Doha Debates Podcast

Most of us spend our lives thinking about money—how we’re earning it, how we’re spending it, how much we have and how to get more. But we rarely think about the bigger picture: What is money? How did we agree on the concept in the first place? How is it regulated, and who are those regulatory systems built to serve? This episode asks one of the most fundamental questions in economics and politics: Who controls your money? Is it the government? The ultra-rich? The free market? And should any of these organizations or individuals have that much power, or should our economic systems be totally democratic? 💬 Join the conversation in the comments.  Featuring:  Saifedean Ammous: Economist and author Jason Hickel: Professor of political economy, Autonomous University of Barcelona Pavlina R. Tcherneva: President, Levy Economics Institute Moderated by award-winning journalist and writer Mohamed Hassan

We usually think of language as a tool to express who we are and what we believe. But what if it’s the other way around? What if language actually shapes us? In this episode, we explore whether the language(s) we speak can influence our culture, our values and even our perceptions of the world. Two pivotal questions run through the conversation: Can language actually determine the way we think? And, as the English language becomes more and more global, is it spreading cultural influence along with it? 💬 Join the conversation in the comments.  Featuring:  Lera Boroditsky: Professor of cognitive science, University of California Safwan Masri: Author, “They Told Us We Were Arab” (forthcoming) Helen Pluckrose: Author; political and cultural commentator David Shariatmadari: Journalist and author Moderated by presenter, filmmaker and producer Nadir Nahdi

Work has long been tied to social value and identity. We are told it builds character and is essential to a functional society. But in an age of hustle culture, economic insecurity and burnout, many are asking whether work is meaningful or just a means of survival. This episode explores the meaning, value and future of work. Has its soul been lost to corporate profit and relentless productivity, or has social and economic innovation made it better? And as AI expands and evolves, will work need to be redefined altogether? 💬 Join the conversation in the comments.  Featuring:  Hoda Alkhzaimi: Professor of engineering, New York University Abu Dhabi Federico Campagna: Philosopher; lecturer, Royal College of Art Yanis Varoufakis: Professor of economics, University of Athens Robert C. Wolcott: Cofounder and chair, The World Innovation Network Moderated by award-winning journalist and writer Mohamed Hassan

Journalism was built on a promise: uncover the truth and hold the powerful to account. Today, media company ownership is in flux, news goes global—and viral—at the touch of a screen and everyone has a platform to tell their version of events. Is that promise becoming more or less possible to keep? In this episode, we ask: Is the journalism industry in a necessary evolution or is it in crisis? Has social media democratized the news, or made it harder to trust? How has the role and responsibilities of a journalist changed over the years, and how do they capture the respect (and attention) of the next generation? 💬 Join the conversation in the comments.  Featuring:  Dima Khatib: Managing director of digital projects, Al Jazeera Media Network Marc Owen Jones: Associate professor of media analytics, Northwestern University in Qatar Peter Oborne: Associate editor, Middle East Eye Richard Sambrook: Emeritus professor of journalism, Cardiff University Moderated by award-winning journalist and writer Mohamed Hassan

International law was built on a simple idea that even the most powerful nation-states should be bound by the same rules. But today, that idea is being challenged: Rulings go unenforced, institutions are unable or unwilling to act, and some are questioning whether the rules were truly globally applicable to begin with. This episode asks what's left of international law, and whether it still holds significance. Does it still matter when the rules are broken? Is there consensus on what the rules mean in the first place? And what sort of system do we want the next generation to inherit? 💬 Join the conversation in the comments.  Featuring:  - Charli Carpenter: Professor of political science, University of Massachusetts Amherst - Victor Gao: Vice president, Center for China and Globalization - Balakrishnan Rajagopal: Associate professor of law and development, Massachusetts Institute of Technology - Curtis Yarvin: Political philosopher Moderated by international presenter and host Dareen Abughaida

For years, Western vision and values have shaped the global order. Now, China is on the rise, championing a different model. Who will lead us into the future? In this episode, we explore these competing visions of the world and ask which one will end up on top. Is the West actually losing influence, or is something more complicated happening? Does China's rise offer a real alternative to the Western order, or a new kind of dependency? And as tensions simmer over Taiwan, Ukraine and the global AI race, can the world’s major powers find a way to coexist, or are we headed toward deeper division? 💬 Join the conversation in the comments.  Featuring:  - Renata Ávila: CEO, Open Knowledge Foundation - Arnaud Bertrand: Entrepreneur - Isabel Hilton: Visiting professor, Lau China Institute, King’s College London - Henry Wang: Founder and president, Center for China and Globalization Moderated by international journalist and media executive Soraya Salam

Who controls our money? Will China or the West lead us into the future? Is work even meaningful anymore? We’re back with a new season of the Doha Debates Podcast, featuring global experts tackling some of the world’s most complex questions. Guests include Yanis Varoufakis, Saifedean Ammous, Jason Hickel, Tariq Ali, Dima Khatib and many more. Watch or listen to the first episode September 22.

Football (or soccer) is more than just a game; it's a global phenomenon. Today, as football club ownership, team talent and the fandom all evolve, have the meaning and merits of the sport also changed? What can we learn about ourselves and our world by examining the current state of the “beautiful game”? This episode uses football as a lens to explore questions of capitalism, nationalism, power and identity. 💬 Join the conversation in the comments. Featuring: - David Goldblatt: Sociologist, sports writer, broadcaster and author - Tony Karon: Editorial lead, AJ+ - Honey Thaljieh: Co-founder, women’s football in Palestine Moderated by international journalist Imran Garda

In many places around the world, birth rates have dropped to historic lows. Some argue this is a good thing in a world grappling with environmental crises and waning resources. Others fear the loss of legacy and even the extinction of humanity.   In this episode, we explore the meaning and the impact of falling birth rates. Is it a sign of liberation from outdated norms? Is it proof that individualism has gone too far? Or is it the inevitable result of modern-day challenges?   💬 Join the conversation in the comments.   Featuring:   Alaka Basu: Professor of developmental sociology, Cornell University  Laurie DeRose: Assistant professor of sociology, The Catholic University of America  Antonina Lewandowska: Sociologist, researcher and activist  Stephen J. Shaw: Data scientist and demographer  Moderated by international journalist and media executive Soraya Salam

History is full of resistance movements that were condemned in their time but later celebrated, including the French Resistance, women’s suffrage and the fight against apartheid led by Nelson Mandela. This begs the question: Which modern resistance movements will the world honor in the future, and what determines whether or not they are recognized?  In this episode, we explore the question of what makes resistance legitimate. Is it the cause, the tactics, the outcome—or something else? And who gets to decide whether or not legitimacy is granted?    💬 Join the conversation in the comments.   Featuring:   Diana Buttu: Practitioner-in-residence, Georgetown University in Qatar   Victor Gao: Vice president, Center for China and Globalization  Saeed Khan: Associate professor of Near East & Asian studies, Wayne State University   Amina Rasul: President, Philippine Center for Islam and Democracy  Moderated by presenter, filmmaker and producer Nadir Nahdi.

Some critics argue that contemporary art has lost touch with the principles and traditions that define artistic greatness. Others see its break with tradition as liberating; a move toward more inclusion, experimentation and personal and political expression.  This episode explores what makes great art in the 21st century. Is it adherence to tradition, or disruption and reinvention? Is artistic beauty understood across time and culture, or does each generation need to redefine it? And with the AI era upon us, what even constitutes art in the first place?  💬 Join the conversation in the comments.   Featuring:   Wafaa Bilal: Artist; professor, Tisch School at New York University  Molly Crabapple: Artist, writer and journalist  Fen de Villiers: Fine art sculptor  Samar Younes: Quantum culture artist  Moderated by presenter, filmmaker and producer Nadir Nahdi

This episode was recorded on December 6th, 2025.  In recent decades, traditional religious frameworks have steadily lost influence in Western societies. At the same time, we’ve seen the emergence of social justice movements focused on uncovering and dismantling systemic forms of oppression. Some argue that these secular movements are a replacement for faith. Others say they don’t offer the same moral depth, cohesion and forgiveness provided by traditional religion.    In this episode, our guests debate whether today's social justice movements effectively replace religion in the West—and whether they share similar ethical principles with the traditions they often want to move beyond.    💬 Join the conversation in the comments.   Featuring:   Joshua Mitchell: Professor of political theory, Georgetown University  Khaled A. Beydoun: Professor of law, Arizona State University  Michael Eric Dyson: Professor of African American and diaspora studies, Vanderbilt University  Moderated by international presenter and host Mohamed Hassan

