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
Nov 25, 2024 • 56min
Ayaan Hirsi Ali On Her Fight to Save the West
Ayaan Hirsi Ali, a Somali-born writer and activist, discusses her transformative journey from a fierce critic of Islam to embracing Christianity, arguing it as a means to preserve Western values. She reflects on personal experiences, including escaping an arranged marriage and facing death threats as a former MP. The conversation dives into the complexities of faith, cultural identity post-9/11, and the urgent need to remoralize society amid rising extremism, emphasizing the importance of women's safety and the preservation of foundational values.
21 snips
Nov 24, 2024 • 59min
How Crowd Psychology Made the Modern World, with Dan Hancox
Dan Hancox, a journalist and author of the book *Multitudes*, discusses the often misunderstood nature of crowd psychology. He challenges the notion that peaceful crowds are just a step away from violence. Hancox explains the role of crowds in societal movements and democracy, delves into historical crowd behavior theories, and analyzes how modern policing strategies have evolved. Joined by Adam McCauley, they explore the complexities of individual identity in crowds, emphasizing the potential for positive social change while also examining the dangers of manipulation.
Nov 22, 2024 • 39min
Thomas Friedman on the Future of America and the World: The Post-Election Dissection, Part Two
Thomas Friedman, a Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist and New York Times columnist, discusses the shifting landscape of American influence in global affairs post-2024 election. He delves into Trump's ambitious foreign policy, including plans for Ukraine and Israel, questioning their potential to stabilize or exacerbate tensions. Friedman also examines the complexities of U.S.-China relations and calls for renewed commitment to a two-state solution in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, emphasizing the importance of U.S. leadership amid rising global conflicts.
Nov 20, 2024 • 38min
Thomas Friedman on the Future of America and the World: The Post-Election Dissection, Part One
Thomas Friedman, a Pulitzer Prize-winning author and New York Times columnist, delves into the implications of Donald Trump's election victory. He discusses how Trump's bold promises could either stabilize or heighten global tensions, especially regarding Ukraine and China. The conversation also critiques the media's portrayal of US politics versus international issues, along with the evolving role of journalism in today's society. Furthermore, Friedman explores the challenges of AI and the need for innovative solutions to navigate the complex 'poly crises' the world faces.
4 snips
Nov 18, 2024 • 49min
Sotheby's Talks – Radical Modernity: From Bloomsbury to Charleston, with Kim Jones and Darren Clarke
Kim Jones, Artistic Director of Dior Homme and Vice President of Charleston, shares his passion for the Bloomsbury Group and collecting modern art. Darren Clarke, Head of Collections at Charleston, provides rich historical insights into this vibrant art community. Jen Hardie from Sotheby’s illuminates the Omega Workshops and the group’s artistic impact. Together, they explore the enduring legacy of figures like Vanessa Bell and Duncan Grant, connecting their creative expressions to contemporary cultural conversations.
24 snips
Nov 17, 2024 • 47min
Trump, Podcasters and the New Age of Confusion, with Jamie Bartlett
Join author and journalist Jamie Bartlett, known for his insightful works on tech and politics, as he dives into the transformative impact of podcasts and social media on public discourse. He explores how Donald Trump capitalized on engagement algorithms to shape political narratives. Bartlett highlights the rise of citizen journalism and the challenges it poses to traditional media. He discusses the emotional influence of unedited media on democracy and emphasizes the need for improved information literacy in today’s evolving digital landscape.
8 snips
Nov 15, 2024 • 38min
Tim Marshall on the Power of Geography, Part Two
Tim Marshall, a global affairs journalist and bestselling author, teams up with Helen Czerski, a renowned science communicator and physicist, to delve into the intricate relationship between geography and global politics. They discuss how geography shapes geopolitical conflicts, highlighting Russia's ambitions regarding Crimea and the strategic importance of regions like Taiwan. The conversation emphasizes the critical role of historical context in understanding current tensions and the influence of geographic factors on international relations and decision-making.
36 snips
Nov 13, 2024 • 46min
Tim Marshall on the Power of Geography, Part One
Tim Marshall, a bestselling author and journalist, dives into the intricate relationship between geography and geopolitics. He argues that geography is key to understanding global conflicts, using examples like Russia's ambitions in Crimea. Joined by Helen Czerski, they discuss how geographical context shapes national identity and political divisions. Marshall also highlights the continued relevance of geography in a tech-driven age and examines the historical significance of regions like Poland amidst ongoing geopolitical tensions.
Nov 11, 2024 • 42min
Oleksandr Zinchenko on Football, Ukraine and Achieving Greatness, Part Two
Oleksandr Zinchenko, a Premier League star for Arsenal and former Manchester City player, shares his inspiring journey from amateur football in Ukraine to elite success. He discusses the unique coaching styles of Pep Guardiola and Mikel Arteta and the camaraderie within the Arsenal team. Zinchenko opens up about the impact of the war in Ukraine on his life and career, reflecting on resilience and hope while using his platform to support his homeland. His personal anecdotes highlight the sacrifices athletes make and the intersection of football and social activism.
Nov 10, 2024 • 40min
Oleksandr Zinchenko on Football, Ukraine and Achieving Greatness, Part One
Premier League footballer Oleksandr Zinchenko, known for his stints at Arsenal and Manchester City, shares his incredible journey from Ukraine to football superstardom. He reveals the challenges he faced while starting his career and the personal drive that led him to success. Zinchenko discusses his advocacy for Ukraine during the war, using his platform to raise awareness and funds. He also offers insights into the coaching methods of Pep Guardiola and Mikel Arteta and reflects on the emotional significance of his transition to Arsenal.
