The Inquiry

Romania's political scene has been shaken after a far-right, pro-Russia figure stunned everyone by winning the first round of presidential elections, only to have his victory annulled over serious allegations. The rise of social media as a campaign tool has transformed voter engagement, with unconventional methods challenging traditional politics. As the country prepares for a rerun of the vote, serious questions arise: will nationalism take root, or will mainstream parties regain control? Mass protests reflect a nation at a crossroads.

European leaders have had cause to rethink their roles within Nato recently, in light of statements coming from the US Government. The Trump administration’s dealings with Russia to try and broker a peace deal in Ukraine, have called into question America’s support for the alliance. But whilst the Trump administration say they are not pulling out of Nato and remain committed to the defence partnership with Europe, they have warned that they will "no longer tolerate an imbalanced relationship which encourages dependency". Nato currently asks member states to spend at least 2% on defence, but US President Donald Trump has consistently told European allies to spend much more than that target. The alliance’s famous Article 5 holds that Nato members will come to the defence of an ally which comes under attack and the assumption has always been that the US would continue to be the anchoring power. But now Europe’s leaders are having to consider whether they could potentially go it alone without American military aid. So, do we need a new Nato?This week's experts include John Deni, author and research professor, US Army War College Strategic Studies Institute, USA; Rachel Ellehuus, director-general, The Royal United Services Institute (RUSI), London, UK; Toomas Hendricks Ilves, Former President of Estonia, professor at Tartu University; Estonia, Irina Borogan, deputy editor Agentura.ru, non-resident senior fellow, The Centre for European Policy Analysis, London, UK.Presenter: Tanya Beckett Producer: Jill Collins Researcher: Katie Morgan Editor: Tara McDermott Technical Producer: Craig Boardman Production co-ordinator: Janet Staples and Liam Morrey (Photo: Nato Secretary General Mark Rutte participates in a bilateral meeting with U.S. Vice President JD Vance (not pictured) at the Commerzbank in Munich, Germany, 14 February, 2025. Credit: Leah Mills/Reuters)

At the beginning of this year, South Africa’s President Cyril Ramaphosa signed a bill into law which allows for private land to be seized by the government. Known as the Expropriation Act, it’s a power that many democratic governments around the world can exercise – the seizure of private property for public use in return for compensation. But in South Africa’s case, the plan is not to offer compensation, in certain circumstances, such as if land was needed for public use and all other avenues to acquire the land exhausted. And it is this caveat that has provoked strong reactions both domestically and on the international front. Even within the President’s own party, the ANC, there are those who would prefer more consultation before the law can be implemented. Whilst the Democratic Alliance, the second largest party in South Africa’s coalition government, says that it supports legislation addressing land restitution, it does takes issue with the process followed by the country’s parliament to enact the law. It is testing the Act’s constitutionality with legal action. And now President Trump has signed an executive order cutting US financial aid to South Africa, the order claims that this Act would enable the government to seize the agricultural property of ethnic minority Afrikaners without compensation. For his part, President Cyril Ramaphosa has announced that he’ll be sending envoys to various countries to explain South Africa’s positioning on the Expropriation Act, amongst other recent policy changes. So, on this week’s Inquiry, we’re asking, ‘Can South Africa solve land inequality’?Contributors: Thula Simpson, Author and Associate Professor, Department of Historical and Heritage Studies, University of Pretoria, South Africa Tanveer Jeewa, Junior Lecturer, Constitutional Law, Stellenbosch University, South Africa Dr Ralph Mathekga, Author and Political Analyst, Pretoria, South Africa Christopher Vandome, Senior Research Fellow, Africa Programme, Chatham House, UK and Ph.D. Student in International Relations, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa Presenter: Charmaine Cozier Co-Producers: Jill Collins and Bara’atu Ibrahim Editor: Tara McDermott Technical Producer: Craig Boardman Broadcast Co-ordinator: Liam Morrey Image Credit: Shadrack Maseko, whose family has been residing on Meyerskop farm for three generations, looks over a piece of land, in Free State province, South Africa, February 9, 2025. REUTERS/Thando Hlophe

