Open to Debate
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Open to Debate
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...
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428 episodi
Is War Inevitable?
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...
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 con...
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? Som...
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...
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...
Should the U.S. Be Ruled by a CEO Dictator?
In some policy circles, the idea of the U.S. electing a CEO-style dictator running the country like a company is gaining momentum. But should the idea...
Don't Eat Anything With a Face
More Americans are moving away from eating meat toward a vegetarian or vegan lifestyle. But is continuing to eat animals a personal choice—or an ethic...
Fast Fashion: Shop or Stop?
Fast fashion has taken over the fashion industry, but is less expensive, trendy clothing really worth the purchase? Those who say to “stop” argue fast...
Is Our Productivity Culture Toxic?
The pressure to constantly be productive and achieve has become an aspiration one should aspire. But is this mindset worth the effort? Those claiming...
Is It Time for the Catholic Church to Ordain Women as Deacons?
Pope Leo XIV’s accession could mean a new opportunity to reform the Catholic Church by allowing women as ordained deacons. Those advocating for this c...
Think Twice: The Idaho Four Tragedy with Vicky Ward
The shocking 2022 murder of four University of Idaho students have resulted in a life sentence for the killer and still-unanswered questions — about n...
Could Dating an AI Be Better Than Dating a Human?
Love in the time of AI? Some people seeking romance or friendship are turning to AI chatbots to fulfill those desires, but could they surpass traditio...
Two Conservatives Debate: Is the Big, Beautiful Bill a Disaster?
President Trump has officially signed the One Big, Beautiful Bill Act into law. There is debate among conservatives about whether it will end up drivi...
Did Harvard Have It Coming?
The Trump administration enacted severe actions against Harvard University that threaten its endowment, funding, and ability to enroll international s...
Think Twice: Reading the Constitution with Justice Stephen Breyer
As an Associate Justice on the Supreme Court for almost three decades, Stephen Breyer was no stranger to hearing arguments for different sides in majo...
Are Sanctions An Effective Policy Tool?
Open to Debate, in partnership with the Human Rights Foundation and the Oslo Freedom Forum, is examining a strategy employed by many countries to resp...
Is Trump's America a Reliable Ally?
Under President Trump, America’s role on the global stage is being redefined — but can other countries trust its allyship under his leadership? Critic...
Free Speech in the Trump 2.0 Era
The new Trump presidency has led to pressure on the First Amendment, and the lines between free expression and political enforcement are blurring. Tho...
BONUS RELEASE: Can America and Its Allies Tolerate A Nuclear Iran, or Is It Time to Stop Them Now?
In light of today's breaking news—Israel’s targeted airstrikes on Iranian nuclear and military facilities, and Iran's retaliation—we are re-releasing...
Trump's Russia Policies: Return to Normalcy or Defeat for America?
As he did in this first presidential term, President Trump has continued to signal closer alignment with Vladimir Putin. This included a tense Februar...
Think Twice: Original Sin with Jake Tapper and Alex Thompson
Coming off the long weekend, an early release of this week's episode:
The first 2024 presidential debate was a turning poin...
Is Trump Good for Israel?
With Trump’s return to office, some have high hopes for his relationship with Israel. But amid the Gaza war, will his policies help? Those arguing “ye...
Can the U.S. Outpace China in AI Through Chip Controls?
The AI revolution is underway, and the U.S. and China are racing to the top. At the heart of this competition are semiconductors—especially advanced G...
Trump’s First 100 Days: The Economic Agenda
The first 100 days of President Trump’s second term have come with a wide range of changes for the nation’s economy and global supply chains. Could th...
Think Twice: The Stoic Capitalist with Robert Rosenkranz
From modest beginnings to a distinguished career, Robert Rosenkranz, the chairman of Delphi Capital Management and founder of Open to Debate, has used...
Should the U.S. Decouple from China?
For decades, China has been central for global supply chains and a primary U.S. trade partner, but as China’s influence grows, should the U.S. cut eco...
Was Trump Right to Be Hard on Soft Power in the Middle East?
The U.S. has long balanced military strength with soft power in the Middle East through agencies like USAID. With the Trump administration reversing t...
Should the U.S. Prioritize Settling Mars?
NASA, SpaceX, and other private companies are working on plans to make Mars humanity’s next frontier. However, should settling Mars be one of America’...
Is Objectivity Essential to Journalism?
For decades, objectivity has been cited as journalism's gold standard, promising that journalists would stick “to the facts" and deliver both sides of...
Smart Girl Dumb Questions: Is the Future Bleak?
Today we’re bringing you an episode of Smart Girl Dumb Questions, the new podcast by one of our frequent guest moderators, Nayeema Raza. Nayeema asks...
Think Twice: About Abundance with Derek Thompson
Reporter and podcaster Derek Thompson says we’re better at recognizing problems, but our ability to solve them has not improved. How can we make sure...
Should We Address the Gender Wage Gap?
American women are, on average, paid 84 cents for every dollar men make, according to the Department of Labor. This wage gap has persisted despite nea...
UN Efforts in the Middle East: Helping or Hurting?
UNRWA and other peacekeeping forces in the Middle East play an important role in the Israel-Palestine conflict, but do they do enough? Those saying th...
Is Musk’s DOGE Dodging the Law?
Elon Musk and the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) have taken on a contentious role in the new Trump administration, which has affected fede...
PODCAST BONUS RELEASE: Is it Time to End Daylight Savings Time?
Are you ready to change the clock on Sunday? Is springing forward or falling back still an idea worth practicing? Those ready to end Daylight Savings...
Was Trump Right to Increase Tariffs on Chinese Imports?
President Trump recently enacted a ten percent additional tariff on Chinese imports, and China has enacted retaliatory tariffs in response. Those affi...
Can Religion Cure the Loneliness Epidemic?
America is suffering from a loneliness epidemic. Some groups have suggested religious communities may be key to solving it. Could it help? Those argui...
Is It Time to Break Up with Dating Apps?
How’s your love life? With platforms like Tinder, Bumble, Hinge, and OkCupid offering endless opportunities to connect, many people searching for The...
UNRESOLVED: The Future of the Supreme Court
In recent years, multiple proposals have been made to change how the U.S. Supreme Court operates in its current form. Would these reforms help – or hu...
Has Legalizing Sports Gambling Become a Bad Bet?
Sports fans can place bets on their favorite teams and athletes faster and easier than before, thanks to legalized sports gambling. But was it the wro...