BBC Radio Podcasts from The Inquiry
Who is country?
Is Beyonce a country artist? If not, who is?
Are synthetic opioids a global problem?
Are synthetic opioids a global problem?
How secure is Benjamin Netanyahu’s leadership?
Can Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu hold on to power?
Are we close to a breakthrough for Multiple Sclerosis?
Are scientists close to a breakthrough for multiple sclerosis?
Is climate change impacting chocolate production?
Is the global chocolate market under threat?
Will neighbouring countries follow El Salvador's lead on crime?
Is El Salvador’s crackdown on crime inspiring its neighbours?
Is our future underground?
Will extreme heat driven by climate change force our cities underground?
Can Mexico win its battle with US gun companies?
Will Mexico’s lawsuit against US gun companies be successful?
What’s going on with the pyramids?
Why did Egypt announce plans to renovate one its most famous pyramids?
Can Europe reverse its falling fertility rates?
Why are people not having babies?
Who will be next to walk on the moon?
Over fifty years since the last moon landing, who will win the race to get there again?
Are Ethiopians losing faith in their Orthodox Church?
Audrey Brown asks if Ethiopians are losing faith in their Orthodox Church?
Can the Vatican stop Nicaragua’s Catholic crackdown?
Is Pope Francis doing enough to help Catholics in Nicaragua?
What does Iran want?
Amid growing tensions in the Middle East, Charmaine Cozier asks what Iran wants?
Can Indonesia pull off relocating its capital?
How realistic is Indonesia’s long term plan to relocate its capital?
Why is the US Army struggling to recruit new soldiers?
The US Army faces challenges enlisting enough new troops.
Are orcas OK?
Coordinated attacks from orcas have left fishing vessels destroyed
What’s going on with sargassum seaweed?
Why is sargassum seaweed causing so much controversy?
Has Toyota solved the electric car battery problem?
Toyota has unveiled a revolutionary electric car battery.
Is Venezuela about to invade its neighbour?
Does President Maduro really have a right to claim Essequibo as a new Venezuelan state?
Is Paris ready for the 2024 Olympics?
Are Paris’s Olympic preparations on track for the Games next Summer?
Have we reached a turning point with migraine medication?
Could a new class of drugs change the lives of those living with migraine?
Why is Bangladesh in turmoil?
Can the Bangladesh government guarantee a free and fair election in January?
Is the war in Ukraine at a stalemate?
Charmaine Cozier asks is Ukraine’s war at a stalemate as fighting makes slow progress?
What went wrong with Australia’s Indigenous call for a voice?
Why didn't Australians listen to the voice of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders?
What is the Human Cell Atlas?
Why are thousands of scientists collecting biological data from people all over the world?
What can US diplomacy achieve in the Middle East?
Joe Biden has offered Israel unequivocal support, but can the US help negotiate peace?
Is peace in the Arctic melting?
The war in Ukraine and an isolated Russia means rising tensions in the Arctic.
Can Europe solve its migrant crisis?
Is there a way forward for European countries to work together on a fair migration policy?
Why can’t Germany build enough homes?
What are the causes of the house-building crisis in Germany?
Can China and India fix their relationship?
Can China and India reset their relations?
Why is life expectancy falling in America?
What’s behind the recent fall in life expectancy in America?
What’s next for Palestinian leadership?
Who will replace Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas?
What’s wrong with our guts?
Why do we spend billions of dollars each year soothing our stomachs?
Are we alone in the universe?
Why are US lawmakers asking questions about evidence of extra-terrestrial life?
Is work from home working?
Why is the way we work undergoing an appraisal?
Can Brazil’s indigenous population save the Amazon?
Do Brazil’s original inhabitants hold the key to the preservation of the Amazon?
Can we stop oil?
The challenge of meeting climate targets for economies dependent on oil production.
Why is South Africa collapsing?
How did South Africa’s infrastructure go from world class to decrepit?
Are weight loss drugs the answer to obesity?
Drugs like Wegovy and Ozempic help people lose weight but are they the answer to obesity?
Is Venezuela a failed state?
Why is oil rich Venezuela shedding its population by the millions?
How can we stop wildfires?
Wildfires are getting worse across the world. Why are they more frequent and intense?
Is the global nuclear threat level rising?
Is Russia’s war with Ukraine raising the nuclear threat level around the world?
Can seawater save Venice from flooding?
Will injecting seawater into wells below Venice ensure it has a future?
Who will be the next Prime Minister of Thailand?
The election is over, so why has the leader of Thailand’s government not been decided?
Is it Endgame for the Marvel Cinematic Universe?
Is content overload causing quality control problems in Marvel's cinematic universe?
Will hydrogen solve our energy needs?
Could advances in hydrogen technology mean it could meet our future energy needs?
Can Ron DeSantis win the White House?
Do the Republican Party have a strong contender for the White House in Ron DeSantis?
Why are there millions of empty houses in Japan?
What do empty properties tell us about modern life in Japan?
Is Africa’s Great Green Wall failing?
Africa’s environmental project to create a green belt spanning Africa is only 4% complete
What does this presidential election mean for Turkey’s future?
Turkish voters face a choice: re-elect President Erdogan or back the coalition candidate
Why is Israel in turmoil?
Thousands of people are protesting the radical changes proposed by Israel’s new government
Will AI decide America’s next president?
What effect could artificial intelligence have on democracy?
Will Europe’s young workers have to pay more for the old?
Workforces are shrinking, will young workers have to pay more for the old?
Will we ever run out of cloud storage?
Are cloud server systems robust enough to handle our increasing demands for data storage?
What is Mohammed bin Salman’s vision for Saudi Arabia?
How is Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince reforming its social and economic prospects?
Why are Warhol’s Prince works before the US Supreme Court?
A copyright row over an Andy Warhol portrait of Prince has gone to the US Supreme Court
Will Putin be prosecuted for war crimes in Ukraine?
The ICC has issued an arrest warrant for Putin. How likely is it that he will stand trial?
Why are so many people dying on America’s roads?
America is facing a crisis on its roads with the number of deaths at a 20 year high.
Can Peru sort out its political problems?
Six years, six presidents. Can Peru solve its political nightmare?
Will there be a united Ireland?
Could there be a vote on whether to make Northern Ireland part of the Republic?
