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
Oct 13, 2020 • 44min
The Ideological Roots of 'Wokeness'. with Helen Pluckrose and Helen Joyce
Helen Pluckrose, Editor of Aero magazine and co-author of 'Cynical Theories,' dives deep into the ideological roots of modern social justice activism. She discusses the transformation of radical ideas from French postmodernism into today's 'wokeness,' highlighting concepts like knowledge as a social construct and the dangers of cancel culture. Alongside host Helen Joyce, they critique the detrimental impact of these beliefs on marginalized communities and the urgency of fostering balanced discourse in journalism and academia.
Oct 9, 2020 • 60min
Thomas Friedman and Robert Peston on the Final Days of the Presidential Race
In this engaging conversation, Thomas Friedman, a Pulitzer Prize-winning columnist for The New York Times, and Robert Peston, ITV's political editor, delve into the weighty implications of the upcoming U.S. presidential election. They discuss the tumultuous political landscape and the potential fallout from a contested election. The duo also explores Trump's impact on international relations and the effects of populism, as well as America's fractured politics. With a blend of sharp insights, they analyze what the future might hold for U.S.-China relations amidst these changes.
Oct 6, 2020 • 58min
Kim Jong Un and The Bomb: is North Korea Really a Threat?
Guests Ankit Panda, a nuclear policy expert, and Patricia Lewis, director of the International Security Program, dive into North Korea's nuclear ambitions and global implications. They discuss the historical evolution of its nuclear program and the failure of past international diplomacy. The complexities of negotiating with North Korea are explored, alongside Japan's security dilemmas and South Korea's fluctuating stance on peace initiatives. They also examine future challenges, contemplating the implications of North Korea's nuclear strategy on U.S. policy and international relations.
Oct 5, 2020 • 17min
BONUS: Clive Woodward on No Bullsh*t Leadership in partnership with Havas
Clive Woodward, a legendary rugby coach and the mastermind behind England's 2003 World Cup win, shares his invaluable leadership insights. He dives into the importance of relentless learning and cultivating a winning culture, drawing parallels between sports and business. Woodward emphasizes the significance of authenticity and trust, how collaborative empowerment drives team success, and his reflections on high-pressure moments in sports history. He also discusses the role of culture in fostering personal growth within teams, making leadership applicable to all.
27 snips
Oct 2, 2020 • 43min
Incels and the Men Radicalised to Hate Women, with Laura Bates and Sonia Sodha
In this engaging discussion, Laura Bates, the founder of The Everyday Sexism Project, teams up with columnist Sonia Sodha to delve into the dark world of incels and online misogyny. Bates reveals how vulnerable young boys are groomed and radicalized within toxic digital communities, and how algorithms on platforms like YouTube inadvertently promote hate. They explore the alarming rise of misogynistic ideologies, the normalization of violence against women, and the gaps in accountability from social media companies. This candid conversation sheds light on an urgent issue affecting society.
Sep 30, 2020 • 27min
How to Lead a Sustainable Business with Clover Hogan and Alannah Weston
Clover Hogan, a passionate 21-year-old climate activist and founder of Force of Nature, joins Alannah Weston, chairman of Selfridges Group, to discuss transforming eco-anxiety into action. They explore the importance of empowering youth in environmental activism and how businesses can build trust through authentic actions. The conversation highlights the need for inclusivity and intergenerational dialogue to address climate issues effectively. Clover's inspiring journey emphasizes collaboration as key to fostering a sustainable future.
Sep 29, 2020 • 44min
How Covid-19 Will Shape the Next Decade, with Philip Rowley and Carl Miller
In this engaging discussion, media futurist Philip Rowley, who specializes in predicting trends in culture and entertainment, joins host Carl Miller. They dive into how Covid-19 is reshaping the next decade, from the rise of remote working and video gaming to an evolving job market. The conversation also touches on the erosion of trust in institutions, the power of tech giants, and the tension between centralized and decentralized data governance. Rowley offers valuable insights on adapting to the future landscape amid growing privacy concerns.
Sep 25, 2020 • 1h 7min
Debate: Cancel Culture is Threatening Our Freedoms
Ayaan Hirsi Ali is an author and women's rights campaigner, while Julie Bindel is a feminist journalist known for her bold stances. They dive into a heated debate with singer-songwriter Billy Bragg and Black Studies professor Kehinde Andrews on the controversial implications of cancel culture. Topics include its potential to stifle free speech, the chilling effects on feminist voices, and how societal expectations differ based on race and gender. The discussion emphasizes the need for open dialogue and the complexities of accountability in today's digital age.
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.
