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
4 snips
Apr 3, 2022 • 1h 2min
The Sunday Debate: Hydrogen, the green ‘silver bullet’ or a lot of hype?
Join experts Professor Nigel Brandon, a sustainable energy authority from Imperial College London, Barry Carruthers, ScottishPower's Hydrogen Director, and Fiona Harvey, The Guardian's environmental correspondent, as they dive into the hydrogen debate. They explore whether hydrogen is a true game-changer or just hype. Discussions unveil its potential as a clean energy source, the importance of production methods, and the balance between optimism and skepticism in addressing climate issues. They also tackle the challenges of scalability and public acceptance.
Apr 1, 2022 • 55min
Sexual Revolution: Modern Fascism and the Feminist Fightback, with Laurie Penny
Laurie Penny, a journalist and author renowned for her insights on social justice and gender, dives into her latest work about the intersections of the sexual revolution and modern fascism. She advocates for an intersectional feminism that addresses critical issues like rape culture and consent. The conversation critiques traditional masculinity and its ties to capitalism while exploring healthier alternatives. Penny also examines the complexities surrounding online pornography and urges a deeper understanding of men's privilege in today’s world.
Mar 30, 2022 • 41min
The World for Sale, with Javier Blas and Jack Farchy
Journalists Javier Blas and Jack Farchy dive into how commodity trading shapes global finance, especially in light of Russia's invasion of Ukraine. They discuss the pivotal role of giants like Glencore and Trafigura, whose influence extends into geopolitics. The conversation reveals the complexity of adapting to sanctions and the emerging power dynamics between nations. Highlighting China's strategic grip on electric vehicle battery materials, they question the West's inaction and explore the shifting landscape of global energy reliance.
Mar 28, 2022 • 42min
How Britain became Butler to the World, with Oliver Bullough
Oliver Bullough, a bestselling investigative journalist known for his work on kleptocracy, delves into how Britain has become a haven for oligarchs and global billionaires. He discusses the historical transition from empire to a financial hub, spotlighting the rise of tax havens like the British Virgin Islands. Bullough critiques the UK government's inadequate responses to tackling economic crimes, examines the effectiveness of sanctions, and explores the troubling societal disparities created by the power of oligarchs.
Mar 27, 2022 • 1h 3min
The Sunday Debate: Iran Is Not Our Enemy
Mehdi Hassan, a journalist and broadcaster at Al Jazeera, argues passionately that Iran shouldn't be seen as the West's enemy. Azadeh Moaveni, an NYU London lecturer, supports this view, emphasizing Iran's complex role in global politics. In contrast, Salman al-Ansari, a Saudi political analyst, highlights Iran's human rights issues and ties to terrorism. The debate explores U.S.-Iran relations, the impact of sanctions, and the vital need for engagement over hostility, offering fresh insights on a nuanced geopolitical landscape.
Mar 26, 2022 • 48min
Reflections on Black Consciousness: Lewis Gordon and Paul Gilroy in conversation
In this insightful discussion, philosopher Lewis Gordon, head of the Philosophy Department at the University of Connecticut, teams up with Paul Gilroy, a leading theorist of race and founder of UCL's Sarah Parker Remond Centre. They explore the multifaceted nature of black consciousness and identity, emphasizing the intersection of culture, philosophy, and activism. Key topics include the irony in power dynamics, the cultural significance of black music, and the impact of films like 'Black Panther' on societal narratives. Their conversation urges a deeper reflection on the complexities of black identity and the need for radical democracy.
Mar 23, 2022 • 41min
The Animal Queendom: Rethinking Zoology, with Lucy Cooke
Lucy Cooke, a groundbreaking zoologist and author, dives into the often misunderstood roles of female animals in the animal kingdom. She dismantles Charles Darwin's outdated views, highlighting how female moles, meerkats, and killer whales defy the stereotype of passivity. Cooke discusses female dominance, intelligence, and agency in reproduction, showing that females play a vital role in evolution and societal structures. Her insights challenge not only biological myths but also traditional gender roles in human society.
Mar 21, 2022 • 53min
Disorder: Ukraine, Politics and Conflict in the 21st Century, with Helen Thompson
Helen Thompson, a Professor of Political Economy at the University of Cambridge and columnist for The New Statesman, dives into the geopolitical turbulence of the 21st century. She explores how events like Brexit and Trump’s election mark pivotal shifts in global politics. The discussion highlights the frictions between national identity and supranational democracy, and the struggles democracies face in transitioning to cleaner energy. Thompson emphasizes the need for optimism and sacrifice as we navigate intertwined crises of climate, identity, and geopolitical conflict.
Mar 20, 2022 • 39min
The Sunday Debate: Sanctions Won’t Stop Putin
Bill Browder, leader of the Global Magnitsky Justice Campaign and author, discusses targeted sanctions against human rights abusers. Simon Jenkins, a seasoned author and columnist, counters by questioning the overall effectiveness of these sanctions. They dive into how sanctions impact both the oligarchs and ordinary Russians, debating their moral implications and potential to incite internal dissent. The discussion incorporates comparisons with historical cases and explores how sanctions fit into broader international relations.
Mar 18, 2022 • 56min
The Allure of Abandoned Places, with Cal Flyn
Cal Flyn, an award-winning author known for her book *Islands of Abandonment*, shares her fascinating insights on the allure of abandoned places. She discusses how areas like Chernobyl showcase nature's resilience and ability to thrive in the absence of humans. Flyn also examines the ecological significance of decaying sites and the nostalgic memories they evoke. The conversation touches on rewilding efforts and the need to embrace a more nuanced relationship with wildlife, highlighting the balance between human impact and nature's recovery.
