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
Aug 1, 2025 • 14min
The Specialist | The Greatest Persian Manuscript: A Story Fit For Kings, with Benedict Carter
Dive into the mesmerizing tale of the Shahnameh, the Persian Book of Kings, and its journey through history. Hear about the extraordinary 258-illustration manuscript, its royal origins, and the impact of its turbulent past. Discover the fascinating 1994 exchange of art that connected cultures and the record-breaking auction that captivated the world. This story melds art, literature, and history, showcasing the enduring legacy of Persian culture.
20 snips
Aug 1, 2025 • 1h 9min
Classic Debate: To Stop Climate Collapse, We Must End Capitalism
Adair Turner, former Chair of the Financial Services Authority, joins environmental lawyer Farhana Yamin, Guardian journalist George Monbiot, and environmentalist Tony Juniper for a lively debate. They dissect capitalism's role in the climate crisis, debating whether its relentless growth threatens our planet. Turner contends capitalism has solved many problems, while Yamin and Monbiot advocate for radical change to prevent catastrophe. The engaging discussion explores the urgent need for systemic economic shifts to align sustainability with our economic model.
8 snips
Jul 29, 2025 • 48min
Did Apple’s Rise Fuel China’s Fight for Tech Supremacy? With Patrick McGee
In this intriguing conversation, investigative journalist Patrick McGee, author of "Apple in China" and former Apple reporter at the Financial Times, explores Apple's dramatic rise from the brink of bankruptcy to global domination. He discusses Apple's pivotal decision to outsource production to China and the resulting impact on its success with products like the iPod and iPhone. McGee reveals the complex relationship between Apple and the Chinese state, highlighting the geopolitical tensions and the ethical dilemmas arising from this entanglement.
13 snips
Jul 28, 2025 • 41min
How did the fourteenth century shape England? With Helen Carr
Helen Carr, a medieval historian and author of The Sceptered Isle, delves into the chaotic 14th century England. She discusses the onset of the Hundred Years’ War and its impact on the nation. Carr highlights Queen Isabella's ascent to power amid social upheaval and examines the tragic fate of Princess Joan, entwined with love and plague. Additionally, she reflects on Edward II's turbulent reign and the cultural transition leading to the Renaissance, showcasing how this century profoundly shaped England's future.
34 snips
Jul 26, 2025 • 59min
How will Taiwan shape Asia’s future? With Chris Horton
In this engaging discussion, Chris Horton, a seasoned foreign correspondent based in Taipei since 2015 and author of 'Ghost Nation,' sheds light on Taiwan's pivotal role in shaping Asia's future. He shares insights from his extensive interviews with locals and leaders, revealing Taiwan's journey to becoming a tech powerhouse. Horton explores the island's complex identity, its ongoing struggle against Chinese influence, and the intricate U.S.-Taiwan relationship. Tune in for a compelling look at Taiwan's democracy and its precarious position in global geopolitics!
39 snips
Jul 25, 2025 • 51min
Where Will the Next Tech Superpower Emerge? With Mehran Gul
Mehran Gul, a Financial Times/McKinsey Bracken Bower Prize winner and author of The New Geography of Innovation, discusses the shifting landscape of global tech innovation. He argues that the U.S.-China rivalry overshadows emerging tech powerhouses. Gul emphasizes the importance of cultural and contextual influences on innovation, exploring how different nations are redefining their approaches. The conversation also highlights the evolution of artificial intelligence and the diverse drivers behind technological breakthroughs across the globe.
Jul 23, 2025 • 46min
The Safekeep, with Women’s Prize-winner Yael van der Wouden
Yael van der Wouden, a Dutch-Israeli author and Women’s Prize for Fiction winner, discusses her acclaimed debut novel, The Safekeep. She explores the complexities of identity and belonging in a post-war context, challenging the Dutch narrative around World War II's impact on Jewish communities. With insights on the emotional struggles faced by returning Dutch Jews, she highlights collective amnesia's role in shaping contemporary identities. Yael also shares her journey navigating sudden fame and its effects on her creative process.
Jul 22, 2025 • 14min
The Specialist | The Untold Story of the Shredded Banksy, with Alex Branczik
In this engaging discussion, Alex Branczik, Chairman and Head of Modern & Contemporary Art at Sotheby's, dives into the sensational story behind Banksy's 'Girl with Balloon' and its dramatic shredding during a live auction. He reveals how the incident turned into 'Love is in the Bin' and discusses the powerful implications of this act for the art market. Branczik shares insights on navigating the media storm and how Banksy’s bold approach has reshaped perceptions of value and artistry in contemporary art.
Jul 22, 2025 • 15min
The Specialist | The Rediscovery of Rubens’ The Massacre of the Innocents, with George Gordon
In this captivating discussion, George Gordon, Deputy Chairman at Sotheby’s Europe and an expert in Old Master Paintings, shares the thrilling tale of Rubens’ The Massacre of the Innocents, a masterpiece lost for 250 years. He details the intense emotion captured in the artwork and the extensive journey of its rediscovery and attribution. Gordon also highlights the painting's significance in art history and its record-breaking sale, alongside intriguing insights into Rubens' evolution as an artist.
Jul 21, 2025 • 37min
How Can Football Shirts Explain Money, Power and Politics?
Joey D'Urso, journalist and author of 'More Than A Shirt,' dives deep into the symbolism of football shirts as reflections of global politics and power. He shares fascinating insights from his travels, revealing how these jerseys represent cultural identity and geopolitical connections, like the Schalke-Gazprom sponsorship. The discussion also touches on the complex intersection of football, crime, and gambling, alongside the rise of women's football as a symbol of change. D'Urso emphasizes football's unique ability to drive social movements and unite communities.