Conspiracy theories used to be dismissed as paranoid fringe thinking, found only in the far corners of the internet or every day hearsay. But today, they've migrated to the mainstream. Claims about election meddling, the real origins of COVID-19, and the deep state circulate widely and are even repeated by government officials.   This episode asks whether conspiracy theories have any actual value in a world where uncertainty is high and institutional accountability is low. Do they only make the spread of misinformation and disinformation worse? Or are they a way for people to express real suspicion toward systems that often feel hidden or unaccountable?  💬 Join the conversation in the comments.   Featuring:   Heather Berlin: Associate professor of psychiatry and neuroscience, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai  Alex Berenson: Novelist; journalist; author, Unreported Truths Substack   Nuurrianti Jalli: Assistant professor of professional practice, Oklahoma State University   Andrea Kitta: Professor of folklore, department of English at East Carolina University  Moderated by international presenter and host Dareen Abughaida

Will AI unite or divide us?  Artificial intelligence systems often reflect the priorities, biases and beliefs of the people who designed and created them. It’s critical to determine the sources of its worldview as it continues to influence how we think, learn and even love.  This episode explores whether AI will bring us together or widen social divides. Can we create AI models that truly reflect cultural and ideological diversity? Or are we heading into an era of “AI tribes” that leads us in different directions?   💬 Join the conversation in the comments.  Featuring:   James Brusseau: Professor of philosophy and computer science, Pace University  Evgeny Morozov: Theorist and publisher, The Syllabus  Elina Noor: Senior fellow, Asia Program at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace  Robert Wright: Publisher, Nonzero Newsletter; host, Nonzero Podcast  Moderated by award-winning journalist and writer Mohamed Hassan

The idea of taxing the rich is hardly new, but the question of whether it creates a fairer world remains highly contested.  This debate asks what would happen if we increased taxation on the billionaire class. Would it actually create greater economic stability and social equity? Or would it make things worse? Are taxes even aneffective way to redistribute wealth, or should we be looking at other models?  💬 Join the conversation in the comments.  Featuring:  Sanjit Dhami: Professor of economics, University of Leicester  Gustavo Flores-Macías: Dean of the School of Public Policy, University of Maryland  Martín Krause: Visiting professor, Francisco Marroquín University (Guatemala)  Pedro Solimano: Journalist, DL News

Are we truly able to shape our own lives, or are we following a script we can’t rewrite?   From Islamic perspectives to groundbreaking neuroscientific research, this episode examines how differing theories about free will shape the way we look at morality, responsibility and justice.  💬 Join the conversation in the comments.  Featuring:  Heather Berlin: Associate professor of psychiatry and neuroscience, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai  Gregg Caruso: Professor of ethics and director of the Patrick J. Waide Center for Applied Ethics, Fairfield University  Shadi Hamid: Columnist, the Washington Post Peter Tse: Cognitive neuroscientist, professor and chair of the Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Dartmouth College

Archaeology textbooks tell a familiar story about human history: Stone tools, cave art, nomadic life, then civilization.   But a growing number of voices think we're missing a chapter—signs of an earlier advanced culture, lost to time.   This episode explores the question underneath it all: Is there really a forgotten era of human ingenuity, or are we inventing a more epic past because it makes the human story feel bigger?  💬 Join the conversation in the comments.    Featuring:  Eduardo Góes Neves: Professor of archeology, University of Sao Paulo   Edwin Barnhart: Director, Maya Exploration Center  Flint Dibble: Teacher in archaeology, Cardiff University  Sarah Parcak: Professor of anthropology, University of Alabama at Birmingham

For millennia, we’ve wondered about the possibility of intelligent life beyond Earth. Recently, former U.S. president Barack Obama asserted that aliens are, in fact, real, and the Trump administration has pushed to declassify government files on UAPs and UFOs, leaving us with even more questions.   In this episode, we explore what might happen if we discovered that we are not alone in the universe. What if our morality, spirituality and intelligence was not unique? How would the discovery of extraterrestrials reshape our understanding of ourselves and our role in the cosmos?    💬 Join the conversation in the comments.  Featuring:  Matthias Determann:  Historian, Virginia Commonwealth University in Qatar  David Grinspoon: Senior scientist, Planetary Science Institute  Shaykh Hamza Karamali: Founder of Basira Education  Nick Pope: UAP investigator, UK Ministry of Defense (retired

This program was recorded in August 2025. The views expressed in this episode are the participants’ own and do not necessarily reflect those of Doha Debates.  Is war inevitable, or preventable? This episode examines whether we’re capable of breaking the cycle of war.   💬 Join the conversation in the comments.    Featuring:  Charli Carpenter: Author and professor of political science and legal studies  Ian Morris: Historian, archaeologist and classics professor  R. Brian Ferguson: Professor, author and specialist in Indigenous conflict studies   Noha Aboueldahab: Author, professor and transitional justice specialist

What does our architecture say about who we are—and who we want to become?  For centuries, architecture has represented our cultural beliefs, traditions and needs. It’s shaped how we live, how we relate to each other and even our mood.  But modern architecture’s critics say it has a big problem. They argue it’s disconnected from human expression and context, with uniform or minimalist buildings that erase uniqueness, ignore the landscape and even increase stress. Modern architects, however, praise it for functionality and efficiency, saying it addresses global problems like climate change and affordable housing.   In this episode, we explore whether architecture in the modern age has lost touch with humanity, or whether it is just as expressive and responsive as in any other era.    💬 Join the conversation in the comments.  Featuring:  Marwa Al-Sabouni: Architect, urbanist and author  Bidisha Sinha: Associate director at Zaha Hadid Architects   Lucien Steil: Author, professor and architect

The prospect of societal collapse has been examined throughout human history. Thinkers from Ibn Khaldun to Karl Marx have argued that civilization carries the seeds of its own downfall.   This episode asks whether we are witnessing modern-day civilization’s collapse or renewal. Will our modern-day focus on individualism, technology and comfort lead to decline or a revolutionary new beginning? Or are we living in a transitional moment where terms like “civilization” fail to capture our global reality altogether?    💬 Join the conversation in the comments. Featuring:  Aurora Payal: Author, professor and digital anthropologist  Jonathan Brown: Author, professor and scholar of Islamic studies  Faisal Devji: Professor of global and Iimperial history  Joseph Tainter: Author, anthropologist and historian

Would you live in a futuristic, tech-run city?   Tech leaders from across the globe are racing to build so-called tech utopias, claiming that they’re a new societal blueprint for humanity. But will this approach actually uplift us all or leave most of us behind?  This debate explores whether tech-run cities like Praxis or Próspera truly offer a brighter future for all, or whether they are exclusive enclaves for the elite.  💬 Join the conversation in the comments.  Featuring:  Gökçe Günel: Author and professor of anthropology at Rice University  Titus Gebel: Tech entrepreneur; founder and president of the Free Cities Foundation  Evgeny Morozov: Theorist and publisher of The Syllabus

Are superheroes moral leaders—or caped propagandists?  From comic books to billion-dollar blockbusters, superheroes have fascinated us for over a century. But what do these stories really teach us? Are they our moral guides or do they reinforce Western ideals, individualism and even militarism?  This debate explores why anti-heroes like the Joker captivate us, what it means when our moral icons are billionaires or kings created by entertainment giants, and whether superhero stories shape a new moral compass or uphold the status quo.   💬 Join the conversation in the comments.  Featuring:  Nnedi Okorafor:  Award-winning novelist, Black Panther comics author  Hussein Rashid: Independent scholar of religion and pop culture  Keith Spencer: Author and social critic focused on culture, media, and tech

Over the past decade, critics argue that identity politics and censorship have stifled academic freedom, while others say these concerns are overstated. This debate explores whether initiatives for justice and inclusion of historically excluded voices actually strengthen academia’s truth-seeking mission or risk replacing critical inquiry with moral conformity—and what kind of intellectual culture universities should build for the future.  💬 Join the conversation in the comments.  Featuring:  Dorian Abbot: Professor of Geophysics at the University of Chicago  Pablo Avelluto: Former Minister of Culture of Argentina  Omer Bartov: Professor of Holocaust and Genocide Studies at Brown University  Mohammad Fadel: Professor of Law at the University of Toronto

Can the West be trusted with global justice after Gaza?    Never has global justice faced a greater moral crisis than the destruction of Gaza, with the post-World-War-II moral order facing intense scrutiny. While Western-led institutions claim to champion human rights, when it comes to Gaza, do these institutions live up to their own ideals? In this episode of the Doha Debates Podcast, global experts debate whether the West can be trusted to promote global justice, and who should decide instead what moral framework guides the future of justice in a multipolar world.     💬 Join the conversation in the comments.  Featuring:  Bruno Maçães: Author and member of the European Council on Foreign Relations   David Oldroyd-Bolt: Historian and broadcaster, specializing in Anglosphere relations  Dr. Randa Slim: Foreign policy expert and non-resident fellow with Middle East Institute  Wadah Khanfar: Palestinian journalist and former director general of Al Jazeera

Should we accept aging or reverse it?  While the search for eternal youth is not new, what does it mean to value youth above all else? What do we lose in the process?    Many argue that science should extend our lives and reduce suffering. Others believe there must be limits. In this episode, experts debate whether we should handle the aging process with acceptance or with scientific intervention.

