The Munk Debates Podcast

A wall that stretches 300 miles along the US-Mexico border. The suspension of the Dreamers program that shielded 800,000 children born to undocumented immigrants from deportation. The launch of a zero-tolerance policy that separates unauthorized migrants from their children. These are some of the hallmarks of the immigration policy of President Donald Trump’s administration. Tackling the growing number of unauthorized migrants was central to Trump’s election in 2016 and will be key to a second term. Supporters of Trump’s immigration policies argue that mass illegal migration is destabilizing the border, costing billions in social services, and driving down wages for struggling blue collar workers. Critics of President Trump’s immigration policies take issue with the very concept of a migrant being “illegal.” They argue that a realistic and humane immigration policy needs to recognize that undocumented immigrants are part of the fabric of America, with more than two-thirds having lived in the U.S. for over ten years. In this episode of the Munk Debates Podcast Rev. Sam Rodriguez, who leads the world’s largest Hispanic Christian organization, and Allen Orr, President Elect of the American Immigration Lawyer’s Association debate the essence of these two competing arguments. Sources: KPIX, Financial Times, Fox Business, News Max TV, PBS Newshour, KPRC, Al Jazeera, Bloomber

Six months into the pandemic researchers continue to be perplexed by COVID-19. There are many unknowns with the virus, and one of the most controversial is its deadliness. Leading health institutions have warned that COVID-19 is much more dangerous than the seasonal flu and that without expansive public health measures millions of people could die from the virus. But there are some in the scientific community who disagree.  Antibody testing of large population groups indicates that we could be underestimating the number of people who have been infected – which means we are overestimating the death rate. Given these findings they question whether lockdowns are the way to approach a possible second wave of COVID-19 this autumn. In this episode of the Munk Debates Podcast medical experts Jay Bhattacharya and Sten Vermund debate the essence of these two competing arguments. Sources: Associated Press, TIME, BBC, TRT World, Bloomberg, CNBC, Unherd.com, Yahoo Finance, AZ Family, MSNBC, The Sun, RTE News

In a world where shutdowns and quarantines have become the norm, Sweden stands out for choosing a pandemic strategy that is markedly different than its peer nations.  In Sweden, bars, restaurants, public spaces, and most significantly, elementary schools have continued to operate since COVID-19 began its spread through the country last March. Supporters of the Swedish model argue that its strength lies in being sustainable over the long haul. Critics say this strategy has come at way too high a price. Almost 6,000 citizens have died from the virus, one of the highest per capita death rates in the world. In this episode of the Munk Debates Podcast leading Swedish medical experts Dr. Jonas F. Ludviggson and Lena Einhorn debate the essence of these two competing arguments.Sources: Reuters, CBC, BBC, Sky News, PBS, WION, CNN, MSN, ITN

Since the beginning of human civilization, men have been the dominant sex. But now, for the first time, a host of indicators suggest that women are not only achieving equality with men but are fast emerging as the more successful sex of the species. Critics of the argument that men are in decline argue that the age-old power structures associated with “maleness” remain as entrenched as ever. They say men still retain significant control over the workplace, the family, and society at large. The Munk Debates shares an abridged version of the 2013 debate about gender in the 21st century featuring four female public intellectuals: Hanna Rosin, senior editor at The Atlantic, Pulitzer prize-winning journalist, Maureen Dowd, world famous academic on gender and culture, Camille Paglia, and Caitlin Moran, author of the global best seller “How to be a Woman”. Sources: CTV, CBS, CNBC, MSNBC

Throughout the Western world, politics is undergoing a sea-change. Long-held notions of the role of government, trade and economic policy, foreign policy and immigration are being challenged by populist thinkers and movements. Does this surging populist agenda in Western nations signal a permanent shift in our politics? Or, is it a passing phenomenon that will remain at the fringes of society and political power? On the eve of a contentious US election, the Munk Debates shares an abridged version of the 2018 stage debate about the rise of populism as an ideology between Steve Bannon, former chief strategist for President Donald Trump, and David Frum, senior editor at The Atlantic and former speechwriter for George W. Bush.Sources: City TV, CBC, Canadian Press, Garry Bakuniec

