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
5 snips
Dec 5, 2025 • 34min
INSIDE THE DEBATE with John Donvan, Nayeema Raza, and Nick Gillespie
Join John Donvan with guests Nayeema Raza and Nick Gillespie as they dive into the art of moderating debates. Nayeema shares insights on keeping discussions civil in a polarized world, while Nick emphasizes the importance of vetting participants. They discuss what differentiates moderating from interviewing and explore strategies to manage heated exchanges without losing focus. The conversation highlights how effective moderation can foster genuine dialogue and how debates can shift perspectives, creating a more engaged community.
16 snips
Nov 28, 2025 • 52min
Does the Effective Altruism Movement Get Giving Right?
In a riveting discussion, Peter Singer, a leading philosopher known for his work on effective altruism, goes head-to-head with Alice Crary, a critic advocating for broader measures of goodness. They dissect the complexities of effective altruism, from its evidence-based approach to charities to its potential pitfalls like neglecting social justice. Topics include the impact of randomized trials, the ethics of ‘earning to give,’ and the balance between measurable outcomes and systemic change. The debate offers a thought-provoking look at what it means to give effectively.
8 snips
Nov 21, 2025 • 53min
Should the U.S. Militarize the War on Drugs?
In a heated debate, Sean McFate, a strategy professor and former Army officer, and Andrés Martínez-Fernández, a Latin America policy analyst, argue for using military force against drug cartels, likening them to quasi-states. Opposing them are Will Freeman, a CF resident fellow, and Aileen Teague, a former Marine, who highlight the risks of civilian casualties and the failure of militarization in past interventions. They advocate for diplomatic strategies and emphasize the need for effective demand reduction. The discussion navigates complex legal and ethical repercussions.
19 snips
Nov 19, 2025 • 1h 8min
BONUS: Why Debate Matters — Robert Rosenkranz on Clearer Thinking
Robert Rosenkranz is a philanthropist and founder of Open to Debate, dedicated to fostering civil discourse. In this dialogue, he explores how genuine debates can enhance open-mindedness and critical thinking. They delve into the decline of public discourse due to modern media and discuss philanthropy as a means to create vital institutions rather than merely giving back. Rosenkranz emphasizes the importance of understanding opposing views, reasoning over emotion in debates, and the critical thinking skills needed to separate facts from interpretations.
72 snips
Nov 14, 2025 • 53min
Generational Divides with Nick Gillespie
In this enlightening discussion, Joe Nocera, a veteran business journalist representing Baby Boomers, joins Stacey Vanek-Smith, a Gen X economics expert from Bloomberg, and Gen Z economist Kyla Scanlon. They tackle the evolving landscape of Social Security, debating its future and its impact on younger generations. The trio also explores the daunting challenge of homeownership for millennials and Gen Z, and reflect on the nostalgic allure of the 1950s, uncovering the social costs behind its economic gains.
16 snips
Nov 7, 2025 • 53min
Is Europe Too Late to Compete in the Chip War?
Zach Meyers, Director of Research at CERRE, argues Europe is too late in the chip war, lacking the scale of U.S. and China. In contrast, Geoffrey Gertz emphasizes the need for Europe to focus on vulnerabilities rather than competing directly. Cristina Caffarra champions European tech sovereignty for areas like defense and AI, while Eric Baissus highlights the continent's unique strengths and talent in semiconductor innovation. The discussion navigates funding challenges, geopolitical tensions, and the potential for open-source solutions to break existing monopolies.
49 snips
Oct 31, 2025 • 53min
Think Twice: The Seven Rules of Trust with Jimmy Wales
Jimmy Wales, the founder of Wikipedia and author of The Seven Rules of Trust, joins moderator Xenia Wickett for an enlightening discussion. They explore how Wikipedia has cultivated trust as a global authority while trust in institutions wanes. Wales shares insights on the significance of neutrality, the nonprofit model's role in fostering independence, and the link between trust and economic development. He also discusses the potential of AI and stresses the importance of transparency and participation in rebuilding trust in today's digital age.
34 snips
Oct 24, 2025 • 53min
Should America End Birthright Citizenship?
In a lively debate, Horace Cooper, a constitutional scholar and former law professor, argues against birthright citizenship, claiming it's a misapplication of the 14th Amendment. Opposing him, Kris Mayes, Arizona's Attorney General, highlights the amendment's integral value to equality and its historical context. Mark Krikorian presents data on illegal immigration trends supporting his stance for change, while Chris Newman passionately defends birthright citizenship as crucial for protecting children's rights and promoting inclusion. The discussion also touches on the potential chaos of policy reversal and the fundamental concepts of national identity.
87 snips
Oct 17, 2025 • 53min
Will the Future Be Abundant?
Peter Diamandis, founder of the XPRIZE Foundation and proponent of 'data-driven optimism', argues that exponential technologies will transform scarcity into abundance. In contrast, geopolitical strategist Peter Zeihan warns that deglobalization, aging populations, and a declining China pose significant risks to future prosperity. They explore the impact of tech on inequality, future food security, and potential geopolitical conflicts. Both find common ground on technology's promise, but diverge sharply on the pace of change and necessary caution.
39 snips
Oct 10, 2025 • 53min
Is War Inevitable?
Dylan Motan, an international relations scholar, argues that the anarchic global system leads states to prioritize survival through war. In contrast, Gabrielle Rifkind, a conflict mediator, counters that understanding human psychology and effective mediation can prevent conflict. They explore the balance between systemic pressures and leadership decisions, debating whether institutions like the UN are effective in averting war. Historical examples and the Israel-Palestine conflict are examined, highlighting the complexities of achieving lasting peace.