The battle over online disinformation is usually framed as a fight for truth. But it is also a fight over power.  As platforms tighten policies, algorithms quietly shape visibility and experts step in as arbiters of credibility, a deeper question emerges: are these systems protecting open discourse or controlling it?  In this episode of the Doha Debates Podcast, we explore the rise of digital censorship and the growing assumption that the public cannot be trusted to think critically without supervision. Can harmful falsehoods be reduced without eroding the right to freely exchange ideas? And who decides where the line between protection and control is drawn?  Experts join moderator Mohamed Hassan to debate how truth is defined, who gets to define it and what ethical responsibilities come with that authority.  💬 Join the conversation in the comments.  Featuring:  Renée DiResta: Author and associate research professor at Georgetown University's McCourt School of Public Policy   Glenn Greenwald: Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist, former constitutional lawyer and New York Times bestselling author  Siva Vaidhyanathan: Professor of Media Studies and director of the Center for Media and Citizenship at the University of Virginia

Start the year 2026 with us as we discuss the questions shaping our world: What happens when disagreement is labeled disinformation? Can aging be cured — and should it be? After Gaza, who decides what justice looks like?  The Doha Debates Podcast returns with a bold, reimagined season, featuring Majlis-style debates that challenge you to think differently. Each week, our moderators sit down with experts to explore these big issues through a wide range of perspectives.   🗓️ First episode premieres Tuesday, January 6 🎧 New episodes every Tuesday 🔔 Subscribe and join the conversation!

Today, the global order is facing challenges from shifting power and ongoing conflicts around the world. In this moment of rapid change, our latest town hall sought to examine the competing values and principles that underpin our societies—and uncover fundamental truths about which philosophical building blocks are most essential to building a better, more equitable and peaceful world. Expert guests Victor Gao, Hina Khar and Vali Nasr, together with an onstage audience of students and recent graduates, joined us to explore this urgent question: which principles should shape our future? This Doha Debates town hall was moderated by journalist Femi Oke and produced in partnership with Doha Forum. It was filmed in Doha, Qatar on December 6, 2024.

For the greater part of a century, conversations and narratives about global justice and free speech have been dominated by the West. From seminal works of history to newspapers of record to media networks to politics to public discourse, Western voices have often been louder than the rest. And while the West has long claimed to act in the name of democracy, equality and freedom, some wonder whether it always lives up to its own ideals. Can the world rely on Western media, politics and public rhetoric to promote global justice, or is it simply furthering its own interests? At the tenth Bradford Literature Festival, speakers Fatima Bhutto, Steve Clemons and Konstantin Kisin came together alongside an onstage audience of students and recent graduates for a lively town hall exploring how this narrative control plays out on the world stage. This Doha Debates town hall was moderated by journalist Remona Aly and produced in partnership with Bradford Literature Festival. It was filmed at University of Bradford in Bradford, England on July 6, 2024.

At Doha Debates, we believe that debate can help solve some of the world's most challenging problems. But are there limits to what free speech and debate can accomplish?  Social media has allowed more people to connect and share their perspectives than ever before. That has led to an immense amount of learning and progress—but it's also led to an uptick in hate speech and misinformation, online and IRL. Today, anyone can have a platform—but should they? Is everything up for debate, or should some things be out of bounds? Jacob Mchangama, founder and executive director of The Future of Free Speech think tank, argues that free speech and open debate are the only ways to build and secure open and tolerant societies. He thinks we should all be able to speak our minds, and says that engaging with people and perspectives we disagree with can help sharpen our own opinions or help us learn something new. Author and journalist David Stubbs says that unlimited free speech tends to favor extreme voices and that certain ideas, like climate denial, don’t deserve a platform and are “just plain wrong.” Listen to Doha Debates Podcast as these experts discuss the limits of debate and the future of free speech.

Climate anxieties—and global temperatures—are on the rise. According to the United Nations, if the planet warms by 1.5 degrees Celsius, we’ll be facing irreversible climate damage. To stop that increase, we need to reach net zero emissions by 2050. Reaching such an ambitious goal means changing a lot of our behaviors, including cutting back on our use of fossil fuels. But should everyone, and every nation, be held to the same standard? Is it realistic to ask countries in the global south to shoulder equal responsibility for cutting carbon emissions? Dr. Rahul Tongia, Senior Fellow at the Centre for Social and Economic Progress (CSEP) in New Delhi and non-resident Senior Fellow at the Brookings Institution, concedes that while we must be more innovative and aggressive when it comes to the development of green technology, it’s unrealistic to cut out fossil fuels entirely. He adds that we need to decouple the idea of “access” from “clean,” and make sure there is electrical wiring in every home across the globe before we focus on going green.  Zaki Mamdoo, South African environmental activist and coordinator of the StopEACOP (Stop East African Crude Oil Pipeline) campaign, says that it is entirely unnecessary to harm the environment in order to increase energy access. He says fossil fuels are actually anti-development, in that they not only pollute the air, land, water and livestock, but they destroy local economies, desecrate cultural sites and ruin labor systems and communities. He argues that all nations must refrain from new fossil-fuel use, leapfrog towards more renewable energy resources like wind and solar and embrace a just transition to a low-carbon economy.  Listen to these experts discuss and dissect the best pathways to a greener world on this episode of Doha Debates Podcast. This special episode is inspired by Necessary Tomorrows, a podcast from Doha Debates and presented by Al Jazeera that combines fiction and fact to imagine better futures. To dig deeper into the core issues of environmentalism and the ethics of energy use and development, check out the episode “The Last Impala.” Listeners are thrust into a world in the near future where a climate refugee is on trial for murder—not for killing a human, but for killing an ecosystem. Doha Debates Podcast is a production of Doha Debates and FP Studios. This episode is hosted by Karen Given. Thoughts on this conversation? Let us know! Follow us everywhere @DohaDebates and join the post-episode discussion in our YouTube comments.

Dozens of countries have implemented race-based policies, which factor race into hiring decisions or school admissions, in an effort to address historical traumas. Critics say that affirmative action and similar policies are counterproductive. Is it time to consider color-blind policies instead? Thandiwe Ntshinga, South African author and researcher, says it’s important to have policies that address the inequalities historically marginalized groups face in today’s world. She argues that the backlash to these policies is a result of white supremacy and a fear of losing power. Magatte Wade, Senegalese entrepreneur and prosperity activist, says that race-based policies tend to backfire and, in fact, produce more negative than positive outcomes. She argues that it’s more important to focus on the future rather than the past by prioritizing merit and economic prosperity. Listen to Doha Debates Podcast as they debate how parts of Africa are addressing race-based policies and the best way to combat racism.  Doha Debates Podcast is a production of Doha Debates and FP Studios. This episode is hosted by Joshua Johnson. Thoughts on this conversation? Let us know! Follow us everywhere @DohaDebates and join the post-episode discussion in our YouTube comments.

What does a shift in the balance of power mean for the world? For much of the last 100 years, Western countries have dominated the global order. But now, with many nations vying for power, new regional partnerships and middle powers are on the rise. Economically, strategic alliances like BRICS are bolstering the influence of non-Western countries. And in a world that’s more digitally connected than ever, the global rise of pop culture heavyweights like Bollywood, dizi and K-pop means there’s more soft power in the hands of countries outside the historical superpowers. At the same time, conflict is on the rise globally. Last year, the UN said there were more ongoing conflicts than at any point since World War II. Now, more than ever, it’s crucial to think about who should lead.  Students, recent graduates and expert speakers—Jon B. Alterman, Sawsan Chebli and Wadah Khanfar—come together for this Doha Debates town hall event that breaks down today’s most urgent issues, examines the impact of shifting global powers and answers the question: Who should lead in a multipolar world? This town hall was moderated by journalist Femi Oke and produced in partnership with Doha Forum.

