Vice Season 9 Episode 1 Putin's Playbook & United States of Vigilantes

Vice season 9 episode 1 delves into two distinct and disparate topics - Putin's Playbook and United States of Vigilantes.

The first half of the episode titled "Putin's Playbook" explores Russia's influence on smaller nations, specifically on the Balkans. The episode investigates how Russia has gained a foothold in Serbia and Montenegro by placing strategic investments, exerting soft power and propaganda through state-funded media outlets, and influencing the political system. The show speaks to experts and diplomats who have witnessed firsthand the impact of Russian tactics on these countries.

The episode further analyses how Putin's tactics are being used as a template for other countries - including China - to exert their control over smaller nations. It dives deeper into the geopolitical implications of this growing trend and sheds light on how it may affect the balance of power on the global stage.

The second half of the episode titled "United States of Vigilantes" uncovers the rise of vigilante groups in America. The show follows a group of Americans who have taken the law into their own hands, patrolling the border between the United States and Mexico and hoping to catch illegal immigrants in the act. The episode explores the motivations behind such vigilantism - ranging from racism, fear, and a perceived loss of jobs to genuine concern for national security.

The show delves into how these vigilante groups operate, the impact they have on the communities they claim to protect, and the line between what they perceive as justice and what is considered vigilantism under the law. The episode investigates the consequences of such vigilante groups and how they may further complicate the already contentious issue of immigration in America.

Overall, Vice Season 9 episode 1 is an insightful and thought-provoking episode that addresses two vastly different but equally relevant topics. The episode highlights the growing influence of external powers in smaller nations and the rise of vigilantism in the United States. Within the space of one episode, it encompasses a wide range of issues, making it both informative and engaging. The show is iinteractive, with on-ground reporting and first-hand testimonies from experts, government officials, and civilians, providing a balanced and nuanced perspective on the complex nature of contemporary society.