Intelligence Squared

In this captivating discussion, George Gordon, Deputy Chairman at Sotheby’s Europe and an expert in Old Master Paintings, shares the thrilling tale of Rubens’ The Massacre of the Innocents, a masterpiece lost for 250 years. He details the intense emotion captured in the artwork and the extensive journey of its rediscovery and attribution. Gordon also highlights the painting's significance in art history and its record-breaking sale, alongside intriguing insights into Rubens' evolution as an artist.

Joey D'Urso, journalist and author of 'More Than A Shirt,' dives deep into the symbolism of football shirts as reflections of global politics and power. He shares fascinating insights from his travels, revealing how these jerseys represent cultural identity and geopolitical connections, like the Schalke-Gazprom sponsorship. The discussion also touches on the complex intersection of football, crime, and gambling, alongside the rise of women's football as a symbol of change. D'Urso emphasizes football's unique ability to drive social movements and unite communities.

Tim Marshall, an acclaimed author on foreign affairs and the mind behind hits like 'Prisoners of Geography', dives into how geography shapes global politics. He discusses the strategic importance of Greenland amidst the U.S.-Russia tensions and reveals why China's ambitions to invade Taiwan face major geographical challenges. The conversation also touches on the geopolitics of space exploration and the implications for international relations, alongside Europe's defense identity post-Brexit. Marshall's insights offer a fresh lens on the world's pressing issues.

Philip Coggan, an award-winning financial journalist and economist, illuminates the repercussions of Trump’s trade policies on the global economy. He draws parallels with Churchill’s economic decisions, warning of the erosion of a global economic order. Coggan critiques the flawed rationale behind tariffs, emphasizing their burden on consumers and economic instability. The discussion explores the complexities of U.S.-China relations, income inequality, and the potential future of the American economy in a world of shifting alliances.

On June 7th 1907, a ship packed with Russian Jews sets sail not to Jerusalem or New York, as many on board have dreamt, but to Texas. The man who persuades the passengers to go is David Jochelmann, Rachel Cockerell's great-grandfather. It marks the beginning of the Galveston Movement, a forgotten moment in history when 10,000 Jews fled to Texas in the lead-up to WWI. In today's episode historian and author Rachel Cockerell tells this fascinating story in conversation with James McAuley, journalist and Global Opinions contributing columnist at the Washington Post. If you'd like to become a Member and get access to all our full ad free conversations, plus all of our Members-only content, just visit intelligencesquared.com/membership to find out more. For £4.99 per month you'll also receive: - Full-length and ad-free Intelligence Squared episodes, wherever you get your podcasts - Bonus Intelligence Squared podcasts, curated feeds and members exclusive series - 15% discount on livestreams and in-person tickets for all Intelligence Squared events  ...  Or Subscribe on Apple for £4.99: - Full-length and ad-free Intelligence Squared podcasts - Bonus Intelligence Squared podcasts, curated feeds and members exclusive series … Already a subscriber? Thank you for supporting our mission to foster honest debate and compelling conversations! Visit intelligencesquared.com to explore all your benefits including ad-free podcasts, exclusive bonus content and early access. … Subscribe to our newsletter here to hear about our latest events, discounts and much more. https://www.intelligencesquared.com/newsletter-signup/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this discussion, Deborah Baker, a Pulitzer Prize finalist and author of "Charlottesville: An American Story," shares her personal connection to the city where the Unite the Right rally erupted. She reveals the historical complexities of Charlottesville, including its ties to slavery and race, and the implications of the Confederate statue at its center. Baker also uncovers the failures of local authorities and highlights stories of those who sought to prevent violence. Through her insights, she encourages a deeper understanding of how these events reflect broader American narratives.

Frank Verstraete, a leading quantum physicist from Cambridge, and Céline Broeckaert, a talented science writer, tackle the baffling world of quantum physics. They discuss how classical concepts fall short in explaining this complex field. The duo emphasizes the need for creativity and collaboration in making quantum mechanics relatable to the general public. They explore the influence of revolutionary figures in science and advocate for a more engaging approach to education that inspires curiosity and inclusivity in understanding the wonders of the quantum realm.

Ben Chu, an economics journalist and author of 'Exile Economics', dives into the potential fallout of failing globalization. He explores whether nations can thrive independently or if that’s just an illusion. The discussion covers the resurgence of energy nationalism, the intricate ties between China and Western economies, and how recent crises have fueled the push for self-sufficiency. Chu also delves into the complexities of global supply chains and historical trends of autarky, highlighting the delicate balance between independence and interdependence.

Join historians John Charmley, Richard Evans, Glyn Stone, and Piers Brendan as they unpack the contentious legacy of Neville Chamberlain. They argue if his appeasement policy was a tragic misstep or a reasonable diplomatic strategy amidst the horrors of World War I memories. The debate dives into the Munich Agreement's implications, questioning whether alternatives might have changed history. With insights into public sentiment and military readiness, they present a compelling case to reconsider Chamberlain's decisions, challenging long-held historical narratives.

Michael Lewis, acclaimed author of bestselling titles like Moneyball and The Big Short, joins to discuss the often-unrecognized value of government workers. He shares compelling stories, such as a dedicated coal miner improving mine safety and an IRS agent tackling tax evasion with the flair of a crime thriller. The conversation also touches on the personal narratives behind bureaucratic reforms, the challenges in high-profile pardon negotiations, and the evolving nature of storytelling in sports amidst the changing landscape of governance.