The World in Images – The year 2026

Palantir: the marketing of cyberwar

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.

Chongqing: The World's Biggest City

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.

Racism in AI: Beware of the gorillas!

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 A closer look at this outdated imagery that is reinventing itself and spreading racist stereotypes with impunity.

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

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.

The Fake Real Mine Tragedy in the Democratic Republic of Congo

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.

The legendary wave of Nazaré

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.

Russia: Factory of Fake News

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.

When forgotten peoples disrupt the COPs

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.

Cryptocurrencies conquer the advertising market

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.

When AI Rewrites the Holocaust

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?

Beneath the Uniform: Bodycams as a Security Measure?

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.

How NATO Demonstrates Strength

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.

Maduro Captured

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.

Deepfakes: Viktor Orbán's Electoral Weapon

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.

Fire and Ice: Skiing on a molten Mount Etna?

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.

Hong Kong: The Towering Inferno

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.

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

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.

Russian Drone: Returned to Sender

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.

The Great Modi Show

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.

Film star Timothée Chalamet at the peak of PR

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.

China: Becoming an Influencer to Save the Shop

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.

Ukraine: The Face of War

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?

Donald Trump sells (not just) watches

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.

A Showcase of Power: Egypt's New Museum

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.

Who's afraid of an information label?

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.

The Death of Renée Good: Images Lack Evidentiary Value

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.

Poland: AI in the service of Eurosceptics

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.

Enlist! - Army with new recruitment strategies

"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.

Sexy Priests – Followers Guaranteed?

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.

AI brings Robin Williams back to life

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?

ICE: The Codes of Brute Force

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.

It's so green!

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.

President Macron's Black Mirrored Sunglasses

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.

British Far-Right in "Reporter" Mode

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.

How China is trying to intimidate Taiwan

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.

Science Washing: A Clean Slate Through Science?

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.

A photographer's quick thinking

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.

Japan and Mount Fuji: A Visually Powerful Warning

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.

Barbie with Autism – Marketing or Inclusion?

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?

Destination Moon: China is fine-tuning its launch

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.

The Swag of Dictators

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.

Robot Dogs – A Biting Allegory

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.

United24: Ukraine's PR Agency

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.

Kate Middleton: A Trip to the Countryside

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.

Hyena in the Moonlight: The Secrets of Wildlife Photography

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.

Have babies! China changes its position

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.

Roblox: Video Games as a Form of Protest

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.

Sweden: Moose as TV Stars

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

The Subtle Codes of Nuclear Deterrence

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.

German Carnival: Jesters' heads must roll

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.

Iran: Trump and the War, Hollywood Style

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.

"MAGA Symphony": Donald Trump as Orchestra Conductor

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.

Why Iran is reenacting the war with Lego

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.

Relooted: Gamers Plunder Colonial Looted Art

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.

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Episode 56

Episode 57

When Filmmakers Turn to Advertising

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.

Cheburashka: The Stuffed Toy Dividing Russian Society

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.

Has the Magic Vanished from Marine Zoos?

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.

A missile planted in the landscape

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.

True Crime: Amateur Detectives on the Hunt for Clicks

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?

Nepal: A former rapper as prime minister

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.

Sports mascots - a powerful communication tool

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.

The Nutella jar and the ad that fell from the sky

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.

Israeli Propaganda in New York's Times Square

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.

When FIFA designs a tactic for Gaza

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.

Sumo wrestlers, heavyweights of diplomacy

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.

Favela tourism: Can poverty become a vacation video?

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.

Iran: Political Messages on Public Walls

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.

India: Tamil Cinema as a Pathway to Politics

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.

Friend: The AI Necklace Facing Public Backlash

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.

Trump’s Vision for a Triumph Arch

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.

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

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.

The Battle for the Rainbow Flag

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.