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BBC World Service · News

The Inquiry

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

Episodes

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Why is Kenya getting involved in Haiti?

20 Jun 2024
22m
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This podcast episode explores Kenya's involvement in leading a multinational security force in Haiti amidst a severe crisis. It delves into the challenges faced by the Kenyan-led police deployment in negotiating with gangs while addressing the violence and political instability in Haiti. The episode also discusses Keny...

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What does a designer handbag say about South Korean politics?

13 Jun 2024
23m
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This podcast episode explores the aftermath of a controversial video involving a pastor and the South Korean first lady, which exposed the gifting culture and resentment of privilege in the country. It discusses the limitations of anti-bribery legislation in addressing societal divides and highlights the challenges fac...

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Is Georgia turning its back on Europe?

06 Jun 2024
22m
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This podcast episode explores the challenges faced by Georgia in its journey towards European integration and the threat to its democracy and independent media posed by a new law. It highlights the determination of young Georgians to safeguard their hopes for European integration and their resistance to narratives rese...

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What can the world’s biggest iceberg tell us?

30 May 2024
23m
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This podcast episode explores the characteristics and importance of ice shelves and icebergs in Antarctica. Ice shelves act as a safety belt around the ice sheet, insulating it from the warming ocean, and calving is a vital process for maintaining the balance of the ice sheet. Icebergs play a significant ecological rol...

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Is Myanmar on the brink of collapse?

23 May 2024
22m
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This podcast episode explores the profound transformation of Myanmar in the aftermath of the coup, with a nationwide uprising challenging the military's authority. The country is grappling with armed conflicts, widespread displacement, food shortages, high inflation, and electricity outages. Despite the challenges, dem...

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Is Turkey getting more dangerous for women?

16 May 2024
22m
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This podcast episode delves into the history of women's emancipation in Turkey and the subsequent shift towards a more conservative viewpoint. It explores the impact of Turkey's Islamic movement on gender equality and discusses the consequences of the government's policies on women's rights. The section also highlights...

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Has US military aid come in time for President Zelensky?

09 May 2024
22m
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This podcast episode explores the degradation of ammunition stockpiles in Ukrainian air defense systems and its impact on Ukraine's vulnerability to Russian attacks. It discusses the $60 billion military package provided by the United States to replenish Ukraine's ammunition and provide support. The episode also analyz...

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Can Texas go it alone on border control?

02 May 2024
23m
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This podcast episode explores the complex issue of border control and migration in Texas, highlighting the changing demographics of migrants and the legal right to seek asylum. It discusses the challenges in determining the number of people entering the US and the need for effective border control measures. The episode...

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Who is Country?

25 Apr 2024
22m
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This podcast episode explores the origins and evolution of country music, highlighting its roots in rural America's south and the influence of immigrants from England, Scotland, and Northern Ireland. It discusses the instruments and themes of early country music, as well as the impact of the cotton mill industry. The e...

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Are synthetic opioids a global problem?

18 Apr 2024
23m
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This podcast episode explores the global threat of synthetic opioids, focusing on the widespread misuse of these drugs and the challenges in combatting their production and trafficking. It discusses the origins of synthetic opioids and their medical uses, as well as the emergence of illicit markets supplying these drug...

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How secure is Benjamin Netanyahu’s leadership?

11 Apr 2024
23m
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This podcast episode explores the rise to power of Benjamin Netanyahu in Israel and delves into his controversial political maneuvers, including forming coalitions with far-right parties and allegations of turning a blind eye to cash flow to Hamas. It also discusses the aftermath of the October 7th attacks in Israel an...

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Are we close to a breakthrough for Multiple Sclerosis?

04 Apr 2024
22m
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This podcast episode explores the autoimmune disease multiple sclerosis (MS), which affects the brain and spinal cord. MS is characterized by the body's immune system mistakenly attacking the protective covering of the nerves in the central nervous system, leading to damage and inflammation. The episode discusses the n...

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Is climate change impacting chocolate production?

28 Mar 2024
23m
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This podcast episode explores the history and challenges of cocoa production, focusing on its origins in Mayan culture and its widespread consumption in Europe. It traces the journey of cocoa from the Americas to Africa and Southeast Asia, highlighting the dominance of West Africa in cocoa production today. The episode...

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Will neighbouring countries follow El Salvador's lead on crime?

21 Mar 2024
23m
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This podcast episode explores the rise of Nayib Bukele to power in El Salvador and the erosion of democracy under his rule. Bukele presented himself as a leader who recognized the frustration of the people and promised to take revenge on those who had stolen money. However, he has steadily dismantled democratic institu...

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Is our future underground?

14 Mar 2024
23m
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This podcast episode explores the past, present, and future of underground living. It begins by examining ancient and modern-day underground cities, including Coober Pedy, Australia, and Derinkuyu, Turkey. It then moves on to the benefits of underground living, such as protection from the elements and energy efficiency...

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Can Mexico win its battle with US gun companies?

07 Mar 2024
23m
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This podcast episode delves into the devastating gun crime epidemic in Mexico and the role of US gun companies in fueling it. Despite strict gun control laws in Mexico, cartels have created private armies armed with high-powered weapons, primarily smuggled from the US. Mexico's lawsuit against US gun companies, challen...

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What’s going on with the pyramids?

29 Feb 2024
23m
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This podcast episode delves into the controversies surrounding the proposed granite recladding of Menkaure's pyramid on the Giza plateau. The plan has sparked debates among archaeologists and Egyptologists, highlighting the tension between restoration and conservation in archaeology. Critics argue that the plan undermi...

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Can Europe reverse its falling fertility rates?

22 Feb 2024
23m
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This podcast episode explores the decline in fertility rates observed in Nordic countries like Finland and examines the factors contributing to this trend, including cultural shifts and demographic changes. It also discusses the global decline in fertility rates, extending beyond Europe to include countries like South ...

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Who will be next to walk on the moon?

15 Feb 2024
23m
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This podcast episode explores the past, present, and future of space exploration, focusing on the current rivalry between the United States and China and the geopolitical implications of establishing a permanent presence on the Moon. Experts discuss the challenges and motivations behind space exploration, the potential...

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Are Ethiopians losing faith in their Orthodox Church?

08 Feb 2024
23m
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This podcast episode explores the historical and contemporary challenges faced by the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church, one of the oldest Christian churches in the world, including internal conflicts, declining support, and political tensions. It also delves into the religious landscape of Ethiopia, highlighting the ...

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