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
Oct 24, 2022 • 56min
War and Politics in the 21st Century, with Sir Lawrence Freedman
Sir Lawrence Freedman, an authority on military strategy and author of "Command: The Politics of Military Operations from Korea to Ukraine," speaks alongside Mark Galeotti, a modern Russia expert. They discuss the intertwining of military leadership and civilian priorities in conflicts from the Cuban Missile Crisis to Ukraine. The conversation reveals the evolution of warfare amid technological advancements and emphasizes the importance of strategy in governance. They shed light on the challenges of negotiation and the complex dynamics of modern military engagements.
Oct 23, 2022 • 1h
India at 75: Can Britain and India be friends?
Shashi Tharoor, an influential Indian politician and writer, joins Joe Johnson, a former British minister, to discuss the evolving friendship between Britain and India 75 years after independence. They dive into the lingering effects of colonialism, exploring how historical events like the Jallianwala Bagh massacre shape present-day relations. The duo also tackles contemporary challenges, including India's foreign policy amid the Ukraine conflict and the troubling rise of communal politics in the UK, raising vital questions about multiculturalism and collective memory.
Oct 21, 2022 • 33min
Party’s Over: Liz Truss’s Resignation, with Sonia Sodha and Sherelle Jacobs
Join Sonia Sodha, a columnist and author from The Guardian, and Sherelle Jacobs, a journalist at The Daily Telegraph, as they dissect the fallout from Liz Truss’s shocking resignation. They explore the chaotic political landscape following her short tenure, highlighting the economic chaos triggered by her policies. The discussion touches on the internal strife within the Conservative Party, prospects for a general election, and the unsettling possibility of Boris Johnson's return to leadership, all while reflecting on the future direction of UK politics.
Oct 19, 2022 • 38min
Food, Land and a Farming Revolution, with Sarah Langford
Sarah Langford, a barrister turned author, shares insights from her journey back to farming, highlighting the modern challenges farmers face, such as climate change and Brexit. She discusses her book 'Rooted,' revealing stories of a new wave of regenerative farmers embracing ecological practices. Joining her is Thomasina Miers, co-founder of Wahaca, who adds a culinary perspective on sustainability in food sourcing. Together, they explore the intersection of traditional farming and innovative practices, advocating for smarter, sustainable choices.
19 snips
Oct 17, 2022 • 41min
Unstoppable Us: How We Can Shape Humanity's Future, with Yuval Noah Harari – Part Two
In this engaging conversation, historian Yuval Noah Harari, author of Sapiens and Homo Deus, discusses his new children's book, Unstoppable Us. He explores how technology will shape humanity's future and asserts that we still hold the reins of our destiny amid global crises. Harari critiques the expected reset post-COVID-19 and examines the storytelling legacy that guides human learning. He also dives into the impact of pandemics on society and emphasizes the need for accountability in the face of technological manipulation and environmental challenges.
Oct 16, 2022 • 1h 29min
The Sunday Debate: Ian Fleming vs John le Carré
In a spirited debate, Anthony Horowitz, the author of the Alex Rider series and the official James Bond continuation novel, defends Ian Fleming's swashbuckling legacy. Opposing him, David Farr, Emmy-nominated for TV's The Night Manager, champions the profound storytelling of John le Carré. Simon Callow adds flair as they explore the contrasting portrayals of espionage heroes Bond and Smiley, the cultural impact of their works, and the complexities of adapting their stories for film. Who reigns supreme in the literary spy world?
Oct 14, 2022 • 48min
The Story of Russia, with Orlando Figes
Orlando Figes, an award-winning historian and author, shares fascinating insights from his latest work on Russian history. He dives into how historical narratives shape Russia’s identity and governance, particularly under Putin’s regime. The conversation touches on the profound impact of the Russian Orthodox Church in contemporary politics and the misconceptions held by the West. Figes also explores Russia’s fragmented future and the challenges of achieving democracy, providing a compelling lens on the country's complex past and uncertain present.
19 snips
Oct 12, 2022 • 34min
Unstoppable Us: Rethinking the History of Humanity, with Yuval Noah Harari – Part One
Historian Yuval Noah Harari, author of the bestselling Sapiens, shares insights about his new children's book, Unstoppable Us. He discusses the importance of teaching kids about life's big questions, drawing from personal experiences. Harari delves into the fascinating interaction between Homo sapiens and Neanderthals, exploring how ancient histories shape modern identities. He challenges ideas of human superiority and highlights our ecological responsibilities. The conversation invites listeners to rethink narratives around money, urging a fresh perspective on its role in society.
Oct 10, 2022 • 1h
Prince Andrew's Newsnight Interview: Behind The Scenes, with Sam McAlister
Sam McAlister, a BAFTA-nominated producer known for securing the infamous Prince Andrew interview for BBC Newsnight, shares exclusive insights with broadcast journalist Petrie Hosken. They delve into the unexpected email that kicked off the interview, revealing the striking power dynamics at play. McAlister recounts the emotional complexities of the conversation, where viewers expected remorse but were met with surprising candor. The discussion also highlights the challenges of high-stakes media negotiations and the long-term ramifications of the royal interview.
6 snips
Oct 9, 2022 • 51min
The Sunday Debate: Can We Rely on Nuclear Deterrence?
In this engaging dialogue, experts Andrey Baklitskiy, Marion Messmer, and William Alberque dissect the pressing issue of nuclear deterrence in today's geopolitical climate. They address the alarming rise in nuclear threats from Russia and reflect on the lessons from the Ukraine conflict. The discussion explores the risks of tactical nuclear weapons and their potential use, as well as the need for effective diplomatic communication. Moreover, they analyze the roles of China and India in the nuclear landscape, emphasizing the importance of global cooperation and security guarantees.