The business of space is booming: Humans are leaving Earth’s atmosphere to mine for precious minerals that could bring trillions of dollars in profit. But with only a handful of laws currently regulating the final frontier, will space mining deepen existing global inequalities or could it save humanity?  Alice Gorman, space archaeologist, says space is for all humanity, but right now space mining isn’t focused on sustainability or moral responsibility. She argues that greater government oversight is necessary before we commercialize space. Jose Acain, co-founder of asteroid mining company AstroForge, says space mining is necessary to sustain Earth’s supply issues. He argues that government regulation is needed in regards to space ownership, but worries that too much regulation will stifle potential advancements. Listen to Doha Debates Podcast as these experts discuss the best way to explore space, mitigate mining risks and build a better future.  This special episode is inspired by Necessary Tomorrows, a podcast from Doha Debates and presented by Al Jazeera that combines fiction and fact to imagine better futures. To dig deeper into the core issues and ethics of space exploration and cultivation, check out episode three of Necessary Tomorrows, “A Feast for Cobalt.” Listeners are thrust into the near future, where an asteroid is discovered with enough minerals for Earth to run entirely on green energy. Doha Debates Podcast is a production of Doha Debates and FP Studios. This episode is hosted by Joshua Johnson. Thoughts on this conversation? Let us know! Follow us everywhere @DohaDebates and join the post-episode discussion in our YouTube comments.

It can write emails, essays and even songs. It has created award-winning pieces of art, and it can take simple text prompts and generate eerily life-like videos. That’s right—we’re talking about artificial intelligence. Generative AI programs such as ChatGPT, Sora and Midjourney are getting smarter and more powerful by the day—just this week, Nvidia, one of the world's leading AI companies, announced a powerful new chip that could supercharge AI's already rapid growth. This technology is already worrying artists of all kinds about the future of art. Is AI coming for artists’ jobs and livelihood, or is it a helpful tool pushing art to a new horizon? Jason Allen used generative AI to create his work “Théâtre d'Opéra Spatial,” which won the Colorado State Fair’s annual fine art competition in 2022, making news headlines. He says artists should be excited and more open to working with AI as a new artistic medium that can help break down barriers and democratize art for everyone. On the other side, Molly Crabapple, award-winning artist and writer, says artists—and everyone—should be concerned about generative AI, arguing that these programs are not only stealing from, but “sucking the lifeblood,” from living artists. Additionally, she contends that the limited creativity of AI art programs will ultimately impoverish human culture. Listen to Doha Debates Podcast as our guests debate the controversy surrounding AI art, the economics of artificial intelligence and the future of art around the world. Doha Debates Podcast is a production of Doha Debates and FP Studios. This episode is hosted by Joshua Johnson. Thoughts on this conversation? Let us know! Follow us everywhere @DohaDebates and join the post-episode discussion in our YouTube comments.

Globally, 650 million people meet the threshold for obesity. With those numbers on the rise, we ask: Is obesity a matter of individual choice, or is it rooted in larger systemic problems? Greg Doucette, a bodybuilder and health coach, says that obesity is a choice, and argues that everyone can lose weight if they follow a healthy diet and exercise regimen. While he concedes that genetic and environmental factors should not be ignored, he maintains that it can be discouraging and ultimately disempowering to say that managing our weight is beyond our own personal control. Professor Monika Arora, a public health scientist, argues that obesity is a systemic issue. She cites many outside factors—economic, environmental and even political—that have given rise to obesity rates across the globe. As a result, she argues that addressing obesity—and related health problems like high blood pressure and type 2 diabetes—requires policy solutions like sugar taxes as well as community health campaigns to bring about healthy societal change. Listen to Doha Debates Podcast as they debate individual versus government responsibility, the dangers of junk food and what a healthier world could look like. Doha Debates Podcast is a production of Doha Debates and FP Studios. This episode is hosted by Karen Given. Thoughts on this conversation? Let us know! Follow us everywhere @DohaDebates and join the post-episode discussion in our YouTube comments.

This week, we’re airing one of our favorite past episodes. This debate is spirited, informative and centered on a question that remains intensely relevant: Is it time to ban gasoline-powered vehicles?  Climate activist and author Aakash Ranison says that while electric vehicles may not be a silver-bullet solution to climate change, they are an important and urgent step in the right direction. On the other side, journalist Jonathan Miltimore argues that there are actually lots of drawbacks and hidden costs to producing electric cars. Gas-powered vehicles, he says, are simply too important—to our individual lives and to the health of our economies—to ban outright, arguing that we should instead focus our time and efforts on other ways of combating climate change. Listen to Doha Debates Podcast as they debate the efficiency, affordability and viability of eliminating gas-powered vehicles, and what the future of climate change might hold. Doha Debates Podcast is a production of Doha Debates and FP Studios. This episode is hosted by Karen Given. Thoughts on this conversation? Let us know! Follow us everywhere @DohaDebates and join the post-episode discussion in our YouTube comments.

Let's face it. Artificial intelligence is everywhere around us—on our phones, in our homes, in our cars and in our schools. But that doesn't mean that we all have equal access to the best and most helpful learning technologies. As AI continues to develop and get smarter, how can we ensure universal access to these educational technologies so that all students can benefit?  Nadeem Nathoo, co-founder of The Knowledge Society, argues that the private sector would be the most effective at getting cutting-edge AI technologies into the hands of students, saying that a direct-to-user approach is the most realistic and reliable. Isabelle Hau, executive director of the Stanford Accelerator for Learning, says it’s imperative for educators to be involved in the development and dissemination of artificial intelligence in schools. She argues that while AI in classrooms can be a great equalizer, without proper oversight, there's a risk that AI could deepen inequalities between students. Louka Parry, CEO and founder of The Learning Future, says we must look at education and learning more holistically. While he agrees that AI presents a lot of opportunity for learners across the world, he reminds us that an important part of learning is cultivating curiosity in a social setting and that AI tools could potentially isolate students and deepen intellectual divides. Listen to the Doha Debates Podcast as these three education experts debate the best ways to incorporate and leverage AI in the classroom. Doha Debates Podcast is a production of Doha Debates. This episode is hosted by Rawaa Augé and was filmed live at the WISE Summit in Doha, Qatar, in November 2023. Thoughts on this conversation? Let us know! Follow us everywhere @DohaDebates and join the post-episode discussion in our YouTube comments.

Do you live to work, or work to live? The World Happiness Report says that factors such as social support, economic security and work-life balance all contribute to life satisfaction and overall fulfillment. But checking all those boxes is easier said than done. Can we work hard toward our professional goals without sacrificing other parts of our lives? Jennifer Moss, a speaker and strategist on work-life balance whose latest book tackles employee burnout,  says it’s paramount for our happiness and health that we don’t overwork ourselves. She says that instead, we should focus on striking a balance in our lives. While she agrees that deriving fulfillment from work can be rewarding, she argues that hustle culture can be a slippery slope to burnout. Chris Guillebeau, author, entrepreneur and host of the podcast Side Hustle School, says that work-life balance is a conspiracy made up by corporations to monopolize our time and energy. Instead, he argues that to achieve happiness in the long term, people should work hard to pursue projects they really care about, even if it’s sometimes at the expense of other parts of our lives. Listen to the Doha Debates Podcast as these two experts debate the merits of hustle culture and explore the best ways to find happiness in and outside the workplace. Doha Debates Podcast is a production of Doha Debates and FP Studios. This episode is hosted by Karen Given. Thoughts on this conversation? Let us know! Follow us everywhere @DohaDebates and join the post-episode discussion in our YouTube comments.

Since its inception in 1945, the United Nations has committed to preventing world wars. However, recent and devastating conflicts, like the wars in Gaza, Ukraine and elsewhere, have brought the UN's shortcomings on this front into high relief. Is the United Nations capable of preventing war and keeping the peace, or is the institution too antiquated to resolve modern conflicts? Anjali K. Dayal, political scientist at Fordham University, argues that the UN is in need of a major structural overhaul. She says that the UN is operating exactly as it was designed to, with the UN’s systematic flaws helping nations like the United States and Russia retain their power and protect their interests. Natalie Samarasinghe, global advocacy director of the Open Society Foundation, concedes that while the UN isn’t perfect, the organization remains a vital and irreplaceable lifeline for people in conflict zones around the world. Moreover, she says that the UN cannot and should not be all things to all people—instead, we must focus on and invest in the parts of the UN that do work. Listen to the Doha Debates Podcast as these experts debate the best paths toward peace, the future of the UN, the rising role of youth on the global stage and how we should hold the UN to account. Doha Debates Podcast is a production of Doha Debates and FP Studios. This episode is hosted by Joshua Johnson. Thoughts on this conversation? Let us know! Follow us everywhere @DohaDebates and join the post-episode discussion in our YouTube comments.

