Novara Media

William MacAskill, a prominent philosopher in the Effective Altruism movement, dives deep into the ethical landscape shaped by AI. He discusses the potential of AI to radically transform society by 2050, including energy capture and economic expansion. MacAskill warns about the risks of AI concentrating power and how it may challenge democratic systems. He emphasizes the importance of longtermism, arguing future generations deserve moral consideration. Finally, he offers practical advice for young people navigating an uncertain future.

Yanis Varoufakis, an economist and former Greek finance minister, dives into his memoir, *Raise Your Soul*, exploring the influential women in his family who shaped his political awakening. He discusses the detrimental effects of patriarchal structures, the legacy of colonialism on Greek diasporas, and the dangers of far-right overreach. Varoufakis critiques neoliberalism, drawing parallels between historical events and contemporary issues, while emphasizing the need for a collective ethical vision in politics and advocating for a feminist approach to liberation.

Myriam François, a broadcaster and journalist known for her insights on Islamophobia and geopolitics, discusses the rising anti-Muslim sentiment in Britain. She shares how a transformative trip to Palestine heightened her political awareness and critiques the UK's weak responses to far-right movements. François explores the complexities of whiteness, the intersections of race and capitalism, and the importance of multiculturalism in a diverse society. Their conversation delves into the challenges of unmaking racism and fostering solidarity across identities.

Explore the evolution of science fiction as a reflective lens on society and technology. Delight in discussions about Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein and H.G. Wells’ class allegories. Discover the impact of dystopian visions and the emerging cultural critiques in sci-fi. Unearth the complexities of influential figures like Arthur C. Clarke, Philip K. Dick, and Ursula K. Le Guin. The dive into post-apocalyptic narratives and contemporary anxieties adds depth, revealing how capitalism intertwines with the genre's utopian and dystopian themes.

Political journalist Tom McTague, author of Between The Waves, dives deep into the historical currents that sculpted Brexit. He explores how Enoch Powell's radicalization and the dissolution of empire redefined Britain's stance on Europe. McTague discusses the evolution of the Labour Party’s views, the influence of conservative intellectuals, and how Dominic Cummings’ strategies paved the way for Nigel Farage's rise. He also tackles the long-term effects of migration decisions on public trust and the current political landscape.

Explore the intriguing notion of treating the future as something to build rather than merely speculate upon. The hosts discuss how personal relationships shape political views on the future. They debate the effectiveness of 'emergency' rhetoric in motivating action and delve into contrasting climate futures propelled by both science and economic behaviors. From critiquing capitalism's grip on future planning to reflecting on the impact of nostalgia in politics, the conversation balances present well-being with aspirations for a collective future.

Josephine Quinn, a Professor of Ancient History at Cambridge University, dives into captivating discussions about the ancient world and its relevance today. She explores alternatives to democracy and the intriguing reasons behind the Bronze Age's disappearance of writing. The conversation highlights the benefits of teaching ancient languages to combat misinformation. Quinn also draws parallels between the Bronze Age Collapse and modern vulnerabilities, emphasizing resilience amid contemporary challenges. Plus, she reveals how oral traditions preserved knowledge in post-collapse societies.

Lea Ypi, a Professor of Political Theory at the London School of Economics and author of 'Indignity', dives into the complex history of migration and identity. She discusses how the collapse of the Ottoman Empire informs today’s migration discourse and critiques the scapegoating of Albanian communities in the UK. Ypi draws parallels between past and present far-right sentiments and tackles the role of class in migration policy. Her insights reveal the enduring impact of historical narratives on contemporary issues, urging a reevaluation of national identities.

In this discussion, Professor Jason Hickel, an expert on climate dynamics and author of 'Less is More', challenges the notion that endless economic growth is beneficial. He argues that clinging to GDP growth is driving humanity towards disaster. Hickel critiques green growth as merely a guise for capitalism and emphasizes the urgent need for degrowth to combat climate change. The conversation also touches on the geopolitical implications of capitalism, the role of state-led models like China's, and the call for a new economic framework focused on sustainability and social equity.

The discussion dives into the intriguing duality of gardens as both sanctuaries and enclosures, revealing their historical significance and personal impacts. Listeners explore the symbol of luxury represented by the pineapple and the frenzy of tulip mania, connecting these to societal changes. The hosts highlight gardening's therapeutic benefits, particularly within cultural traditions. Allotments emerge as both a right and a form of protest, while visions of gardens in socialist frameworks inspire thoughts about community and sustainability.