Over five million cases. More than 160,000 deaths and counting. The US currently leads the global tally for the highest number of COVID-19 cases. Meanwhile some countries, originally devastated by the coronavirus, are reopening successfully after driving new infections down to manageable levels. Some say the only way to prevent tens of thousands of more deaths in the U.S. is a second wave of shutdowns targeting the hardest hit areas. Critics argue that with shutdowns the supposed “cure” is worse than the disease. Millions will be denied essential medical treatment, including mental health. Jobs and businesses will be permanently lost. And, closed schools will prevent a much-needed return to normalcy for children and parents alike.  In this episode of the Munk Debates podcast leading epidemiologists, John Ioannidis and Andrew Noymer, debate the essence of these two competing arguments.Sources: MSN.com, NBC News, ABC, MSNBC, CNBC, WHAS11.com, 11Alive, Reuters, Fox News

To address the devastating economic impacts of COVID-19 Western governments have unleashed an unprecedented wave of monetary and fiscal stimulus. The US stimulus package includes trillions of dollars of liquidity for financial markets, the direct purchase of billions in corporate debt by central banks, and billions more in low interest loans and wage supports for big businesses. Supporters of these measures believe they are vital to preventing a severe recession from turning into a Great Depression. Critics charge that we are repeating the mistakes of the Great Financial Crisis by once again bailing out big business on the backs of taxpayers.  In this episode of the Munk Debates Podcast, Nomi Prins, a former senior Wall Street insider, and Douglas Holtz-Eakin, former Director of the Congressional Budget Office, debate the essence of these two competing arguments.Sources: CTV News, Global News, MSNBC, MSN, Bloomberg Politics, Quick News, CBS, WNCT-TV9, CNBC, Universal

The economic fallout from COVID-19 has compelled governments around the world to launch the largest fiscal and monetary aid programs in living memory, incurring massive deficits in the process. This is happening at the same time as a radical, new approach to economic policy making is gaining momentum: Modern Monetary Theory (MMT). Its proponents believe that governments that issue their own currencies are not limited by revenues when it comes to spending. What governments choose to spend money on is a political, not an economic decision. Opponents of MMT and deficit spending argue that there are no free lunches in modern economics. Too much government spending leads to slow growth, devalued currencies and wasteful, politicized public expenditures. On this episode of the Munk Debates Podcast, Stephanie Kelton, author of the new bestseller, The Deficit Myth, and Jacob Funk Kirkegaard, from the Peterson Institute, debate the essence of these two competing arguments.SOURCES: CBC, ABC, CNN, Bloomberg, CNBC, Yahoo Finance, Fox Business

COVID-19: Have we seen the last of the big city boom?On this episode of the Munk Debates Podcast, renowned urbanists Richard Florida and Joel Kotkin argue the motion Be it resolved COVID-19 spells the end of the big city boom.SOURCES: KHOU 11, CBS Miami, New York State, WGN News, Fox Business, CTV News, BBC News

Has #MeToo gone too far?On this episode of the Munk Debates Podcast, Harvey Weinstein’s attorney, Donna Rotunno, and Jane Manning, a former sex crimes prosecutor, argue the motion Be it resolved the #MeToo movement has gone too far.SOURCES:MSNBC, Global News, thedailybeast, ABC News, CBSN

Is it time to defund police?On this episode of the Munk Debates Podcast, Minneapolis City Council Member Alondra Cano and Retired Deputy Chief Wayne Harris argue the motion Be it resolved it is time to defund police and reimagine public safety in our communities. SOURCES:Lexington Herald Leader, ABC News, Reuters, CBC Television, ABC10, Global News, CBSN

COVID-19: Is globalization a failed experiment?On this episode of the Munk Debates Podcast, former World Bank VP, Ian Goldin, and economics commentator Marshall Auerback argue the motion Be it resolved the COVID-19 pandemic proves that globalization is a failed experiment.SOURCES:Sky News, Global News, Politico, The Whitehouse, Yahoo Finance, Deutsche Welle, France 24, RT America

COVID-19: Is China’s system of governance better than liberal democracy?On this episode of the Munk Debates Podcast, Chinese scholar Zhang Weiwei and Oxford professor Timothy Garton Ash argue the motion Be it resolved, China’s ability to defeat Covid-19 proves its system of governance is a better model than liberal democracy.SOURCES: CNBC, CNN, PBS Newshour, Fox News, Bloomberg News, BBC, NDT Television.