This week on the Doha Debates Podcast, we’re thrilled to share an episode from one of our other podcasts, The Negotiators.  William Ury is one of the most famous negotiation experts in the world. He co-wrote the classic book Getting to Yes and co-founded Harvard’s program on negotiation. In this episode, Ury shares negotiation advice and stories from famous peace talks in conversation with host Jenn Williams. The Negotiators brings you stories from people resolving some of the world’s most dramatic conflicts. It is a partnership between Doha Debates and Foreign Policy. Season 3 is out now, so if you enjoyed this episode, check out the full show and follow wherever you get your podcasts: https://link.chtbl.com/TheNegotiators

What does a shift in the balance of power mean for the world? For much of the last 100 years, Western countries have dominated the global order. But now, with many nations vying for power, new regional partnerships and middle powers are on the rise. Economically, strategic alliances like BRICS are bolstering the influence of non-Western countries. And in a world that’s more digitally connected than ever, the global rise of pop culture heavyweights like Bollywood, dizi and K-pop means there’s more soft power in the hands of countries outside the historical superpowers. At the same time, conflict is on the rise globally. Earlier this year, the UN said there are more ongoing conflicts than at any point since World War II. Now, more than ever, it’s crucial to think about who should lead. Join us, along with students, recent graduates and expert speakers—Jon B. Alterman, Sawsan Chebli and Wadah Khanfar—for a town hall event that breaks down today’s most urgent issues, examines the impact of shifting global powers and answers the question: Who should lead in a multipolar world? This Doha Debates town hall was moderated by journalist Femi Oke and produced in partnership with Doha Forum. It was filmed at Qatar National Library in Doha, Qatar on December 9, 2023.

How much influence can a 19th century European art movement really have on the modern Arab world? Orientalism, an aesthetic movement depicting the East by Western artists, was for some the only exposure to Middle Eastern and Asian cultures. Some, like Palestinian American scholar Edward Said, said that Orientalism pervades Western art, pop culture and journalism even today, revealing the same stereotypes of Arab cultures that were popularized some 200 years ago. Others argue that its influence—and even those stereotypes—requires a more nuanced interpretation. From the roots of Orientalism to the role of museums in displaying Orientalist art, join students, recent graduates and speakers—curator Kholood Al-Fahad, author Fatima Bhutto and journalist Inaya Folarin Iman—as they deconstruct Orientalist narratives, the value of inclusion and the lasting impact of art.  This Doha Debates town hall was moderated by Dena Takruri, senior presenter and producer with AJ+, and produced in partnership with VCUArts Qatar and Lusail Museum.

Generative AI has changed the way that some students approach their schoolwork. What does it mean for the state of education when students can ask ChatGPT to write an essay or solve a math problem? Artificial intelligence is causing parents to worry, and governments are struggling to keep up with this rapidly advancing technology. Are there beneficial uses of AI in classrooms, or will it do more harm than good? Sal Khan, founder of Khan Academy, says AI should be used as a support tool for teachers and students, saying that it can help students learn how to ask the right questions and provide personalized attention to supplement their traditional education. Khan Academy’s own AI tool, Khanmigo, was developed as a tutor that teaches problem solving instead of giving students the answers. On the other hand, Jacob Ward, author and science journalist, says that there are broader issues of economics at play. He argues that AI is often used for efficiency and cost cutting, making classrooms more bureaucratic and students less interested and equipped to learn. He also says it’s not yet clear if AI will help level the playing field in underdeveloped countries and communities or if unequal technological progress will create more imbalance. Listen to the Doha Debates Podcast as they debate the future of AI in education and what it means for progress. Doha Debates Podcast is a production of Doha Debates and FP Studios. This episode is hosted by Joshua Johnson. Thoughts on this conversation? Let us know! Follow us everywhere @DohaDebates and join the post-episode discussion in our YouTube comments. Want to dive deeper into this topic? Join Doha Debates at the WISE Summit on November 28. Learn more: https://www.wise-qatar.org/

Facial recognition software. CCTV cameras. License plate readers. Wiretapping. These are all ways that governments employ mass surveillance. Supporters of surveillance technology say these tools are necessary to keep everyone safe. But opponents raise concerns over privacy and human rights abuses. Where do we draw the line? How do we balance individual privacy and collective safety?  Cindy Cohn, executive director of the Electronic Frontier Foundation, says our privacy rights are being violated. She cites mass surveillance as yet another example of government overreach and says that it disproportionately targets vulnerable populations, especially people of color. Jamil Jaffer, executive director of the National Security Institute, says that the great majority of people have nothing to worry about, as just a relative few individuals end up on government watch lists. He argues that government surveillance is crucial to our safety and that, at least in the United States, it is much more targeted than people may realize. Listen to the Doha Debates Podcast as these two experts debate liberty, safety, consent and the limits of the law and anonymity in a world with mass surveillance.  Doha Debates Podcast is a production of Doha Debates and FP Studios. This episode is hosted by Joshua Johnson. Thoughts on this conversation? Let us know! Follow us everywhere @DohaDebates and join the post-episode discussion in our YouTube comments.

If you could prevent your future child from having a life-threatening disease, would you do it? What if you could prevent addictions or the development of bad habits before they were even born? What if you could genetically engineer your child to be taller, or if you could select their eye color or even their sex? How much of this would you be OK with—and which of these things give you “the ick”?  Joyce Harper, professor of reproductive science at University College London, says genetic engineering is a slippery slope that raises a lot of moral and ethical questions. She argues that just because we can do these things, doesn't mean that we necessarily should. She says that gene editing could deepen class and cultural divides, especially if only the wealthy few can access and afford the technology. Sarah Chan, chancellor's fellow in ethics at University of Edinburgh, agrees that while there is some risk with genetic engineering, there are also risks if we don’t pursue it. She argues that gene editing has the power to create a more just and healthy society. Listen to the Doha Debates Podcast as they debate the promises and pitfalls of genetic engineering—is this technology our future, or should it remain science fiction? Doha Debates Podcast is a production of Doha Debates and FP Studios. This episode is hosted by Joshua Johnson. Thoughts on this conversation? Let us know! Follow us everywhere @DohaDebates and join the post-episode discussion in our YouTube comments.

Has the US peaked? For much of the 20th century, the United States of America led the world economically, militarily and even culturally. But is its influence and power now in decline, and what would that mean for the rest of the world? Lavina Lee, senior lecturer at Macquarie University in Australia, says that the US still has an important and powerful global role, despite the recent growth of other superpowers like China. Richard Heydarian, senior lecturer at University of the Philippines, says we’re already on a path to a post-American world, and that the US relies on its relationships with other countries as much as they rely on the US. Listen to the Doha Debates Podcast as our guests debate the role of the US in a changing, multipolar world. Doha Debates Podcast is a production of Doha Debates and FP Studios. This episode is hosted by Jenn Williams. Thoughts on this conversation? Let us know! Follow us everywhere @DohaDebates and join the post-episode discussion in our YouTube comments. Listen to The Negotiators, another podcast by Doha Debates, hosted by Jenn Williams: https://link.chtbl.com/TheNegotiators

Ken ventured out into the “real world” from Barbieland and returned with a new definition of masculinity. Andrew Tate’s influence on teen boys has amplified conversations about the “manosphere.” People around the world are eager for new rules for being a man—why? Men are struggling. That’s what Richard Reeves, president of the American Institute for Boys and Men, contends, pointing to the widespread mental health crisis men and boys are facing in developed countries, as suicide rates rise. Meanwhile, higher education enrollment for men is lower than ever, and historically male-dominated jobs like manufacturing and farming are disappearing. Reeves says we must acknowledge these problems in order to solve them, but maintains that helping men does not and should not come at the expense of women. Dr. Barbara Risman, editor in chief of "Gender & Society," says that we're not grappling with a crisis of masculinity, but rather a socio-economic crisis that's hurting working-class women and men—especially men of color. To fix this, she says we must create more economic support for these men, be it in jobs or education, and update our ideas of traditional gender roles. Listen to the Doha Debates Podcast as our guests debate what the future of masculinity should look like and how to help men and boys without getting trapped in the manosphere.  Doha Debates Podcast is a production of Doha Debates and FP Studios. This episode is hosted by Joshua Johnson. Thoughts on this conversation? Let us know! Follow us everywhere @DohaDebates and join the post-episode discussion in our YouTube comments.

It can write emails, essays and even songs. It has created award-winning pieces of art, and it’s one reason that Hollywood is on strike. That’s right—today’s podcast episode is about artificial intelligence. Generative AI programs such as ChatGPT, DALL-E and Midjourney are worrying artists of all kinds about the future of art. Is AI coming for artists’ jobs and livelihood, or is it a helpful tool pushing art to a new horizon? Jason Allen used generative AI to create his work “Théâtre d'Opéra Spatial,” which won the Colorado State Fair’s annual fine art competition in 2022, making news headlines. He says artists should be excited and more open to working with AI as a new artistic medium that can help break down barriers and democratize art for everyone. On the other side, Molly Crabapple, award-winning artist and writer, says artists—and everyone—should be concerned about generative AI, arguing that these programs are not only stealing from, but “sucking the lifeblood,” from living artists. Additionally, she contends that the limited creativity of AI art programs will ultimately impoverish human culture. Listen to the Doha Debates Podcast as our guests debate the controversy surrounding AI art, the economics of artificial intelligence and the future of art around the world. Doha Debates Podcast is a production of Doha Debates and FP Studios. This episode is hosted by Joshua Johnson. Thoughts on this conversation? Let us know! Follow us everywhere @DohaDebates and join the post-episode discussion in our YouTube comments.

