War & Espionage

Hollywood has been glamorizing the work of spies and detectives for decades. This week, get a look at real-life intrigue and investigations, from the animal kingdom to outer space.

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Food, water and shelter are necessities, but for animals and humans alike, survival often requires so much more – from the ability to adapt to the environment, to perseverance in the face of tremendous challenges. This week on PBS, get a variety of perspectives on what it takes to survive.

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As human civilization has evolved, so have its weapons - from arrowheads carved from stone, to nuclear missiles and biowarfare. This week PBS provides insight into the art, history, and effects of weaponry throughout the ages.

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PBS gets into some serious issues this week: women unexpectedly on the battlefield, the struggle to have children and more interviews from one of America’s hardest hitting journalists.more

Laurence Rees’ latest film, “World War II Behind Closed Doors,” is currently airing on PBS stations (check your local listings). In the film, we learn more about Josef Stalin’s role in the rise and fall of Nazi Germany. Here on Engage, Rees answers your questions about the film and World War II history.more

World War II historian Laurence Rees, our guest this week, wrote and produced "WWII Behind Closed Doors," a three-part series premiering Wednesday, May 6 on PBS stations nationwide (check local listings). The series explores the pivotal role Josef Stalin played in the rise and fall of Nazi Germany. Watch Rees discuss the making of the film on the series website. more

This Veterans Day, there are a number of ways to honor veterans online, on PBS.org and the wider web.  

On PBS.org : more

When is it right to kill?

This provocative question is at the center of Soldiers of Conscience, a documentary that airs tomorrow night (October 16) as part of the P.O.V. series ('POV' is the cinema term for 'point of view').

The film, which was made in cooperation with the U.S. Army, follows eight soldiers in Iraq wrestling with the morality of killing during wartime.  As the P.O.V. website explains, four of the soldiers decide not to kill, and become conscientious objectors, while four believe in their duty to kill if necessary.more