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
May 7, 2021 • 59min
Joe Biden: Moderate or Radical? With Evan Osnos and Mark Mardell
Evan Osnos, a Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist and author of 'Joe Biden: American Dreamer,' joins Mark Mardell to delve into the complexities of Joe Biden's presidency. They discuss Biden's evolving political identity amid societal changes and how personal tragedies influenced his leadership style. Osnos analyzes Biden's approach to foreign policy, particularly with China and Taiwan, and highlights his ambitious legislation aimed at economic inequality. The conversation underscores the dual challenges of navigating political outrage while addressing pressing issues like climate change.
May 4, 2021 • 59min
Mona Eltahawy on the Seven Necessary Sins for Women and Girls
Mona Eltahawy, an Egyptian writer and feminist activist, boldly advocates for women and girls to embrace the 'seven necessary sins': anger, ambition, and power. She shares inspiring stories of women across the globe challenging patriarchal norms, from the rise of domestic violence during the pandemic to the provocative acts of figures like Alia El Mahdi. Eltahawy emphasizes the importance of men as allies in feminism and discusses the role of social media in empowering marginalized voices, pushing for transformative policies to uplift women's lives.
Apr 30, 2021 • 1h
Getting into the Doughnut, with Kate Raworth and Matthew Taylor
Join Kate Raworth, an Oxford University economist and author of "Doughnut Economics," as she introduces a revolutionary framework aiming for human prosperity within planetary limits. She passionately critiques traditional economic metrics like GDP and advocates for a more holistic approach that prioritizes environmental sustainability and social equity. The discussion highlights real-world applications of Doughnut Economics in cities like Amsterdam, the importance of community action, and the urgent need for a financial system that serves both people and the planet.
Apr 27, 2021 • 42min
The Social Dilemma, with Tristan Harris and Helen Lewis
In this discussion, Tristan Harris, founder of the Center for Humane Technology and star of 'The Social Dilemma,' joins Helen Lewis to delve into the staggering influence of technology on our behavior. They examine how social media fuels political polarization and the rise of conspiracy theories. Topics include ethical tech development and the societal responsibility of investors. Finally, they provide practical tips for creating healthier interactions with technology, advocating for a more mindful approach to our digital lives.
Apr 23, 2021 • 39min
Difficult Women, with Helen Lewis and Rosamund Urwin
In this engaging discussion, Helen Lewis, a staff writer at The Atlantic and author of "Difficult Women: A History of Feminism in Eleven Fights," highlights the messy legacy of feminism through the lens of complex women. She critiques the simplification of feminist history and emphasizes the ongoing struggles for equality faced by women today. The conversation touches on the challenges of female representation in media, the intricate dynamics of consent in the Me Too era, and how systemic barriers affect low-income women's rights, particularly during the pandemic.
Apr 22, 2021 • 40min
Debate: The West Must Engage not Confront China
Kerry Brown, a leading expert on Chinese politics at King's College London, and actress-activist Anastasia Lin engage in a thought-provoking debate about the West's approach to China. They explore the complexities of engagement versus confrontation, emphasizing the importance of maintaining core values while collaborating on global issues. The discussion highlights China's self-interested ideology, the challenges posed by the Belt and Road Initiative, and various international strategies, leaving listeners pondering how best to navigate this intricate relationship.
Apr 20, 2021 • 1h 3min
Jews Don't Count, with David Baddiel and Armando Iannucci
David Baddiel, a comedian and writer known for his insightful works, joins Armando Iannucci, the brilliant mind behind shows like "Veep," for a compelling discussion. They delve into the overlooked aspects of anti-Semitism within progressive circles, emphasizing the complexities of Jewish identity. Their conversation addresses how social media is shaping perceptions and normalizing extremist views. Through humor and serious discourse, they highlight the need for inclusivity in combating prejudice, offering personal anecdotes that illuminate the issues at hand.
Apr 16, 2021 • 51min
Gene Editing and the Future of the Human Race, with Walter Isaacson and Dr Guddi Singh
Walter Isaacson, a bestselling biographer known for his works on Einstein and Steve Jobs, discusses the groundbreaking CRISPR technology invented by Jennifer Doudna. He and Dr. Guddi Singh explore the potential of gene editing to revolutionize healthcare, from curing genetic disorders to enhancing human traits. They pose thought-provoking ethical questions about the role of wealth in access to genetic enhancements. The conversation highlights the emotional stakes for families affected by genetic conditions and emphasizes the importance of public discourse on these scientific advancements.
Apr 13, 2021 • 1h 5min
Amal Clooney, Geoffrey Robertson and Bill Browder on a Plan B for Human Rights
Geoffrey Robertson, a prominent human rights lawyer and author, joins Bill Browder, a former financier advocating for justice after the murder of his lawyer, Sergei Magnitsky. They discuss a 'plan B for human rights' that emphasizes the importance of Magnitsky legislation in holding abusers accountable. The conversation highlights how targeted sanctions can combat global injustice and the personal stories that have fueled this movement. They also critique existing international justice frameworks and stress the need for reform to better protect human rights.
Apr 12, 2021 • 33min
Bonus: The Economy and Markets After Covid-19
Join Joshua Mahoney, a Senior Markets Analyst at IG with a rich background in finance, as he delves into the shifting tides of the economy post-COVID-19. He discusses how the pandemic reshaped trading behaviors, with a surge of younger traders influenced by social media. The conversation highlights potential market recoveries, the vital role of timing in investments, and the evolving consumer landscape. From winners like Netflix to underperformers ready to rebound, it's a fascinating look at the economic future and innovative investment strategies.
