Ep 9. Maximum Pressure & the Unreachables

In season 7 episode 9 of Vice, entitled "Maximum Pressure & the Unreachables," the show tackles two major topics. The first segment focuses on the Trump administration's "maximum pressure" campaign against Iran, which includes harsh economic sanctions. The second segment delves into the world of the ultra-wealthy and how they are able to shield their assets from the rest of society.

The first segment explores the impact of the Trump administration's maximum pressure campaign on ordinary Iranians. The show's correspondents travel to Iran to speak with ordinary citizens and experts who are living through the effects of sanctions on their lives. They speak to a range of people, from merchants whose businesses have been devastated by the sanctions, to doctors who are struggling to save the lives of patients without access to life-saving medicine.

Through interviews with experts, diplomats, and officials, the show explores the political motivations behind the maximum pressure campaign and the potential consequences for the region as a whole. The segment also looks at the human toll of the sanctions, both in terms of the suffering of the Iranian people and the impact on regional stability.

The second segment takes a closer look at the world of the ultra-wealthy and how they are able to protect their wealth from the rest of society. Through interviews with experts and investigative journalists, the show explores the many ways in which the global elite are able to shield their assets from taxation and scrutiny.

The segment looks at the role of tax havens, offshore accounts, and anonymous shell companies in facilitating this process. It also considers the impact of these practices on both national and global economies, and the potential for hidden wealth to fuel corruption and inequality.

In addition, the segment also looks at efforts to counter this trend, including the work of investigative journalists and organizations like the Tax Justice Network. The show explores the challenges of bringing transparency to the world of hidden wealth and what needs to change in order to create a more equitable and just global economic system.

Overall, the episode provides a nuanced and insightful look at two major global issues: the impact of economic sanctions on ordinary people in Iran and the world of hidden wealth and how it contributes to systemic inequality. Through interviews with experts, on-the-ground reporting, and thought-provoking analysis, Vice season 7 episode 9 offers a compelling and informative look at the complex issues facing our world today.