

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

Sep 4, 2020 • 54min
#154 - Has Globalization Undermined the American Working Class?
This Episode Originally Aired on August 3rd, 2018MOTION: Globalization Has Undermined America's Working ClassGlobalization ushered in an era of free trade, fluid borders, and unparalleled corporate profits. For its proponents, the global integration of states and their economies was a political and economic win that created a wealth of opportunities for workers and consumers around the world. But in the United States, jobs are disappearing. From construction zones to clerical offices to coal mines, the American working class is losing ground. Is globalization to blame? Did the push toward global integration leave our most vulnerable populations behind, making them the losers of this grand experiment? Or is globalization being used as a scapegoat for a wider range of failed public policies and unprecedented advances in technology? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Aug 21, 2020 • 53min
Newt Minow on the Presidential Debates
What does the father of American presidential debate think about modern electoral politics? In this episode, Newt Minow offers a first-hand account of some of the nation’s biggest political moments and just what role debate should play in our future. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Aug 7, 2020 • 53min
Agree to Disagree: Should Washington Break Up Big Tech?
Is Big Tech having its own "big tobacco moment"? As Apple, Facebook, Google, and Amazon face antitrust probes from state and federal investigators alike, we dive into the debate that will shape the tech industry for generations. Join John Donvan and two esteemed debaters for this special episode of our new series, "Agree to Disagree." Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jul 25, 2020 • 43min
Agree to Disagree: Broadband for All?
Introducing "Agree to Disagree," a new series from Intelligence Squared U.S. In this episode, two guests join John Donvan to debate Broadband for All, the internet as a public utility, and just who should make sure you have the connection you need.A message from our sponsor:Get an extra 3 months Free on a one year package. Expressvpn.com/debate Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jul 10, 2020 • 53min
#183 - Is Nationalism a Force for Good?
From Brexit to “America First,” Modi in India, Erdoğan in Turkey, and Bolsonaro in Brazil, nationalism – or allegiance to a nation-state over other group affiliations – has been on the rise. Now, borders around the world are closed and the coronavirus pandemic is sparking staunch debate about the future of global governance and political identity. The nation-state has been praised for securing the needs of its citizens and serving as the most efficient form of political organization, while also criticized for being insular and inciting anti-immigration policies. Nationalism has been credited for both uniting disparate communities under a common culture and identity, as well as promoting violence based on race and ethnicity. As global problems continue to mount, does the 21st century require international leadership, or is nationalism a force for good?A message from our sponsor:Get an extra 3 months Free on a one year package. Expressvpn.com/debate Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jun 26, 2020 • 58min
#164 - Should Social Media Companies Honor the First Amendment?
MOTION: Constitutional Free Speech Principles Can Save Social Media Companies from ThemselvesPresident Trump posted similar content on Facebook and Twitter. Twitter flagged it. Facebook did not. Both have come under fire for those decisions. Just how should social media companies police user content? Revisit our debate on social media content moderation policies and whether the U.S. Constitution should be the guiding light in a new era of political speech. FOR THE MOTION:David French - Senior Writer, National ReviewCorynne McSherry - Legal Director, Electronic Frontier FoundationAGAINST THE MOTION:Nathaniel Persily - Professor, Stanford LawMarietje Schaake - International Policy Director, Stanford's Cyber Policy Center & Fmr. Member, European ParliamentWe're funded by our listeners. To support our debates, donate online at iq2us.org/supportA message from our sponsor:Get an extra 3 months Free on a one year package. Expressvpn.com/debate Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jun 12, 2020 • 53min
#182 - Will Coronavirus Reshape the World Order in China's Favor?
How might coronavirus reshape geopolitics? For some, the answer is clear: China is on the rise. While Washington embraces “America First” and abdicates its global leadership role, they argue, Beijing is stepping up to fill the void. But others see a global future where Beijing’s standing is diminished, not bolstered. Panelists Kurt M. Campbell, Kishore Mahbubani, Minxin Pei, and Susan Thornton. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

May 29, 2020 • 53min
#181 - Has The Electoral College Outlived Its Usefulness?
DEBATE: Has The Electoral College Outlived Its Usefulness?Five American presidents — two in the last 20 years — have assumed office without winning the popular vote. As the nation gears up for another contentious presidential election, some are calling for an end to the Electoral College. They argue that the college subverts the will of the American people by unfairly prioritizing rural and swing states over the nation’s majority. But others say the Electoral College, which the Founders established in the Constitution, is necessary to ensure voters in less populous states have a voice in picking our president. Has the Electoral College outlived its usefulness?This debate is presented in partnership with the Northwestern Pritzker School of Law as part of the Newt and Jo Minow Debate Series. Motion: The Electoral College Has Outlived Its UsefulnessFor the Motion:Jamelle Bouie - Columnist, New York TimesKate Shaw - Law Professor & Supreme Court Contributor, ABC NewsAgainst the Motion:Tara Ross - Author, "Why We Need the Electoral College"Bradley A. Smith - Law Professor & Former Chairman, Federal Election CommissionA note from our sponsor:Get an extra 3 months Free on a one year package. Expressvpn.com/debate Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

May 15, 2020 • 54min
#180 - Was the Global Financial System Better Prepared for the Pandemic Than 2008?
More than a decade ago, Lehman Brothers collapsed, and the world witnessed one of the worst financial crises in global history. In January 2019, Intelligence Squared U.S. hosted a debate on the motion “Ten Years After the Global Financial Crisis, the System Is Safer,” to assess how resilient markets would be in the future. With the emergence of a global pandemic, this has put the debater’s arguments to the ultimate test – whose claims have been vindicated by this unprecedented event?Cast Your Vote: www.iq2us.org/vote Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Apr 24, 2020 • 53min
#179 - Is the Defense Production Act Being Underutilized?
As health professionals and leaders around the nation rush to procure the supplies Americans need to combat coronavirus, we ask: Is the Defense Production Act being underutilized? This little-known law, which dates back to the Korean War, gives the president vast authority to compel private companies to act in the interest of national defense. While President Trump has invoked the act in recent weeks, many across the nation are calling on his administration to use its powers much more broadly.Cast Your Vote: https://smarturl.it/DefenseProdAct Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices


