The Inquiry

The Inquiry gets beyond the headlines to explore the trends, forces and ideas shaping the world.

World Service,603 episodes

Episodes

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Is Portugal’s drugs policy in need of reform?
Is Portugal’s drugs policy outdated?
04 Jun 2026,23 mins
What’s the future for monetary unions?
Do common currencies work?
28 May 2026,23 mins
Are the Himalayan glaciers at a tipping point?
Melting Himalayan glaciers are increasing the risk to communities and the ecosystem
21 May 2026,24 mins
What is the future of the European Union?
Has Hungary’s recent election put an end to disunity in the bloc?
14 May 2026,23 mins
Are countries really running out of jet fuel?
Concerns of a jet fuel crisis grow, but are shortages real or overblown?
07 May 2026,23 mins
Should we mine the Moon?
Is it mankind’s right to mine the Moon?
30 Apr 2026,23 mins
Cycling: Is it time to swap four wheels for two?
Can cycling ease the impact of volatile oil prices on everyday life?
23 Apr 2026,23 mins
How will countries boycotting Eurovision affect the contest?
The song contest faces one of its biggest crises in 70 years as five countries withdraw
16 Apr 2026,23 mins
Is it time to scrap the Commonwealth Games?
The future of the Commonwealth Games is under scrutiny
09 Apr 2026,23 mins
Why is basic income being debated?
Ireland’s new permanent government cash transfer scheme is being watched globally
02 Apr 2026,23 mins
Is the revolution in Cuba over?
How might Cuba’s energy crisis reshape life in the country?
26 Mar 2026,23 mins
How can rewilding help combat climate change?
As rewilding initiatives grow there’s a concern some risk doing more harm than good
19 Mar 2026,23 mins
Why is Poland’s economy booming?
How Poland’s economy became one of Europe’s fastest-growing success stories
12 Mar 2026,23 mins
How will Spain’s migrant amnesty work?
Half a million undocumented migrants are to be given the legal right to work in Spain
05 Mar 2026,23 mins
Can the world catch China in the rare earths race?
Can other countries take on China’s dominance of rare earth minerals?
26 Feb 2026,23 mins
Is the 2026 World Cup an own goal?
Is football’s 2026 World Cup pricing ordinary fans out of the game?
19 Feb 2026,23 mins
Why are our taps running dry?
The UN says we are in a ‘water bankruptcy’ era as cities risk running out of water
12 Feb 2026,23 mins
What does the national election mean for the future of Bangladesh?
Following years of political turmoil, how might an election shape Bangladesh’s future?
05 Feb 2026,23 mins
What's behind the rise in shoplifting?
Countries around the world are seeing a rise in retail theft - what are the causes?
29 Jan 2026,23 mins
Is history repeating itself in Iran?
Thousands have been killed in Iran during mass protests against the ruling regime
22 Jan 2026,23 mins
Is nuclear disarmament set to self-destruct?
Is the future of arms control at risk?
15 Jan 2026,23 mins
Can Kenya answer the call for employment?
Can Kenya’s plan for digital outsourcing solve its jobs crisis?
08 Jan 2026,23 mins
How did music megatours become such a money spinner?
How did live music evolve into a billion-dollar business for global stars?
01 Jan 2026,23 mins
Will there ever be a single global language?
There are more than 7100 languages in use around the world but nearly half are endangered
25 Dec 2025,23 mins
How can Nigeria stop its kidnap crisis?
What can be done to bring Nigeria’s kidnapping crisis under control?
18 Dec 2025,23 mins
Is it last orders for the wine industry?
Is there a crisis in the world of wine?
11 Dec 2025,23 mins
Will Australia’s social media ban start a global trend?
World leaders are keenly watching as Australia trials new online rules for under-16s
04 Dec 2025,23 mins
Is Cyprus moving closer to reunification?
Is reunification on the cards for Cyprus?
27 Nov 2025,23 mins
Is the new Pope woke?
Does Pope Leo XIV symbolise a woke papacy?
20 Nov 2025,23 mins
Is the world ready for more climate migration?
Can nations cope with a future of mass climate migration?
13 Nov 2025,23 mins