What is Putin’s plan now for Ukraine?
Russia is thought to be preparing a new offensive in Ukraine – what could that look like?
Is everything okay at Facebook?
After Donald Trump is allowed back on, where does the social media giant go from here?
Can Nigeria’s next president fix its problems?
Nigeria's next president faces issues with insecurity, high inflation and unemployment
Can the Taliban tackle Afghanistan’s terror problem?
Afghanistan is no stranger to insurgencies, but do the Taliban have the means to end one?
Will international support for Ukraine last?
A year into the war, how long will international support for Ukraine last?
Are we running out of microchips?
Has the pandemic and supply shortages revealed fragility in the production of microchips?
Can microbes feed the world?
It’s being claimed precision fermentation technology can feed the world. But what is it?
Should other countries adopt Canada's immigration model?
Will Canada's attempt to bolster its ageing population encourage others to imitate it?
Who is the true Zulu King?
Why is there a family feud over who should be King of the Zulu Nation?
Will rising sea levels wipe countries off the map?
By 2100, many small island nations will be underwater. But is their fate inevitable?
Can digital currency replace the cash system?
What is digital currency, how do we use it and do we even want it?
Is it too late to avoid famine in Somalia?
Aid agencies in Somalia say there is famine, so why has the government not declared it?
Can a country live on renewable energy alone?
Can renewable sources provide enough energy to eliminate our use of fossil fuels?
Will computers put managers out of work?
Could office managers be replaced by the kind of slick AI software behind online shopping?
Is China’s economy in trouble?
President Xi says China's economy is his “top priority”– but how severe are its problems?
Is it time for Britain to return the Rosetta Stone?
After 200 years, is it time for Britain to return the Rosetta Stone to Egypt?
Will the protests in Iran bring change?
More than 200 people have died in weeks of protests in Iran - but will anything change?
Is Putin’s war in Ukraine at a turning point?
Is Russia’s ability to win the war in Ukraine slipping from President Putin’s grasp?
What’s the future of the Commonwealth under King Charles III?
King Charles III now heads the Commonwealth, but will it thrive under his leadership?
How can Brazil’s next president unite the country?
Who are the main presidential candidates in Brazil and can they unite a divided country?
How close did Iraq come to civil war?
Political tensions in Iraq have led to violence – but how close did it come to civil war?
Why did the French leave Mali?
Nine years after arriving in Mali to fight Islamist militants, French troops have left.
What next for Imran Khan?
The former Pakistan PM faces terrorism charges. Will he be prosecuted, or regain power?
Are nations doing enough to combat monkeypox?
We’ve known about monkeypox for decades. Why is the virus still with us?
Will nuclear fusion solve our energy problems forever?
How close are scientists to making the dream of nuclear fusion a reality?
Can we control the weather?
Extreme rain and heat have caused chaos across the world – but can weather be controlled?
Will the US and China go to war over Taiwan?
How likely is it that the current tensions over Taiwan will end in military conflict?
Will air travel ever return to normal?
Following months of chaos at airports will air travel ever return to normal?
Why did Tunisia turn its back on democracy?
Is Tunisia moving away from democracy?
What impact has Brexit had on the UK’s economy?
In 2016 the UK voted to leave the EU. What impact has Brexit had on its economy?
Did organic farming cause Sri Lanka’s collapse?
What did Sri Lanka’s organic experiment do to its economy?
Has AI developed consciousness?
After claims a chatbot is aware we ask: can Artificial Intelligence become sentient?
Is India becoming too hot to live in?
How is India’s heatwave threatening health and livelihoods?
Has the war in Ukraine sparked a global food crisis?
Has war in Ukraine led to a global food crisis, or made a bad situation worse?
Is Spotify killing the music industry?
Is Spotify making it impossible for artists to make a living from their music?
How do you live to be 100?
What’s the key to living a long and healthy life?
Why did China ban Spider-Man?
How has China’s influence over Hollywood changed the way movies are now made
Is inflation out of control?
How has the cost of living been impacted by the war in Ukraine and new lockdowns in China?
How do pandemics end?
Is the Covid-19 pandemic over, or have we just reached the end of the beginning?
Will abortion be banned in America?
What is the future for abortion rights in America?
What’s the truth about Hunter Biden’s laptop?
Did the media miss a scandal?
Can Europe give up Russian gas?
Since the invasion of Ukraine, European countries have sought alternatives to Russian gas
Why did Sri Lanka’s organic farming dream fail?
How a bold plan to abandon chemical fertilizers proved disastrous for Sri Lanka's farmers
Can we create a universal Covid vaccine?
Can scientists develop a vaccine which can combat the coronavirus and all its variants?
Are drones the future of warfare?
Does an increasing reliance on drones in conflict mean an end for conventional warfare
Can Putin be prosecuted for war crimes?
What counts as a war crime and can Vladimir Putin be held responsible?
Why is Russia’s invasion plan failing?
Russia Invaded Ukraine expecting a swift victory, so why have they been unsuccessful?
Who are the Wagner Group, and why are they in Ukraine?
Russian mercenaries are reportedly hunting the Ukrainian president. But who are they?
Does Putin’s view of history explain why he invaded Ukraine?
Putin justifies invading Ukraine by claiming its lands have long been part of Russia
Will sanctions stop Russia in Ukraine?
Can economic sanctions alone force a country to change course?
What’s happened to the left in France?
Why have left wing political parties in France lost so much popular support?
What will end the war in Yemen?
Eight years of civil war has ravaged Yemen, can the country find a peaceful solution?
Why have military coups returned to West Africa?
Elected governments have been overthrown by the military in Burkina Faso, Mali and Guinea
Do we have enough lithium to power the future?
Can we meet the soaring world demand for lithium, a vital metal for green energy?
Is Turkey heading for an economic meltdown?
Turkey is suffering from an economic crisis with rampant inflation and a weakening lira.
What’s going on in Kazakhstan?
What has caused the worst unrest and political infighting in Kazakhstan’s recent history?
Are we heading for space wars?
Would conflict on the ground between majors powers now inevitably spill over into space?
Can we get drugs out of prisons?
Tanya Beckett asks if we can get drugs out of prisons and help prisoners beat addiction.
Can we solve our space junk problem?
Millions of pieces of dangerous man-made debris are orbiting Earth. Can we clean up space?
