Intelligence Squared

Watch the full video of this event for free here: https://mailchi.mp/intelligencesquared/lw6gixq1t9 The transcript of this event is available here: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1GvYGaOE-fnDQdFvrTLQjUGcrE6Ra0acN/view?usp=drive_link --- The most influential inventor of the modern world, Sir Tim Berners-Lee is a different kind of visionary. Born in the same year as Bill Gates and Steve Jobs, Berners-Lee famously shared his invention, the World Wide Web, for no commercial reward. Its widespread adoption changed everything — transforming humanity into the first digital species. In September 2025 Berners-Lee came to the Intelligence Squared stage to tell the story of his iconic invention and explore the future of human innovation. Drawing on his new memoir, This is For Everyone, Berners-Lee explored how the web launched a new era of creativity and collaboration, while unleashing a commercial race that today imperils democracies and polarises public debate. As the rapid development of artificial intellig

This is an episode of Hotels with History, produced by Intelligence Squared on behalf of ⁠Perowne International⁠⁠. On todays episode, Richard journeys to Singapore to explore the legendary Raffles Hotel. Discover how four visionary Armenian brothers turned a 10-room beach bungalow into a magnificent Neo-Renaissance palace, where literary giants found their muse, and some of the world’s most famous cocktails were shaken. ⁠⁠Follow on Instagram⁠⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

For more than 40 years, world-renowned foreign correspondent Jon Lee Anderson has been reporting on wars, crises and revolutions, from Latin America to the Middle East and Africa.  Throughout his career he has made countless visits to Afghanistan, bearing witness to the Soviet invasion and the subsequent US interventions from 9/11 to the present day. His new book, To Lose A War, contains his reporting on the 20-year US military presence in Afghanistan, its disastrous and chaotic end and the return of the Taliban.  In this episode he sits down with foreign correspondent Hannah Lucinda Smith to discuss how the US mission lost its way, the resourcefulness and resilience of Afghanistan’s people and his hopes and fears for the country’s future under a resurgent Taliban. To Lose A War: The Fall and Rise of the Taliban by Jon Lee Anderson is available now. If you'd like to become a Member and get access to all our full conversations, plus all of our Members-only content, just visit intelligencesquared.com/member

Did you know that Mary Shelley was a teenager when she started writing Frankenstein in 1814? Or that England’s most prolific goal scorer - man or woman - was superstar striker Lily Parr, who scored a staggering 997 goals between 1919 and 1951? When Kate Mosse launched the #WomenInHistory campaign, asking people to highlight women whose achievements have been overlooked by history, she received thousands of nominations from around the globe. The result is her new book, Feminist History For Every Day of the Year. In it, she celebrates the extraordinary achievements of activists, writers, scientists, politicians and others, some of whom are household names, and others who deserve to be better known. She sat down with broadcaster Shahidha Bari to share some of these incredible stories. They talked about the importance of putting women and girls back into history - including those with complicated or problematic views - and why rights are always fought for, never given, and need to be protected. Kate Mosse is a

What if the real story of climate change is far more hopeful than we’ve been led to believe? With so much doomsday reporting and general misinformation on climate change, it can be hard to know what’s true - and what actually matters. In this episode, bestselling author and data scientist Hannah Ritchie joins us to examine the data on the biggest questions holding us back: Is it too late? Are we too polarised? Will we run out of the resources we need? Speaking to physicist and broadcaster Helen Czerski, Hannah draws on her new book Clearing the Air to explain that the data paints a surprisingly optimistic picture.  Together Hannah and Helen speak about contextualising progress, bust myths on everything from electric vehicles to wind turbines, and explore the solutions already working to build a cleaner, fairer, and more sustainable future.  If you'd like to become a Member and get access to all our full conversations, plus all of our Members-only content, just visit intelligencesquared.com/membership to f

