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
Jan 20, 2023 • 58min
The Future of Ukraine and How Middle Powers are Reshaping the World
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.
9 snips
Jan 18, 2023 • 1h 1min
Resetting the Conversation on Race, with Coleman Hughes and Kenan Malik
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.
Jan 16, 2023 • 43min
Do We Have More than Five Senses?
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.
Jan 15, 2023 • 1h
The Sunday Debate: Revere or Remove? The Battle Over Statues, Heritage and History
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.
Jan 13, 2023 • 43min
The Futureverse – Redefining Legacy: How to Be a Great Ancestor, with Rory Stewart
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.
Jan 11, 2023 • 43min
The Heir and the Spare: Prince Harry Takes Aim at the Royal Family
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.
Jan 9, 2023 • 56min
The Economy in 2023: Where Do We Go From Here?
Jonathan Portes, an economist and professor at King's College London, and Victoria Scholar, Head of Investment at Interactive Investor, delve into the UK economy's outlook for 2023. They discuss the lasting effects of Russia's war on Ukraine and the implications of inflation and Brexit. Their conversation covers public sector pay dynamics, the impact of interest rate hikes, and how geopolitical tensions could hinder economic growth. They also explore potential opportunities in sectors like AI and green technology amidst these challenges.
7 snips
Jan 8, 2023 • 47min
The Sunday Debate: How much wealth should parents pass down?
Peter Singer, a prominent utilitarian philosopher, advocates for minimal inheritance, encouraging the wealthy to donate to the global poor. Julia Davies, an angel investor and environmental lawyer, argues for a wealth tax, emphasizing that the decision of the rich to distribute wealth shouldn't solely rely on personal preference. Adrian Wooldridge, a global economist, counters that wealthy individuals can positively impact society. They explore the ethics of wealth transfer, the societal implications of inheritance, and the urgency for equitable solutions.
Jan 6, 2023 • 52min
The Powerful Women Who Made History
Simon Sebag Montefiore, a prize-winning historian, and Kate Mosse, an award-winning novelist, dive into the overlooked tales of powerful women throughout history. They discuss how figures like Cleopatra and Boudica have shaped narratives while often being overshadowed by men. The conversation highlights the importance of re-evaluating history to include women's contributions and challenges traditional power dynamics. With humor and insight, they inspire a deeper appreciation for the impact of female warriors and leaders in shaping our world.
Jan 4, 2023 • 57min
The Bewildering Magic of the Narwhal, the Greenland Shark, and the Golden Mole
Discover the magic of narwhals, often dubbed the unicorns of the sea, and their extraordinary tusks. Dive deep into the life of the Greenland shark, which can live for over 500 years. Learn about the iridescent golden mole, a remarkable creature with mysterious abilities. The conversation highlights the fragility of our natural world while intertwining cultural myths and contemporary conservation challenges. Explore the unique narratives that connect humans to wildlife, showcasing a blend of hope, curiosity, and ecological awareness.
