From ancient battles to modern proxy wars, conflicts have been a constant in human history. But does that mean we are destined to continue treating it as an option? Those saying war is inevitable argue that our global system is anarchic and no overarching authority exists to stop war, so states prioritize survival and power. But others argue that conflict is not the only form of dispute resolution; trade, diplomacy, international law, mediation, and peace treaties can avert war. Now we debate: Is War Inevitable?
Arguing Yes: Dylan Motin, Visiting Scholar at the Seoul National University Asia Center
Arguing No: Gabrielle Rifkind, Conflict Mediator; Director of Oxford Process
Emmy award-winning journalist John Donvan moderates
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Wartime Kill Switch: Human or AI?
As modern warfare becomes increasingly automated and AI-reliant, questions arise about the use of a “kill switch” overriding autonomous weapons in conflict zones. Should the ultimate decision be in humans’ or AI’s hands? Those arguing for human oversight say moral reasoning, empathy, and legal accountability are essential, especially in wartime. Supporters of AI integration argue that machines can make faster, more precise, and less emotional decisions, which could prove more humane than past approaches. Now we debate: Wartime Kill Switch: Human or AI?
Arguing "Human":
Elliot Ackerman, Former Marine Raider Officer and CIA Special Activities Officer; Bestselling Author
Laura Walker McDonald, Senior Advisor for New Technologies & Conflict at the International Committee of the Red Cross
Arguing "AI":
Michael C. Horowitz, Senior Fellow for Technology and Innovation at the Council on Foreign Relations; Director of Perry World House and Richard Perry Professor at the University of Pennsylvania
Jack Shanahan, Inaugural Director of Joint Artificial Intelligence Center, Office of the Department of Defense Chief Information Officer
Emmy award-winning journalist John Donvan moderates
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Debating the Legacy of the COVID-19 Pandemic
It’s been five years since the pandemic began, but was our public health system or society to blame for our country’s failures to stop the spread? Some argue that public health leaders were unprepared, mismanaged the crisis, and provided inconsistent guidance. Others argue the failures were societal, citing widespread mistrust, misinformation, and other guidance, which undermined compliance and effectiveness. Now, in a new format, our debaters argue both sides of this nuanced and complex question: Was COVID a Public Health Failure or Did Society Fail Public Health?
Dr. Tom Frieden, Former Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC); President and Chief Executive Officer at Resolve to Save Lives
Doctor Mike Varshavski, Board-certified family medicine physician, UNICEF Ambassador, and Influencer
Dr. Jerome Adams, 20th Surgeon General of the United States
Dr. Dara Kass, Practicing ER physician and medical news contributor during the COVID pandemic, Former Regional Director in the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
Emmy award-winning journalist John Donvan moderates
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Is Masculinity A Prison?
Men are falling behind in our society, and some point to traditional ideas of masculinity as the cause. What does it mean to “be a man” today, and how do labels like toxic masculinity impact that question? For some men, masculinity is a continually evolving identity that goes beyond narrow definitions placed upon it. For others, it's a rigid set of expectations that results in emotional isolation and other negative outcomes. Now we debate: Is Masculinity A Prison?
Arguing Yes: Lux Alptraum, Writer, Journalist, and Sex Educator
Arguing No: Mike Pesca, Host of "The Gist" Podcast
Nayeema Raza, Journalist and Host of "Smart Girl Dumb Questions", is the guest moderator.
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TikTok in the Classroom: Enhancing or Eroding the Teaching Profession?
It’s Back to School season, and TikTok has been taking a larger role in helping students learn — but should it? Some teachers argue that using TikTok can help make whatever subjects they study more digestible and adaptable to different types of learners. Others call the app distracting and capable of undermining classroom authority and prioritizing entertainment and short attention spans over education. Now we debate: TikTok in the Classroom: Enhancing or Eroding the Teaching Profession?
Enhance: Phil Cook, Education Influencer and High School Chemistry Teacher
Erode: Adrian Dingle, Second Schoolteacher and Education Consultant
Emmy award-winning journalist John Donvan moderates
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America is more divided than ever—but it doesn’t have to be. Open to Debate offers an antidote to the chaos. We bring multiple perspectives together for real, nonpartisan debates. Debates that are structured, respectful, clever, provocative, and driven by the facts. Open to Debate is on a mission to restore balance to the public square through expert moderation, good-faith arguments, and reasoned analysis. We examine the issues of the day with the world’s most influential thinkers spanning science, technology, politics, culture, and global affairs. It’s time to build a stronger, more united democracy with the civil exchange of ideas. Be open-minded. Be curious. Be ready to listen. Join us in being Open to Debate. (Formerly Intelligence Squared U.S.)
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