Ian McEwan is the critically acclaimed author of nineteen novels and two short story collections.  His novels include Atonement, Enduring Love, The Children Act and On Chesil Beach, and he is the recipient of many awards including the Booker Prize, the Somerset Maugham Award and the Whitbread Novel of the Year Award. In this episode, McEwan sits down with author and journalist Alex Preston to discuss the enduring power of the novel, the challenges of writing climate fiction and his new book What We Can Know. What We Can Know is a work of speculative fiction set in 2119. It is a book about poetry, archives, rising sea levels and the plight of humanity in the vast natural world, and is available now online or in bookstores near you. If you'd like to become a Member and get access to all our full conversations, plus all of our Members-only content, just visit intelligencesquared.com/membership to find out more. For £4.99 per month you'll also receive: - Full-length and ad-free Intelligence Squared episodes

On today’s episode, an episode from our friends at Sotheby's exploring the remarkable collecting journey of Pauline Karpidas, one of the most influential art patrons of the past fifty years. Ahead of Sotheby’s landmark sale of her extraordinary Surrealist collection this September, collector Tiquio Acentio, curator Jasper Sharp, and Sotheby’s Worldwide Chairman of Impressionist and Modern Art Helena Newman will join broadcaster and art historian Kate Bryan to reflect on Karpidas’ unique eye, her friendships with artists, and the broader role of women as cultural custodians. From Peggy Guggenheim to Dominique de Menil and beyond, women collectors have long shaped the direction of modern and contemporary art. What drives them? How do personal connections influence collecting? And how does a home become a curated world? With insights into the upcoming auction and the stories behind the works, this talk will offer a portrait of a life in art – and celebrate those who collect with connoisseurship, curiosity and co

‘It is vanishingly rare for a writer to both confront the ugliness of humanity and still search for its beauty. Roy is that rare writer.’ – Naomi Klein Arundhati Roy is one of today’s most esteemed public intellectuals. The author of novels including the Booker Prize-winning The God of Small Things, Roy is equally respected as a political essayist. Her words on topics from the COVID-19 pandemic to the plight of India under Prime Minister Narendra Modi have helped define public discourse in India and beyond. In September 2025 Roy came to the Intelligence Squared stage for two exclusive events. Combining the signature scale, sweep and depth of her novels, and the passion, political clarity and warmth of her essays, Roy drew on the themes of her new memoir for a compelling exploration of her life and work. Born out of the onrush of memories and feelings provoked by her mother Mary’s death, Mother Mary Comes to Me is Roy’s telling of her own story from childhood to the present, from Kerala to Delhi. An ode to

‘It is vanishingly rare for a writer to both confront the ugliness of humanity and still search for its beauty. Roy is that rare writer.’ – Naomi Klein Arundhati Roy is one of today’s most esteemed public intellectuals. The author of novels including the Booker Prize-winning The God of Small Things, Roy is equally respected as a political essayist. Her words on topics from the COVID-19 pandemic to the plight of India under Prime Minister Narendra Modi have helped define public discourse in India and beyond. In September 2025 Roy came to the Intelligence Squared stage for two exclusive events. Combining the signature scale, sweep and depth of her novels, and the passion, political clarity and warmth of her essays, Roy drew on the themes of her new memoir for a compelling exploration of her life and work. Born out of the onrush of memories and feelings provoked by her mother Mary’s death, Mother Mary Comes to Me is Roy’s telling of her own story from childhood to the present, from Kerala to Delhi. An ode to

Nick Clegg has had a seat at the heart of power for nearly two decades. As leader of the Liberal Democrats he served as deputy Prime Minister from 2010 to 2015 in the coalition government with David Cameron. After losing his parliamentary seat in 2017 he became Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg’s right-hand man as President of Global Affairs at Meta. Throughout his time in politics and the private sector Clegg has been a key player in the battle between governments and Big Tech. In September 2025 he came to Intelligence Squared to argue why he believes that the backlash against Big Tech and the charges against it in recent years are overblown – including the accusation that social media algorithms polarise, manipulate and harm adults and children. Clegg drew from his new book How to Save the Internet to offer an alternative future for the internet that seeks to regulate Big Tech without demonising or overstating the problems these giant companies are accused of causing. Clegg was in conversation with journal