This week, enjoy a special episode from our friends at Foreign Policy Magazine from their podcast FP Live. Has China peaked? After decades of record economic growth, China’s economy is showing signs of a slowdown. In the world’s second-largest economy, recent numbers show a reduced rate of growth. Michael Beckley, senior fellow at the American Enterprise Institute and popularizer of the term “peak China,” argues that China’s rise is not as inevitable as it once was. Keyu Jin, a tenured professor at the London School of Economics, says that while China has its issues, theories about its decline are often wrong. Joining Foreign Policy’s Ravi Agrawal, they debate the possibilities of China’s economic future. The Doha Debates Podcast returns with a new debate in two weeks.

Do you think it’s OK to sacrifice a mouse’s life to cure a disease? What if it were a monkey? A cow? Or a dog? For a long time, research on animals has been a crucial component of scientific and medical innovation. Testing on animals has led to the development of the world's first vaccine. And drugs used to combat cancer, malaria and HIV/AIDS and many other illnesses would not have been possible without animal research. But today, with all of our technological advancements, is animal testing necessary—or unnecessarily cruel?  Dr. Katherine Roe, Chief of the Science Advancement and Outreach division at PETA, argues that not only is animal testing cruel, but she contends that the significant species differences between humans and other animals limit the usefulness of animal research. Instead, Dr. Roe says that we should be investing more time and money into alternatives to animal testing, like computer modeling, non-invasive diagnostic imaging, stem cell research, and more human-centric clinical research. On the other side is Dr. Juan Carlos G. Marvizón, a retired UCLA neuroscientist who spent his career researching the causes and cures of chronic pain. He argues that animals are a valuable—and for now, irreplaceable—part of the scientific process and says that animal research not only helps save lives and lead to huge scientific breakthroughs—like the rapid development of the COVID-19 vaccine—but it also helps us better understand humanity and the world. Listen to the Doha Debates Podcast as these two scientists debate the ethics of animal testing.  Doha Debates Podcast is a production of Doha Debates and FP Studios. This episode is hosted by Mariya Karimjee. Thoughts on this conversation? Let us know! Follow us everywhere @DohaDebates and join the post-episode discussion in our YouTube comments.

Is it time to cancel the debts of low-income countries in the global south? It’s estimated that three out of five low-income countries are struggling to pay their debts. In Africa, 21 countries are either bankrupt or in financial distress, and are on the hook to repay more than $70 billion in 2023 alone. Freeing up this money could help these countries get back on their feet and invest more at home—but it’s not without its drawbacks. Heidi Chow, executive director of the UK-based nonprofit Debt Justice, says debt relief is needed. She argues that debt payments shouldn’t come before essential human needs, and that rather than tightening the screws on indebted countries, we should address the predatory lending practices that have pushed many global south countries to the brink of collapse. Bright Simons, policy analyst at the Ghana-based Imani Center for Policy and Education, contends that blanket debt cancellation doesn’t benefit anybody, saying that some countries have successfully paid back their debts while others have spent recklessly. And, he argues, domestic lenders and private investors shouldn’t have to pay the price for governments’ poor financial decisions. Listen to the Doha Debates Podcast as they debate how to best address Africa’s debt crisis.  Doha Debates Podcast is a production of Doha Debates and FP Studios. This episode is hosted by Nazanine Moshiri. Thoughts on this conversation? Let us know! Follow us everywhere @DohaDebates and join the post-episode discussion in our YouTube comments.

Is it time to ban gasoline-powered vehicles?  Climate activist and author Aakash Ranison says that while electric vehicles may not be a silver-bullet solution to climate change, they are an important and urgent step in the right direction. On the other side, journalist Jonathan Miltimore argues that there are actually lots of drawbacks and hidden costs to producing electric cars. Gas-powered vehicles, he says, are simply too important—to our individual lives and to the health of our economies—to ban outright, arguing that we should instead focus our time and efforts on other ways of combating climate change. Listen to the Doha Debates Podcast as they debate the efficiency, affordability and viability of eliminating gas-powered vehicles, and what the future of climate change might hold.. Doha Debates Podcast is a production of Doha Debates and FP Studios. This episode is hosted by Karen Given. Thoughts on this conversation? Let us know! Follow us everywhere @DohaDebates and join the post-episode discussion in our YouTube comments.

Are some sports too violent for children? Kids and teens who play full- or high-contact sports like rugby, American football and mixed martial arts have higher rates of concussions, which can lead to traumatic brain injuries. On the flip side, there are also huge benefits to playing sports when you’re young, including community and confidence.  Dr. Bennet Omalu, a pioneer in understanding chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE), says that children should not be allowed to play certain sports, and argues instead that we should invent new, safer sports for kids. Babalwa Latsha, Africa’s first female professional rugby player, contends that existing sports can and should be modified to be safer for children, and holds that participating in sports is a great way to learn valuable life skills. Listen to the Doha Debates Podcast as they discuss the different possibilities for children and sports.  Doha Debates Podcast is a production of Doha Debates and FP Studios. This episode is hosted by Karen Given. Thoughts on this conversation? Let us know! Follow us everywhere @DohaDebates and join the post-episode discussion in our YouTube comments.

About 1.5 billion people in the world eat a plant-based diet. For most of them, it’s a necessity, because meat is either too expensive or unavailable. But about 75 million people choose to go vegetarian for reasons like animal welfare and personal health. Some meat-eaters counter that humans have evolved to eat meat, and that animals can be raised and slaughtered humanely. Doha Debates asks: Is choosing to eat meat is an act of cruelty, and what do humans and animals stand to gain or lose from continuing the practice? To debate this, we are joined by food blogger and meat-eater Humzah Ghauri, and Ghanaian musician and proud vegan Okyeame Kwame.

Who does art belong to? Where should it live? And how can—or should—it be shared with the world? These are some of the questions at the heart of this week's debate. Recently, museums like the Smithsonian in the US and the Horniman Museum and Gardens in the UK have made headlines by returning stolen and disputed artifacts to Nigeria, the country they were taken from centuries ago. Should more museums be doing this? And if so, what should that repatriation look like? Chidi Nwaubani, founder of digital art repatriation site Looty, says much of the damage is done and that we should focus on decolonizing our future. He proposes using technology like NFTs to digitally loot the stolen artwork and restore ownership. Tristram Hunt, director of the Victoria and Albert Museum in the UK, debates that artifacts in museums are valuable tools of education and cultural diffusion. Rather than returning all disputed artifacts, he says that we should find a more equitable way to house art in museums in both the global north and global south. Sofia Carreira-Wham, a curator and art advisor, says we must look beyond the museum walls and find meaningful ways to restore wider cultural benefits to the people and communities whose art has been taken from them. Listen to the Doha Debates Podcast as these guests dissect questions about ownership, reparations, colonial legacy, looting and who has the right to care for the world's treasures. Doha Debates Podcast is a production of Doha Debates and FP Studios. This episode is hosted by Afia Pokua. Thoughts on this conversation? Let us know! Follow us everywhere @DohaDebates and join the post-episode discussion in our YouTube comments.

Video games are built on creative storytelling and intricate worldbuilding, but what happens when the violence depicted in video games starts to spill over into the real world? Researchers at Dartmouth University have found a link between violence in video games and increased physical aggression in teens and preteens. Game designer Bahiyya Khan says that while violence can be important to video game storytelling, game makers must create responsibly and provide context for players. On the other side, political journalist Josh Ferme argues that video games are art—like books and music—which should never be censored. Listen to the Doha Debates Podcast as they discuss virtual violence, real-life repercussions and the future of video games. Doha Debates podcast is a production of Doha Debates and FP Studios. This episode is hosted by Karen Given. Thoughts on this conversation? Let us know! Follow us everywhere @DohaDebates and join the post-episode discussion in our YouTube comments.

Introducing the Doha Debates Podcast: A new debate every two weeks. Tackling the world’s most pressing issues, the podcast brings together people with starkly different opinions for an in-depth and human conversation that tries to find common ground. With a rotation of hosts and young guest voices from the Doha Debates ambassador program, join us for debate, dialogue and inspiration.