On this episode of the Munk Debates Podcast, VP of the Center for China and Globalization, Victor Gao on China’s role in global affairs post pandemic.

On this episode of the Munk Debates Podcast, political scientist Ian Bremmer on rising U.S.-China tensions, the global economy, and growing civil unrest in the U.S. and around the world.

On this episode of the Munk Debates Podcast, NYT columnist David Brooks on political and social changes post pandemic.

On this episode of the Munk Debates Podcast, former FDA commissioner Scott Gottlieb on the future of pandemics, public health, and their effects on the economy.

On this episode of the Munk Debates Podcast, technology journalist Kara Swisher joins us for a conversation on the fate and role of Big Tech and Silicon Valley post pandemic.

On this episode of the Munk Debates Podcast, best-selling author and historian Niall Ferguson joins us for a conversation on how history can help us understand what our world will look like after the pandemic.

On this episode of the Munk Debates Podcast, former US ambassador to the UN Samantha Power joins us for a conversation about the fate and future of global institutions in a post-pandemic world.

On this episode of the Munk Debates Podcast, famed economist Mohamed El-Erian joins us for an in-depth discussion about how COVID-19 will reshape the global economy.

On this episode of the Munk Debates Podcast, acclaimed journalist, author, and CNN host Fareed Zakaria joins us for a wide-reaching and in-depth conversation about the coronavirus pandemic and its long term impact on geopolitics and international affairs.

On this episode of the Munk Debates Podcast, renowned author and thinker Malcolm Gladwell joins us for an in-depth conversation about the coronavirus pandemic and its long term impact on health care, refugees, and the economy.

Is the end of capitalism the answer to climate change?On this episode of the Munk Debates Podcast, environmental activist and Guardian columnist George Monbiot debates MIT scientist and bestselling author Andrew McAfee on the motion Be it resolved, ending climate change requires the end of capitalism as we know it.SOURCES: PBS, NBC News, Whitehouse.gov

Can we reopen the economy and keep people safe during COVID-19? On this episode of the Munk Debates Podcast, economists Stephen Roach and Stephen Moore debate the motion Be it resolved, there is no scenario for reopening the economy that prioritizes economic growth over public health. Sources: MSNBC

COVID-19: Are we making decisions without reliable data? On this episode of the Munk Debates Podcast, epidemiologists John Ioannidis and Sten Vermund debate the motion Be it resolved, we are making high-stakes decisions about the COVID-19 pandemic without reliable data. SOURCES: ABC News

Is university a waste of time and money? On this episode of the Munk Debates Podcast, Bryan Caplan, author of The Case Against Education, debates Professor Nicholas Dirks, the former Chancellor of UC Berkeley, on the motion Be it resolved, cut public spending for universities. It's a waste of time and money. SOURCES: CNN, Newsweek, EWTN, Global News.

Can Joe Biden win the White House? On this episode of the Munk Debates Podcast, US President Barack Obama's former Chief of Staff Rahm Emanuel debates The Intercept's Mehdi Hasan on the motion Be it resolved, Joe Biden is the Democratic Party's best hope of winning in 2020. SOURCES: NBC, MSNBC

Should billionaires exist? On this episode of the Munk Debates Podcast, the editor of Jacobin Magazine, Bhaskar Sunkara, debates American Enterprise Institute's James Pethokoukis on the motion Be it resolved, a society that allows billionaires to exist is immoral. SOURCES: NBC, CNBC, SXSW, CBS NEWS

Are Boomers to blame? On this episode of the Munk Debates Podcast, The Federalist's Lyman Stone and The Heritage Foundation's Stephen Moore debate the motion Be it resolved: Baby Boomers have ruined the future for millennials. SOURCES: CBS News, Nightly Business Report, CNN.

