
VPRO Backlight — Season 22

Are we undone by our own intricacy? Is the Netherlands spiraling towards ungovernability? Examine any government file, and it’s invariably stalled. While political maneuvering is often cited as the cause, a more fundamental factor remains l…

With increasing urgency, the demand for sustainability and environmental stewardship compels us to confront a fundamental question: how can we mend a consumer culture built on disposability? This exploration of a vital concern brings togeth…

As rates of depression climb, a hunger for narratives that offer meaning and foster connection intensifies. This exploration delves into that need, examining how individuals across generations in the Netherlands seek purpose in their lives.…

The Netherlands, historically a pioneer in water management, housing, and social progress, now finds itself falling behind in these crucial areas. Examining innovative approaches elsewhere reveals alternative pathways forward. In Austria, s…

Can we find immediate answers to the challenge of global warming, and what dangers might those solutions present? Stephane Kaas journeys to the American West Coast, the Arctic, and the North Sea, meeting with scientists and entrepreneurs wh…

The profession of journalism has become increasingly perilous, rendering collaborative efforts essential for its survival. Forbidden Stories, established to address this crisis, operates from Jordan. It provides a secure digital repository …

Despite the absence of physical borders and a comprehensive rail network, traversing Europe by train remains surprisingly challenging. A disconnect exists between the existing systems and the aspirations of its political leaders. Labor and …

