Intelligence Squared

Can Trump Deliver Peace in Ukraine? With Catherine Belton

Mary Beard and Charlotte Higgins on how antiquity shapes the modern world (Part Two)

The classical world provides a persistent framework for interpreting contemporary politics, human nature, and power dynamics. Rather than obsessing over the literal veracity of historical anecdotes—such as Nero playing the lyre while Rome burned or Elagabalus smothering guests with rose petals—these narratives function...

The Specialist | Fabergé’s Rediscovered Imperial Flower, with Helen Culver-Smith

Mary Beard and Charlotte Higgins on how antiquity shapes the modern world (Part One)

The classical world remains a vital, evolving lens for understanding contemporary politics, culture, and power structures. By moving beyond traditional historical narratives, this exploration of antiquity emphasizes the complexity of ancient societies, particularly regarding Athenian democracy and the construction of i...

Can Trump Deliver Peace in Ukraine? With Mark Galeotti

Conor Boyle interviews security expert Mark Galeotti about the potential for a peace deal in Ukraine under President Trump. They discuss Trump's unique approach compared to previous administrations, focusing on his bluntness and transactional perspective. Galeotti suggests Trump's disinterest in Ukraine itself, coupled...

Who are the Hidden Women who Shaped our Economic History? With Victoria Bateman

What Does China's Seismic Economic Progress Mean for the USA? With Dan Wang

How can we win the battle against antibiotic resistance? With Liam Shaw

Classic Debate: The Allied bombing of German cities in World War II was unjustifiable

How have rivers shaped human existence? With Vanessa Taylor

How Well do we Understand the Female Body? With Polly Vernon

Are the Rich Preparing for Civilisational Collapse? With Evan Osnos

Does Plato Still Matter Today? with Angie Hobbs

Did the Road to Trump Start in the 90’s? with John Ganz

Was the Nuclear Bomb Inevitable? With Frank Close

In this episode of Intelligence Squared, Adam McCauley interviews Frank Close, a physicist and science writer, about his new book, "Destroyer of Worlds," which explores the history of nuclear power from 1895 to 1965. Close details the scientific discoveries and the key figures involved in unlocking the power of the ato...

An African History of Africa, with Zeinab Badawi (Part Two)

An African History of Africa, with Zeinab Badawi (Part One)

The Specialist | The Greatest Persian Manuscript: A Story Fit For Kings, with Benedict Carter

Classic Debate: To Stop Climate Collapse, We Must End Capitalism

Did Apple’s Rise Fuel China’s Fight for Tech Supremacy? With Patrick McGee