Exploring the historical events and diplomatic decisions that continue to shape global geopolitics.
The Diplomatic Archives is a historical and analytical project dedicated to revisiting the events, decisions, and turning points that have shaped global geopolitics.
Through video essays and archival storytelling, we explore how diplomacy, power struggles, and international crises have influenced the world we live in today.
The project is developed by Mathilde Malpartida Durroux, Alessia Sibille, Dimana Stoyanova, Salma Hade and Julia Allier.
Episodes
21/01/26 – The Diplomatic Archives Ep. 3 — An Ally in the Axis: the Seri Thai Movement
This episode explores the Seri Thai Movement, the underground resistance network that opposed Thailand’s alliance with Imperial Japan during World War II. It examines the movement’s diplomatic efforts, intelligence activities, and cooperation with Allied powers, highlighting how Thai officials, civilians, and overseas students worked to safeguard national autonomy during a period of wartime constraint.
18/12/25 – The Diplomatic Archives Ep. 2 — The Gold Link: Switzerland’s Role in Apartheid’s Economy
This episode examines the economic and political mechanisms that linked Swiss banks, global gold markets, and the apartheid state. Through archival material and academic research, we explore gold trading, loan structures, and the broader international context shaping these interactions.
12/11/25 – The Diplomatic Archives Ep. 1 — The Panama Canal: Inception
In this first episode of The Diplomatic Archives, we uncover how a simple postage stamp helped shape one of the greatest engineering and geopolitical achievements in modern history — the Panama Canal.
