Open to Debate

Faisal Saeed Al Mutar, President of Ideas Beyond Borders, discusses the implications of the Trump administration's shift from soft power in the Middle East, arguing it was a necessary strategy against rivals like Iran and China. Jeffrey Gedmin, CEO of the Middle East Broadcasting Networks, counters that it harms America's image and undermines long-term stability in the region. The conversation dives into the effectiveness of U.S. foreign policy, the balance of hard and soft power, and the evolving dynamics with Israel amidst regional threats.

In this insightful discussion, Eric Berger, a senior space editor at Ars Technica and author, argues for the urgency of settling Mars to maintain U.S. leadership in space. Shannon Stirone, a freelance science writer, counters by emphasizing the ethical dilemmas and practical challenges of colonization. They delve into the competition with China, the human drive to explore versus the pressing issues on Earth, and the lessons learned from historical colonization. The conversation stirs a thought-provoking debate over humanity's next frontier.

Bret Stephens, Opinion columnist at The New York Times, argues for the fundamental necessity of objectivity in journalism, emphasizing its role in building trust. In contrast, Leonard Downie Jr, former executive editor of The Washington Post, calls for a reevaluation, suggesting that it might suppress valuable viewpoints. They engage in a lively debate over how historical events shape their perspectives on journalistic integrity, the evolving nature of newsrooms, and the need to balance objectivity with inclusive representation to regain public trust.

Cleo Abram, an independent tech journalist and creator of 'Huge If True,' brings her optimistic outlook on technology to the table. She and host Nayeema Raza tackle the fears of Millennials and Gen Z regarding climate change and parenting. They explore revolutionary tech like IVF advancements and artificial wombs that could redefine motherhood. The conversation also challenges media negativity, emphasizing a hopeful perspective on AI's role in the future of work and our responsibilities toward Earth.

Derek Thompson argues that while we excel at spotting problems, our solutions often lag behind. He discusses his book 'Abundance' and the need for introspection within political ideologies. The conversation tackles economic progressivism, the tension between supply and demand, and critiques the Democratic Party’s management issues. They also dive into government roles, healthcare access challenges, and the complexities of the housing crisis. Emphasizing civil discourse, the discussion highlights the importance of innovative ideas for a more abundant society.

Kadie Ward, the Commissioner and Chief Administrative Officer of Ontario's Pay Equity Commission, advocates for addressing the gender wage gap, citing systemic barriers and the positive economic impact of pay equity. In contrast, Allison Schrager, a Pension Economist and Bloomberg Opinion Contributor, argues that the wage gap reflects personal choices rather than discrimination. They explore how policies like childcare could support women's workforce participation and discuss the implications of societal norms and recent workplace changes.

Richard Gowan, a non-resident fellow at NYU's Center on International Cooperation, and Hillel Neuer, Executive Director of UN Watch, dive into the UN's role in the Middle East. Gowan argues that UN forces act as critical buffers in the Israel-Palestine conflict to prevent escalation. In contrast, Neuer challenges this view, claiming the UN's actions often lack neutrality and exacerbate tensions. They explore the effectiveness of UNRWA and peacekeeping forces while debating their impact on regional stability and humanitarian issues.

In this engaging discussion, Michael W. McConnell, a former U.S. Court of Appeals Judge and law professor at Stanford, debates the legality of Elon Musk's actions involving DOGE. He examines the intricate legal dynamics and potential conflicts of interest stemming from Musk’s government role. The conversation dives into constitutional concerns, the impacts of technology on legality, and accountability within the Trump administration. McConnell’s insights challenge assumptions about governance and ethics, making for a thought-provoking exchange.

Joan Costa-i-Font, a health economist at the London School of Economics, and Binyamin Appelbaum, a member of the New York Times editorial board, dive into a lively debate about the relevance of Daylight Savings Time. Costa-i-Font argues that the time change harms health and productivity, while Appelbaum defends its role in enhancing our quality of life. They explore the historical origins, public sentiment, and legislative challenges surrounding this timekeeping practice, making a compelling case for why it's time to rethink the clock.

Stephen Moore, an economist and senior fellow at the Heritage Foundation, and Scott Paul, president of the Alliance for American Manufacturing, argue for tariffs as essential tools for national security and supporting domestic production. On the opposing side, Jennifer Hillman from the Council on Foreign Relations highlights their potential economic harm and legal issues, while Rana Mitter from Harvard emphasizes the ineffectiveness of tariffs and advocates for alternative strategies. The discussion delves into the complex landscape of trade policies and their implications for U.S.-China relations.