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Open to Debate

Latest episodes

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Mar 23, 2018 • 54min

#146 - Does Humanitarian Intervention Do More Harm Than Good?

Motion: Humanitarian Intervention Does More Harm than Good.The international community currently faces a global refugee crisis and mass atrocities in Iraq, Myanmar, Syria, Yemen, and beyond. How should the West respond? Proponents of humanitarian intervention – the use of force to halt human rights abuses – argue that the world’s most powerful militaries have a responsibility to protect innocent civilians around the world. Beyond saving lives, they argue, intervention deters would-be abusers and ensures global stability, thereby strengthening the liberal world order. But opponents argue that military intervention is thinly veiled Western imperialism, and subsequently, an assault on state sovereignty. And, it’s ineffective: the West, with its military might, increases the death toll and worsens the conflicts it sets out to solve. Further, given recent waves of populism in the U.S., France, and U.K., they suggest that Western nations should spend their time looking inward rather than policing activity around the world. This debate is presented in partnership with The German Marshall Fund's Brussels Forum, broadcast live from Brussels, Belgium.The More We Evolve, The Less We Need God: http://smarturl.it/ReligionDebateTix Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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Feb 14, 2018 • 53min

#145 - Have Dating Apps Killed Romance?

Motion: Swipe Left: Dating Apps Have Killed RomanceEvery day millions of people turn to dating apps to find love. To date, more than 49 million Americans have given digital dating a try and the companies facilitating these matches are raking in billions. But are dating apps really designed to promote long-lasting romance? Apps like Tinder and Bumble make finding a date as easy as swiping right, while digital platforms like Match.com and OkCupid use specialized algorithms to help users find the perfect partner, regardless of age or personal preferences. Further, a range of niche sites connect people with highly specific interests, whether it’s single parenthood, a gluten-free lifestyle, or a devotion to Ayn Rand. But some argue that online dating is rife with sexism, racism, and misogyny, and that dating apps ultimately create a culture that prioritizes sex over committed and lasting love. After all, why settle on one match when there may be someone better just a swipe away?  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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Jan 24, 2018 • 53min

#144 - Unresolved: America's Economic Outlook

The Three Motions: Is deregulation driving the booming economy? Can the Republican tax bill spur economic growth? And is the stock market too high? By most accounts, the American economy is booming — manufacturing is at a 13-year high, unemployment is at a 16-year low, and both the stock market and consumer confidence are soaring. But just what is driving this upturn? And can Americans trust that current economic conditions will hold up in the months ahead? In our season premiere, five esteemed economic thinkers debate the state of the American economy, from tax cuts to trade policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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Dec 13, 2017 • 53min

#143 - Do Liberals Hold the Moral High Ground?

Debate on whether liberals have the moral high ground compared to conservatives, discussing values like patriotism, fairness, and caring for the marginalized. Panelists explore the moral implications of political decisions and the evolving societal norms around marriage. Examining the balance between liberalism and conservatism in education policy and addressing socioeconomic inequities through targeted programs and systemic racism. Participants delve into the complexity of morality in political discourse and emphasize the importance of engaging with different viewpoints.
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Nov 22, 2017 • 39min

Guns, Bibles, & Breaking Bread: A Thanksgiving Podcast

John Donvan sits down with Ken Stern, the former CEO of NPR, to discuss America's partisan politics and how to talk across the aisle -- and your Thanksgiving table. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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Nov 1, 2017 • 53min

#142 - Should College Athletes Be Paid?

Motion: Pay College AthletesCollege sports is a big-money business, with football and basketball programs generating millions of dollars in revenue every year. While coaches and athletic directors in Division I programs routinely score seven-figure contracts, student-athletes are currently prohibited from sharing in the profits. Is it time to rewrite the rules in college sports and allow athletes their fair share of the profits? Or would providing monetary incentives -- above and beyond existing scholarships and career supports -- spoil the sport? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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Oct 11, 2017 • 53min

#141 - Is Western Democracy In Danger?

Experts debate the risks to Western democracy, exploring themes like belief in truth, accountability, and the resilience of democratic systems. Parallels are drawn between Hitler's rise and current politics, highlighting the need for proactive measures to safeguard democracy. The debate delves into challenges like corrupt institutions, bad politicians, and the impact of authoritarian leaders on democracy's stability.
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Oct 4, 2017 • 53min

#140 - Is the U.S. Healthcare System Terminally Broken?

MOTION: The U.S. Healthcare System is Terminally BrokenCriticized by patients, providers, and politicians alike, the United States healthcare system is hardly a crowd-pleaser. Is the most expensive health care system in the world beyond repair?FORDr. Robert Pearl, former CEO of the Permanente Medical GroupShannon Brownless, author of Overtreated: Why Too Much Medicine is Making Us Sicker and PoorerAGAINSTDr. Ezekiel Amanuel, a bioethicist and an architect of the Affordable Care ActDr. David T. Feinberg, CEO of Geisinger Health System Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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Sep 20, 2017 • 53min

#139 - Face-Off with China: Foreign Policy in the Trump Era

Special: "Unresolved" Debate FormatAgainst the backdrop of North Korea's nuclear advances and escalating regional tensions, we ask: How should the U.S. respond to its most urgent national security threats? In a wide-ranging evening of debate, General David Petraeus joins military historian Max Boot for a keynote conversation and broad look into the most pressing global challenges of the Trump era. Then, four of the world's most prominent foreign policy voices zero in on the most important strategic relationship of the twenty-first century: the United States and China. Staged with our new "Unresolved" debate format, these debaters argue for or against a number of motions including: Is Donald Trump making China great again? Is China destined for regional dominance? And can we strike a deal with Beijing to contain North Korea’s nuclear program?  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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Aug 30, 2017 • 23min

How to Debate... Yourself.

Yale Law professor Peter Schuck discusses his book 'One Nation Undecided' on divisive issues like poverty, immigration, and religion. Emphasizes the importance of clear thinking in civil discourse and the ability to challenge your own beliefs. Explores the impact of social media and the news cycle on critical thinking and advocates for open-mindedness in political decision-making.

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