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
11 snips
Dec 1, 2024 • 37min
David Baddiel on Family, Jewishness, and the Healing Power of Comedy, Part One
David Baddiel shares his journey through comedy and Jewish identity, detailing his family's Holocaust history and the healing power of laughter. He reflects on his mother's unconventional personality and her surprising passion for golf, blending humor with heartfelt memories. The conversation reveals the complexities of family dynamics and navigating loss while honoring loved ones. Baddiel's anecdotes provide a relatable exploration of how humor can transform our darkest experiences into something meaningful.
30 snips
Nov 29, 2024 • 27min
The World in 2025 with Peter Frankopan and Emily Maitlis: Making Sense of our Past, Present and Future (Part Two)
Peter Frankopan, an acclaimed historian and author of best-sellers like 'The Silk Roads,' joins award-winning journalist Emily Maitlis for a compelling discussion. They explore how historical context sheds light on today's global upheavals. Frankopan emphasizes the significance of understanding the past amidst rising autocracies and geopolitical shifts. The duo also delves into the transformative impact of AI and the complexities of Britain's historical narrative, linking lessons from history to contemporary political strategies and future challenges.
19 snips
Nov 27, 2024 • 32min
The World in 2025 with Peter Frankopan and Emily Maitlis: Making Sense of our Past, Present and Future (Part One)
Join acclaimed historian Peter Frankopan, a Professor of Global History at the University of Oxford, as he dives into pressing global issues alongside award-winning journalist Emily Maitlis. They explore the historical context of the Ukraine conflict and Britain's role in it. Discussion also covers the evolving nuclear rhetoric and its implications for public sentiment. Framing current geopolitics, they analyze the BRICS alliance and its challenge to Western dominance, illustrating how past events shape our understanding of the tumultuous future ahead.
Nov 25, 2024 • 54min
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 • 56min
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 • 36min
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 • 35min
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 • 46min
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 • 44min
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 • 35min
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.
