Intelligence Squared

Intelligence² is the UK's premier forum for debate.

THE BACKGROUND

Intelligence² is successfully reviving public debate in London. Launched in 2002 by two media entrepreneurs, John Gordon, founder of Xtreme Information Group, and Jeremy O'Grady, co-founder of The Week, public discussion has never been so lively.  Intelligence² also organises debates in New York, Sydney, Hong Kong and Kiev.

THE DEBATES

Intelligence² prides itself in taking information and analysis as its raw material and translating it into active discussion. It promises to "bring you both sides of the argument on international politics, ethics, history and the changing face of the modern age." It gives prominent politicians, journalists, thinkers and writers the chance to pit their lauded wits against one another in Oxford Union style debates, in the attempt to win over the votes of the audience through the power of rhetorical persuasion.

Events are held at the Royal Geographical Society and attract much media attention, with the likes of Howard Jacobson, Richard Dawkins, Stephen Fry, Will Self, Diane Abbott, Boris Johnson, Taki and Michael Portillo taking part.
THE WEBSITE

The Intelligence² site is superb. Accessible, nice to look at and and the sort of site that invites exploration. The site has recently been relaunched, making it more interactive. Users can now watch live streaming of debates, making this website one of the premier online spaces for intellectual discussion. Users can take part in the vote, ask panelists questions and leave comments. There's also an extensive video archive, allowing you to catch up on previous debates. The debate on the Catholic Church, with Stephen Fry, Christopher Hitchens take on Anne Widdecombe and Archbishop John Onaiyekan is particularly good.

The Controversies section is only available to subscribers. It offers considered analysis of contentious issues, such as the arrest of Roman Polanksi and the awarding of the Nobel Peace Prize to President Obama.

2 December 09