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
10 snips
Nov 8, 2024 • 43min
John Gray on the US Election and a World After Liberalism, Part Two
John Gray, a renowned philosopher critiquing liberalism, teams up with Helen Thompson, a Cambridge political economy professor and author of 'Disorder: Hard Times in the 21st Century.' They delve into the shift from liberalism to populism and authoritarianism, sparked by significant political events like Trump's potential re-election. The discussion touches on the historical evolution of American politics, societal divisions, and the dangers of misinformation, all while pondering the future in a world increasingly wary of hyper-liberalism.
15 snips
Nov 6, 2024 • 37min
John Gray on the US Election and a World After Liberalism, Part One
John Gray, a renowned philosopher known for his critique of liberalism, joins Helen Thompson, a Cambridge professor and author of "Disorder: Hard Times in the 21st Century." They delve into the implications of Donald Trump's re-election for liberal democracy, discussing historical and modern views on tyranny and the risks of anarchy. Gray connects contemporary global conflicts to philosophical questions, while Thompson weighs in on the challenges of maintaining democratic ideals amidst rising authoritarianism.
Nov 4, 2024 • 51min
Jeremy Bowen: Making Sense of the Modern Middle East, Part Two
Join experts Sanam Vakil, a director at Chatham House specializing in Iranian policy, and historian James Barr, who authored key works on Middle Eastern geopolitics. They delve into the complexities of foreign interventions in the region and discuss the evolving roles of the U.S. and Russia. The conversation also reflects on the legacy of the Oslo Accords, missed opportunities in peace negotiations, and the implications of regional dynamics for Palestine's statehood. With tensions flaring, they explore the potential for a broader international approach to peace.
13 snips
Nov 3, 2024 • 45min
Jeremy Bowen: Making Sense of the Modern Middle East, Part One
In a captivating discussion, Jeremy Bowen, the BBC's International Editor and author, shares his insights on the escalating tensions in the Middle East following the October 7 attacks. He explores the historical complexities of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, highlighting the impact of key events like the Balfour Declaration. Bowen touches on the rise of Hamas and its implications for Palestinian politics, while emphasizing the enduring human desire for connection amidst conflict. His deep understanding sheds light on the region's troubled past and present.
Nov 1, 2024 • 39min
Lionel Barber and Zanny Minton Beddoes on the Story of the World’s Wildest Investor, Part Two
Lionel Barber, former Financial Times editor and author of "Gambling Man," joins Zanny Minton Beddoes, Editor-in-Chief of The Economist, to explore the wild journey of Masayoshi Son, the tech titan behind SoftBank. They discuss Son's audacious investments, including Alibaba, and his pivotal role in Silicon Valley's boom. The conversation navigates Son's unique strategies, his ambition to build an empire, and his compelling relationship with Steve Jobs, illuminating the intersection of technology and investment in a rapidly changing world.
Oct 30, 2024 • 39min
Lionel Barber and Zanny Minton Beddoes on the Story of the World’s Wildest Investor, Part One
Lionel Barber, former Financial Times editor and author, discusses his book about Masayoshi Son, the vision-driven giant behind SoftBank. Barber reveals how Son's bold investments, like Alibaba, transformed the tech landscape. They explore Son’s risk-taking philosophy and his journey from Japan to Silicon Valley success, highlighting the challenges he faced. Barber shares insights into the highs and lows of Son’s investment strategies, painting a vivid portrait of this enigmatic figure in modern finance.
Oct 28, 2024 • 43min
Grace Dent on the Joys of Comfort Eating, Part Two
Grace Dent, a beloved food writer and host of the Comfort Eating podcast, is joined by comedian Deborah Frances-White. They dive into the rich emotional ties we have with comfort foods, sharing hilarious anecdotes about celebrity snacks. The duo reflects on nostalgic recipes and the liberating joy of comfort eating, particularly pasta. They explore the sentimental value of simple dishes like tinned spaghetti, revealing how these meals anchor us in cherished childhood memories. Expect laughter and heartfelt stories about food, memory, and life.
Oct 26, 2024 • 40min
Grace Dent on the Joys of Comfort Eating, Part One
Grace Dent, one of the UK's beloved food writers and author of 'Comfort Eating', joins comedian Deborah Frances-White for a heartfelt chat. They dive into the nostalgia behind comfort foods and how they reflect cherished memories and personal identity. Grace shares touching stories about how food offers solace during times of grief, alongside reflections on the cultural significance of butter. They humorously tackle dieting dilemmas and societal pressures, ultimately celebrating the joyful embrace of indulgent eating as a vital part of life.
Oct 24, 2024 • 50min
An Evening with Gary Younge, Part Two
Gary Younge, a celebrated writer and broadcaster known for his insights into modern Black history, shares his unique perspectives alongside journalist Aniefiok Ekpoudom. They delve into pivotal moments from both the UK and US, examining the shifts in racial dynamics amidst political change. Younge reflects on grassroots movements' power, particularly the impact of Black Lives Matter. The conversation also touches on the complexities of race and gender in politics, alongside notable Caribbean leadership challenging global norms.
Oct 23, 2024 • 42min
An Evening with Gary Younge, Part One
Gary Younge, an award-winning journalist and professor of sociology, shares insights from his experiences covering significant events in Black history, like Mandela's election campaign and the rise of Black Lives Matter. In conversation with Aniefiok Ekpoudom, they explore the intricate relationship between journalism and activism, discussing how narratives shape social justice. Younge also reflects on the non-linear journey of racial progress in Britain, addressing both advancements and ongoing systemic challenges.
