The Inquiry Podcast
The Inquiry gets beyond the headlines to explore the trends, forces and ideas shaping the world.
Episodes to download
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Can the world catch China in the rare earths race?
Thursday
Can other countries take on China’s dominance of rare earth minerals?
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Is the 2026 World Cup an own goal?
Thursday
Is football’s 2026 World Cup pricing ordinary fans out of the game?
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Why are our taps running dry?
Thu 12 Feb 2026
The UN says we are in a ‘water bankruptcy’ era as cities risk running out of water
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What does the national election mean for the future of Bangladesh?
Thu 5 Feb 2026
Following years of political turmoil, how might an election shape Bangladesh’s future?
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What's behind the rise in shoplifting?
Thu 29 Jan 2026
Countries around the world are seeing a rise in retail theft - what are the causes?
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Is history repeating itself in Iran?
Thu 22 Jan 2026
Thousands have been killed in Iran during mass protests against the ruling regime
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Can Kenya answer the call for employment?
Thu 8 Jan 2026
Can Kenya’s plan for digital outsourcing solve its jobs crisis?
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How did music megatours become such a money spinner?
New Year's Day 2026
How did live music evolve into a billion-dollar business for global stars?
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Will there ever be a single global language?
Christmas Day 2025
There are more than 7100 languages in use around the world but nearly half are endangered
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How can Nigeria stop its kidnap crisis?
Thu 18 Dec 2025
What can be done to bring Nigeria’s kidnapping crisis under control?
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Will Australia’s social media ban start a global trend?
Thu 4 Dec 2025
World leaders are keenly watching as Australia trials new online rules for under-16s
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Is the world ready for more climate migration?
Thu 13 Nov 2025
Can nations cope with a future of mass climate migration?
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Is trouble brewing for the worldwide tea industry?
Thu 6 Nov 2025
Climate change and supply issues are bringing challenges to the global tea industry
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Is the UN Security Council still relevant?
Thu 30 Oct 2025
Is the United Nations Security Council fit for purpose ?
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Can Benin win back its diaspora?
Thu 23 Oct 2025
How the West African nation plans to lure back descendants of enslaved ancestors.
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Can Gen Z shape a new Nepal?
Thu 16 Oct 2025
Is Nepal ready to embrace a generational call for change?
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Is Trump building a crypto economy?
Thu 9 Oct 2025
Trump is embracing crypto, but is he building a new kind of American economy?
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Why are more people getting Lyme disease?
Thu 2 Oct 2025
Lyme disease is becoming more common. But what’s driving that?
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Is it time to copyright your face?
Thu 18 Sep 2025
Could copyright law protect ourselves from Deepfakes?
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Is time up for TikTok in the US?
Thu 11 Sep 2025
TikTok’s future in the US hangs in the balance amid national security concerns
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How much of a threat is satellite warfare?
Thu 4 Sep 2025
Countries have been testing anti-satellite weapons in space
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Is Japan moving to the right?
Thu 28 Aug 2025
Sanseito, the party led by Kamiya Sohei with a 'Japanese first' agenda, is gaining ground
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Can Indonesia afford free lunches?
Thu 21 Aug 2025
Is Indonesia’s free schools programme costing too much?
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How are drones changing the landscape of modern warfare?
Thu 14 Aug 2025
What impact are drones having on military strategy?
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What does Syria’s recent conflict tell us about al-Sharaa’s presidency?
Thu 7 Aug 2025
Conflict in Syria exposes cracks in President al-Sharaa’s leadership and political legacy
