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
Nov 12, 2021 • 34min
COP26: What is Ecocide?
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.
Nov 9, 2021 • 51min
How Power Changes Us, with Brian Klaas
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.
Nov 8, 2021 • 32min
Business Weekly: Energy, Inflation and the Markets with Joshua Mahony
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.
Nov 7, 2021 • 1h 4min
The Sunday Debate: Is Labour Unelectable?
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.
Nov 5, 2021 • 42min
COP26: How Women Can Save the Planet, with Anne Karpf
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.
Nov 2, 2021 • 52min
How to fix a country, with James Plunkett
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.
Nov 1, 2021 • 59min
Business Weekly: Scary Smart with Mo Gawdat
Mo Gawdat, an Egyptian tech entrepreneur and former chief business officer at Google X, discusses his new book, "Scary Smart," revealing the potential dangers of super-intelligent AI. He emphasizes the need for responsible digital parenting, urging us to foster positive interactions that shape AI learning. Gawdat also delves into the philosophical debates surrounding AI's consciousness and the necessity of transparency in big tech. Listeners are encouraged to recognize their individual power to drive societal change while navigating the dual nature of technology.
Oct 30, 2021 • 45min
The Sunday Debate: Is COP26 a turning point for the planet?
Join Keith Anderson, CEO of Scottish Power, and Dieter Helm, Professor of Energy Policy at Oxford, as they tackle the pressing issues surrounding COP26. They discuss whether this summit can truly turn the tide on climate change, facing skepticism on its potential impact and the rising carbon emissions despite past agreements. The conversation pushes for a bottom-up approach, highlighting the importance of individual consumption and corporate responsibility. With China and major emitters in focus, the duo explores how innovative solutions and collective action are vital for genuine progress.
Oct 29, 2021 • 35min
COP26: Everything you need to know
Isabel Hilton, founder of China Dialogue and a pioneer in environmental journalism, joins Akshat Rathi, Bloomberg's climate and energy expert. They dive into the crucial discussions at COP26, emphasizing the need for cooperation from powerhouses like China and the US. The guests explore the challenges of meeting climate goals, the importance of financial aid for developing nations, and the intricacies of carbon markets. They analyze the potential outcomes of COP26, from ambitious targets to the impact of coal pledges amid an ongoing energy crisis.
Oct 26, 2021 • 1h
Mary Beard on Images of Power from the Ancient to the Modern World
Mary Beard, a renowned classicist from Cambridge, dives into the shifting representations of power through art in her latest discussion. She examines how ancient Roman emperors like Augustus and Nero mirror contemporary politics and culture. Beard unpacks the complexities behind the images of power, including the roles of women in historical narratives. The conversation also touches on modern obsessions with statues and how these figures reflect societal values, highlighting the enduring implications of artistic representation on our understanding of authority.
