Global Affairs Documentaries

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BBC Select has a range of compelling documentaries focusing on the latest global issues and social issues that matter to us all. Stream shows from BBC News and leading documentary filmmakers and get the inside story on politics, influential world leaders, regional conflicts and more.

Dynasties: The Families That Changed The World

Dynasties The Families That changed the World

Throughout history, certain names have cropped up again and again, holding onto the reins of power. Families that seem to continually reach the pinnacle of society. But how do they do it? This insightful historical documentary series delves into the inner workings of the world’s most powerful and intriguing dynasties. The scandals, powerplays, humble beginnings and dramatic downfalls are all explored.

Dynasties: The Families That Changed The World

Dynasties The Families That changed the World

Throughout history, certain names have cropped up again and again, holding onto the reins of power. Families that seem to continually reach the pinnacle of society. But how do they do it? This insightful historical documentary series delves into the inner workings of the world’s most powerful and intriguing dynasties. The scandals, powerplays, humble beginnings and dramatic downfalls are all explored.

Citizen Quinn: Bankrupt Billionaire

Citizen Quinn

This is the story of the man who personified Ireland’s boom and subsequently, its bust. Sean Quinn was the world’s biggest single loser in the 2008 global financial collapse. This fascinating documentary looks at the man who gambled his business empire on a single investment and lost everything. Once worth an estimated $6 billion, can he somehow get his fortune back?

Is China Watching You?

Is China Watching You

China’s surveillance and facial recognition technology is arguably the most advanced in the world. Their products account for over 40% of global sales to places like Germany, Ecuador, Uganda and the UK. However, this documentary reveals that some are worried that the countries going big on digital CCTV might also be opening the door to being spied on, but do these fears have any foundation?

Gay Under The Taliban

gay under the taliban

For LGBTQ youth in Afghanistan, in the years before the return of the Taliban, life was showing signs of improvement. But when the Taliban retook control in 2021, those freedoms quickly evaporated and gay people were forced back into hiding. This LGBTQ documentary follows the story of a handful of people trapped in hell, running for their lives for the crime of being nothing but themselves.