Note: This episode discusses suicide. In the final installment of our six-part series about the refugee experience, host Nelufar Hedayat talks to weightlifter, nurse and refugee Cyrille Tchatchet. A native of Cameroon, Cyrille first came to the UK in 2014 to compete in the Commonwealth Games. Feeling that it was too unsafe to return home, he became a refugee, experiencing both homelessness and depression. With support, Tchatchet went on to win multiple weightlifting titles, and became a mental health nurse. His story underscores some of the hardships that refugees face — and what can be achieved when people have the support and opportunity they need to succeed in their adopted countries. Listener challenge During this season of Course Correction, we're challenging you to reflect on different aspects of the refugee experience and share your thoughts with us. Our last challenge is a place for storytelling. If you are a refugee, our challenge is simple: Share your story with us. Tell us how you came to be displaced, what obstacles you face and what your hopes and dreams are for the future.  Please share with us via Facebook, Instagram or Twitter, or tweet directly to our host, Nelufar Hedayat.

More than 85 percent of refugees and asylum-seekers are hosted in developing countries, many of which neighbor the countries being fled. In this episode, host Nelufar Hedayat looks at the role that local communities can play in hosting refugees. Nelufar speaks with Rodaan Al Galidi, who talks about his experiences fleeing Iraq to start a new life in the Netherlands. UNHCR Goodwill Ambassador and acclaimed Pakistani actor Mahira Khan tells Nelufar about her experiences meeting Afghan refugees in Pakistan. Listener challenge During this season of Course Correction, we're challenging you to reflect on different aspects of the refugee experience and share your thoughts with us. For today’s episode: Tell us about a time when you had the choice to welcome someone else into your social circle, What were the criteria you used to decide whether or not to let them in? If you did let them in, what enabled you to empathize with them? Please share with us via Facebook, Instagram or Twitter, or tweet directly to our host, Nelufar Hedayat.

This week, a bonus episode: A town-hall-style discussion with Malala Yousafzai on the future of women's and girls' education in Afghanistan and other conflict areas. In the six months since the Taliban seized control of Afghanistan, many schools and universities have closed their doors to young women, and promises to reopen have gone unfulfilled. Education and equality advocate Malala Yousafzai joined students and Afghan refugees for a global town hall conversation at Qatar’s National Library, moderated by Doha Debates correspondent Nelufar Hedayat, on March 28, 2022. The audio from this discussion and audience Q&A examines the refugee experience, men's role in the fight for equality and the future of education. Malala became the youngest-ever Nobel Peace Prize laureate in 2014. After surviving a 2012 attempt on her life by the Pakistani Taliban, she created Malala Fund, an organization dedicated to fighting for every girl’s right to access to free, safe and quality education.

Jennifer Roberts, a senior education officer with UNHCR, talks to host Nelufar Hedayat about the 10 million refugee children worldwide who lack access to education, what it takes to educate displaced people and how some host countries are working to meet the challenge. Next, Nelufar speaks with Dr. Saleema Rehman, an Afghan refugee who received her medical degree in Pakistan. Dr. Rehman talks about what it was like to attend school as a refugee and the pride she has now that she's able to give back to her community. Finally, Nelufar speaks with Academy Award-winning actor Cate Blanchett about her experiences as a UNHCR Goodwill Ambassador advocating for refugees. Blanchett explains that educating refugee children and young adults provides opportunities to be leaders in rebuilding their homelands while also benefiting their host countries. Listener challenge During this season of Course Correction, we're challenging you to reflect on different aspects of the refugee experience and share your thoughts with us. For today’s episode: While not all of us have experience as a refugee, many of us know what it’s like to attend a new school. What’s something that a teacher said or did that made you feel welcome and accepted? How did that change your perception of the school? What are some tactics that could make it easier for newcomers to integrate into schools? Please share with us via Facebook, Instagram or Twitter, or tweet directly to our host, Nelufar Hedayat.

In Part III of our season on refugees, we look at the mental-health toll of living as a refugee or an internally displaced person. Host Nelufar Hedayat speaks with an internally displaced Afghan woman about trying to care for herself and her children while living in a shipping container. She also examines different ways that refugees define and experience the trauma of conflict, and she shares stories from aid workers who help displaced persons process their experiences. Listener challenge During this season of Course Correction, we're challenging you to reflect on different aspects of the refugee experience and share your thoughts with us. For today’s episode: Have you been in a situation where you've had to worry about providing basic care for yourself or your family? What resources helped you through it? If you're a refugee, what was the moment you felt that your life stabilized enough to start thinking about your long-term hopes and dreams rather than daily survival? Please share with us via Facebook, Instagram or Twitter, or tweet directly to our host, Nelufar Hedayat.

On this episode of our season chronicling the refugee experience, we’re focusing on bodily harm. What kinds of injuries do displaced people suffer, and what does it take to tend to those injuries — not just the ones that can be seen, but the invisible ones that might take longer to heal? This episode features a first-hand account from an internally displaced Afghan dealing with a long term foot injury. If you want to help those who have suffered from physical ailments while being displaced, you can learn more at the following links: The International Committee of the Red Cross Doctors Without Borders World Vision International Listener Challenge During this season of Course Correction, we're challenging you to reflect on different aspects of the refugee experience and share your thoughts with us. For today’s episode: Tell us about a time when you made a difference for someone with a health problem, disability or chronic pain or illness, and what the outcome was.  Please share with us via Facebook, Instagram or Twitter, or tweet directly to our host, Nelufar Hedayat.

In the premiere episode of our season on the refugee journey, we'll take a closer look at the moment of displacement and its immediate aftermath. Hear from experts on what causes displacement, and what resources refugees and internally displaced persons have once they decide it's no longer safe to remain at home. This episode features the story of Mohammed Anwar, a Rohingya refugee who nearly lost his life on a fishing boat while fleeing violence in home country of Myanmar. Learn more about Anwar’s story. Listener Challenge During this season of Course Correction, we're challenging you to reflect on different aspects of the refugee experience and share your thoughts with us. For today’s episode: Tell us about a time when you were in a difficult circumstance and needed help from a stranger. What was it like when you were in need? Did you repay the stranger’s kindness, and how did that feel? If you are a refugee yourself, have you experienced help from strangers? Please share with us via Facebook, Instagram or Twitter, or tweet directly to our host, Nelufar Hedayat.

For the past two seasons of the Course Correction podcast, we’ve challenged ourselves to find ways to change the world. In season one, host Nelufar Hedayat conducted personal challenges to explore how individuals can have a real impact on global issues. In season two, she focused on listening to people she disagreed with in order to figure out how to bridge the gaps that divide us. This season, we’re focusing on a specific global challenge: Refugees. Why this single topic? Displacement of people is arguably one of the biggest humanitarian and geopolitical issues of our time. The United Nations estimates that there are 84 million forcibly displaced people around the world, and nearly 27 million of those are considered refugees. These numbers are the highest they have ever been.  Course Correction has partnered with UNHCR, the United Nations refugee agency, to illuminate all aspects of the refugee experience. The season will follow refugees and other forcibly displaced persons from the moment they leave their homes to their eventual resettlement or return, detailing arduous journeys that can sometimes last years or even decades.

Course Correction is proud to introduce listeners to The Long Game, a new sports-themed podcast that highlights stories of courage and conviction on and off the field. In this episode, The Long Game host and US Olympian Ibtihaj Muhammad talks to Amy Mackinnon from Foreign Policy Playlist to introduce herself and the new podcast. The Long Game is a production of Doha Debates and Foreign Policy.

Violence, unrest and the coronavirus pandemic have displaced an unprecedented number of people globally. Yet instead of offering shelter to refugees, many countries use populist rhetoric to excuse their global responsibility and reject those in need. In the final episode of season two of Course Correction, host Nelufar Hedayat speaks with refugee advocates David Miliband and Melanie Nezer, as well as Gillian Triggs, the assistant high commissioner for protection in the office of the UN's High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR). Nelufar talks to each of them about what can be done to change hearts, minds and government policies. For the final challenging conversation, she speaks with Boston College political science professor Peter Skerry, who argues that poor leadership has exacerbated the problem.

In this episode, host Nelufar Hedayat examines the power and limitations of dialogue with three people working to create justice and equality in Israel and Palestine. She speaks with rapper Tamer Nafar, a Palestinian who lives in Israel, about how he uses music to call attention to the lives of his fellow Palestinians in Israel. Then she speaks with Hussein Agha, an advisor to Palestinian leaders who has worked in peace negotiations, about the need to translate dialogue into action. Finally she talks to Robi Damelin, an Israeli activist who brings together Palestinians and Israelis through shared grief and empathy.

