Intelligence Squared
Intelligence Squared
Intelligence Squared is the home of lively debate and deep-dive discussion. Follow Intelligence Squared wherever you get your podcasts and enjoy four regular episodes per week taking you to the heart of the issues that matter in the company of the world’s great minds. We’d love to hear your feedback and what you think we should talk about next, who we should have on and what our future debates should be. Send us an email or voice note with your thoughts to podcasts@intelligencesquared.com or Tweet us @intelligence2. And if you’d like to support our mission to foster honest debate and compelling conversations, as well as ad-free podcasts, exclusive bonus content, early access and much more, become a supporter of Intelligence Squared today. Just visit intelligencesquared.com/membership to find out more.
Episodes
Mentioned books
7 snips
Dec 17, 2025 • 42min
Everything Starts With Water
In this engaging discussion, Amaka Godfrey, Executive Director of International Programmes at WaterAid, shares her 25 years of experience transforming lives through access to clean water. She recounts how clean water keeps children in school and improves maternal healthcare. Amaka highlights water's critical role in empowering women and boosting local economies. The conversation addresses misconceptions surrounding water investment and the need for global cooperation to tackle water security. Hopeful for the future, Amaka envisions a world where everyone has access to safe water.
27 snips
Dec 15, 2025 • 35min
Putin, The Soviet Union and The Rise of Russian Imperialism, with Mikhail Zygar (Part Two)
Mikhail Zygar, a noted Russian journalist and dissident, explores the aftermath of the Soviet Union's collapse and its implications for modern Russia. He discusses how cynicism replaced belief in ideals post-communism, enabling Putin's rise by exploiting public disillusionment. Zygar emphasizes the generational divide in values among Russians, the symbolic power of Alexei Navalny, and the detrimental effects of disinformation on truth. He shares insights on plans to publish in Russia, emphasizing the importance of hope amid despair.
29 snips
Dec 14, 2025 • 34min
Putin, The Soviet Union and The Rise of Russian Imperialism, with Mikhail Zygar (Part One)
Mikhail Zygar, an exiled Russian journalist and author of The Dark Side of the Earth, examines the collapse of the Soviet Union and how it shaped modern Russia. He argues that the end of the USSR was not a final chapter but the beginning of a new narrative leading to Putin's rise. Zygar explores the decay of institutions, the influence of key figures like Emma Yazova during the 1991 coup, and the dangers of cynicism in politics. His insights challenge Western perceptions, suggesting that Russia's past holds significant lessons for today's political landscape.
14 snips
Dec 12, 2025 • 1h 28min
The Intelligence Squared Economic Outlook with Jeremy Hunt
Jeremy Hunt, UK’s former Chancellor of the Exchequer and author, shares his vision for economic renewal. He argues that the UK can still influence global issues and emphasizes the importance of technology as a growth engine. Hunt candidly reflects on his time stabilizing markets and the need for welfare reform to boost productivity. He advocates for a lighter regulatory approach, innovation, and the essential role of local governance in housing. With insights on migration and energy costs, he outlines a roadmap for the UK to thrive.
32 snips
Dec 12, 2025 • 34min
Rory Stewart on Trump, Nationalism and The Value of Rural Life (Part Two)
Rory Stewart is a former Conservative MP and author, known for his insights into rural life and politics. In a thought-provoking discussion, he examines the delicate balance between rural and urban communities while emphasizing that politics should prioritize values over mere delivery. Rory tackles the dangers of authoritarianism, drawing parallels with figures like Trump, and delves into the debate on Scottish independence with a call for democratic dialogue. He also touches on local governance and the potential for a more inclusive political system.
41 snips
Dec 10, 2025 • 35min
Rory Stewart on Trump, Nationalism and The Value of Rural Life (Part One)
Rory Stewart, a former British MP and author of 'Middleland: Dispatches from the Borders', shares insightful reflections on the disconnect between rural and urban politics. He discusses Cumbria's historical significance and its misunderstood identity within Britain. Stewart critiques Westminster's ignorance towards rural needs, emphasizing the importance of fair representation and acknowledging hidden economies. He advocates for electoral reform to counter the risks posed by first-past-the-post politics, all while navigating the complexities of local vs. national priorities.
40 snips
Dec 8, 2025 • 51min
Is Alex Karp the Philosopher of Silicon Valley? With Michael Steinberger
Michael Steinberger, a seasoned journalist and author of The Philosopher in the Valley, shares insights into Alex Karp, the unconventional CEO of Palantir. He unpacks Karp's unique leadership style and background, exploring how his anti-war activism shaped his vision. Steinberger discusses Palantir's controversial role in national security and the surveillance landscape, while also highlighting its contributions during the pandemic. The conversation dives into Karp's political evolution and his surprising support for Trump, shedding light on his complex worldview.
Dec 7, 2025 • 35min
The Courage to Lead, with Sanna Marin, Former Prime Minister of Finland (Part Two)
Sanna Marin, the groundbreaking former Prime Minister of Finland, shares her journey as a young leader navigating immense challenges like the COVID-19 pandemic and NATO accession. She recounts her experiences with media scrutiny, discussing the double standards faced by women politicians. Marin emphasizes the importance of collective action in tackling global issues and encourages young changemakers to embrace opportunities despite self-doubt. With a focus on the human side of politics, she advocates for increased representation of women in leadership roles to foster a more inclusive society.
Dec 5, 2025 • 34min
The Courage to Lead, with Sanna Marin, Former Prime Minister of Finland (Part One)
Sanna Marin, the former Prime Minister of Finland and world's youngest leader at 34, shares her journey through exceptional challenges. She reflects on confronting COVID-19, navigating the war in Ukraine, and the swift NATO accession. Marin opens up about the pressures of female leadership, addressing sexism, and her upbringing in a rainbow family, which fueled her commitment to equality. She emphasizes the importance of resilience and courage in leadership, offering insights from her new book, Hope in Action.
Dec 3, 2025 • 38min
Trump, Markets and The Greatest Crash in U.S. History, with Andrew Ross Sorkin (Part Two)
Join Andrew Ross Sorkin, a New York Times columnist and CNBC presenter, as he delves into the parallels between the 1929 crash and today's market. He discusses the dangers of inflated AI investments and the long-term value of infrastructure compared to tech manias. Sorkin draws insightful comparisons between historical figures and today's leaders, explores potential political fallout from a market crash, and warns against the risks of private equity valuations. Plus, he reflects on why nostalgia for the gold standard could lead to disaster.