How will Afghanistan survive the winter?
How will the 23 million Afghans who need food assistance get through the winter?
Should we be worried about the return of inflation?
As prices rise, Tanya Beckett asks if we should be worried about the return of inflation.
How will we cope with the Omicron variant?
What are the possible implications as the Omicron variant spreads around the world?
Are the US Democrats in big trouble?
The election of a Republican as Governor of Virginia sends a message to President Biden
Why aren’t countries doing more to stop climate change?
Are China, India, Africa, Europe and the US making enough progress on climate change?
What is the metaverse and why is Facebook so obsessed with it?
Which vision of the so-called metaverse will we adopt in the future?
What are hypersonic missiles and why do they matter?
Will a new breed of hypersonic missiles make the world a more dangerous place?
Why are we seeing global shortages?
Empty shelves are becoming commonplace. And prices are rising. What’s going on?
Do climate conferences make a difference?
COP 26 is just around the corner and expectations are high for action
Are we running out of water?
With global water supplies stretched, Tanya Beckett asks if we’re running out.
Is Britain paying the price for its green energy push?
Energy prices are spiking in the UK, is this the price for a shift to green power?
Is China’s economy in trouble?
Charmaine Cozier asks whether government regulations in China are damaging its economy.
Is Brazil heading for a constitutional crisis?
President Bolsonaro’s tense stand-off with his country’s democratic system.
Will America ban abortion?
What does a radical new law in Texas mean for abortion provision in the US?
Should the knowledge needed to make the Covid-19 vaccines be freely available to all?
Who should be the gatekeepers of the knowledge behind the Covid-19 vaccines?
Did America get its response to the attacks of 9/11 right?
We look back at America's war on terror. Twenty years on - did they get it right?
Which president is most responsible for the failure in Afghanistan?
As US-led troops withdraw after 20 years, the Taliban have made a swift return to power
Is our fascination with sharks bad for them?
From monster killers to endangered species, have we become sharks' biggest threat?
Are our phones spying on us?
Charmaine Cozier asks whether our phones could be monitoring us
Can we run the world on electricity?
Is more electricity the answer to climate change and demands for more power?
What’s behind the recent rioting in South Africa?
Was there more to the riots in South Africa than reaction to the jailing of Jacob Zuma?
Why was the president of Haiti assassinated?
The controversial rule of Haiti’s president Jovenel Moise.
Can China raise its birth rate?
China wants to stop its workforce shrinking. So can it raise its birth rate?
Why did so many indigenous children die in Canada’s residential schools?
The harrowing story of the indigenous children forced into Canada’s residential schools.
Is Nigeria becoming impossible to govern?
As Nigeria’s kidnapping crisis worsens, what can be done to make the country safe?
Can we make the super-rich pay more tax?
Can we make the super-rich pay more tax?
Are the Tokyo Olympic games in trouble?
Tanya Beckett asks if Japan can pull off the greatest show on earth during a pandemic?
Could Covid-19 have come from a lab leak?
Kavita Puri explores the theory that the pandemic could have originated in a lab.
Belarus: Can President Lukashenko be overthrown?
Tanya Beckett asks if Europe’s last dictator can cling on to power for much longer.
Do we need more nuclear power to help deal with climate change?
Tanya Beckett asks if nuclear energy can helps us transition away from fossil fuel power.
What are NFTs and are they really the next big thing?
Suzanne Kianpour asks if non-fungible tokens are really here to stay.
Why are murder rates in Chicago so high?
Is it time to treat the city of Chicago’s gun crime problem as a public health issue?
Will the Taliban rule Afghanistan again?
Charmaine Cozier asks if the Taliban could ever return to power in Afghanistan.
Is peace under threat in Northern Ireland?
With riots back on the streets of Belfast, what does the future hold for Northern Ireland?
Covid: What went wrong in India?
As a second wave of Covid-19 rages through India, Kavita Puri asks what went wrong.
Is the legal cannabis business about to go global?
What does the future look like for the cannabis ‘Green Rush’?
Is Africa the new power base for the Islamic State group?
What are the real reasons behind the Islamic State Group’s increased presence in Africa?
Why has Peru had such a bad pandemic?
Peru has suffered one of the highest excess death levels in the world. We ask why.
How will the concussion issue affect the future of sport?
Concerns are growing about the potential links between concussion and brain disease
Are ‘killer robots’ the future of warfare?
Will autonomous weapons transform the way we wage war?
Why do Italy’s governments keep collapsing?
What makes Italian politics so fragile and unstable?
Is Antifa the threat it’s made out to be?
What is the truth about the anti-fascist group dividing America?
Why did Alexei Navalny return to Russia?
After surviving an assassination attempt, the opposition leader is now facing jail time.
What is the future for Myanmar?
As protests continue in Myanmar against the military, what is the country’s future?
Can we solve our space junk problem?
Millions of pieces of dangerous manmade debris are orbiting Earth. Can we clean up space?
How did Europe fall behind in the vaccine race?
The reasons why the EU has been so slow at procuring Covid vaccines.
Will QAnon survive?
With President Trump gone and a social media clampdown, what is the future for QAnon?
Is online censorship going too far?
Who should decide who’s heard or silenced on platforms like Twitter and Facebook?
Why do the Indian farmer protests matter?
What could India’s farmer protests mean for the nation’s economic and political future?
Is recycling broken?
Were we wrong to think that recycling was the answer to our waste problem?
Why are boys academically underperforming?
Why do boys underperform girls in schools around the world?
Has the time come for a European Super League?
On this week’s episode of The Inquiry – has the time come for a European Super League?
Has French secularism gone too far?
In the wake of fresh criticism, Tanya Beckett asks has French secularism gone too far?
Why is Ethiopia’s Nobel Peace Prize winner bombing his own country?
On this week’s episode of The Inquiry – what’s behind the current conflict in Ethiopia?
Do we have a vaccine to end the pandemic?
Do we have a vaccine to end the pandemic? And if so, can we distribute it fairly?
Will the EndSARS protest change Nigeria?
Will Nigeria's anti-police brutality protests bring wider change?
Why are Thai students risking jail to call for reform of the monarchy?
What's driving Thailand's new wave of pro-democracy protests?
Can President Trump still win the US presidential election?
With US presidential Joe Biden leading in the polls, can President Trump still win?
