Intelligence Squared

Linda Colley, a distinguished historian and author, discusses the fascinating evolution of constitutions with fellow historian Alex von Tunzelmann. They explore how warfare and technological advancements have shaped national identities and legal frameworks globally. Colley highlights the often-overlooked contributions of figures like Catherine the Great and the significance of marginalized voices. Additionally, they delve into the complexities of constitutional rights for indigenous peoples and the intriguing duality of Napoleon and Mary Shelley's work.

Marcus Ryder MBE, a prominent journalist and head of external consultancies at the Lenny Henry Centre for Media Diversity, discusses the newly released anthology, 'Black British Lives Matter.' He emphasizes the importance of celebrating the rich heritage and contributions of Black Britons while addressing the representation of diverse narratives in media. Ryder explores the intersections of activism and sports, critiques current portrayals in the media, and advocates for authentic diversity in cultural discussions, urging for a broader understanding of racial justice.

Richard Thaler, the Nobel Prize-winning economist and co-author of 'Nudge,' joins journalist Kamal Ahmed to dive into the transformative world of nudge theory. They discuss how subtle changes in choice architecture can significantly influence decision-making in areas like public health and climate change. The conversation delves into the power of nudges in boosting vaccination rates, the impact of social media algorithms on behavior, and how these concepts can enhance parenting and policymaking for better outcomes.

Nathan Law, a Hong Kong activist in exile, debates alongside Alan Mendoza of The Henry Jackson Society about viewing China as an adversary. They argue that rising tensions and human rights abuses necessitate a tougher stance from the West. Opposing them, Shirley Yu, a China-Africa Initiative director, and former Liberal Democrat leader Vince Cable advocate for continued engagement, emphasizing diplomacy over confrontation. The discussion dives into pressing issues like human rights violations and the shifting geopolitical landscape, stressing the need for a balanced approach.

Jojo Mehta, co-founder of the Stop Ecocide Foundation, tackles the urgent issue of ecocide and its potential recognition as an international crime. She discusses the need for legal frameworks to hold corporations and governments accountable for environmental destruction. The conversation contrasts formal negotiations at COP26 with grassroots movements advocating for ecological justice. Mehta also highlights historical lessons from past trials, emphasizing a collective call for legal reforms to address the escalating climate crisis and ensure accountability.

Brian Klaas, a global politics professor at University College London and Washington Post columnist, dives into the complex relationship between power and corruption. He explores whether power corrupts or corrupt individuals seek power, using real-world examples, like Madagascar’s former prime minister. Klaas also discusses leadership challenges during transitional governance, the changing nature of political discourse, and the rise of anti-corruption movements. This thought-provoking conversation unravels the intricacies of human behavior within the realm of power.

Joshua Mahony, a Senior Market Analyst at IG, joins Linda Yueh to delve into the shifting dynamics of the post-pandemic market. They discuss the challenges facing tech giants like Zoom and Amazon as inflation rises and energy prices soar. Mahony unpacks the recent spike in UK inflation, linking it to COVID-19 and energy costs. He shares investment strategies for navigating volatility and emphasizes the necessity of diversification in a fluctuating market. Listeners gain insights on the energy transition and the potential of physical assets.

Matthew Goodwin, a politics professor, voices concerns about Labour's connection with traditional voters. Anand Menon discusses demographic shifts favoring Labour yet stresses the party's need for a clear vision. Journalist Ella Whelan critiques Labour's disconnect from the working class, while MP Jess Phillips emphasizes trust and hope as crucial for Labour's revival. They engage in lively debates on media influence, civil rights, and the importance of addressing key voter issues like housing and healthcare. The discussion culminates in a divided audience vote on Labour's electability.

Dr. Anne Karpf, a writer and sociologist, discusses her insightful book on climate change and gender dynamics during the COP26 summit. She highlights the critical yet overlooked role of women, especially in the Global South, in tackling environmental issues. Karpf critiques the inequalities stemming from historical injustices and emphasizes the need for inclusive dialogue. The conversation touches on empowering communities through innovative practices and the transformative power of care roles in creating sustainable futures.

James Plunkett, Director of Policy and Advocacy for Citizens Advice and former advisor to UK Prime Minister Gordon Brown, dives into his new book, 'End State: 9 Ways Society is Broken.' He discusses the pandemic's impact on job security, advocating for a human-centric approach to welfare. Plunkett also explores innovative ideas like Universal Basic Income to combat inequality. The conversation touches on the need for ethical policy-making and learning from historical crises to navigate today's challenges, urging a collaborative and visionary approach to societal change.