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 7, 2022 • 54min
The Last White Man, with Mohsin Hamid
Mohsin Hamid, an award-winning Pakistani author known for thought-provoking novels like "The Reluctant Fundamentalist," discusses his latest work, "The Last White Man." He delves into themes of race and identity, recounting the story of Anders, who experiences a dramatic racial transformation. The conversation covers the implications of privilege and the importance of inclusive storytelling in shaping societal narratives. Hamid also reflects on global racial injustices spurred by recent events and the influence of grief on identity formation.
Oct 5, 2022 • 50min
The Unravelling of Alex Jones and America's Battle for Truth, with Elizabeth Williamson and Jon Ronson
Join journalist Elizabeth Williamson and author Jon Ronson as they unpack the troubling world of conspiracy theories, spotlighting the controversial figure of Alex Jones. They delve into the emotional courtroom battles faced by Sandy Hook victims' families as they confront Jones's damaging claims. The discussion also probes the psychological impacts of misinformation, the legal ramifications of defamation, and the hostile landscape journalists navigate when covering such divisive topics. A gripping exploration of truth, trauma, and tenacity ensues.
Oct 3, 2022 • 1h 1min
Ukraine’s Best Known Novelist Andrey Kurkov on Life, Literature and the War in Ukraine
Andrey Kurkov, Ukraine’s most acclaimed novelist, renowned for his absurdist works like "Death and the Penguin," discusses the profound impact of war on literature and identity. He reflects on how conflict shapes artistic expression, revealing personal narratives amid chaos. The conversation navigates themes of resilience, exploring the role of animals in storytelling and cultural differences between Ukraine and Russia. Kurkov emphasizes the importance of preserving Ukrainian heritage and celebrating its rich literary culture, even in dark times.
Oct 2, 2022 • 1h 3min
The Sunday Debate: Free Market Capitalism is so 20th Century
In this engaging discussion, Paul Mason, BBC economics editor and author of 'Meltdown,' joins Stephen King, HSBC's Chief Economist, Ian Bremmer, a political scientist, Kim Campbell, Canada's first female Prime Minister, Jean Pisani-Ferry, a renowned economist, and Vince Cable, former UK Shadow Chancellor. They dive deep into the evolution of capitalism, critiquing its failures and assessing the increasing need for government regulation. The conversation not only reflects on historical contexts but also emphasizes balancing market dynamics with ethics and governance in today’s complex economy.
Sep 30, 2022 • 45min
Advertising Will Save Us: Ending Gun Violence, with Leo Burnett’s Sam Shepherd and Ashley Geisheker
Sam Shepherd and Ashley Geisheker from Leo Burnett Chicago tackle the formidable question of whether advertising can spur social change. They discuss their impactful campaign, The Lost Class, designed to raise gun violence awareness, and share their creative strategies, including a fabricated high school set to draw in gun lobbyists. With insights into the emotional power of design and the importance of inclusivity in advertising, they advocate for innovative solutions to gun violence and emphasize the need for sustained action over mere accolades.
Sep 28, 2022 • 57min
The Untold Nomadic History of Civilisation, with Anthony Sattin
Join journalist and author Anthony Sattin as he sheds light on the often-overlooked influence of nomadic cultures throughout history. Sattin discusses how nomads have shaped urban dynamics and examines the complexities of their contributions to civilization. He highlights the pivotal role of horse domestication and legendary figures like Genghis Khan, while also addressing the stereotypes and mistrust faced by contemporary nomadic communities. This conversation challenges us to reconsider the legacy of those who lived outside the confines of settled society.
Sep 26, 2022 • 1h 3min
Forever War: How Conflict Became Endless, with Samuel Moyn
Samuel Moyn, a Yale Law and History professor and author of "Humane," talks about the evolution of warfare from Vietnam to Iraq. He reveals how U.S. foreign policy has influenced modern conflicts, highlighting the ethical dilemmas in today’s combat practices, especially with drone warfare. The discussion dives into the complexities of contemporary geopolitical tensions, including Ukraine and Taiwan, and critiques the humanitarian narrative of modern warfare. Moyn advocates for a re-evaluation of human rights laws to better protect civilians.
6 snips
Sep 25, 2022 • 1h 6min
The Sunday Debate: The World Should Recognise Jerusalem as Israel’s capital
In a thought-provoking debate, Natasha Hausdorff, a barrister and director at UK Lawyers for Israel, weighs in on historical legality, while Ehud Olmert, former Prime Minister of Israel, reflects on the peace negotiations he pursued. Palestinian activist Ghada Karmi discusses identity and nationalism, revealing deep-seated grievances. Jack Straw offers insights into the UK's geopolitical stance. The conversation navigates the complexities of Jerusalem's capital status, addressing emotional stakes and the urgent need for a truthful narrative to foster peace.
Sep 23, 2022 • 59min
Erdoğan’s War: The Quest for Power at Home and in Syria, with Gönül Tol
Gönül Tol, the Founding Director of the Middle East Institute's Turkey program and an expert on Turkish politics, discusses the complex political landscape under Recep Tayyip Erdoğan. She highlights Erdoğan's transition from a conservative democrat to a nationalist leader and its impacts on Turkish society and politics. Tol delves into Turkey's shifting relationship with Syria, the challenges of press freedom, and the implications of Erdoğan's controversial economic policies. Her insights provide a compelling look into the intersection of power, identity, and governance in modern Turkey.
Sep 21, 2022 • 38min
How The West Can Stop Putin, with Mikhail Khodorkovsky
Mikhail Khodorkovsky, former head of Yukos and a vocal critic of Putin, shares his harrowing story of imprisonment and insights on Russia’s political landscape. Joined by journalist Martin Sixsmith, they discuss how Western strategies can counter Putin’s aggression, the misconceptions about Russia's transition post-Soviet Union, and the potential for meaningful peace negotiations amidst the Ukraine conflict. Khodorkovsky's reflections reveal the deep-seated complexities within Russia that the West must understand to foster change.
