
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.
Latest episodes

Nov 20, 2020 • 50min
Anthony Scaramucci and Danielle Pletka on Trumpism and The Future of The Republican Party
Anthony Scaramucci, a financier and former White House communications director, joins Danielle Pletka, former VP at the American Enterprise Institute, to dissect the future of the Republican Party post-Trump. They debate the implications of Trump's refusal to concede after the election, exploring whether it's a tantrum or a strategic move for 2024. The duo also tackles the party's identity crisis, the financial motivations behind Trumpism, and the challenges of confronting Trump's influence amid calls for new leadership.

Nov 19, 2020 • 38min
Business and the Future of Immigration in 2021
In this engaging discussion, Philippa Rouse, Director of Border and Immigration Policy at the Home Office, shares insights on the UK's new points-based immigration system. Emelia Quist, Head of Immigration Policy at the Federation of Small Businesses, highlights the challenges small businesses face, while Ian Robinson, a partner at Fragomen, provides valuable legal perspectives on navigating these changes. The conversation covers the impact on recruitment, the simplification of procedures for SMEs, and crucial resources to guide businesses through this evolving landscape.

Nov 17, 2020 • 54min
Margaret MacMillan and Peter Frankopan on How War Has Shaped Humanity
Margaret MacMillan, a distinguished historian and author of 'War: How Conflict Shaped Us', joins Peter Frankopan to explore the profound impact of war on society. They discuss how conflicts shape political institutions, culture, and values, as well as the complex gender dynamics involved. MacMillan highlights both the destructive and transformative effects of war, including its unexpected benefits like progress in women's rights and medical advancements. They further delve into modern warfare's challenges and the evolving nature of conflicts in today's world.

Nov 13, 2020 • 1h 4min
Rematch Debate: To Stop Climate Collapse, We Must End Capitalism
Join international environmental lawyer Farhana Yamin, economist Anne Pettifor, and former UK Climate Change Committee chair Adair Turner as they dive into a heated debate about the role of capitalism in climate action. Yamin argues for dismantling capitalism to avert ecological disaster, while Pettifor emphasizes the need for radical economic reform. Turner advocates for a regulated capitalist approach. Conservative MP Jesse Norman offers counterpoints, questioning if reform within capitalism is enough. The discussion spans public opinion shifts and practical strategies for sustainability.

Nov 10, 2020 • 31min
Martin Amis on Love, Loss and Christopher Hitchens
In this engaging discussion, Martin Amis, a celebrated novelist often dubbed the 'Mick Jagger of the British book world,' opens up about his intimate autobiographical novel, 'Inside Story.' He reflects on profound themes of love and loss while honoring his late friend, Christopher Hitchens. Amis also navigates the blur between fiction and memoir, the creative dance with mortality, and the influence of friendships on his writing. Delving into life's hardest questions, he challenges the audience to ponder how to live, grieve, and ultimately embrace the end.

Nov 6, 2020 • 52min
Danh Vo: Traces of History and The End of Empire
In this discussion, Margot Heller, who directs the South London Gallery, Shahidha Bari, a philosophical author from the University of the Arts London, and Tim Marlow, director of the Design Museum, dive into Danh Vo's exhibition 'Chicxulub'. They explore the intertwining of imperial narratives with personal history, addressing themes of decay, identity, and spirituality. The talk also highlights the role of nature as it relates to art, encouraging reflections on belonging and cultural memory, while examining how art can transform our perception of both history and the environment.

Nov 5, 2020 • 41min
Election Breakdown: Can Trump Still Beat Biden?
Danielle Pletka, a Washington Post commentator and expert on U.S. Middle East policy, joins Josh Glancy, Washington Bureau Chief of The Sunday Times, to dissect the electoral landscape ahead. They delve into candidates' performances in battleground states, polling inaccuracies, and the implications of Trump's claims about election fairness. The discussion also touches on the future of Trumpism within the GOP, the potential for unrest, and how the election might impact U.S. foreign policy, especially regarding China and climate change.

Nov 3, 2020 • 40min
Election Day Special: What's at Stake in Trump vs Biden?
Sarah Churchwell, a historian and professor at the University of London, joins Jonathan Freedland to discuss the fraught landscape of the U.S. elections. They delve into the emotional weight of Election Day and explore election anxiety, especially in battleground states. The conversation highlights 'loser's consent' and the potential ramifications of Trump's reaction to defeat. Additionally, they address the serious threat of political violence and examine the complexities of voter loyalty, emphasizing the need for leadership rooted in empathy and evidence.

Nov 3, 2020 • 31min
Election Day Special, with Danielle Pletka, Emily Tamkin and Manveen Rana
Danielle Pletka, a Washington Post commentator and AEI senior fellow, alongside Emily Tamkin, US editor at the New Statesman and author, dive into the pivotal moments leading up to the election. They discuss crucial battleground states and the implications of early voting trends. The conversation highlights concerns about electoral integrity and the potential for unrest. With shifting political allegiances and the quest for unity, they examine the dynamic landscape of American politics and its potential impact on democracy.

Oct 31, 2020 • 32min
BONUS: Ilhan Omar on the State of American Politics
Rep. Ilhan Omar, a trailblazing Somali-American Congresswoman from Minnesota, discusses her #PeopleFirst plan for societal transformation. She addresses the urgent need for community solidarity and highlights the threats posed by rising neo-fascism. Omar emphasizes empowering marginalized voices within political structures and advocates for equality in the Democratic Party. She also reflects on redefining political discourse and the necessity of prioritizing domestic welfare over military expenditures, pushing for ongoing dialogue on these pressing issues.