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
Aug 24, 2021 • 55min
Debate: Bitcoin vs Gold with Anthony Scaramucci and Peter Schiff
In a lively debate, Anthony Scaramucci, the founder of SkyBridge Capital who champions Bitcoin, faces off against Peter Schiff, an economist and gold advocate. They tackle if Bitcoin or gold holds more value amid economic uncertainty post-COVID-19. The conversation dives into the volatility of Bitcoin compared to gold's historical reliability, the legitimacy issues surrounding cryptocurrency, and the influence of large Bitcoin investors or 'whales' on market dynamics. Audience participation spices up the spirited exchange!
Aug 22, 2021 • 49min
The Sunday Debate: The War on Terror was the right response to 9/11
In a fiery debate, former Pakistani President Pervez Musharraf and former US Deputy Assistant Secretary of State Colleen Graffy argue that the War on Terror was justified in response to 9/11, discussing the dire need to combat Al-Qaeda. Meanwhile, former French foreign minister Bernard Kouchner and former UK UN representative Jeremy Greenstock counter, questioning the long-term effectiveness and moral implications of military actions. The conversation delves into the unintended consequences of such strategies, the complexity of terrorism, and the critical role of civil society in fostering peace.
Aug 20, 2021 • 60min
Afghanistan: What Next?
Shabnam Nasimi, a British-Afghan activist dedicated to Afghan rights, shares her emotional turmoil to see the Taliban regain power. Shadi Hamid, a Brookings Institution fellow, discusses the broader geopolitical fallout of the U.S. withdrawal, raising concerns about America’s commitment to global leadership. Jeremy Bowen, the BBC’s Middle East editor, examines how this impacts international relations, particularly with allies like the EU and Taiwan. The conversation reflects on urgent action for Afghan refugees, emphasizing the need for ongoing global support amidst rising despair.
10 snips
Aug 17, 2021 • 39min
China's Alternative Vision for the Internet, with James Griffiths and Carl Miller
James Griffiths, an author and Asia correspondent for Globe and Mail, dives deep into China’s Great Firewall, which has transformed from a basic filter to a sophisticated censorship system. He discusses its chilling effect on free speech and dissent within China and its global influence, especially on exiled communities. Griffiths also highlights how the pandemic heightened censorship and examines the challenges posed by authoritarian internet governance, urging listeners to consider the implications for digital freedom worldwide.
Aug 15, 2021 • 1h 9min
The Sunday Debate: To Stop Climate Collapse, We Must End Capitalism
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.
Aug 13, 2021 • 59min
The Country of Others, with Leïla Slimani and Shahidha Bari
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.
Aug 10, 2021 • 55min
Stop Pretending We Can Save the Planet, with Jonathan Franzen
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.
Aug 8, 2021 • 1h 2min
The Sunday Debate: Parenting Doesn’t Matter
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.
Aug 6, 2021 • 31min
The Right to Sex, with Amia Srinivasan and Merve Emre
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.
Aug 3, 2021 • 1h 1min
The Power of Giving Away Power with Matthew Barzun and Kamal Ahmed
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.