How has Trump changed America’s relationship with the world?
When elected, President Trump promised to put ‘America First’, but how has he governed?
Should we learn to live with Covid?
Are lockdowns the answer to rising infection rates or should we learn to live with Covid?
Are shares in Elon Musk’s Tesla vastly overvalued?
How has the electric car maker become the most valuable auto company in the world?
Is Kanye West really running for US president?
The billionaire musician is on the ballot in fewer than 20 states. Is his bid serious?
Will the US presidential debates change the course of the election?
Will the presidential debates in America change the course of November's election?
Can the world stop online fraud?
Regarded by criminals as a lucrative low risk crime, what can we do to end online fraud?
Will votes be safe in the US presidential election?
President Trump says mass postal voting will mean fraud but how likely is this?
What is “Obamagate?”
Is there any substance to Donald Trump’s latest claims of a conspiracy against him?
What’s gone wrong in Lebanon?
The Beirut blast has laid bare Lebanon’s deepening political and economic crisis.
How close are we to a vaccine for Covid-19?
The race is on to find a vaccine for Covid-19. How close are we?
Will America’s 'Big Tech' firms be reined in?
US lawmakers are deciding whether to act against the country’s powerful tech giants.
Will the pandemic get worse in the winter?
There are fears that coronavirus will surge as temperatures drop.
Why isn’t the world doing more to help the Uighurs?
With an estimated million Uighurs in detention camps, China has stifled world criticism.
Should Joe Biden stay in the basement?
Despite a low-key campaign, Joe Biden leads Donald Trump in the polls.
Is China versus India the most important rivalry of the 21st century?
The border clash between China and India could reverberate through all Asia and beyond.
Why are Covid cases rising in the US?
Why are Covid cases dramatically increasing in some U.S. states where rates had been low?
What does Putin want?
As he looks to extend his reign as Russian leader, what motivates President Putin?
Why do we care about statues?
What do statues tell us about how countries deal with their past?
How will Hollywood respond to the Black Lives Matter and Me Too movements?
Why the movie business is having trouble representing the world’s population.
Will Covid-19 change cities?
Kavita Puri explores what our cities will look like after Covid-19
Why do US cops keep killing unarmed black men?
Why is George Floyd the latest in a long line of unarmed black men killed by US police?
How far can the Chinese government be blamed for Covid-19?
What could the Chinese government have done differently to prevent the global pandemic?
How will the world pay for Covid-19?
How will governments fund the huge sums needed to get through the coronavirus crisis?
Why does Germany have such a low number of deaths from Covid-19?
Kavita Puri asks why Germany has such a low number of deaths from Covid-19?
Why are so many ethnic minorities dying in the UK and US?
Data in both the UK and US suggests they may be at greater risk of catching Covid-19
Why are people attacking 5G mobile phone masts?
Tanya Beckett asks why people are attacking mobile phone masts.
How do we come out of the lockdown?
Some nations are beginning to tentatively lift lockdowns. What's the best way to do it?
How do you help people stay rational in a pandemic?
People weren’t prepared for life in lockdown. How can we stay level headed in a pandemic?
Can Africa cope with coronavirus?
With poorer economies and less developed healthcare, how will Africa deal with Covid-19?
Why is it taking so long to develop a Covid-19 vaccine?
The race is on for the world’s scientists to develop an effective Covid-19 vaccine
Coronavirus: What can the world learn from South Korea?
Without a lockdown, South Korea has had great success against Covid-19. How?
Why did the USA fail in its initial coronavirus response?
'It’s a failing, let's admit it’ says top US health official, Dr Anthony Fauci. Why?
How China turned the tide with coronavirus
China’s infection rate for coronavirus has dropped dramatically. What did they do?
Have our climate models been wrong?
Climate models are vital but have some concentrated too much on extreme scenarios?
Why don’t we care about facts?
We believe facts if we want to, but dismiss them if we don’t like them. Why?
Why are trade deals so hard to do?
As Britain tries to negotiate multiple trade deals, why do they take so long?
Will a pandemic ever kill millions again?
Global health pandemics have killed millions in the past. Could one do so again?
Could India’s Muslims become second class citizens?
Could a new law in India be a step towards making Muslims second class citizens?
How did Trump get into trouble with Ukraine?
How did Trump’s personality and way of dealing with people lead to a trial in the Senate?
Why does Ukraine have such a corruption problem?
How did Ukraine’s chequered past lead to the impeachment of president Trump?
Why was Qasem Soleimani killed?
How serious an enemy to the US was Qasem Soleimani, and why was he killed?
Will humans become extinct by the end of the century?
How precarious is our civilisation and what can be done to stop a global catastrophe?
Can we eradicate polio?
Despite heroic efforts to vaccinate against this crippling disease, why does it persist?
Is Nato obsolete?
With the US and French presidents questioning its future, Nato is in crisis
Should we ban billionaires?
Should extreme wealth and the system that enables billionaires to retain money be curbed?
Can we protect our elections from social media manipulators?
Who can you trust in the world behind the screen?
Why is there a backlash against climate policies?
A year on from the “gilets jaunes” protests, are environmental policies in trouble?
What can we do about the world’s mental health problem?
The World’s mental health is suffering so what can we do about it?
Why are immigrants under attack in South Africa?
In the so-called “rainbow nation”, why are foreigners so often subject to violence?
How soon can we go carbon zero?
To stop global warming, we need to cut CO2 emissions. So how soon can we go carbon zero?
Why are the Kurds always in the firing line?
Kurdish people have been caught up in dozens of conflicts. Why can’t they find peace?
Is vaping safe?
After deaths in the US and bans around the world, how risky are e-cigarettes?
Can we dismiss QAnon?
The far right conspiracy theory featuring child molestors and baby eaters.
Are we heading for a global recession?
Trade wars and Europe’s slowing growth. Is an economic downturn inevitable?
Is Africa facing another debt crisis?
A risky mix of easy credit and easy spending
How can we save our forests?
This summer fires in the Amazon rainforest caught the world's attention.
Is rock music doomed?
Bruce Springsteen is turning 70; rock’s gods are getting on. Who can replace them?
Why the race to build a quantum computer?
Corporations are spending billions to turn quantum computers into workable technology.
Why does Donald Trump seem to have such a problem with the truth?
