. [arte]
23. Coffee: A Global Beverage
Aired 24 October 2020 • 10 min
Coffee is still the most important product of Ethiopia's economy, but it has now also gained a foothold in many other countries around the world. "With open cards" tells the story of the long journey of this drink, which is one of the most consumed drinks of all, and also focuses on the environmental pollution associated with its production. [arte]
24. Italy: European Testing Ground
Aired 31 October 2020 • 10 min
In February 2020 Italy was the first European country to be hit by the coronavirus pandemic. In so many areas Italy seems to act as a seismograph for the rest of Europe being the first to experience to experience the earthquakes of fascism, populism and the migration crisis of recent years.
25. The Electrification of Africa
Aired 7 November 2020 • 10 min
Africa is the least electrified continent in the world. Some believe that Africa can move straight to mobile networks and renewable energies but for now the unequal access to power across the continent remain striking.
26. Portugal: Small Country, Big History
Aired 14 November 2020 • 10 min
An overview of the history of Portugal. Great trading nation and colonial power of yore, Portugal became one of the West’s poorest nations in the 20th century before undergoing a renaissance in recent years.
27. 5G: The New Cold War?
Aired 21 November 2020 • 10 min
The 5G revolution will truly bring the internet of things within everyone’s reach and make smart cities a global reality. But with this major technological advance led by Chinese company Huawei, it is leading to renewed tensions between the USA and China.
28. Namibia: Twice Colonialised
Aired 28 November 2020 • 10 min
Namibia suffered under colonialism twice: first with the Germans, who perpetrated genocide and forced labour against local populations, and then South Africa, which imposed apartheid. What scars has this painful history left behind?
29. Climate Change Is Happening Now
Aired 5 December 2020 • 10 min
Climate change is often viewed as a far-off phenomenon but the effects are already being felt around the world by millions of people. A global overview of the regions on the frontline of the climate catastrophe.
30. Syria: A Decade of War
Aired 12 December 2020 • 10 min
Ten years of conflict in Syria have led to 500,000 deaths and 22 million displaced people. Mapping the World focuses on the grim domino effect that led the country from civil war to sectarian war, to intractable international conflict.