Intelligence Squared

Vivian Yee, Cairo Bureau Chief for The New York Times, and Gregg Carlstrom, Middle East correspondent for The Economist, delve into Egypt's severe economic crisis. They discuss how the Egyptian pound's historic drop and soaring inflation are affecting everyday life, turning essentials into luxuries. The conversation highlights the role of the military in the economy, the impact of global events like Ukraine’s war, and the skepticism surrounding the IMF's interventions. Will President El-Sisi find a viable solution, or is unrest looming on the horizon?

Paul Lewis, a seasoned journalist and author famed for his expertise on personal finance from BBC Radio 4's Money Box, shares invaluable insights on navigating today’s financial landscape. He discusses effective debt management, the pros and cons of Buy Now, Pay Later services, and highlights the importance of financial literacy for the youth. Paul also emphasizes strategies for requesting pay raises and sheds light on the often-misunderstood world of cryptocurrency and smart meters, offering practical advice to empower listeners in managing their finances.

Rina Raphael, a health and wellness journalist and author of "The Gospel of Wellness," explores the dark side of the $4.4 trillion wellness industry. She highlights how misleading claims target women, pushing them into a cycle of sacrifice in pursuit of an ideal self. Raphael discusses the psychological impact of wellness consumerism and the need for a shift towards authentic, evidence-based solutions. The conversation touches on food label deception, the societal pressures on women's health, and the importance of community in achieving genuine wellbeing.

Massimo Faggioli, a Professor of Theology at Villanova University, joins writer Mathew Walther to discuss the complex legacy of Pope Benedict XVI. They delve into Benedict's groundbreaking resignation in 2013 and its reverberations in the Catholic Church, exploring how his conservative views shaped modern religious leadership. The conversation also addresses his controversial handling of abuse scandals and the lasting impact of his papacy on 1.3 billion Catholics, highlighting ongoing debates about tradition versus modernity.

Ivan Krastev, a prominent political scientist and expert on geopolitics, joins journalist Philippa Thomas to dive into the intricate dynamics surrounding Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. They unravel how middle powers like Turkey, India, and Saudi Arabia are redefining their roles in global politics. Discussing Turkey’s mediation attempts and India’s strategic benefits from sanctions, the conversation emphasizes how these nations assert independence, challenging traditional alliances and reshaping the geopolitical landscape.

Kenan Malik, a British author and broadcaster, dives into the historical discourse of race in his new book, "Not So Black and White." Alongside Coleman Hughes, a prominent American writer and critic, they tackle the complex interplay of race and identity politics in the U.S. and U.K. They argue for a shift from identity-based narratives to a focus on socio-economic factors for true equality. The conversation also challenges the assumptions around political representation and highlights the significance of symbols like Juneteenth in understanding racial progress.

Join Ashley Ward, a Professor in Animal Behaviour at the University of Sydney and author of *Sensational: A New Story of Our Senses*, as he dives into the complexities of human and animal senses. He explores fascinating findings about how sounds can evoke strong emotions, why colors affect feelings, and the extraordinary vision of the mantis shrimp. Uncover insights into overlooked senses like balance and interoception, and discover how smell plays a crucial role in cultural connection and emotional well-being.

David Olusoga, an award-winning historian, discusses the legacy of controversial figures and the heated debate around their statues. Peter Frankopan emphasizes the need for educational contexts rather than public admiration for such monuments. Afua Hirsch meditates on cultural memory and the impact of these symbols on marginalized communities. Tiffany Jenkins adds insights on balancing historical context with social justice, exploring the complexities of preserving versus removing statues, and advocating for meaningful dialogue about our shared past.

Rory Stewart, President of GiveDirectly, has a rich background spanning military service, politics, and international development. In this engaging discussion, he delves into how direct cash transfers can revolutionize poverty alleviation, arguing that empowering the poor to make their own economic choices is more effective than traditional aid. Stewart also explores the profound implications of our legacy and the responsibility we hold to uplift future generations, emphasizing that meaningful actions today can have transformative effects on communities.

Joining the discussion are Robert Hardman, a royal expert and author of 'Queen of Our Times,' and David Aaronovitch, a columnist for The Times. They dive into the explosive revelations from Prince Harry's memoir, 'Spare,' uncovering his fraught relationship with the royal family and the intense media scrutiny he faced. The conversation delves into the cultural differences in how his honesty is received, the potential shift in the monarchy's public perception, and the long-standing tensions between duty and personal identity within royal life.