Examining some of the many false or misleading claims made by the US President
Why are we having less sex?
Porn, smart phones and the ‘slutty transmitter’
Is Germany OK?
It’s known for precision and punctuality but Europe’s engine is slowing down.
Do children in two-parent families do better?
We investigate the research into growing up with married, cohabiting and single parents.
Can you reduce Central American migration?
More and more families from Guatemala, Honduras and El Salvador are travelling to the US
Will China crack down on Hong Kong?
Last month Hong Kong witnessed its largest ever protests. How will China respond?
What kind of Prime Minister would Boris Johnson make?
Examining the character, beliefs and ambition of Britain’s most recognisable politician
How can Chennai’s water crisis be solved?
South India’s biggest city is gripped by drought, residents have to queue for water.
Is the deep ocean the answer to some of our biggest problems?
Humanity has many problems. Does the solution to some lie deep beneath our oceans' waves?
Can a government make you happy?
Should governments look beyond GDP and make our wellbeing their priority?
Can vaccines stop Ebola in the DRC?
Can vaccines stop Ebola in the DRC or will it take more than medical intervention?
Why is it always Alabama?
Why is Alabama always getting picked on in America?
Is time travel possible?
What does science tell us about the possibility of travelling in time?
Is the US heading for war with Iran?
Tensions are escalating between the two countries, but will it lead to war?
How do you move a capital city?
Indonesia has announced it is thinking of building a new capital city. Can it be done?
How did K-Pop conquer the world?
Some of the world’s most successful bands are singing in Korean.
What’s next for Sudan?
President Omar al-Bashir was deposed on 11th April, but protesters still line the streets
Can you make gangs good?
Ecuador legalised some of its gangs in 2007, but did it work?
How can we feed 11 billion people?
The challenge to produce enough food to feed our growing population
How scared should we be?
The news today can be pretty terrifying, but how scared should we really be?
Why has the Kashmir crisis lasted so long?
For 70 years India and Pakistan have fought over Kashmir. What has fuelled the violence?
How long can we live?
Life expectancy is rising as medicine advances, but can we beat old age itself?
How is space changing Earth?
What motivates the global space race - power, prestige or social progress?
What is the Wagner Group?
This group of fighters-for-hire has been active around the world. What’s going on?
Will populism destroy the European Union?
The EU faces what’s described as an existential crisis as support for populism grows.
Are smart cities dumb?
A bright new future of clean power and easy living, or a science fiction nightmare?
Can radicalised kids recover?
How do you rehabilitate a child caught up in violent extremism?
How do we stop young people killing themselves?
Innovative and unexpected ways to tackle youth suicide are emerging around the world
Why don't we care about Yemen?
Why is the world not focused on the death, destruction and famine in Yemen?
What’s so scary about Huawei?
Smartphones, sanctions and death sentences: what's going on with Huawei?
Why Can’t So Many Children Read?
With more children in school than ever, why have reading rates been so slow to improve?
Should We Fear ‘Designer Babies’?
The technology to edit our baby's DNA has arrived
What Would It Take to Impeach Trump?
Evidence of wrongdoing within Trump’s inner circle seems to be mounting
Can We Stop a Mass Extinction?
Meet the scientists trying to save rare species – and even bring them back from the dead.
Are We Heading for Another Mass Extinction?
Vanishing species prompt dire warnings about life on earth.
How Did We Get Hooked on Vitamins?
Millions of us take a vitamin tablet every day, but how did they become so popular?
What did #MeToo Really Achieve?
Has the movement moved away from its original remit as its founder fears?
Is this the Most Dangerous Time to be a Journalist?
Journalists are being hit with more violence and oppression – what is behind it?
Why Is Brexit So Hard?
A deal between the UK and the EU is on the table – but it’s a deal that few like.
Is the West at War with Russia?
Nato is accused of provoking Russia and breaking promises
Is Russia at War with the West?
The charge sheet against Moscow includes spy killings, hacks and election interference
What Makes A Pariah State?
Countries like Saudi Arabia can get away with murder - why not others?
How Did We Mess up Antibiotics?
We are moving towards a world where antibiotics no longer work.
Is the China-Africa Love Affair Over?
Investment is slowing, discontent is growing – is this the beginning of the end?
What Went Wrong in Indonesia?
Could the earthquake and tsunami that struck Palu, Indonesia have killed fewer people?
Can Delhi Clean Up Its Air?
Air pollution is suffocating Delhi – what can be done?
Should We Rethink the Ban on Child Labour?
Most countries have signed up to a ban on child labour – but is this the best approach?
Is Genetic Testing Overrated?
DNA testing is big business - but could the results be harmful?
The Inquiry Junior - Why are North and South Korea divided?
The story of how a line on a map becomes a hard state border that no one can cross.
The Inquiry Junior - What’s Killing Africa’s Elephants?
Poachers, jewellery makers and angry farmers: the story behind the decline of elephants
Is Women’s Sport In Trouble?
Who gets to compete as a woman?
How Do You Run A Hacking Operation?
We reveal the secrets of some of the world’s most advanced and secretive cyber-powers.
Who’s in the Driving Seat of the US – Saudi Relationship?
The forces steering the alliance between the US and Saudi Arabia
Could We See Another Aids Pandemic?
Are we losing the battle against Aids?
Can We Control 3D Printing?
Does the 3D printing revolution mean that people anywhere can print anything they want?
Is WhatsApp Fuelling Vigilantism?
What is it about this simple messaging platform that fuels emotions and spreads fear?
Is Africa’s Longest War Really Over?
Ethiopia and Eritrea have just signed a peace deal ending two decades of war.
What does Iran think of the West?
Exploring why many Iranians are suspicious of the motives of the outside world
Can We Ever Understand Animals?
Humans spend hours studying our fellow animals. But will we ever truly understand them?
Can We Eat Our Way Out Of Climate Change?
Changing what we eat could be one of the fastest ways to slow down climate change
Are We Heading for a Trade War?
The high-stakes showdown between the US and China on trade.
Can You Train People To Be Less Prejudiced?
Businesses spend millions on anti-bias training – but does it work?
How Do You Make People Have Babies?
How governments are encouraging people to have more children to offset deaths
Is Raqqa Recovering After Islamic State?
A look inside the city which was once Islamic State’s headquarters.
