Intelligence Squared

Jancis Robinson, an award-winning wine writer and the first non-trade Master of Wine, teams up with Oz Clarke, the former World Wine Tasting Champion, for an enticing debate on Old World versus New World wines. They share humorous tales of their first wine experiences and discuss how tradition meets modern innovation in the industry. The conversation tackles sustainability in wine production, the evolution of wine philosophies, and the significance of vine age while participants enjoy curated wine tastings from both worlds.

James Bennet, Opinion Editor at The New York Times, leads the innovative Privacy Project. Joined by tech journalist Jamie Bartlett, they dive into the complexities of privacy in our surveillance-laden world. They discuss the tension between individual privacy and societal security, the ethical dilemmas of data collection, and the trade-offs we face in an increasingly monitored landscape. The duo also examines the impact of quantum computing on encryption and the importance of adapting public policies to protect privacy in the digital age.

Samantha Power, former U.S. Ambassador to the UN and author of "The Education of an Idealist," shares insights from her diplomatic journey, reflecting on childhood challenges and advocacy for marginalized voices. She discusses the complexities of international intervention, the impact of U.S. military actions in Syria, and the chaos of Trump's foreign policy on global relations. Through personal anecdotes and historical context, Power emphasizes the need for nuanced foreign policy and the importance of women's leadership and solidarity in times of crisis.

In a thought-provoking discussion, political scientist Dominique Moïsi and professor Richard Sakwa argue for a geopolitical rapprochement with Putin, citing Europe's need for stability and cooperation against threats like ISIS. In contrast, financier Bill Browder warns of the dangers posed by Putin's regime, highlighting its history of aggression and corruption. The conversation reveals the complexities of Western-Russian relations and questions the viability of engaging with a leader known for violent suppression and disinformation tactics.

As 2019 comes to a close, the Intelligence Squared team look back at some of their highlights from the year, both on the Intelligence Squared stage and on the podcast. They feature clips from big in conversation events with the likes of Thomas Friedman and Salman Rushdie to debating whether the West should cut ties with Saudi Arabia, to cultural events exploring letters that changed the world. Join us for this holiday special and let us know what you think by rating and reviewing us on Apple Podcasts. We are particularly keen to know what your highlights of Intelligence Squared in 2019 have been - and what you would be interested in us covering in 2020. Happy holidays from the Intelligence Squared team!Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/intelligencesquared.See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This episode features an interview from How I Found My Voice, another podcast by Intelligence Squared. Presented by the prominent BBC journalist Samira Ahmed, the podcast explores how some of the world's greatest artists and thinkers became such compelling – and unique – communicators. In this episode Samira speaks to the Cambridge Analytica whistleblower, Chris Wylie, about data micro-targeting, leaking documents that led to the Facebook-Cambridge Analytica data scandal and the part he played in developing technologies that can help shape election results. Subscribe to How I Found My Voice and listen to more episodes here: https://bit.ly/2XpFPyM Season 2 of How I Found My Voice is proudly supported by THE OUT, innovative car rental powered by Jaguar Land Rover.Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/intelligencesquared.See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

John Maeda, a renowned thinker in technology and design, joins Ros Urwin to discuss the evolving language of the digital era. They explore the historical shift from human to machine computing and raise critical concerns about privacy and data ownership. The duo highlights the complexities of merging design with technology, the dual nature of innovations, and the pressing need for diversity in AI. Their engaging conversation touches on the responsibilities of tech leaders in shaping society's future.

Historian Andrew Roberts, known for his insights on wartime leadership, joins Jeremy Paxman to dissect what makes a great leader during conflict. They explore the moral complexities faced by figures like Churchill and Stalin, revealing that strong leadership can wear both good and evil masks. The conversation covers gender dynamics in military leadership and the emotional stakes of wartime decisions, such as those during the Falklands War. Roberts also reflects on the dangers of charismatic leaders clinging to power, using Thatcher and Churchill as cautionary tales.

Ken Clarke, a veteran Conservative MP known for his pragmatic approach, shares candid reflections on his 49 years in politics. He delves into the complexities of Brexit, advocating for a pragmatic stance while critiquing current strategies. The conversation touches on the challenges of political identity and the distrust in politicians spurred by social media. Clarke also discusses voter dynamics and the implications of the first-past-the-post system on governance, all while pondering his legacy with a mix of humor and insight.

In a thought-provoking discussion, Yanis Varoufakis, the former Greek finance minister, and Brian Eno, music producer and activist, delve into the urgent need for radical change in our socio-economic systems. They explore how traditional economic models fail to address inequalities, stressing collective creativity over individualism. The conversation touches on AI's impact on jobs, climate change, and the push for grassroots activism to reclaim democracy. They also highlight movements like BDS and Extinction Rebellion as vital catalysts for societal transformation.