Undersea cables form the backbone of global communication, with over 95% of global internet traffic relying on hundreds of fibre-optic cables criss-crossing the globe. But recent incidents such as disruption to cables in the Baltic Sea have highlighted concerns over their security and raised the possibility of ‘grey zone warfare’. We examine who owns and runs this vast global network, what happens when things go wrong, and what the future holds for underseas cables. Are they powerful enough to sustain future communications, and what role could quantum technology play in their future? To discuss all this are Lane Burdette, research analyst, TeleGeography, Jovan Kurbali, director of the Diplo Foundation and head of Geneva Internet Platform, Erin L Murphy,  senior Fellow, Center for Strategic and International Studies, Washington DC and Kristine Berzina, managing director at the German Marshall Fund, Washington DC.Presenter: Gary O'Donoghue Producer: Dan Hardoon and Vicky Carter Researcher: Katie Morgan Production co-ordinator: Liam Morrey Technical producer: James Bradshaw Editor: Tara McDermott (Photo: Employees of Orange Marine work on the installation of the very high speed submarine cable SEA-ME-WE 5, linking Singapore to France, 1 March, 2016. Credit: Boris Horvat/AFP)

The International Criminal Court strives to tackle grave global crimes, but its effectiveness is under scrutiny. US opposition remains a significant hurdle, especially with recent sanctions against its prosecutor. Enforcement challenges, highlighted by a Libyan suspect's deportation instead of extradition, raise doubts about its authority. With only 11 convictions in 23 years, questions arise about its operational efficiency and legitimacy. Yet, as 125 member states continue to support it, the discussion delves into possible reforms and the court's indispensable role in international justice.

The conversation explores the groundbreaking clinical trials for a non-hormonal male contraceptive pill, highlighting the contrast with existing options for women. It delves into the challenges of sperm inhibition and the biological complexities faced in development. Insights from ongoing global trials showcase promising results, while surprising societal acceptance of male contraceptives raises questions about readiness. A survey reflects a growing interest among men in sharing reproductive responsibility, signaling a possible shift in contraceptive norms.

The Panama Canal is a focal point of rising U.S.-China tensions, with claims of Chinese influence and overpricing affecting American businesses. As Panama navigates this complicated landscape, discussions center on potential toll renegotiations and reevaluating Chinese port contracts. The panel explores historical ownership implications and local sovereignty concerns. With China expanding its footprint in Latin America, Panama faces the challenge of balancing economic partnerships while satisfying both superpowers. Diplomatic strategies for stability are also on the table.

Global inflation has surged dramatically, driven by the COVID pandemic and the war in Ukraine, leaving policymakers scrambling. The nuances of measuring inflation reveal differing consumer experiences and issues like wealth redistribution. Extreme cases like Venezuela showcase severe consequences. Central banks are caught in a tug-of-war, balancing interest rates to control inflation while facing complex economic dynamics. As some rates decrease, concerns linger about possible deflation and the unpredictable nature of future economics.

Mark Zeitoun, Director General of the Geneva Water Hub and expert in international water law, discusses China’s ambitious plan to construct the world’s largest hydropower dam on the Yarlung Tsangpo River. He highlights the potential energy output, which could surpass the Three Gorges Dam, while addressing concerns over ecological impacts and geopolitical tensions with neighboring countries. The conversation also explores China's broader goals for renewable energy, water management, and climate action, all of which are crucial in a rapidly changing global landscape.

The fall of the Assad regime has led to a significant shift in Syria, with Hayat Tahrir al-Sham seizing power in Damascus. The podcast explores the complex factors that enabled this change, including international interventions and the aftermath of the Arab Spring. It delves into the challenges posed by rising authoritarianism and the influence of Islamist governance. Geopolitical dynamics involving Iran, Turkey, and the U.S. further complicate Syria's future, as the country grapples with socioeconomic crises and the quest for a stable political framework.