Intelligence Squared

Chris Anderson, Head of TED, shares insights from his new book, Infectious Generosity, highlighting how optimism can inspire real change. Alongside him, Jon Ronson, acclaimed writer and podcaster known for exploring internet culture, discusses the complexities of online behavior and empathy. They emphasize the power of generosity in fostering community bonds and navigating the challenges of cancel culture, balancing accountability with forgiveness. Their conversation is a compelling call to action for turning positive outlooks into meaningful societal contributions.

In a captivating discussion, Chris Anderson, Head of TED and author of "Infectious Generosity," joins writer and podcaster Jon Ronson. They dive into the transformative power of generosity in the digital age, revealing how a generous mindset can spark meaningful change. The pair also tackle the shift from optimism about the internet to growing disillusionment with social media's impact. They explore the concept of a generosity economy and the authentic connections forged through simple acts, emphasizing the potential of radical generosity in fostering community.

John Sweeney, a British investigative journalist known for confronting dictators, discusses the shocking death of Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny. He analyzes Vladimir Putin's tyrannical reign, marked by state-sponsored violence against dissenters. The conversation delves into Putin's enigmatic health and the potential implications for his leadership. Sweeney also reflects on the ongoing Ukraine conflict, shedding light on the challenges facing the Russian military and the broader effects on global politics.

In this insightful discussion, historian Hannah Dawson, an expert on feminist thought, is joined by literary critic Merve Emre. They explore the impressive six-century journey of feminist writing, from Christine de Pizan's visionary works to the empowering messages of lesser-known figures like Qiu Jin. The conversation dives into the complexities of curating feminist anthologies, challenges in the beauty industry, and the ongoing evolution of feminist theory. They advocate for inclusivity in literary representation and confront the dual burdens of activism and societal expectations on women.

Economics and data editor Ed Conway discusses six vital substances—sand, iron, salt, oil, copper, and lithium—that shape our world. He shares insights from his travels to copper mines and lithium pools, revealing their hidden stories. Conway emphasizes the importance of understanding these materials as we face climate change and energy crises. He also explores lithium's role in the electric vehicle market and its geopolitical implications, highlighting the competition for resources in a rapidly changing global landscape.

Sam Alvis, Director at Public First, tackles how green jobs can spark economic growth while ensuring climate security. Madeline McCreanor of ScottishPower discusses strategies to fill skills gaps in the green energy sector. Shaun Spiers, Executive Director at Green Alliance, emphasizes the importance of an inclusive green jobs movement. They explore the need for effective storytelling to attract talent, propose policies for lifelong training, and stress integrating green education in schools to prepare future generations for a sustainable workforce.

In this conversation, critically acclaimed novelist Helen Oyeyemi, known for her imaginative works like "Mr Fox" and "Gingerbread," discusses her latest book set in Prague, where the city itself becomes a narrator. She shares her journey from initial disdain to genuine affection for this vibrant city. Themes of love, addiction, and surreal storytelling intertwine with personal anecdotes that illuminate Prague’s quirky essence. Joining her is journalist Ruchira Sharma, who adds depth to the exploration of the emotional bonds between cities and their storytellers.

In this insightful conversation, sociologist Richard Sennett, renowned for his studies on urban life, teams up with Philip Collins, former chief speechwriter for Tony Blair. They explore the fascinating intersection of performance and politics, discussing how political rhetoric mirrors the arts. Sennett examines the limits of charisma, contrasting fleeting figures like Trump with more enduring leaders like Churchill. The duo also reflects on how personal identity and societal roles shape our daily performances, suggesting life itself is a theatrical stage.

Jonathan White, a Professor at the London School of Economics, and David Runciman from Cambridge University delve into the state of democracy today. They discuss how the fixation on upcoming elections clouds long-term political vision, warning that this threatens the very essence of democracy. The duo explores the need for sustained engagement in democratic processes to address global challenges like climate change. They also tackle the concept of 'losers' consent' in politics and the impact of an aging population on future democratic engagement.

Alastair Campbell, a renowned journalist and political strategist instrumental in New Labour's rise, teams up with Josh Glancy, editor at the Sunday Times, for a gripping discussion. They dissect the radicalization of the Tory party and Labour's approach to Gaza. Campbell assesses Keir Starmer's potential to reinvigorate Labour, drawing from his latest book. The conversation also explores the enduring impacts of Brexit, the pandemic, and immigration on British politics, underscoring the need for a transformative Labor government to meet public expectations.