Vice Season 2 Episode 14 Take Down the CCP & World's Coolest Dictator
- TVMA
- December 19, 2021
- 28 min
In the season 2 episode 14 of Vice, titled "Take Down the CCP & World's Coolest Dictator," the show examines two controversial topics: the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) and the D.R. Congo's President, Joseph Kabila.
The episode starts with an in-depth look into the ongoing protests in Hong Kong against the CCP's increased control over the region. Vice correspondents visit the front lines of the protests, speaking with Hong Kong citizens and activists who fear the erosion of their civil liberties by the CCP. The segment also explores the ways in which the Chinese government's propaganda machine portrays the protests to the Chinese mainland, with many citizens not even knowing that the protests exist due to strict censorship laws.
The second segment dives into the conflict in the D.R. Congo, where Kabila has remained in power for over 18 years despite the end of his term. Kabila's regime is known for its brutal violence against opposition forces and civilians, with mass rapes and beheadings occurring regularly. The episode examines Kabila's grip on power and the efforts of the opposition to overthrow him.
The final segment of the episode takes viewers to a completely different world: the small island nation of Malta, where the Prime Minister Joseph Muscat is often referred to as the "world's coolest dictator." Despite allegations of corruption and abuse of power, Muscat maintains a strong following and popularity, particularly with younger Maltese citizens who see him as a modernizing force for the nation.
Throughout the episode, Vice's correspondents provide nuanced reporting and interviews with people on the ground in each location. From the streets of Hong Kong to the jungles of the D.R. Congo to the picturesque Malta, the episode offers a wide-ranging look at the complex issues and people at the heart of each story. Overall, "Take Down the CCP & World's Coolest Dictator" is a thought-provoking and comprehensive episode that delves into the thorny issues of power, control, and governance in our modern world.