Intelligence Squared

George Monbiot, a prominent Guardian columnist and environmental activist, joins forces with Farhana Yamin, an international environmental lawyer and Extinction Rebellion leader; Adair Turner, former Chair of the Financial Services Authority; and Tony Juniper, an environmentalist and author. Together, they tackle the contentious debate of capitalism versus climate. They discuss how perpetual economic growth threatens sustainability and explore the necessity of restructuring capitalism to mitigate climate change. The conversation calls for profound reforms and innovative solutions to create a sustainable future.

Leïla Slimani, an award-winning Franco-Moroccan author known for her gripping novels, joins cultural historian Shahidha Bari for a deep dive into colonialism's lingering effects. They discuss the intersection of personal and national identities through Slimani's latest work, drawing parallels between her family's experiences in post-colonial Morocco and contemporary issues. The conversation also touches on women's empowerment, the complexities of secularism in France, and the transformative power of storytelling in navigating cultural dislocation.

Jonathan Franzen, a renowned American author celebrated for his works on society and the environment, dives deep into the reality of climate change. He argues that we must accept the impending climate apocalypse rather than cling to unrealistic hopes. Franzen advocates for a focus on biodiversity resilience and personal connections with nature instead of just carbon reduction. He also addresses the ethical dilemmas of parenthood in a chaotic world and stresses the importance of community activism amidst environmental challenges.

In this debate, esteemed experts Robert Plowman, a behavioral genetics professor, Susan Pawlby, a developmental psychologist, Stuart Ritchie, a lecturer in developmental psychiatry, and therapist Anne Plachetka Murphy tackle the controversial question of parenting's role in child development. They explore the dominance of genetics versus nurturing and make a case for free-range parenting. The discussion highlights how emotional support and active parental engagement can profoundly impact children’s neurodevelopment, challenging the notion that parenting doesn’t matter.

Amia Srinivasan, a leading scholar on social and political theory, joins Merve Emre to delve into the complexities of sexual politics. They discuss how societal norms around race, gender, and desirability shape our perceptions of the 'right to sex'. The conversation critiques traditional sex education and examines the intricate power dynamics in relationships, especially regarding consent and age. They advocate for a rethinking of pleasure, urging a shift from theoretical teachings to personal experiences that enrich our understanding of sexuality.

Matthew Barzun, former US Ambassador with a rich background in political campaigns and tech innovation, shares powerful insights into transformative leadership. He discusses how iconic figures like Dee Hock and Jimmy Wales exemplified leadership by sharing power, promoting creativity and inclusivity. Barzun emphasizes the shift from hierarchical to collaborative leadership, drawing from Barack Obama's campaign strategies. The conversation touches on the effectiveness of a 'constellation mindset' in organizations, fostering collaboration and co-creating urban spaces for more inclusive societies.

Join distinguished historians Andrew Roberts, known for his works on Napoleonic history, and Adam Zamoyski, best-selling author on the French Revolution, as they dive deep into the legacy of Napoleon Bonaparte. They debate whether he was a military genius or a blundering tyrant. Their conversation touches on Napoleon's achievements in reforming France, his significant military losses, and the complexities of assessing his influence on modern European governance and nationalism, revealing the contradictions in how history remembers him.

Carole Hooven, a Harvard evolutionary biologist and author, joins the discussion to debunk myths surrounding testosterone. She addresses its misunderstood role in aggression and behavior while exploring how hormones influence gender identity and parenting. Hooven shares insights from her research, including the complexities of testosterone in both biological and societal contexts. The conversation also touches on the impact of testosterone therapy in transgender individuals and the need for a nuanced understanding of this powerful hormone.

Michael Pollan, award-winning author and journalist, dives into our complex relationship with psychoactive plants. He discusses caffeine as the world's most popular mind-altering drug and reflects on morphine and mescaline's cultural significance. Pollan explores the opiate crisis, emphasizing the intersection of indigenous knowledge and modern medicine. He advocates for the decriminalization of psychedelics and envisions a future where plant-based treatments transform mental health care, urging a reassessment of societal views on these powerful compounds.

Will Self, an acclaimed novelist known for his sharp critiques, and Adam Gopnik, a celebrated writer for The New Yorker, engage in a riveting debate on the relevance of 'Brave New World' versus '1984.' They explore themes of societal conditioning, technology's role in shaping relationships, and the manipulation of language. As they dissect Huxley and Orwell's differing dystopian visions, the conversation reveals alarming parallels to contemporary issues like consumerism and authoritarianism, leaving listeners pondering which novel better captures our reality.