Nick Clegg has had a seat at the heart of power for nearly two decades. As leader of the Liberal Democrats he served as deputy Prime Minister from 2010 to 2015 in the coalition government with David Cameron. After losing his parliamentary seat in 2017 he became Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg’s right-hand man as President of Global Affairs at Meta. Throughout his time in politics and the private sector Clegg has been a key player in the battle between governments and Big Tech. In September 2025 he came to Intelligence Squared to argue why he believes that the backlash against Big Tech and the charges against it in recent years are overblown – including the accusation that social media algorithms polarise, manipulate and harm adults and children. Clegg drew from his new book How to Save the Internet to offer an alternative future for the internet that seeks to regulate Big Tech without demonising or overstating the problems these giant companies are accused of causing. Clegg was in conversation with journal

In November 2022, Benjamin Netanyahu returned to power in Israel after winning his sixth election. Propped up by a bloc of far-right and ultra-religious parties, Netanyahu’s government is seen by many as the most extreme in Israeli history. But he is also a remarkably successful politician: he first won power in 1996 and is Israel’s longest-serving prime minister. In September 2025 Anshel Pfeffer, one of the world’s foremost experts on the Israeli Prime Minister came to Intelligence Squared for the third instalment of our Age of the Strongman series. Pfeffer drew from his forthcoming book 'No King In Israel: The Jewish State Confronts its Demons' to shed light on Netanyahu’s bold vision for reshaping the Middle East, his cosy relationship with Donald Trump, his battles to silence the Israeli judiciary and his ongoing expansion of settlements in the West Bank. Pfeffer also explained the monumental shifts in Israeli politics that have taken place after October 7 and the wars in Gaza and Lebanon. Learn more a

In November 2022, Benjamin Netanyahu returned to power in Israel after winning his sixth election. Propped up by a bloc of far-right and ultra-religious parties, Netanyahu’s government is seen by many as the most extreme in Israeli history. But he is also a remarkably successful politician: he first won power in 1996 and is Israel’s longest-serving prime minister. In September 2025 Anshel Pfeffer, one of the world’s foremost experts on the Israeli Prime Minister came to Intelligence Squared for the third instalment of our Age of the Strongman series. Pfeffer drew from his forthcoming book 'No King In Israel: The Jewish State Confronts its Demons' to shed light on Netanyahu’s bold vision for reshaping the Middle East, his cosy relationship with Donald Trump, his battles to silence the Israeli judiciary and his ongoing expansion of settlements in the West Bank. Pfeffer also explained the monumental shifts in Israeli politics that have taken place after October 7 and the wars in Gaza and Lebanon. --- This is

This is an episode of The Specialist, produced by Intelligence Squared in partnership with Sotheby's. In The Specialist, explore the significance and journey of an extraordinary work through the eyes of those that know it best. On today’s episode, Maurizio Cattelan’s Comedian - an artwork that provoked scandal, sparked imagination, and upended the very definition of contemporary art. David Galperin, Sotheby’s Vice Chairman, Head of Contemporary Art for The Americas, examines the complexities and challenges that come with bringing such an ineffable and metaphysical artwork to auction. An artwork that dares to ask: who sets the value of art? The Specialist is brought to you by Sotheby's Financial Services. SFS offers asset-based loans to unlock the value of your fine art, automobiles and other luxury collectibles. Visit ⁠⁠⁠sothebys.com/sfs⁠⁠⁠ to find out more.To step further into the World of Sotheby’s, visit any one of our galleries, which are open to the public. Explore more at ⁠⁠⁠sothebys.com⁠⁠⁠. Learn mo

How can AI improve our healthcare industry? In this episode, Dr Emma Yhnell speaks to health informaticist and author Dr Charlotte Blease about the role AI could play in the future of medicine, from making it more accessible to helping lighten the hours of a burnt-out workforce.  Healthcare systems around the world are under mounting pressure. Healthcare professionals are amongst the most overworked, with half of all US doctors being burnt out and 42% of UK  doctors feeling unable to cope with their weekly workload. Studies show that burnout is linked to increased rates of error and harm, which in the medical industry could mean the difference between catching a diagnosis in time or risking a patient's life. But Dr Charlotte Blease argues that this need not be the case. It is time to thoughtfully implement the new technologies of our age to revolutionize the healthcare industry. AI can help us to overhaul a system that is reaching capacity and has the potential to change lives, both for doctors and their pa

