Ep 2. Nigerian Uprising & The Brink

In Vice season 8 episode 2, titled "Nigerian Uprising & The Brink," the show focuses on two major events taking place around the world. The first segment of the episode covers a growing social insurgency and protests against police brutality in Nigeria. The episode investigates the underlying causes of the uprising, which has seen a mass mobilization of people across the country. The protests first erupted after SARS, a notorious police unit, was disbanded but the demonstrators now demand broader police and government reforms.

Vice's reporters speak with members of Nigeria's youth, who make up a significant portion of those involved in the mass demonstrations. They share their experiences of violence and harassment at the hands of SARS and the deep-seated implications of police violence on their daily lives. The episode also examines the government's reaction to the protests, including the violent crackdown on demonstrators, the use of live ammunition, and the imposition of a curfew in key cities, leading to a suspension of human rights during the protests.

The second half of the season's episode shows the possible risk of the brink of war between nuclear powers India and China. The show provides a closer look at the tense border standoff between the two nations that took place in the summer of 2020. With no resolution to the border conflict, shots were fired along the disputed border. The episode examines the long history of conflicts and political tensions between the two nations and how it threatens their peaceful coexistence.

Vice also explores the impact of the dispute on the lives of locals residing in the regions of Ladakh and Arunachal Pradesh, as the people living here live their lives under the constant shadow of the conflict, and how this territorial dispute could potentially occur again in the future.

Overall, "Nigerian Uprising & The Brink" is a thought-provoking episode that provides insight into two significant events taking place worldwide. The episode excellently demonstrates the role of the media in reporting on critical issues facing people's lives and how even a global pandemic could not halt global causes from happening. Vice excellently showcases how important these events are to the people involved, how lives are drastically impacted and how it has an effect on a whole country, and ultimately, the world.