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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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Can the Vatican stop Nicaragua’s Catholic crackdown?

01 Feb 2024
24m
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This podcast episode discusses the persecution of the Catholic Church in Nicaragua by President Daniel Ortega and Vice President Rosario Murillo, leaving the country without its pastors and religious leaders. The Vatican has responded to the mass expulsion of dissidents and Nicaragua's suspension of diplomatic relation...

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What does Iran want?

25 Jan 2024
23m
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This podcast episode explores Iran's political system, foreign policy strategy, and domestic and regional challenges. It examines the role of Iran's spiritual leaders since the 1979 revolution, the complex relationship between various political institutions and foreign policy-making, and the dynamics of Iran's alliance...

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Can Indonesia pull off relocating its capital?

18 Jan 2024
23m
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Indonesia's plan to relocate its capital city from Jakarta to Nusantara in East Kalimantan aims to address Jakarta's challenges, including overpopulation and environmental issues, and create a new economic center. The project faces concerns regarding regional imbalances, environmental impact, and the local communities'...

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Why is the US Army struggling to recruit new soldiers?

11 Jan 2024
23m
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This podcast episode explores the challenges faced by the US military in attracting and retaining personnel, including stricter eligibility standards, the pandemic's impact on test scores and physical fitness, and a strong economy with abundant job opportunities. The episode also discusses the critical role of the Army...

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Are Orcas ok?

04 Jan 2024
23m
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This podcast episode dives into the fascinating realm of orcas and explores their behavior, including the intriguing phenomenon of rudder biting. It sheds light on their social structure, hunting techniques, and interactions with humans, highlighting misconceptions about their behavior. The discussion also encompasses ...

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What’s going on with sargassum seaweed?

28 Dec 2023
23m
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This podcast episode explores Sargassum, a brown microalgae causing a Great Atlantic Sargassum Bloom. The bloom, caused by wind and currents, affects coastal communities and marine life by blocking sunlight, causing toxic gas, and impacting fisheries and tourism. Collaborative solutions are needed to address this ongoi...

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Has Toyota solved the electric car battery problem?

21 Dec 2023
23m
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This podcast episode discusses the development of electric vehicles, focusing on the advantages and challenges of solid state batteries. It also explores Toyota's approach to electric vehicles and the geopolitical tensions surrounding the production of lithium. Additionally, it promotes ad-free listening on Amazon Musi...

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Is Venezuela about to invade its neighbour?

14 Dec 2023
23m
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This podcast episode delves into the multifaceted territorial dispute between Venezuela and Guyana over the Essequibo region, encompassing historical context, political turmoil in Venezuela, economic challenges, referendums, diplomatic efforts, and the involvement of international players. The key takeaway is the intri...

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Is Paris ready for the 2024 Olympics?

07 Dec 2023
23m
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This podcast episode explores the historical issues and ongoing efforts to clean up the River Seine in Paris, as well as the preparations and challenges surrounding the upcoming 2024 Summer Olympics in the city.

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Have we reached a turning point with migraine medication?

30 Nov 2023
23m
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This podcast episode delves into the complexities of migraine, a neurological disorder affecting millions worldwide. It explores diagnosis challenges, treatment options, personalized medicine, the role of non-drug approaches, and the latest advancements in migraine management, discussing new drugs and innovative approa...

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Why is Bangladesh in turmoil?

23 Nov 2023
23m
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This podcast comprehensively examines the history and current political dynamics of Bangladesh. It traces the nation's journey from its origins through the independence movement to the present-day political rivalry between Sheikh Hasina and Khaleda Zia. The podcast explores the political motivations and strategies of e...

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Is the war in Ukraine at a stalemate?

16 Nov 2023
23m
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This podcast episode examines the ongoing war in Ukraine, focusing on the strategic significance of Crimea, the resilience of the Ukrainian people, Russia's diplomatic efforts, the challenges of providing aid to Ukraine, and the role of technology in the conflict. It also explores the geopolitical dynamics between Russ...

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What went wrong with Australia’s Indigenous call for a voice?

09 Nov 2023
23m
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This podcast episode explores the significance of the Uluru Statement from the Heart, an Indigenous call for a voice to Parliament in Australia. Despite the referendum's failure, the campaign brought attention to the ongoing struggle for Indigenous rights and recognition in the Australian Constitution.

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What is the Human Cell Atlas?

02 Nov 2023
22m
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The Human Cell Atlas project is a global collaborative effort to map all the cells in the human body. The project aims to understand human physiology, tissues, and organs, and to transform our understanding of biology, human health, and disease treatment.

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What can US diplomacy achieve in the Middle East?

26 Oct 2023
23m
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This podcast episode covers U.S.-Middle East diplomatic efforts, including decades-long efforts towards a two-state solution for Israel-Palestine, President Biden's visit to Israel and the West Bank, concerns about regional conflict escalation, and special relationship between the U.S. and Israel.

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Is peace in the Arctic melting?

19 Oct 2023
23m
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This podcast episode analyzes the geopolitical intricacies of Svalbard, the Arctic Council's disfunction due to Russia-Ukraine tensions, Russia's Arctic aspirations amid Western isolation, China's multifaceted interests in the Arctic, and the rising tensions in the region, including China's rising influence and Russia'...

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Can Europe solve its migrant crisis?

12 Oct 2023
24m
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This podcast episode intricately examines the hardships migrants confront during their journeys and the obstacles faced in deporting them, along with the implications of countries not offering asylum status to migrants, and the intricate relationship between migration and economic growth. It probes the complexities of ...

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Why can’t Germany build enough homes?

05 Oct 2023
23m
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This podcast episode provides a comprehensive overview of the multifaceted housing crises in Europe, particularly in Germany, Ireland, and beyond. It highlights the impact of various factors, including the COVID-19 pandemic, ongoing geopolitical conflicts, increasing building material costs, bureaucracy in obtaining bu...

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Can China and India fix their relationship?

28 Sep 2023
23m
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This podcast episode delves into the complexities of the relationship between India and China, focusing on the disputed Line of Actual Control (LAC), ongoing tensions, and economic dynamics. It examines China's strategic interests in South Asia, the challenges posed by the Malacca Dilemma, and the measures taken by Ind...

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Why is life expectancy falling in America?

21 Sep 2023
23m
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This podcast episode delves into the complex factors contributing to differences in life expectancy across the United States, such as income, education, and access to healthcare, and explores pressing issues including gun violence, the opioid epidemic, and the decline in life expectancy.

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