Can Computers Predict Crimes That Haven’t Happened Yet?
The ethics of big data in crime forecasting
Is North Korea Broke?
This isolated economy is showing signs of life that might surprise you.
What Makes a Revolution Successful?
The factors that need to come together for a successful revolution in the modern world
Trump and Kim: Can They Close the Deal?
Top tips from peacemakers who have brokered some of the world’s most unlikely pacts
What’s the Real Difference Between the Sexes?
What is there to learn about men and women from people who’ve lived as both?
What’s Killing Black American Babies?
Black infants are twice as likely to die in their first year as white infants.
Are Nerve Agents Out of Control?
Banned over 20 years ago, how do we explain recent attacks?
How Did China Ban Ivory?
The story of how China ended its love affair with white gold.
How Do Dictators Survive So Long?
What’s in the dictators’ survival guide?
Is Plastic Doomed?
The tide of public opinion is turning on plastic
Have We Always Felt This Tired?
The past, present and possible future story of human sleep.
What’s Happening to IS Fighters Now?
From courtrooms and prisons to rehab centres and martial arts training
Is Facebook in Trouble?
Fake news, hate speech, users logging off - does Facebook need fixing?
What Happens When a Cyber-attack Strikes?
We tell the story of the most damaging cyber attack in history
How Do You Close The Gender Pay Gap?
Women earn less than men in every country in the world
Why is Cape Town Running Out of Water?
Cape Town could run out of water by June. What went wrong?
Why Are the Taliban So Resilient?
The insurgent group’s influence is extending across Afghanistan
How Did We Get Hooked on Plastic?
The story of how the search for a material to replace ivory changed our lives forever
What Does China Want in the South China Sea?
The South China Sea's hotly contested waters could be a flashpoint for conflict in 2018
What’s the Greatest Threat to Poland?
The EU’s triggered the ‘nuclear option’ against Poland, is something bigger at stake?
What is IS doing in the Philippines?
In 2017 the black flag of the Islamic State group flew over the city of Marawi
Is Zero Tolerance the Right Approach for FGM?
Some experts are questioning the international campaign against Female Genital Mutilation
What’s The Point Of Bitcoin?
Making sense of the digital currency and the ideology of its founders, fans and future
North Korea deep dive
Nuclear ambitions and a war of words, a deep dive into the North Korea crisis
How Do We Rule The Universe?
Governing moon miners, asteroid hunters and space junk
How Powerful is Facebook's Algorithm?
What does Facebook’s computer code do with the data we give it?
Are We Missing a Bigger Opioid Crisis?
While the US suffers an overdose epidemic, most of the world misses out on painkillers
What Would an Iran-Saudi Arabia War Look Like?
Tension between Iran and Saudi Arabia are at an unprecedented level
Why Doesn’t Apple Pay More Tax?
Examining claims that the world’s most profitable company is aggressively dodging tax
What Does the Saudi Crown Prince Want?
He has pushed through reforms but some fear there is a darker desire driving the ruler
Is the Knowledge Factory Broken?
Dodgy data, contradictory findings, perverse incentives – the challenges facing academia
How Powerful is Iran’s Revolutionary Guard?
The growth and reach of a group labelled a ‘terror force’ by President Trump
How Do You End A Civil War?
Why internal conflicts end and what it might mean for Syria.
Is the Pope Catholic?
Inside the fierce debate dividing the Roman Catholic Church
Can We Teach Robots Ethics?
From driverless cars to "carebots", machines are entering the realm of right and wrong.
Is Privacy Dead?
Can we protect our privacy in the digital age?
Could We Ban the Sale of Petrol and Diesel Cars Now?
Can the electric car rule the road?
Can China solve the North Korea problem?
Can China persuade North Korea to step back from its nuclear ambitions?
How Do We Stop People Dying in Floods?
Do we have the power to avoid the natural forces of intense rainfall?
What Can We Do With Our Dead?
Cemeteries around the world are fast running out of space.
How Has The Ku Klux Klan Lasted So Long?
Why the US racist group the Ku Klux Klan continues to exist
Are Video Games a Waste of Time?
Gaming is replacing work for some young men in the US
How Do You Fix Someone Else's Election?
Smears, bots and bags of cash - stories of old tricks and new.
Are South Africa's Police Failing?
A story of crime and often no punishment
Who Gets to Have Their Own Country?
You might think simple rules decide the creation of nation states. You'd be wrong.
What would war with North Korea look like?
We reveal the conversations inside the war rooms
Is it Time to Ban the Plastic Bottle?
Every single second, 20,000 single-use drinking bottles are sold around the world
Is Gene Editing Out of Control?
The Inquiry looks into the unintended consequences of gene editing
What's So Special About Qatar?
The tiny state behind a global diplomatic feud.
Have We Always Felt This Tired?
The past, present and possible future story of human sleep
Why Does China Want to Revive the Silk Road?
The biggest infrastructure initiative of all time could change the current world order.
Is the Greatest Threat to Putin Really Alexei Navalny?
Assessing the strength of the opposition leader who has run mass protests in Russia
How Do You Report Terrorism?
Should the media devote less coverage to terrorist attacks?
Is Work Too Easy?
We used to work ourselves to an early death. Do we now sit ourselves to one instead?
Does Poverty Change The Way We Think?
Investigating the scientific claims that being poor affects how our brains work
How Did Immigration Stop Being a Political Taboo in the UK?
How did immigration stop being a political taboo in the UK?
How Did Venezuela Go From So Rich To So Poor?
Once the richest country in South America, Venezuela is now in deep economic crisis
How did North Korea get the bomb?
Exploring how the secretive state has acquired nuclear weapons
Is Inequality About to Get Unimaginably Worse?
A special edition with Yuval Noah Harari, author of Sapiens and Homo Deus.
How Powerful is Facebook's Algorithm?
What does Facebook’s computer code do with the data we give it?
What Happens When You Legalise Cannabis?
Ruth Alexander looks at what happened next after legalising cannabis
Why Is No-one Trying to Stop the War in Yemen?
Thousands have been killed and the country is on the brink of famine
Do We Need A Plan B For Climate Change?
Scientists have been developing some very ambitious ideas to re-engineer our climate
What’s Wrong With France?
