
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.
Latest episodes

Jan 30, 2022 • 54min
The Sunday Debate: The West Should Work With the Taliban
Shabnam Nasimi, a Policy Advisor to the UK Minister of Afghan Resettlement and Director of Afghan Witness, joins Christina Lamb OBE, a seasoned foreign correspondent. They tackle the complex question of Western engagement with the Taliban. Discussing the dire humanitarian crisis in Afghanistan, they emphasize the urgent need for aid amidst severe economic hardships. The conversation also explores the internal divisions within the Taliban and the ethical implications of providing support while avoiding formal recognition of the regime.

Jan 28, 2022 • 50min
Myth and Legend Reimagined: Charlotte Higgins and Dr Amy Jeffs in conversation
Dr. Amy Jeffs, an art historian and writer known for her book *Storyland*, joins Charlotte Higgins, a Guardian journalist and author of *Greek Myths*, to explore the modern retelling of ancient myths. They discuss how new interpretations of myths emphasize female perspectives and highlight strong characters often overlooked. The conversation moves through the blending of history and legend, the impact of storytelling during cultural upheaval, and the deep connections between landscapes and the stories we cherish.

Jan 25, 2022 • 1h 4min
Standoff in Ukraine: Fiona Hill on the politics that led to a crisis
Fiona Hill, a respected foreign policy expert and advisor to three U.S. presidents, dives into the Ukraine crisis, tracing the roots of U.S.-Russia tensions. She reflects on her journey from working-class Bishop Auckland to influencing global policy. Hill connects the rise of populism in the U.S. and Russia to socio-economic disparities, emphasizing democracy's fragility. Her insights on NATO's response and the enduring struggle for Ukrainian sovereignty provide a critical perspective on current geopolitical tensions.

Jan 24, 2022 • 51min
Business Weekly: Connecting the Dots, with Dr Christian Busch
Dive into the world of chance and opportunity with Dr. Christian Busch, who reveals how to create good luck in business. Discover how serendipity can spark innovation, with examples like the unexpected success of Viagra. Explore the delicate balance between luck and privilege, especially for those from challenged backgrounds. Learn innovative community development strategies that utilize social capital. Finally, understand how intentional actions can cultivate serendipity for a more fulfilling life.

Jan 23, 2022 • 1h 3min
The Sunday Debate: Neville Chamberlain Did The Right Thing
Join esteemed historians John Charmley, Sir Richard Evans, Glyn Stone, and Piers Brendan as they explore the contentious legacy of Neville Chamberlain's appeasement strategy before World War II. They delve into the intricate political dynamics of the era, questioning whether Chamberlain's decisions were a necessary gamble for peace or a missed opportunity for intervention. The discussion also highlights the complexities of forming alliances and the moral implications of national self-interest during a time of looming conflict, offering a fresh perspective on this pivotal moment in history.

Jan 21, 2022 • 42min
The Pandemic on the Page, with Roopa Farooki
Roopa Farooki, a doctor, author, and creative-writing lecturer, shares profound insights from her new book, Everything Is True, detailing her early days in the COVID-19 pandemic. She discusses the emotional toll on healthcare workers and the delicate balance of grief and duty they experienced. Farooki also highlights the impact of her multicultural background on her identity as a doctor. Through candid reflections, she critiques government responses and emphasizes the importance of trust and accountability in healing during crises.

Jan 18, 2022 • 56min
The Untold Story of the Rothschild Women, with Natalie Livingstone
Historian and journalist Natalie Livingstone, author of "The Women of Rothschild," joins Catherine Ostler to unveil the remarkable yet overlooked stories of the women in the iconic Rothschild family. They discuss the significant roles these women played, from visionary pioneers in finance and art to key figures in the political landscape of Zionism. Livingstone highlights compelling figures like Nika Rothschild, who shook up the jazz scene, and examines how these trailblazers navigated societal challenges while influencing history.

Jan 17, 2022 • 36min
Business Weekly: The Future of publishing
Zillah Byng-Thorne, CEO of Future, the UK’s largest magazine publisher, shares her insights on navigating the ever-changing landscape of the publishing industry. She discusses innovative strategies to adapt to digital demands while maintaining a passion for print. The conversation touches on the shift towards subscription models, the balancing act between quality content and profitability, and the importance of integrating team culture after COVID-19. With valuable perspectives on audience engagement, Byng-Thorne highlights the future of magazines in a competitive market.

Jan 16, 2022 • 49min
The Sunday Debate: It's Time to Break Up Facebook
Join Matt Stoller, Director of Research at the American Economic Liberties Project and author of 'Goliath,' as he passionately argues for breaking up Facebook to curb monopoly power. In contrast, MIT Professor Sinan Aral, author of 'The Hype Machine,' advocates for thoughtful structural reforms rather than dissolution. The discussion dives into monopoly implications on democracy, challenges in social media regulation, and the urgent need for interoperability among platforms to empower users and enhance competition. It's a riveting clash of ideas on the future of tech dominance!

Jan 14, 2022 • 1h 2min
Coming of Age at the End of History, with Lea Ypi
Lea Ypi, a political theory professor at the London School of Economics and author of the memoir 'Free', shares her childhood experiences growing up in Albania during its last Stalinist years. She reflects on the stark contrasts between her early life of community solidarity and the political upheaval around her. Ypi delves into the complexities of identity shaped by her family's history, the transition from communism to capitalism, and her literary influences that shaped her worldview. The conversation is a poignant exploration of freedom, nostalgia, and resilience.