James Orr

Ayaan Hirsi Ali, a former atheist turned Christian and a prominent human rights activist, engages in a captivating conversation with Dr. James Orr from Cambridge University. They discuss her surprising conversion and its implications for a new generation. Hirsi Ali addresses radicalization in universities and critiques the culture of conformity prevalent in elite academic institutions. She also explores the nurturing aspects of Christianity compared to Islam and the challenges of identity amidst cultural shifts. Insights from young converts add depth to this fascinating dialogue on faith.

Join James Orr, a philosopher from Cambridge, alongside David Butterfield, a Latin professor, and Harvard's Renaissance historian James Hankins. They delve into what ignites a cultural Renaissance, examining the significance of literature, music, and architecture. Joseph Conlon advocates for the power of language learning, while Gregg Hurwitz emphasizes literature's broader resonance beyond academia. The conversation weaves in thoughts from various thinkers on how communal experiences and beauty in our surroundings can foster renewal and inspire future generations.

Anne McElvoy, an executive editor at Politico, joins a panel that includes Ash Sarkar, a journalist from Navara Media, and Mariana Mazzucato, an economist from UCL. They dive into the moral implications of free trade amidst global economic tensions. Topics include the ethical dilemmas of tariffs set by Trump, the adverse impact on American workers, and wealth inequality. The discussion highlights the chasm between economic metrics and everyday realities, questioning how trade policies can be both a source of poverty alleviation and a mechanism of exploitation.