Can Bernie Sanders beat Donald Trump? On this episode of the Munk Debates Podcast, New York Magazine columnist Jonathan Chait and The Intercept's DC Bureau Chief Ryan Grim debate the motion Be it resolved, Bernie Sanders is a compelling candidate to beat Donald Trump in the 2020 US Presidential Election. SOURCES: MSNBC, CNN, The Guardian, CCTV, bitesizedhistory, CBC  

Are the descendants of slaves owed compensation? On this episode of the Munk Debates Podcast, economist and author Dr. Julianne Malveaux and Quillette columnist Coleman Hughes debate the motion Be it resolved, justice demands the payment of reparations for the victims of slavery and their descendants. SOURCES: CBS News, C-Span, Washington Post

Is it time for a revolution? On this episode of the Munk Debates Podcast, New York Times columnist David Brooks and Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Chris Hedges debate the motion Be it resolved, politics as usual isn't working. It's time for a revolution. SOURCES: CNN, The Guardian, Bernie Sanders

Is God Great? This week we are airing a special edition of the Munk Debates Podcast—a rebroadcast of a classic debate that launched our series on the world stage. Former Prime Minister Tony Blair and the late Christopher Hitchens - an avowed atheist - debating the motion Be it resolved, religion is a force for good in the world.

Should Donald Trump be removed from office? On this episode of the Munk Debates Podcast, The Atlantic's David Frum and The Wall Street Journal's Kimberly Strassel debate the motion Be it resolved, Donald Trump has committed high crimes and misdemeanours.

Is social media a force for good? On this episode of the Munk Debates Podcast, Open Web advocate Jeff Jarvis squares off against Wired Magazine and former New York Times columnist Noam Cohen to debate the motion be it resolved, social media is a force for good in the world.

Will Liberal Democracy survive the century? On this episode of the Munk Debates Podcast, historian Niall Ferguson and academic Michael Ignatieff debate the motion be it resolved, liberal democracy will not survive the 21st century SOURCES: CNN, CTV NEWS, EXPRESS UK, SKY NEWS, HETEREDOX ACADEMY, DAILY WIRE, FOX NEWS

Is Trump winning the global trade war? One this episode of the Munk Debates Podcast, Jason Furman squares off against Alan Tonselson to debate the motion be it resolved, tariffs are terrific. SOURCES: CNN, AFP

Are we headed for a recession? On this episode of the Munk Debates Podcast, economist David Rosenberg and former Bush economic advisor Pippa Malmgren debate the motion be it resolved, the next recession is sooner than you think. SOURCES: CBS, Bloomberg, CNBC.

Is capitalism broken? On this episode of the Munk Debates Podcast, David Brooks and Arthur Brooks square off against Yanis Varoufakis and Katrina vanden Heuvel to debate the motion be it resolved, the capitalist system is broken. It's time to try something different.

Will Trump's 'maximum pressure' campaign against Iran force them back to the bargaining table, or are increased sanctions destabilizing the region and making the world a more dangerous place? In this episode of the Munk Debates Podcast, Mark Dubowitz and Robert Malley debate the motion Be it resolved, Trump’s sanctions regime is the right response to Iran’s regional ambitions. SOURCES: CNN, ABC, NBC, New York Times, whitehouse.gov

Is China the greatest threat to liberal international order today? On this episode of the Munk Debates Podcast, Steve Bannon, former White House Chief Strategist, debates Ian Bremmer, President and Founder of the political risk research firm Eurasia, on the motion Be it resolved, China poses an existential threat to the United States and the idea of freedom. SOURCES: AP, AFP, Reuters, CNN, CBC, CNBC  

From college campuses to the UN to the US Congress, it's one of the big debates of our time: is anti-Zionism anti-Semitism? Introducing the first episode of the Munk Debates podcast, featuring Pulitzer Prize-winning New York Times columnist Bret Stephens VS The Atlantic contributing editor Peter Beinart.  Sources: CNN, CTV.

The Munk Debates Podcast, a weekly series where the best minds of our time go head-to-head on the big issues driving public debate today. Join the movement to reclaim the art of civil and substantive debate. One Issue. Two sides. You decide.