This is an episode of Hotels with History, produced by Intelligence Squared on behalf of Perowne International⁠. In today’s episode, the rise of one of the most exclusive districts of London, the hotel that became the Annex to Buckingham Palace, and how it has maintained its status as one of the world’s most iconic hotels ever since. ⁠Follow on Instagram⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Why do we dream? Why do dreams go bad? And can we harness the science of dreams and nightmares to improve our health? Dr Michelle Carr is the Director of the Dream Engineering Laboratory at the University of Montreal and a researcher in the cutting edge field of dream engineering. Her new book, Into the Dream Lab, is a guide to the science of dreaming and nightmares, and the impact the dreaming brain has on our waking life.  In this episode, she sat down with Dr Khalil Thirlaway to talk about what happens when we dream, how nightmares can negatively impact our waking health, how dream engineering can help nightmare sufferers and ways in which we can all have more agency over how we dream.  Into the Dream Lab:The New Science of Dreams and Nightmares is available now. If you'd like to become a Member and get access to all our full conversations, plus all of our Members-only content, just visit intelligencesquared.com/membership to find out more. For £4.99 per month you'll also receive: - Full-length and a

Pulitzer-prize winning journalist Tim Weiner has been chronicling the history of the CIA for more than two decades. His new book, The Mission charts the agency’s successes and failings, from 9-11 to the present day. In this episode, he sat down with Carl Miller to talk about the agency’s notorious post 9-11 torture programmes, its key role in supporting Ukraine, the threat posed by China and Russia and the hard job of espionage in an age of technical surveillance. They also discussed the disorientating impact of the Trump administration, and what happens to the CIA when the threat is coming from above.  Tim Weiner is an award-winning author and reporter. The Mission: The CIA in the 21st Century is out now.  If you'd like to become a Member and get access to all our full conversations, plus all of our Members-only content, just visit intelligencesquared.com/membership to find out more. For £4.99 per month you'll also receive: - Full-length and ad-free Intelligence Squared episodes, wherever you get your p

In today's episode we’re joined today by journalist and author Catherine Belton to continue our discussion on whether President Trump can deliver a peace deal between Russia and Ukraine. Belton speaks with Conor Boyle, Head of Programming at Intelligence Squared, about what Putin’s long-term ambitions really are, why sanctions are working, and what the future holds for Europe, Ukraine and the United States. Belton’s acclaimed book Putin’s People: How the KGB Took Back Russia and Then Took On the West is available now from your local bookstore. This episode was recorded on August 21 2025. --- If you'd like to become a Member and get access to all our full ad free conversations, plus all of our Members-only content, just visit intelligencesquared.com/membership to find out more. For £4.99 per month you'll also receive: - Full-length and ad-free Intelligence Squared episodes, wherever you get your podcasts - Bonus Intelligence Squared podcasts, curated feeds and members exclusive series - 15% discount on

How does the classical world shape our politics, culture, language and lives today? On today’s episode, we’re joined by two of the greatest names making classics accessible for the modern day. Dame Mary Beard is a classicist who taught at Cambridge for almost 40 years. She has close to 20 books to her name, including Pompeii, which won the Wolfson History Prize, SPQR and Emperor of Rome, both of which were bestsellers in the UK and US. Charlotte Higgins is the chief culture writer of the Guardian. She studied Classics at university , and has since written many books on this topic, including Greek Myths: A New Retelling. Charlotte and Mary sat down with classicist and author Honor Cargill-Martin to explore taking a ‘post-truth’ approach to antiquity, how the idea of the Romans have been used as a political tool throughout history, and what the Greeks got right and wrong about human nature. You can find more of Mary and Charlotte discussing antiquity and the present day on their new podcast, Instant Classi