History of the Future

This episode begins on the slopes of Mount Tambora, where a devastating 1815 eruption altered the planet's average temperature by two degrees and caused several natural and social catastrophes throughout the northern hemisphere.

This first episode starts in the city of Istanbul. Diego Rubio examines the story of the first Arabic printing press, banned by Ottoman emperors for four centuries to prevent the destruction of jobs.

This episode explores the profound changes affecting the global order due to the rise of China and anti-globalisation movements.

This episode documents the ongoing crisis of democracy and explores the strengths and weaknesses of some of the technological and autocratic alternatives that aspire to replace it.