All the candidates in the French presidential election are calling for radical change
Are Famines Always Man-Made?
Humankind long ago figured out how to avoid famine
How is Mosul Being Liberated?
The story of the largest battle on Earth today
What Happened to Europe’s Migrant Crisis?
In 2015 huge numbers of migrants were trying to reach Europe. We hear what happened next
Why Can't We Stop Looking at our Phones?
The science and psychology of smartphone design
Is Donald Trump Good for Journalism?
President Trump's contempt for the media may seem like bad news but is the opposite true?
Can You Believe What You Read on WikiLeaks?
WikiLeaks claims to serve only transparency. But some suspect other motives
What Would ‘No Deal’ Mean For Brexit Britain?
What happens to Britain on Brexit day if there is no deal with the EU
How do you launch a nuclear missile?
We explain the nuclear weapons systems of the US, Russia, Britain and China
How Did the US Get Stuck With Guantanamo?
The full story of Guantanamo – and why so-called "forever prisoners" are held there today
Is There Anybody Out There?
The story of the search for extra-terrestrial life
Can We Eat Our Way Out Of Climate Change?
Changing what we eat could be one of the fastest ways to slow down climate change
What Went Right in 2016?
Four amazing stories united by the ambition to achieve the seemingly impossible
Should We Give Homeless People Homes?
Medicine Hat, a city in Canada, has ended homelessness the ‘housing first’ way
What’s the Story of Aleppo?
Four Syrians reveal the long and turbulent history of Syria’s second city
Does Turkey Still Want to Join the EU?
Turkey and the EU: it’s complicated
Why Do Governments Do Stupid Things?
Overconfidence, poor evidence, party politics - why governments blunder.
Why Did The Polls Get it Wrong (Or Did They)?
Hillary Clinton lost despite some polls putting her chance of victory at 99%
Why Does Anyone Still Smoke?
Tobacco kills up to half of its users, so why would people still choose to smoke?
After the Electoral Shocks of Brexit and the US Election - What Next?
Has a pattern been set first by Brexit, and then the US election?
Was this the Most Divisive US Election Ever?
Two of the most unpopular presidential candidates ever have fought a bitter campaign
How Do We Fix Antibiotics?
From Komodo dragons to Dutch pigs – some promising solutions to the antibiotics crisis
Can a Corrupt Country Get Clean?
How the small country of Georgia kicked out corruption, but with drastic measures
Why are 10,000 Children Missing in Europe?
Migrant children are going missing after landing on Europe's shores at an alarming rate
Is Islamic State Finished?
Islamic State is on the run in Syria and Iraq.
Who Wins in a Cashless Economy?
The trend away from cash is gathering momentum across the world
What’s the Point of Lotteries?
National lotteries exist all over the world. What are they for?
Can Coral Reefs Survive?
As sea temperatures rise, coral reefs are in decline
Is Retirement Over?
People are living longer, but not saving enough for their old age.
Would Donald Trump Be a Dangerous President?
Fifty US security officials have said Trump “would be a dangerous president”
Why Don’t Cities Want The Olympics?
The number of cities bidding to host the Olympic Games is falling
Has Russia Won In Ukraine?
President Putin’s short term gains may come at a cost
How Did we Save the Ozone Layer?
How scientists, campaigners, business and government came together to avert disaster
Can Colombia Reintegrate the Farc?
How to bring thousands of jungle fighters into society after 50 years of conflict
Is Brexit Inevitable?
Britain’s PM says “Brexit means Brexit”. But some have suggested it might never happen
Can Trump Win?
Evaluating Donald Trump’s chances of taking the White House
Can You Make Bankers Behave Better?
Exploring how individual bankers might be nudged into better and safer choices
Can the EU Survive?
The fate of the European Union without Britain
Why Do So Many People Dislike Hillary?
How the US presidential frontrunner got to be so unpopular
Are We Really About to End World Poverty?
The UN thinks ending extreme poverty is within our grasp
Why Can't Egypt Stop FGM?
FGM is more common in Egypt than anywhere else in the world
Are we Fighting Cancer the Right Way?
The World Health Organisation says cancer rates around the world are rising fast
Would A New International Convention Help Refugees?
The case for rethinking the 1951 UN Refugee Convention to deal with today's crisis
What's Killing White American Women?
The mysterious case of rising death rates in the world's richest country
What Happened to the European Dream?
The search for the vision that inspired the European project's founders
Should We Give Homeless People Homes?
How the city of Medicine Hat in Canada, gave every person living in the streets a home
What Kind of Person Becomes a Violent Jihadi?
The search for a 'terrorist type' and understanding people who kill for their beliefs
Do We Have Enough Genders?
Gender identity is considered more fluid than ever
What Happened To Al-Qaeda?
Charting the fortunes of the group that once led the global jihadist movement
Why Do Mexicans Drink So Much Soda?
Mexicans are among the world’s biggest soda consumers, and it’s affecting their health
Can we Quake-Proof a City?
Earthquakes have killed a million people in the last two decades
Why Are Wages So Low?
Pay packets in developed economies have hardly grown in decades.
How Did Governments Lose Control of Encryption?
Spies, hippies, jihadis and the ongoing conflict over the power to keep secrets.
Has President Assad Won?
Bashar al-Assad still rules Syria after five years of war
Why Don’t We Eradicate Mosquitoes?
Mosquitoes cause a huge number of deaths. But getting rid of them would be complicated.
How Did Iceland Clean Up its Banks (And Why Can't We)?
Iceland put its prime minister on trial, cleaned up its banks and jailed senior bankers
Are We Fighting Cancer the Right Way?
The rising number of cancer cases worldwide poses a challenge for doctors and governments
How Has the US Gun Lobby Been so Successful?
The National Rifle Association is one of the most powerful organisations in the US
What is China Doing to Clear the Air?
The air in much of China is so bad the government has repeatedly declared "war" on it
Do We Have Enough Genders?
Gender identity is considered more fluid than ever thanks to the trans movement
How Much Inequality Is Too Much?
How far does inequality affect growth and prosperity?
Should We Solar Panel The Sahara?
Solar could provide clean energy on a vast scale. But the politics are difficult.
How Will a Population Boom Change Africa?
The UN forecasts that the number of people living in Africa will double in 35 years
Is Saudi To Blame For ‘IS’?
