The Inquiry

Are the Himalayan glaciers at a tipping point?

What is the future of the European Union?

The European Union faces a critical juncture as it balances internal political divisions with the necessity of collective action on global issues like the war in Ukraine. While recent leadership changes in Hungary have temporarily eased legislative gridlock, the bloc remains constrained by its requirement for unanimous...

Are countries really running out of jet fuel?

Global jet fuel supplies face significant disruption due to geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, particularly the blockade of the Hormuz Strait. While physical reserves of crude oil remain abundant, the challenge lies in the complex, just-in-time distribution network and the sensitivity of jet fuel refining. Chemi...

Should we mine the Moon?

The Moon is becoming a focal point for global powers and private corporations seeking to extract resources like Helium-3 and water ice to fuel clean energy and deep-space exploration. While these materials offer potential for a sustainable lunar presence and industrial growth, the rapid push for mining threatens to des...

Cycling: Is it time to swap four wheels for two?

Global oil price volatility, exacerbated by regional conflicts, frequently forces a re-evaluation of national transport strategies and fuel consumption. Cycling emerges as a viable alternative, though its adoption varies significantly based on cultural, political, and environmental factors. In the Netherlands, a deep-r...

How will countries boycotting Eurovision affect the contest?

The Eurovision Song Contest faces unprecedented internal division as five nations—the Netherlands, Ireland, Iceland, Spain, and Slovenia—boycott the 70th edition in Austria due to Israel’s participation. While the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) maintains a policy of political neutrality, experts Natalia Gorshak, Dr....

Is it time to scrap the Commonwealth Games?

The central question explored is whether the Commonwealth Games should be discontinued. The discussion revolves around the escalating costs, political relevance, and historical context of the Games. The withdrawal of Victoria, Australia, as host due to budget overruns, and Glasgow stepping in as a replacement are discu...

Why is basic income being debated?

Why is basic income being debated?

The central question explored is why basic income is currently being debated, despite decades of discussion and testing. The discussion highlights the Irish government's Basic Income for the Arts pilot scheme, providing regular cash payments to artists to ease income instability and support creativity, which has shown ...

Is the revolution in Cuba over?

The Inquiry explores whether the Cuban revolution is over, given the island's economic struggles, dwindling oil supplies, and pressure from the United States. The podcast traces Cuba's history from its sugar-dependent economy under US influence to the rise of Fidel Castro and the subsequent alliance with the Soviet Uni...

How can rewilding help combat climate change?

Rewilding's potential to combat climate change is examined, focusing on its capacity to restore ecosystems for carbon sequestration and enhance ecological resilience. Carolina Soto-Navarro explains rewilding as an approach to nature recovery where ecosystems recover and thrive with minimal human intervention. The discu...

Why is Poland’s economy booming?

The podcast explores the reasons behind Poland's booming economy, highlighting its remarkable growth over the past three decades despite significant challenges. It emphasizes Poland's transition from communism, the initial shock of hyperinflation, and its subsequent economic rebound, particularly after joining the Euro...

How will Spain’s migrant amnesty work?

Spain's migrant amnesty, aiming to legalize approximately half a million undocumented migrants, is the central focus. The amnesty seeks to address an aging population and labor shortages by moving migrants from informal to formal employment, thereby increasing tax revenue. Motivations include citizen-led initiatives, s...

Can the world catch China in the rare earths race?

The podcast explores the global race for rare earth minerals, focusing on China's dominance and the efforts of other countries to catch up. It highlights that rare earth elements, crucial for modern technology and green energy, are not actually rare but difficult and environmentally damaging to extract. China's strateg...

Is the 2026 World Cup an own goal?

The 2026 World Cup's ticket pricing is under scrutiny, with concerns raised about accessibility for average fans. FIFA's decision to expand the tournament to 48 teams across the USA, Mexico, and Canada hasn't translated to more affordable tickets; in fact, prices have significantly increased compared to previous years....

Why are our taps running dry?

The world faces a growing water crisis due to climate change and human activities. The podcast explores the causes and potential solutions to the problem of dwindling water supplies. Urban sprawl, particularly the construction on wetlands in cities like Chennai, reduces the land's capacity to store water and increases ...

What does the national election mean for the future of Bangladesh?

The podcast explores the recent ousting of Sheikh Hasina in Bangladesh and the potential future of the country's political landscape. It highlights the factors leading to Hasina's downfall, including resentment over her authoritarian regime and the violent crackdown on student protests. The discussion then shifts to Ta...

What's behind the rise in shoplifting?

The global rise in shoplifting is examined, exploring the complex factors behind this surge. It's noted that while the cost of living crisis might seem like an obvious cause, evidence suggests motives are more varied, including seeking excitement and peer pressure, especially among younger individuals. Organized crime ...

Is history repeating itself in Iran?

The Inquiry explores whether history is repeating itself in Iran, focusing on the economic and political factors driving recent protests. It examines Iran's history from the Qajar dynasty through the Pahlavi dynasty and the 1979 revolution, highlighting the socio-political changes and the rise of opposition figures lik...

Is nuclear disarmament set to self-destruct?

The podcast explores whether nuclear disarmament is set to self-destruct, given the expiration of the New START treaty and increasing global tensions. It highlights the history of nuclear arms control, including the SALT and INF treaties, and the role of the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) in reducing nuclear ar...