Tom Nuttall, a Senior Editor at The Economist, discusses the intense debate surrounding freedom of speech on American campuses amidst rising antisemitism following recent conflicts. Daniel Knowles, Midwest America correspondent and author, shares insights on the future of urban transportation, emphasizing a shift from cars to cycling as a sustainable alternative. The conversation touches on UK asylum policy challenges and the complexities of ensuring open dialogue in academic settings while preventing hate speech.
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Congressional Hearing on Campus Anti-Semitism
Three university presidents testified before Congress regarding anti-Semitism on campuses.
Their responses, aligned with free speech principles, missed the emotional context and sparked controversy.
insights INSIGHT
Fallout from the Hearing
One university president resigned after the hearing, while others faced backlash.
This incident highlights the tension between free speech and public perception in academia.
insights INSIGHT
Political Implications
The issue of campus anti-Semitism is a sensitive political issue, particularly during an election year.
Conservatives criticize universities for perceived bias against their views and inconsistent application of free speech rules.
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In 'How Cycling Can Save the World', Peter Walker presents a comprehensive case for the transformative power of cycling in addressing societal challenges such as urban congestion, environmental pollution, and public health. The book covers topics ranging from infrastructure and safety to economic benefits and advocacy, offering insights into how cycling can improve urban living. It is praised for its clarity and inspiration, making it a valuable read for policymakers and cycling enthusiasts alike.
No one at the wheel
Samuel I. Schwartz
In 'No One at the Wheel,' Samuel I. Schwartz delves into the transformative effects of autonomous vehicles on global transportation systems, cities, and workplaces. The book discusses the ethical dilemmas, job market disruptions, and privacy concerns associated with the widespread adoption of self-driving cars. Schwartz also examines how different regions might adopt this technology at varying paces due to cultural and historical differences.
Street smarts
Laurence A. Connors
Fighting Traffic
Peter D. Norton
Fighting Traffic by Peter D. Norton provides a detailed historical analysis of how the automobile became central to urban life in America. The book documents the concerted efforts by automobile manufacturers and enthusiasts to transform city streets into spaces dominated by cars, often at the expense of pedestrian rights and other forms of transportation. It explores the social and political dynamics that led to the car-centric culture prevalent in many American cities today.
Carmageddon
Daniel Knowles
Since the Hamas attacks and the ensuing war in Gaza, debate at America’s top academic institutions has turned sour. Now, the issue has reignited an age-old argument about freedom of speech on campuses. Today Britain’s parliament will vote on whether to send asylum seekers to Rwanda – they aren’t the only ones thinking about outsourcing responsibility (07:54). And books about the twilight of the automobile age (17:32)
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