The Inquiry

BBC World Service

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

Subscribe Listen in podnod RSS feed Show website

602 episodes
Updated Tuesday

Episodes602

Newest first

March 10 · 23 min
Why is Poland’s economy booming?
How Poland’s economy became one of Europe’s fastest-growing success stories
March 3 · 24 min
How will Spain’s migrant amnesty work?
Half a million undocumented migrants are to be given the legal right to work in Spain
February 24 · 24 min
Can the world catch China in the rare earths race?
Can other countries take on China’s dominance of rare earth minerals?
February 17 · 23 min
Is the 2026 World Cup an own goal?
Is football’s 2026 World Cup pricing ordinary fans out of the game?
February 10 · 23 min
Why are our taps running dry?
The UN says we are in a ‘water bankruptcy’ era as cities risk running out of water
February 3 · 23 min
What does the national election mean for the future of Bangladesh?
Following years of political turmoil, how might an election shape Bangladesh’s future?
January 27 · 23 min
What's behind the rise in shoplifting?
Countries around the world are seeing a rise in retail theft - what are the causes?
January 22 · 24 min
Is history repeating itself in Iran?
Thousands have been killed in Iran during mass protests against the ruling regime
January 13 · 24 min
Is nuclear disarmament set to self-destruct?
Is the future of arms control at risk?
January 6 · 23 min
Can Kenya answer the call for employment?
Can Kenya’s plan for digital outsourcing solve its jobs crisis?
Dec 30, 2025 · 23 min
How did music megatours become such a money spinner?
How did live music evolve into a billion-dollar business for global stars?
Dec 23, 2025 · 24 min
Will there ever be a single global language?
There are more than 7100 languages in use around the world but nearly half are endangered
Dec 16, 2025 · 24 min
How can Nigeria stop its kidnap crisis?
What can be done to bring Nigeria’s kidnapping crisis under control?
Dec 9, 2025 · 24 min
Is it last orders for the wine industry?
Is there a crisis in the world of wine?
Dec 2, 2025 · 24 min
Will Australia’s social media ban start a global trend?
World leaders are keenly watching as Australia trials new online rules for under-16s
Nov 25, 2025 · 24 min
Is Cyprus moving closer to reunification?
Is reunification on the cards for Cyprus?
Nov 18, 2025 · 23 min
Is the new Pope woke?
Does Pope Leo XIV symbolise a woke papacy?
Nov 11, 2025 · 23 min
Is the world ready for more climate migration?
Can nations cope with a future of mass climate migration?
Nov 4, 2025 · 23 min
Is trouble brewing for the worldwide tea industry?
Climate change and supply issues are bringing challenges to the global tea industry
Oct 28, 2025 · 22 min
Is the UN Security Council still relevant?
Is the United Nations Security Council fit for purpose ?