Intelligence Squared

David Kilcullen, a leading counterinsurgency expert and author, joins Carl Miller to discuss how adversaries like Al-Qaeda have evolved their tactics in the modern battlefield. They delve into how global powers, particularly China, are using economic strategies to expand influence while posing security threats. The conversation highlights the rise of information warfare, the unique struggles democracies face, and the importance of adapting military strategies to new geopolitical realities. Kilcullen emphasizes the need for cohesive approaches to ensure stability in this complex conflict landscape.

Callum Williams, author of 'The Classical School,' joins economist Linda Yueh to debunk popular myths about great economists like Adam Smith and Karl Marx. They explore the true meanings behind concepts like the 'invisible hand' and reveal Malthus's controversial views on famine. The duo discusses the complexities of free trade and critiques capitalism, connecting historical economic thought to modern challenges like overpopulation and stagnation. Their insights shed light on the relevance of classical ideas in today's world.

In this engaging discussion, political scientist Mark Blyth, a professor at Brown University and co-author of 'Angrynomics', teams up with Anne McElvoy from The Economist. They delve into the economic consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic, weighing how lockdowns might reshape our economic landscape. The duo explores the challenges of restarting economies while prioritizing public health, critiques the impact of globalization, and examines how the crisis could lead to a reevaluation of governance practices. Their insights promise to spark thought-provoking discussions about our future.

Danny Dorling, a geography professor at Oxford and author of 'Slowdown', joins economist and broadcaster Linda Yueh to discuss the implications of a global slowdown. They delve into declining fertility rates and GDP growth, proposing that this shift could lead to a more sustainable and stable world. The conversation touches on technological stagnation, food distribution issues, and the importance of reevaluating policy responses to demographic changes. Ultimately, they highlight the benefits of slowing down in both economic and creative realms.

Wendy Liu, a former Silicon Valley insider and author of 'Abolish Silicon Valley,' joins Carl Miller, research director at Demos, to challenge the tech industry's harmful economic logic. They explore radical ideas for restructuring Silicon Valley to prioritize societal good over profit. The conversation dives into the absurd financial culture of startup valuations, the need for ethical practices, and the representation of women in tech. Liu emphasizes creating a more equitable tech landscape through democratic control and collective action.

James Montague, a journalist and author of '1312: Among the Ultras,' joins Ros Urwin to explore the captivating world of football ultras. They delve into the origins and socio-political significance of this extreme fandom, often mischaracterized by violence. The discussion uncovers ultras' transformative role in sports, their activism against commercialization in football, and the intricate bond between players and fans. Montague also shares insights on the intersection of organized crime and fandom, revealing the darker side of the passionate supporters.

David Spiegelhalter, a prominent statistician from the University of Cambridge, Sheila Bird, a biometrics expert from the University of Edinburgh, and John Ioannidis, a Stanford professor known for critiquing COVID-19 data, share insights on pandemic statistics. They tackle the complexities of death counts and the implications of herd immunity versus lockdowns. The trio discusses varying impacts across Europe, the collateral damage of healthcare disruptions, and the importance of context in interpreting the pandemic data, offering a clearer understanding of this global crisis.

Join behavioral scientists Stephen Martin and Joseph Marks, authors of 'Messengers,' alongside Helen Lewis, as they unravel the complexities of trust in messaging. Discover why self-assured individuals often sway us more than experts. They explore fascinating examples, such as Greta Thunberg’s influence, and discuss how biases related to appearance shape hiring practices. The conversation digs into the psychology behind effective messengers and the surprising impact of traits like dominance and charisma on our willingness to listen.

Shanker Singham, a global trade expert, Ann Pettifor, a political economist, and Luigi Zingales, a finance professor, dive deep into the economic ramifications of the coronavirus pandemic. They discuss the potential longevity of the recession and the risk of exacerbated inequalities. The trio explores how the crisis might reshape global trade and government policies. From the need for innovative social systems to the importance of collaboration in rebuilding economies, they outline the transformative opportunities amid adversity. Their insights spark a thought-provoking conversation about the future of our economic landscape.

Gemma Milne, a tech journalist and author of 'Smoke and Mirrors,' joins Carl Miller from Demos to dissect the dark side of hype in our society. They explore how hype can distort public perception, particularly in science and technology journalism. The discussion highlights the double-edged nature of hype, which drives interest yet can mislead and oversimplify complex issues like AI and health. They urge a more transparent and responsible approach to navigating these narratives, emphasizing the need for critical thinking in an age rife with misinformation.