Intelligence Squared

Jason Cowley, Editor of The New Statesman and author of "Who Are We Now?", delves into the evolving nature of English identity. He discusses the impact of immigration and Brexit on national consciousness and reflects on personal stories that highlight the complexities of belonging. Cowley emphasizes the need for a more inclusive narrative of Englishness, blending patriotism with multiculturalism. The conversation also touches on poignant stories, such as that of Li Hua, showcasing the human cost of globalization.

In a lively debate, Booker Prize-winning novelist Howard Jacobson and writer Anne Atkins champion the Old Testament, rich with iconic tales like Adam and Eve and Moses. Anglican priest Richard Coles makes the case for the New Testament, emphasizing the life of Jesus and its moral teachings. The discussion touches on the enduring impact of these texts on literature and culture, the intricate relationship between the two testaments, and personal journeys of faith, all offering a thought-provoking exploration of spirituality and belief.

Dipo Faloyin, a journalist and writer at Vice, discusses his book, Africa Is Not A Country, which challenges common misconceptions about Africa's diverse cultures and identities. He highlights the continent's richness, from its 2,000 languages to its varied political landscapes. Faloyin critiques oversimplified narratives in media and underscores the importance of nuanced discussions that reflect Africa's complexities. The conversation also touches on the role of artists and the urgency of decolonizing educational curriculums to foster understanding.

Alannah Weston speaks with Andy Cato, a Grammy-nominated musician turned regenerative farmer and co-founder of Wildfarmed. They discuss Cato's transformative journey from music to sustainable agriculture, highlighting the environmental costs of industrial farming. The conversation delves into the importance of biodiversity, consumer education on food origins, and the role of livestock in sustainable ecosystems. Together, they advocate for informed food choices and systemic changes to foster a sustainable future for agriculture.

Hana Walker-Brown, a multi-award-winning audio documentary maker, explores the troubling relationship between sports and chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE). She shares powerful stories from athletes like former rugby star Steve Thompson, who suffers from memory loss, and delves into the dangers of concussions versus sub-concussive hits. The conversation addresses the urgent need for safety protocols, the cultural barriers around acknowledging brain injuries, and the evolving perspectives on masculinity and health in sports.

Gideon Rachman, Chief Foreign Affairs Columnist for the Financial Times, explores the troubling rise of strongman leaders like Putin and Xi Jinping. He discusses how they wield nationalism and enemy narratives to gain power, often manipulating truth through social media. Rachman highlights the simplistic allure of authoritarian rhetoric and examines the dangerous alliance between China and Russia. The conversation delves into historical roots and the need for vigilance against these figures that threaten democracy in today's geopolitical landscape.

Franziska Brantner is a Member of the European Parliament and a spokesperson for the German Green Party, while Dr. Tadzio Müller is a climate activist with the Rosa Luxemburg Foundation. They dive into the European Green Deal, debating its practicality and effectiveness for climate action. They discuss whether economic growth can align with sustainability and explore the contentious concepts of growth versus degrowth. The conversation also touches on carbon policies, climate justice, and the important role of youth activism in shaping the future of environmental initiatives.

Oded Galor, a Professor of Economics at Brown University and author of "The Journey of Humanity," discusses the optimistic narratives about wealth and inequality in human history. He reveals how significant historical shifts, like the industrial revolution, drastically changed living standards, albeit unevenly. Galor delves into the roots of global inequality, the interplay between cooperation and competition in human nature, and the critical role of education in fostering economic progress, urging tailored policies to address disparities.

Join the fascinating discussion on how much of our dietary advice is misleading. Tim Spector argues that our unique genetic makeup means we react differently to food, challenging one-size-fits-all myths. Dan Saladino highlights the urgency of protecting rare foods and biodiversity. Explore the impact of ultra-processed foods on health and the journey towards embracing whole foods. Dive into the importance of grain and microbial diversity for gut health, while discovering fun ways to experiment with your diet.

In this engaging discussion, Kavita Prakash Mani, CEO of Mandai Nature, Jane Madden, Global Managing Partner at FIN Partners, and Bjorn Low, co-founder of Edible Garden City, explore how the travel industry can tackle climate challenges. They highlight the need for genuine sustainability beyond mere storytelling, focusing on the critical link between tourism and wildlife conservation. The trio also delves into urban farming's role in community engagement and food security, advocating for responsible tourism that empowers local economies and fosters real-world impact.