The Inquiry

Is a deal on the Kuril Islands ever possible?

For decades Russia and Japan have been locked in a dispute over the Kuril Islands, which sit between Hokkaido in Northern Japan and Russia’s Kamchatka Peninsula. At the e

Can middle powers reshape the world?

The balance of power in the world is changing. The United States and China continue to be the dominant forces in international affairs, but other countries are looking fo

How can Nepal’s economy rebuild after floods?

Nepal is still reeling from the devastation caused by recent flash floods. More than a thousand people are reported to have lost their lives and thousands more are still

How did Italian politics become stable?

Italy has long been associated with political instability, with governments on average lasting just over a year. Current Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has broken that pa

Can China’s polar silk road change global trade?

Conflict in the Middle East continues to disrupt global shipping routes including the Strait of Hormuz and the Strait of Malacca. China is now turning to Russia for suppo

Can Africa take control of its digital future?

Just under 20 years ago Kenya pioneered the use of mobile money. Since then, other countries in Africa have carved out a share of the digital market for themselves, from

Should rivers have personhood?

River systems around the world are under stress from various factors ranging from pollution, to agriculture, to extractive industries. In some parts of the world there ar

How has the Cockroach Janta Party changed India’s politics?

In July 2026, tens of thousands of students took to the streets in India’s capital, demanding reforms to education. The protests followed the leak of medical entrance exa

Can elections restore Moroccans’ faith in their country?

In September, Morocco’s citizens will go to the polls for the country’s general election. Morocco is a constitutional monarchy, with a multi-party-political system. A new

Is daylight saving time working?

The House of Representatives has voted to make daylight saving time permanent in the United States. If the measure is approved by the Senate and becomes law, most America

Is Indigenous education at risk?

New Zealand’s government is making big changes to its education system. The aim is to reverse declining student achievement and give more opportunities to disadvantaged c

Can we live with extreme heat?

Extreme heatwaves are becoming more frequent across the globe, not only in countries used to cooler climates, but also in those already familiar with significantly hotter

Can the illicit gold trade be stopped?

Gold has been prized throughout history for its value and its beauty, which has also made it attractive to those prepared to exploit this precious metal for their own end

Are we closer to gene therapy for sickle cell disease being accessible?

Gene therapy has changed what is possible for people living with sickle cell disease. New treatments have shown that the condition can be successfully treated. But the th

Is Kenya serious about ending femicide?

Last year Kenya’s President William Ruto established a task force to investigate the escalating cases of gender-based violence including femicide. The task force travelle

Can the New World Screwworm be stopped?

Flesh-eating parasitic flies have been found in the US state of Texas for the first time in decades. Known as the New World Screwworm, officials have now put plans in pla

Is technology ruining sport?

This year, technology has more influence in officiating sports than ever before. At the men's World Cup, the role of video assistant referee technology (VAR) has been ex

Can Brussels crack the gender pay gap?

A new directive strives to narrow the 11% hourly wage gap between men and women in the EU. Around the world, the gender pay gap has been shrinking as women gain access t

Why does Ebola keep coming back?

In May 2026, the World Health Organization declared an Ebola outbreak in western Africa a public health emergency of international concern. Within days, hundreds of cases

Is Portugal’s drugs policy in need of reform?

In 2001, Portugal decriminalised the possession and use of all illicit drugs. It was a move designed to mitigate the country’s public health crisis, which at the time mea