Many claim ‘IS’ is the ideological offspring of Saudi Arabia
Should Governments Drop Money Out of Helicopters?
We examine one crazy-sounding but very serious idea to prevent a low- or no-growth future
How Do Cartels Get Drugs into the US?
How drugs get into the US via tunnels, “narco-subs” and complex criminal networks
Can ‘Islamic State’ Be Defeated?
Expert answers to the urgent question on defeating the group calling itself Islamic State
Have We Underestimated Plants?
An exploration of what plants are capable of and what we can learn from them.
Is it too Late to Save Syria’s Antiquities?
The threat to Syria’s cultural heritage from looting, war and wanton destruction
Why was Mohammed Akhlaq Killed?
What a murder tells us about modern India.
How Do You Save the Rhino?
How hunting and even legalising the trade in horn might save this endangered species
Can Nigeria End Oil Corruption?
President Buhari’s promise to end decades of corruption in the oil industry
Is Russia Vulnerable?
The White House has described Russia’s action in Syria as motivated by 'weakness'
What Does the President Need to Know?
Top-secret documents, released by the CIA, shine a light on intelligence advice.
Do Drone Strikes Work?
The impact of drones, America’s counter-terrorism weapon of choice
Is Japan Abandoning Pacifism?
New laws mean Japanese troops can fight overseas for the first time since World War Two
Why is Argentina Still so Sexist?
Despite women’s progress in Argentine politics, society there has remained macho
How Will a Population Boom Change Africa?
The UN forecasts that the number of people living in Africa will double in 35 years
Can We Learn to Live with Nuclear Power?
After the Fukushima disaster in Japan, the country is turning its reactors back on.
Migrant Crisis: What Else Could Europe Try?
We examine examples from other places, and times, from which the EU’s leaders could learn
What Will Happen When Robots Take Our Jobs?
Exploring the not-so-distant future when more and more humans lose work to automation.
Should Anyone Ever Talk to IS?
We test the argument that stopping the so-called Islamic State will mean talking to them.
What’s Behind the Anti-Vax Movement?
Looking at the origins and endurance of scepticism towards vaccinations in the US.
Why do Tax Havens Still Exist?
Politicians have promised an end to tax havens, so why are they still around?
What Does China’s Stock Market Crash Tell Us?
How China’s rollercoaster market hints at deeper problems
Is Streaming Good for Music?
How streaming is changing music and the music industry
How Easy is it to Dope in Sport?
An insiders’ take on who is winning in the fight against performance-enhancing drugs.
Has Austerity Worked?
An examination of whether it is better to cut or spend your way out of an economic crisis
Would Greece Be Better Off Out of the Euro?
Exploring the possible economic and political consequences of a Greek eurozone exit
What Does China Want From Space?
China has sent an astronaut into orbit, and has plans to put one on the moon
Will Anyone Help the Rohingya?
Shocking images have brought the Rohingya to the world’s attention
Is Opposition to GM Crops Irrational?
A majority of US scientists say GM food is generally safe to eat
Who Can Fix Fifa?
Exploring the forces that could bring change to football’s troubled governing body.
Why Do US Cops Keep Killing Unarmed Black Men?
Activists claim 40% of unarmed men dying at the hands of the police are black.
Why is South Africa Still So Unequal?
Investigating the root causes of South Africa’s world beating levels of inequality
Is Cyber Warfare Really That Scary?
Four cyber warfare experts help us separate hype from reality
How Has Rwanda Saved The Lives Of 590,000 Children?
The lessons from one of the unexpected stars of the race to tackle child mortality
What Is The Yemen Conflict Really About?
Is the fighting in Yemen a sectarian conflict or a regional proxy war?
Is There A New Nuclear Arms Race?
Nuclear-weapon states are spending huge sums modernising their arsenals
Cuba: What Would Che Say?
Are warmer relations with the US a betrayal of Cuba’s revolutionary past?
Are We Tired Of Talking About Climate Change?
Climate change dominated the news five years ago but has dropped down the agenda. Why?
Will The Dalai Lama Reincarnate?
Does the future of Tibet and the unity of China rest on an esoteric question of rebirth?
Has The War On Drugs Been Lost?
The global shift towards drug law relaxation and what it means
Who Wants What In Libya?
The rival governments, militias and foreign interests competing for control of Libya
Is Life Getting Worse For Women In Erdogan’s Turkey?
How the vicious murder of Ozgecan Aslan raises fundamental questions about women’s rights
Could Europe Stop Migrants Dying In The Mediterranean?
The people smugglers, the rescue mission and the politics behind the rising death toll.
How Strong Is NATO?
What has war in Ukraine revealed about the West’s military alliance?
Will The New King Change Saudi Arabia?
Does King Salman have the power to change his country – and does he want to?
Is Nigeria’s Army Failing?
What’s behind Nigeria’s inability to defeat Boko Haram?
What does Kim Jong Un want?
What do we know about the ambitions of North Korea’s enigmatic and unpredictable leader?
Is Pakistan Serious About Tackling Militants?
Will Pakistan’s new promise to "eliminate" militants be met?
Should we Fear Artificial Intelligence?
How seriously should we take the warnings that ever-smarter computers could turn on us?
Can The Internet Be Policed?
There are new plans to fight online child abuse. But can the internet be policed?
Is American Democracy Broken?
With a low turnout at the recent mid-term elections, is American democracy broken?
What Are The Consequences Of Cheap Oil?
Why the price of oil is impacting on the global economy and world politics
Can Europe Resist The Rise Of Radical Politics?
In France, Spain, Hungary, Italy and elsewhere far right and hard left parties are rising
The US And Iran: How Close Could They Get?
How much do the Great Satan and the Axis of Evil have in common?
Why Aren't More Dishonest Bankers In Jail?
Why have there been no successful prosecutions of top banking executives?
Who Runs Mexico?
With mass graves and mass protests in Mexico, who is in charge?
Are Sanctions Hurting Putin?
Will sanctions force President Putin to change course in Ukraine?
What Is Hong Kong’s Problem With China?
Four experts examine what’s really behind the Hong Kong protests.
Are Pandemics Inevitable?
Can the world come together to defeat diseases with pandemic potential?
Can Islamic State Be Stopped?
Expert witnesses outline a strategy to defeat violent jihadis in Syria and Iraq