The Inquiry

Jennifer Levasseur, a museum curator at the Smithsonian's National Air and Space Museum, shares insights on the International Space Station's legacy. Mark McCaughrean, a former advisor at the European Space Agency, discusses the future of space exploration as new commercial stations emerge. Mai'a Cross, a political science professor, explores the evolution of international cooperation in space. Wendy Whitman Cobb delves into the geopolitical impacts of the ISS's decommissioning and emphasizes the importance of diplomatic ties in an increasingly privatized space landscape.

In this enlightening discussion, wildfire experts Mike Flannagan, Liz Goldman, John Keeley, and Cordy Tymstra dive into the ongoing wildfire crisis in Canada. They explore the devastating impact of fires in Jasper and the emotional toll on residents facing displacement. The conversation reveals the crucial role of fire in ecosystems and contrasts traditional Indigenous land management with modern suppression strategies. Key strategies for improved wildfire management, including prescribed burns and advanced technology, are highlighted as essential tools for community resilience.

Mariia Zolkina, an expert on Ukraine's geopolitical landscape, joins Democratic strategist Mary Anne Marsh, Republican foreign policy analyst Matthew Kroenig, and military specialist Matthew Saville to discuss the impact of the next U.S. President on the war in Ukraine. They explore President Zelensky’s ‘Victory Plan’ and its dependence on U.S. support, contrasting the candidates' approaches to aid. The conversation highlights concerns over declining U.S. assistance, Europe’s commitment, and how future U.S. leadership might shape the conflict's resolution.

Walter Marsh, a journalist and author of "Young Rupert: The Making of the Murdoch Empire," joins David Folkenflik, NPR's media correspondent and author of "Murdoch’s World," along with legal expert Reid Weisbord and economist Alice Enders. They delve into the intense family dynamics shaping the succession of Rupert Murdoch's media empire. Topics include the legal battles among Murdoch's children, Lachlan's potential dominance, and the impact of these conflicts on the future of media ownership and influence. Intrigue surrounds who might truly inherit this colossal legacy.

In this discussion, Hugh Lovatt, an expert on Middle East politics, joins Bilal Y Saab, Christopher Phillips, and Burcu Ozcelik to delve into the ongoing violence in the region and the complexities of peace negotiations. They explore the historical dynamics of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, the shifting role of international players, and the diminished influence of the U.S. as new actors like Saudi Arabia emerge. The conversation raises critical questions about who can successfully broker peace and what frameworks might be viable amidst escalating tensions.

Greece's Tourism Minister, Olga Kefalogianni, discusses innovative strategies to tackle overtourism. She reveals plans for cruise ship fees in hotspots like Mykonos and Santorini to mitigate environmental pressures. The conversation highlights a post-pandemic tourism boom and the need for sustainable solutions to balance economic benefits with local community welfare. Kefalogianni also explores ways to entice tourists away from overcrowded attractions, emphasizing the importance of promoting lesser-known destinations.

The podcast dives into the Taliban's strict enforcement of morality laws, especially targeting women's rights, amidst a deepening humanitarian crisis. It discusses the historical rise of the Taliban and their centralized control over Afghanistan, leading to severe public service impacts. The show highlights the harsh realities under their rule, including rising unemployment and the international community's diplomatic dilemmas as they navigate relations with unrecognized governance. The precarious situation of women, in particular, shows the complex interplay of rights, economics, and global response.

Germany's far-right party, Alternative for Germany (AfD), is making waves with its recent electoral victories, raising questions about its impact on the nation's political landscape. The podcast dives into the party's ambiguous stances on issues like immigration and the Ukraine war, revealing a potential normalization of radical views. It also reflects on historical perspectives of immigration in Germany, tracking changes from guest worker programs to current sentiments. As mainstream parties strategize to counter the AfD's influence, the debate on political legitimacy and voter trust heats up.

A recent court ruling highlights Google's legal battles over its monopolistic practices, raising questions about trust. The fascinating journey of Google from a small startup to a dominant search engine sheds light on their ethical challenges. Experts discuss the implications of antitrust laws, the company's advertising tactics, and the complexities of its search algorithms. The ethics of personalized results and the need for regulation are also debated, emphasizing the crucial impact of tech giants on information access.

The podcast dives into Hezbollah's dual identity as a military and political force in Lebanon. It explores how recent military escalations along the Israel-Lebanon border are influenced by the Gaza conflict. The relationship between Hezbollah and Palestinian dynamics is examined, emphasizing their mutual support and strategic ties. Additionally, the interaction between Hezbollah and Hamas is discussed, highlighting their opposition to Israel. Finally, the podcast analyzes Hezbollah's military objectives and its geopolitical connections, particularly with Iran.