Open to Debate
Open to Debate
America is more divided than ever—but it doesn’t have to be. Open to Debate offers an antidote to the chaos. We bring multiple perspectives together for real, nonpartisan debates. Debates that are structured, respectful, clever, provocative, and driven by the facts. Open to Debate is on a mission to restore balance to the public square through expert moderation, good-faith arguments, and reasoned analysis. We examine the issues of the day with the world’s most influential thinkers spanning science, technology, politics, culture, and global affairs. It’s time to build a stronger, more united democracy with the civil exchange of ideas. Be open-minded. Be curious. Be ready to listen. Join us in being Open to Debate. (Formerly Intelligence Squared U.S.)
Episodes
Mentioned books
8 snips
Jul 29, 2025 • 1h 2min
Could Dating an AI Be Better Than Dating a Human?
Thao Ha, an Associate Professor of Psychology at Arizona State University and expert in AI and romantic relationships, delves into the controversial idea of dating AI versus humans. She argues that AI can offer empathy and safety, making it appealing for those feeling isolated in traditional dating. However, the conversation also highlights the complexities of emotional intimacy that AI can't replicate. The debate addresses trust issues, ethical concerns, and the societal impact of AI in love, ultimately questioning the depth of connections in a tech-driven world.
51 snips
Jul 18, 2025 • 53min
Two Conservatives Debate: Is the Big, Beautiful Bill a Disaster?
Jessica Riedl, an economist at the Manhattan Institute, and Diana Furchtgott-Roth, a policy director at The Heritage Foundation, engage in a spirited debate about the recently signed One Big, Beautiful Bill. Riedl argues that it could lead to increased national debt and negatively affect ordinary Americans, while Furchtgott-Roth counters that it may stimulate growth and job creation. They discuss the tension between fiscal responsibility and economic investment, touching on key issues like Medicaid reforms, tax policies, and the challenges of the legislative process.
23 snips
Jul 15, 2025 • 56min
Did Harvard Have It Coming?
Larry Summers, former President of Harvard and economic advisor, and Alan Dershowitz, a civil liberties lawyer and law professor emeritus at Harvard, engage in a heated debate over the Trump administration's actions against the university. They explore the implications of accusations of antisemitism, the tension between academic freedom and institutional responsibility, and the complexities of diversity initiatives. With sharp insights, they tackle the question of accountability in elite education and the impact on Jewish students amid rising tensions.
20 snips
Jul 8, 2025 • 53min
Think Twice: Reading the Constitution with Justice Stephen Breyer
Stephen Breyer, a former Supreme Court Justice, shares insights from his nearly 30-year tenure on the bench and his book on constitutional pragmatism. He contrasts textualism with a pragmatic approach, arguing for decisions shaped by context rather than strict interpretation. The conversation covers the complexities of legal text interpretation, the challenges surrounding gun regulations, and the importance of judicial integrity. Breyer reflects on the emotional weight of landmark decisions and the necessity of understanding differing viewpoints in legal debates.
16 snips
Jul 1, 2025 • 53min
Are Sanctions An Effective Policy Tool?
Join Leopoldo Lopez, a Venezuelan opposition leader and pro-democracy activist, along with Artie McConnell, a former federal prosecutor, and Christopher Sabatini, a senior fellow at Chatham House, as they dive into the complex world of sanctions. They debate the effectiveness of these policies in challenging authoritarian regimes. Lopez shares personal stories of resistance from within Venezuela, while the group discusses the unintended consequences on civilians and the importance of a nuanced approach. Can sanctions truly promote democracy, or do they merely exacerbate suffering?
31 snips
Jun 24, 2025 • 53min
Is Trump's America a Reliable Ally?
In this discussion, guests Joshua Shifrinson, an expert on international security, and Kelly Grieco from the Stimson Center argue that Trump's provocative approach can ultimately strengthen alliances through tough love. In contrast, Liana Fix, a Fellow at the CFR, and foreign policy scholar Charles Kupchan emphasize that the unpredictability under Trump's leadership is eroding trust among allies, especially in Europe and Asia. They delve into concerns about American reliability, the implications of domestic politics on global commitments, and the potential rise of nuclear capabilities in allied nations.
42 snips
Jun 17, 2025 • 51min
Free Speech in the Trump 2.0 Era
Join Nadine Strossen, a former ACLU president and free speech advocate, Brandi Kruse, an Emmy-winning journalist, and Nick Gillespie, a libertarian commentator, as they dive into the evolving dynamics of free speech under Trump 2.0. They tackle media censorship, the impact of federal funding cuts on public broadcast integrity, and the chilling effects intensifying amidst political polarization. The trio engages in a spirited debate about the intersection of governmental influence, educational free speech, and the responsibilities of legacy media, all while advocating for civil liberties.
12 snips
Jun 13, 2025 • 54min
BONUS RELEASE: Can America and Its Allies Tolerate A Nuclear Iran, or Is It Time to Stop Them Now?
In this thought-provoking discussion, Behnam Ben Taleblu, a Senior Fellow at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies, and Barbara Slavin, a Distinguished Fellow at the Stimson Center, tackle the urgent issue of Iran's nuclear ambitions. They debate the consequences of a potentially nuclear-armed Iran, weighing the risks of military action against diplomatic options. The conversation highlights the geopolitical fallout for the U.S. and its allies, exploring the historical context, strategies for engagement, and the implications for regional stability.
11 snips
Jun 10, 2025 • 53min
Trump's Russia Policies: Return to Normalcy or Defeat for America?
In this engaging discussion, Jeffrey Sachs, a prominent economist, argues for Trump’s Russia policies as a return to normalcy, suggesting a shift in European security responsibility. Bill Browder and Alina Polyakova counter this view, asserting that Trump's approach enables Russian aggression and jeopardizes trust among allies. Thomas Graham supports Sachs’ stance on diplomatic engagement, while Polyakova emphasizes the risks in the context of the Ukraine conflict. The conversation highlights the complex dynamics of U.S.-Russia relations and the critical need for strategic reevaluation.
May 27, 2025 • 1h 11min
Think Twice: Original Sin with Jake Tapper and Alex Thompson
Jake Tapper, a prominent CNN anchor and author, teams up with Alex Thompson, Axios's National Political Correspondent, to dissect their buzzing book, 'Original Sin.' They delve into Biden's debate fiasco and the implications for his presidency and the Democratic Party. The discussion covers the political fallout from age and health concerns, the media's role in shaping narratives, and the complexities surrounding the 25th Amendment. Tapper and Thompson highlight the urgent need for transparency in today's political landscape, sparking a lively conversation on public trust.
