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
Sep 22, 2020 • 51min
China's Good War, with Rana Mitter and Gideon Rachman
Rana Mitter, a modern Chinese history expert and author of *China's Good War*, engages in a deep dive into China's evolving narrative of World War II. He discusses how reassessing this conflict fuels nationalism and reflects the country's rising global confidence. Mitter highlights the role of historical memories in shaping contemporary Chinese identity, the impact of WWII on current foreign policy, and the cultural residues that continue to resonate in modern China, challenging the simplistic views often held in the West.
Sep 18, 2020 • 55min
A Secret History of Stars, with Jo Marchant and Helen Czerski
Jo Marchant, an award-winning science journalist and author, joins Helen Czerski to explore humanity's deep bond with the cosmos. They discuss how the stars have shaped our beliefs, power structures, and even biology. The conversation highlights the emotional impacts of stargazing and the significance of ancient astronomical beliefs. They delve into awe deprivation in modern society and advocate for reconnecting with nature to foster creativity and compassion. The podcast emphasizes a holistic view of science, merging emotional ties with scientific discovery.
Sep 15, 2020 • 49min
The Spies Fighting Communism During the Cold War, with Scott Anderson and Hugo Lindgren
Scott Anderson, a veteran foreign correspondent and author of 'The Quiet Americans', joins journalist Hugo Lindgren to delve into the shadows of Cold War espionage. They explore the U.S. intelligence apparatus's evolution from WWII, revealing moral dilemmas and ethical complexities faced by spies. The role of the CIA as a scapegoat in controversial operations is highlighted, alongside discussions on McCarthyism and modern threats from Russia. They also touch on the absurdities of espionage reflected in literature, blending humor with serious insights.
Sep 11, 2020 • 40min
Journeys to Freedom After the Holocaust, with Rosie Whitehouse and Edward Lucas
Rosie Whitehouse, author of "The People on the Beach," and Edward Lucas, Times columnist, explore the forgotten journeys of Holocaust survivors in 1946. They discuss the dramatic escape of over 1,000 Jewish refugees boarding a secret ship to Palestine, raising awareness of their resilience. The conversation highlights the emotional battles faced by survivors in displaced persons camps and the complexities of identity and memory in post-Holocaust Europe. With gripping personal narratives, they emphasize the need to honor these overlooked stories and their lasting impact.
Sep 8, 2020 • 57min
Clive, Capitalism and The East India Company, with William Dalrymple and Kavita Puri
William Dalrymple, an acclaimed historian and author of 'The Anarchy', joins broadcaster Kavita Puri to uncover the sinister legacy of the East India Company. They discuss how this private corporation, rather than the British government, orchestrated the exploitation of India. Dalrymple sheds light on the parallels between historical corporate power and today's landscape, emphasizing the relevance of understanding colonialism's impact on modern governance. The pair also tackle the controversial legacy of Robert Clive and the ongoing debates about historical memory.
Sep 4, 2020 • 58min
Taming Covid and Preventing the Next Pandemic, with Mark Honigsbaum and Sir David King
Mark Honigsbaum, a medical historian and author of "The Pandemic Century," joins Sir David King, former Chief Scientific Advisor to the UK Government, to discuss lessons learned from COVID-19. They explore global responses to pandemics, comparing COVID-19 with past outbreaks like SARS and Ebola. Honigsbaum and King stress the importance of rigorous vaccine testing to maintain public trust and advocate for robust healthcare strategies to prevent future crises. Their insights emphasize the need for global collaboration and historical awareness in pandemic preparedness.
Sep 1, 2020 • 41min
Power, Control and Domestic Abuse, with Jess Hill and Ros Urwin
Jess Hill, an award-winning author and investigative journalist renowned for her work on domestic abuse, joins journalist Rosamund Urwin for a compelling discussion. They challenge the narrative surrounding domestic violence, urging society to focus on the abusers rather than the victims. Hill shares innovative solutions like women-only police stations in Latin America and advocates for systemic reforms in law enforcement. The conversation addresses the complexities of coercive control and the urgent need for societal change to protect victims.
Aug 29, 2020 • 43min
BONUS EPISODE: Shinzo Abe's Life and Legacy
Explore the fascinating journey of Shinzo Abe, Japan's longest-serving Prime Minister. Discover his rise to power, the weight of scandals, and his remarkable comeback. Delve into Abenomics and its impact on Japan's economy. Learn about his diplomatic balancing act with the U.S., China, and South Korea during tumultuous times. The podcast also examines his legacy through the lens of the postponed Tokyo Olympics and his vision for Japan's future in a global landscape.
Aug 28, 2020 • 1h
Rutger Bregman on Human Kindness in a Frightened World with Helen Lewis
Rutger Bregman, a Dutch historian and bestselling author, joins journalist Helen Lewis to challenge the notion that humans are inherently selfish. They delve into the evolutionary basis for kindness and cooperation, discussing famous studies and reframing our understanding of history. The conversation covers the dynamics of kindness versus compliance, critiques on social psychology experiments, and the importance of storytelling in governance. Bregman's optimistic perspective invites listeners to reconsider the complexities of human nature and the potential for collective progress.
Aug 25, 2020 • 42min
Dark Money and Dirty Politics, with Peter Geoghegan and Nick Cohen
Peter Geoghegan, Investigations Editor at Open Democracy and author of 'Democracy for Sale: Dark Money and Dirty Politics', joins Nick Cohen, Observer columnist, to tackle the troubling issue of dark money in politics. They delve into how secretive funding undermines democracy, spotlighting the influence of Russian meddling in Brexit and outdated regulations. The duo discusses the urgent need for reforms to enhance transparency and accountability, and explores the implications of union funding on political dynamics in the UK. It's a captivating look at the intersection of money and politics.
