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 22, 2023 • 20min
The Saudi Project, Part One: The Birth of a Nation
In this engaging discussion, Madawi Al-Rasheed, a social anthropology professor at LSE and author of 'Salman's Legacy,' dives into the birth of Saudi Arabia. She reveals how the kingdom's rise was intricately linked to its oil wealth and religious dynamics. Al-Rasheed looks at the historical significance of oil in shaping global politics and discusses the country’s efforts to diversify its economy while tackling challenges like labor shortages. Additionally, she examines the complexities of Saudi-British relations amid evolving geopolitical landscapes.
Nov 20, 2023 • 37min
Mary Beard And Rory Stewart On Power And Politics, Part Two
Mary Beard, a renowned Classics Professor at Cambridge, delves into ancient power dynamics, particularly the roles of women in Roman politics, while Rory Stewart, a former diplomat and MP, shares insights from his tumultuous political career. They tackle the erosion of political integrity over time and discuss the amateurism prevalent in British governance. The conversation also highlights the contrast between historical leadership traits and today's sensationalism, revealing how ancient gender dynamics resonate with modern political narratives.
5 snips
Nov 19, 2023 • 41min
Mary Beard And Rory Stewart On Power And Politics, Part One
In this insightful discussion, Mary Beard, a renowned Cambridge classicist and author of 'Women & Power,' teams up with Rory Stewart, a former diplomat and author of 'Politics on the Edge.' They delve into the nature of power, comparing ancient Roman leadership with today's political landscape. The conversation touches on the limitations modern leaders face, the impact of bureaucracy, and the often contrasting realities of wielding power. They also explore the lessons from historical figures, examining themes of corruption and disillusionment in politics.
Nov 17, 2023 • 52min
How Jane Austen Changed My Life
Helen Fielding, creator of the Bridget Jones novels, shares how Jane Austen's work influenced her writing style. Gill Hornby, author of Miss Austen, reveals insights from Austen's life that shaped her fiction. Kalika Sands from Sotheby's explores the value of rare Austen manuscripts. The discussion navigates marriage versus spinsterhood in Austen's time, and how her characters, like Mrs. Bennet, reflect societal pressures. Together, they celebrate the timeless themes of love and female autonomy in Austen's novels, proving her relevance endures.
15 snips
Nov 15, 2023 • 47min
The Epic Reach of Homer's Iliad
Joining the discussion are Robin Lane Fox, an acclaimed classicist and author of 'Homer and His Iliad,' and Daisy Dunn, a classicist with a focus on women's roles in ancient history. They delve into the depths of Homer's 'Iliad,' emphasizing its emotional resonance and narrative brilliance. The conversation highlights the individual genius of Homer, the role of women in the text, and the complexities of translating this epic masterpiece. Their insights reveal the enduring influence of the Iliad on literature and the human experience.
Nov 13, 2023 • 36min
The Identity Trap of Modern Politics
Yascha Mounk, a political scientist and author of 'The Identity Trap', engages in a thought-provoking conversation with Tomiwa Owolade, writer and author of 'This is Not America'. They delve into the complexities of group identity in modern politics, questioning its overshadowing of pressing global issues. Mounk critiques the ideological pitfalls of identity politics on the left, discusses generational shifts in perceptions, and the consequences of social media on societal narratives. They also confront the erosion of trust in institutions, examining its broader implications.
Nov 12, 2023 • 33min
Monsters and Masterpieces: Art in the Age of #MeToo
Claire Dederer, an insightful author and critic, delves into the messy intersection of art and morality. She examines whether we can still enjoy the works of artists who have committed serious misdeeds, igniting a conversation about the implications of cancel culture. Dederer reflects on the emotional complexity of these dilemmas and the need for future generations to confront the histories of controversial figures. With host Lisa Taddeo, they explore how the #MeToo movement reshapes our understanding of artistic value versus personal actions.
Nov 10, 2023 • 43min
Tides of Transformation: Regulating Oil
Gisa Weszkalnys, an economic anthropologist, discusses the complexities of oil sector economics. Andy Samuel, former Chief Executive of the North Sea Transition Authority, dives into oil licensing and regulation, reflecting on recent decisions like the Rosebank development. Catherine Howarth, CEO of ShareAction, shares insights on responsible investment and the oil industry's impact on climate change. Together, they explore the balance between economic recovery through fossil fuels and the urgent need for climate action, emphasizing the importance of environmental responsibility.
Nov 8, 2023 • 31min
Power Trip, Part Five: AI and the Future of Humanity
In the concluding installment, experts dive into the implications of AI on humanity's future amidst fears of a dystopian reality. The complex relationship between AI and consciousness is explored, questioning what it means to truly understand. Discussions highlight the differences between intelligence and consciousness, delving into the nuances of artificial general intelligence. There's a critical look at the concentration of power in the AI sector, evaluating how major corporations dominate the landscape and the inherent risks and transformations that come with the AI revolution.
5 snips
Nov 6, 2023 • 50min
The Psychosis of Whiteness
Femi Oyebode, a psychiatrist, broadcaster, and author, joins academic and activist Kehinde Andrews, a Professor of Black Studies known for his critical works on racial issues. They delve into the concept of 'the psychosis of whiteness,' discussing how societal delusions around race and identity persist. The conversation explores the effects of colonialism, the complexities of identity within African and Caribbean communities, and critiques historical representations in film. The duo advocates for profound systemic change to address deeply rooted inequalities.