Host Nelufar Hedayat looks at the evolution of masculinity and what — if any — role men have in within the feminist movements. First she hears from British comedian David Baddiel about how he went from being a "lad" comic to someone acutely aware of gender dynamics. For her challenging interview, Nelufar speaks with French writer and activist Pauline Harmange, who argues that modern men have no place in feminism. Finally, she convenes a roundtable of men from across the globe to hear their perspectives on how to change male culture to be more inclusive, and the how men can fight for gender equality. Roundtable guests include Mazin Jamal, Satchit Puranik and Tomas Chamorro-Premuzic.

Host Nelufar Hedayat begins this episode with a trip to her old London neighborhood of Hampstead ,where she and her younger sister Fatema go apartment hunting and find out just how unattainable home ownership is for younger generations. Next she talks to debt relief advocate Astra Taylor about some of the factors that have created the generational wealth gap. Finally, Jayathma Wickramanayake, the UN Secretary-General's Envoy on Youth, talks about how to work within government and established systems to create change.

Host Nelufar Hedayat explores the economic and social considerations around automation and artificial intelligence. She talks to three guests with different views about automation, and looks at its effect on women working in Bangladesh's garment industry, the social changes necessary to ensure ethical AI use and questions who should be writing the rules governing AI.

In this episode, host Nelufar Hedayat examines France's Laïcite or "secularism" laws, which discourage religious involvement in public life. First she speaks about experiences wearing the hijab in Western Europe with members of Collectif Les 100 Diplômées, a Belgian group that supports Muslim women. Then French lawmaker Aurore Bergé  discusses why she believes that restricting where the hijab can be worn is an act of feminism. Finally, award-winning filmmaker Deeyah Khan talks about her experiences as a prominent Muslim woman, and her frustrations over regulating Muslim attire.

How do we work together to address climate change when there's no consensus on the solution? Host Nelufar Hedayat explores multiple solutions to climate change with Per Espen Stoknes, a Norwegian psychologist who specializes in the psychology of economic choices for climate change. She then speaks to Harvard geologist Dr. Daniel Schrag about how the scientific community could improve its messaging. And finally, she talks to former Australian Prime Minister Julia Gillard about the political perils of going big when it comes to enacting green laws.

Host Nelufar Hedayat talks about being called out online, and speaks to a crisis management expert about the best way to handle such situations. She then talks to two journalists who have faced online harassment and real-world consequences for their opinions. Finally, she hosts a roundtable discussion on cancel culture to try and parse when, if ever, canceling someone is appropriate.

Social media has made it easier than ever to share ideas around the world and galvanize people into action. Host Nelufar Hedayat looks at the double-edged sword of free speech from the perspective of social media influencer, a free speech lawyer and two tech veterans who say that today's tech companies wield too much power in determining what kind of speech should be permissible.

Why does it matter that different people have different perceptions of the truth? If you're trying to run a country, it can make a big difference. In this episode host Nelufar Hedayat speaks with former U.S. Republican Congressman Denver Riggleman, "godfather of fake news" Jestin Coler and Belarusian politician Svetlana Tikhanovskaya about disinformation's effect on politics and leadership.

Can reparations help repair generations of systemic racism? Beginning in the late 1940s, the British government invited Caribbean citizens to immigrate to England to help rebuild the country after World War II. Known as the Windrush generation, the immigrants and their descendants have frequently been denied basic British citizenship rights. We talk to a member of the Windrush generation who wants justice, and then turn to guests from Zimbabwe and the U.S. to discuss reparations in those countries.

How have different countries have dealt with the pandemic? What is best for society when we do things with shared interests in mind, versus looking out for individual needs? Featured voices include Swedish physician Johnny Ludvigsson, who is against lockdowns, and British economist Noreena Hertz. *A note to listeners the interviews for this podcast were recorded over the winter and so some of the statistics cited may be outdated. For up to the minute information on the coronavirus check out the World Health Organization's website.

In the second season of Course Correction, host Nelufar Hedayat is taking on a new challenge: Listening to people she disagrees with. Each episode addresses one polarizing issue, and Nelufar will engage with people whose opinions are very different from her own — and try to keep an open mind.

In the final episode of the season, Nelufar speaks with conflict resolution expert and friend Dr. Govinda Clayton about how to listen, how to be heard and how we can all change for the better. Read the episode transcript here.

This special episode is a live recording from the Sundance Film Festival, with Filipino journalist Maria Ressa and filmmaker Ramona S. Diaz. Diaz’s most recent film, A Thousand Cuts, documents Ressa’s work to fight disinformation and the weakening of the Philippines’ democracy. Read the episode transcript here.

Menstruation is normal — so why is it still taboo to talk about in some parts of the world? Nelufar has a heart-to-heart with her childhood friends about period stigma. Then she talks with Mandu Reid, the leader of the British Women’s Equality Party and founder of the Cup Effect, an organization that offers menstrual cups to people in need. Read the episode transcript here.

Artificial intelligence has as much racial and gender bias as the people who create it. Joy Buolamwini, a computer scientist and digital activist at the MIT Media Lab, talks with host Nelufar Hedayat about how to build artificial intelligence systems that don’t perpetuate social inequalities. Read the episode transcript here.

Your phone is tracking you all the time. Tech companies are monetizing your personal data. Is there anything that you can do about it? Nelufar talks to Danny O’Brien of the Electronic Frontier Foundation about why data privacy should be a human right. Then we discover some surprising ways social media ad targeting is being used to do good in the world. Read the episode transcript here.

The public’s trust in governments is at an all-time low. Zeid Ra’ad al-Hussein is a veteran diplomat and former United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights. He talks with host Nelufar Hedayat about standing up to governments — and the enemies he made along the way. Read the episode transcript here.

As the coronavirus rages, 89 percent of students around the world are out of school and turning to online platforms to keep studying. That has its limits and its own set of challenges, but it’s far better than no school at all. Nelufar speaks with Sal Khan, founder of Khan Academy, about internet inequality and the future of education in a post COVID-19 world. Read the episode transcript here.

While confronting a friend who voted for Brexit, Nelufar goes on an ego-dampening journey that takes her from a conflict circle in Iraq to a prison in southern Illinois, as she learns why conflict resolution is more about confronting ourselves than others. Read the episode transcript here.

What do our decisions about COVID-19 say about who we are as societies and the systems we take for granted? This week, we chat with global strategy expert Parag Khanna and anthropologist Jason Hickel about the novel coronavirus, the global economy and the institutions we must trust to get us through this. Read the episode transcript here.

How do we solve a problem that has displaced 25 million people globally? Nelufar talks to journalist Marc Lamont Hill about the role racism plays in the global refugee crisis. Read the episode transcript here.

Nelufar gets an unpleasant surprise when she finds out how much carbon she’s personally responsible for emitting into the atmosphere. But even if we all work to reduce our carbon footprint, will it be enough to fix the climate crisis? Or does real change have to come from the top? Read the episode transcript here.

The gap between rich and poor is widening at an unsustainable rate. Author Anand Giridharadas says that to really change the world, we need to challenge capitalist power structures. Read the episode transcript here.

What would it take to live without globalization — and is that even possible? Host Nelufar Hedayat attempts to go hyper local in London and talks to author Parag Khanna and Ghanaian agripreneur Nana Adjoa Sifa. One thing is for sure, globalization is a lot more complicated than you think. Read the episode transcript here.

Garbage is Veena Sahajwalla’s passion. And the trash is piling up: The more stuff we consume, the more waste we create. She’s inventing new ways to turn trash into useful items — like using old tires to make steel and transforming plastic waste into tiles and furniture. Read the episode transcript here.

Is it possible to live without single-use plastics? Host Nelufar Hedayat learns that recycling our forks, bags and coffee cup lids just isn’t enough. She also talks to a Vietnamese activist who's pioneering the zero-waste movement in a country beset with other people’s plastic waste. Read the episode transcript here.

“Equal Pay!” was the chant that rang through the 2019 Women’s World Cup. Although women players often bring in more money for their soccer or football federations, they earn a just a fraction of their male counterparts’ salaries. Host Nelufar Hedayat learns that soccer is more than just a game — it’s a battlefield for equality. Read the episode transcript here.

As a girl, Georgie Badiel walked three hours every morning to get clean water for her family in Burkina Faso. Host Nelufar Hedayat talks to Badiel, who today is a fashion model and an activist for clean water access in her home country, about the right to clean water and why it’s a matter of gender equity in sub-Saharan countries. Read the episode transcript here.

Could you live on only 50 liters (13 gallons) of water a day? To better understand the water shortages threatening more and more cities around the world, host Nelufar Hedayat limits herself to 50 liters of water for all her cooking, cleaning, and drinking. She also talks to people in Cape Town, South Africa, about how they averted Day Zero, the day their water supply was going to run dry. Read the episode transcript here.