The Inquiry

Tensions are rising in the Baltic Sea following suspicious damage to undersea cables, reportedly involving a Chinese vessel. Experts discuss NATO's role in protecting vital infrastructure against potential Russian aggression and hybrid threats. The strategic importance of the Baltic as a trade route is emphasized, alongside Estonia's security challenges. With increasing incidents of sabotage, the podcast delves into the vulnerabilities of critical assets and the complexities of responding to such 'grey zone' activities.

The dismissal of Germany's finance minister leads to a government crisis, revealing deep divides over spending. The podcast explores Germany's heavy reliance on exports and the urgency to pivot towards innovative business models amid global economic shifts. With challenges from rising energy costs and stagnation, experts discuss the importance of infrastructure investment and the role of emerging industries like AI. It also touches on the wellness industry's dark side, highlighting issues of manipulation and transparency.

Europe's car industry faces a critical juncture, grappling with plant closures and job losses amid fierce competition from China. The shift towards electric vehicles is accelerating, but many traditional manufacturers are struggling to adapt. As consumer expectations evolve, challenges such as rising production costs and geopolitical tensions with China loom large. To protect its market, the EU is imposing tariffs on Chinese electric cars, fueling concerns of a trade war. Meanwhile, the race to meet ambitious environmental goals adds further pressure to an already strained sector.

The podcast dives into the tumultuous history of Syria, starting from the 2011 protests and brutal crackdown that spiraled into civil war. It highlights the complex power landscape in northern Syria, where various factions vie for control. An unsettling resurgence of ISIS is taking place in the northeast, posing security challenges. The roles of international players, particularly the U.S. and Turkey, are examined amid the struggle for autonomy by Kurdish forces. Additionally, a stark contrast in economic conditions between the north and south reveals the dire humanitarian situation.

Boeing faces a daunting recovery after the 737 Max crashes and ongoing financial struggles. The company’s new CEO aims to shift focus back to engineering excellence. With a hefty $21 billion raised, challenges remain in production and regaining trust. The competitive landscape grows tougher with emerging rivals like Comac and Embraer. The aviation sector’s future hinges on Boeing's ability to innovate and prioritize safety while navigating regulatory scrutiny and internal culture shifts.

YouTube has taken the lead in U.S. TV viewership, surpassing giants like Disney and Netflix. The platform's growth highlights a shift in viewing habits, especially among younger audiences. With innovative ad strategies and user-generated content, YouTube dominates the media landscape but faces regulatory challenges. The competition with traditional TV intensifies as platforms like TikTok rise. The discussion unpacks how YouTube’s unique approach is reshaping media and advertising, leaving conventional channels scrambling for relevance.

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.