The Intelligence: Antisemitism and freedom of speech
Dec 12, 2023
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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.
The rise in anti-Semitic incidents on U.S. campuses highlights the challenge of balancing freedom of speech and addressing anti-Semitism.
Offshoring asylum claims to third countries presents legal complexities and challenges, although governments are exploring this option to alleviate the burden of asylum claims.
Deep dives
Rising anti-Semitism on U.S. campuses triggers congressional action
The outbreak of war in Gaza has led to a rise in anti-Semitic incidents globally, including on U.S. campuses. Congressional leaders held a hearing to address the issue, questioning university presidents about the rise in anti-Semitism and codes of conduct. The presidents' responses, aligned with university codes and First Amendment rights, were deemed inadequate and caused embarrassment. Political pressure and threats of donor withdrawal led to the resignation of one university president. The issue highlights the challenge of balancing freedom of speech and addressing anti-Semitism on campuses.
The challenges of offshoring asylum claims
Amid a surge in asylum claims, governments are exploring offshoring asylum claims to third countries as a way to alleviate the burden. However, international laws, including the Refugee Convention of 1951, present legal complexities. Countries like Australia have experimented with offshoring, but faced financial costs and abuse allegations. Italy has struck a deal with Albania to process asylum claims, but challenges remain. Similarly, Britain's attempt to offload asylum seekers to Rwanda has faced legal hurdles and criticism. Offshoring asylum claims continues to be a politically and legally challenging endeavor.
The shift away from conventional cars and the rise of alternative transportation
The era of conventional cars, especially petrol-powered vehicles, is coming to an end. The rise of electric cars, self-driving cars, and new forms of public transport like e-bikes and scooters are changing how people get around. Books like 'Streets' by Samwoye Schwartz and 'Karma Geddon' by Daniel Knowles argue for the transformation of cities towards car-free urban centers. Peter D. Norton's 'Fighting Traffic' explores the history and challenges of the automobile's dominance, while Peter Walker's 'How Cycling Can Save the World' advocates for cycling as an efficient and environmentally-friendly means of transport. These books shed light on new mobility alternatives and why the decline of the car era can be positive.
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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