The EI Podcast brings you weekly conversations with leading writers, thinkers and historians. Hosted by Alastair Benn, Jack Dickens and Paul Lay. Produced by Max Mitchell.
Worldview — Genome, the dangers and potential of gene editing
Dec 16, 2022
Show notes
It is now clear that genetically editing human beings is not only possible, but increasingly simple. The ethical considerations of this development on the other hand remain complex. To discuss the mapping and editing of the human genome, Adam Boulton is joined by Dr George Church, the 'father of genomics', and Kevin Davies, science author, journalist and the executive editor of the CRISPR journal. Image description: Genetic editing and gene research in vitro. Credit: Brain light / Alamy Stock Photo.
The Case of East Asia by Jonathan Fenby
Dec 16, 2022
Show notes
East Asia, especially China's, economic rise in the latter half of the twentieth century was sudden and impressive but now, growth is stalling. This, combined with the rivalry between the US and China and sovereignty disputes has destabilised the region. Read by Leighton Pugh. This essay was first published in 2016. High-rise buildings replace old residences in Zhejiang, China. Credit: Charles O. Cecil / Alamy Stock Photo
Worldview — China and India: a new struggle for dominance
Dec 09, 2022
Show notes
For thousands of years, India and China had relatively little contact, but following China's annexation of Tibet and the end of European colonialism, the two Asian Giants became neighbours. Today, their relationship is increasingly tense. In this episode of Worldview, Adam Boulton is joined by Peter Frankopan, Tanvi Madan and Rana Mitter to put Sino-Indian relations under the microscope. Image description: The old Silk Route between India and China. Credit: Dinodia Photos / Alamy Stock Photo.
How to fix the future, Estonian style by Andrew Keen
Dec 08, 2022
Show notes
Rather than protecting individual data privacy, the fate of democracy in our networked age might depend on establishing a new, radically transparent contract of trust between government and citizens. Estonia is leading the way. Read by Leighton Pugh. Image: Churches, other landmarks and old buildings at the Old Town in Tallinn, Estonia. Credit: Tuomas Lehtinen / Alamy Stock Photo
Worldview — Revolution and evolution: the history of the book
Dec 02, 2022
Show notes
In around 1440 AD, a goldsmith called Johannes Gutenberg began assembling the apparatus that would eventually become known as the first Western printing press. Thirty years later, this invention had transformed Europe, spiritually, economically and politically. In this episode of Worldview Adam Boulton is joined by Professor Alexander Lee and Professor Emma Smith to chart the history of the book, from its revolutionary beginnings to the present day. Image description: Nineteenth century typesetter and printers working with Stanhope cast iron printing press in print shop. Credit: Arterra Picture Library / Alamy Stock Photo.
Why the nation beat the empire in the battle of nineteenth century ideas by Jeremy Jennings
Dec 02, 2022
Show notes
A history of the nineteenth century tells not just of newly-formed nations, but of newly-developing nationalism. Read by Leighton Pugh. Image: Carving Up The World A satirical cartoon by James Gillray, showing British Prime Minister William Pitt and the French leader Napoleon Bonaparte, carving up the world between them. Entitled 'The Plumb Pudding in Danger' - pub. 26th February 1805
Worldview — Pressure on the power network
Nov 25, 2022
Show notes
The West must have an adaptable power grid to meet the challenges of this geopolitical energy crisis. In this episode of Worldview, Adam Boulton is joined by Margarita Balmaceda, Magnus Henrekson, Olamide Oguntoye and Ariana Kiran Singh to discuss generating and transmitting power in the face of growing geopolitical and environmental concerns. Image description: Electricity pylon. Credit: David Leadbitter / Alamy Stock Photo.
The joy of suffering by Candida Moss
Nov 25, 2022
Show notes
The crucifixion lodged suffering at the heart of Christianity: to suffer was to be like Christ. This reframing of suffering had far-reaching consequences for world history. Read by Leighton Pugh. Image: Jesus Christ on the Cross with St. Mary and St John, painted by Albrecht Altdorfer, circa 1512. Credit: Niday Picture Library / Alamy Stock Photo.
Worldview — The nuclear threat today
Nov 15, 2022
Show notes
There are currently around 13,000 nuclear warheads worldwide, with Russia possessing the largest nuclear arsenal. And yet, nuclear weapons have not been deployed in combat since the US bombed Nagasaki and Hiroshima seventy-seven years ago. So, how and why has the nuclear taboo remained intact and what may jeopardise it in the future? In this episode of Worldview, Adam Boulton is joined by Professor Sir Lawrence Freedman and Professor Wyn Bowen to discuss the history of nuclear deterrence, the likelihood of nuclear weapons being deployed in Ukraine, and China's growing nuclear arsenal. Image description: Mock-up of the air defence system around Moscow, in the Patriot Park In Moscow Region, Russia. Credit: Nikolay Vinokurov / Alamy Stock Photo.
The Revolt of the European Masses: the disintegration of accountability in supra-national politics by Janne Haaland Matlary
Nov 11, 2022
Show notes
With forces such as identity politics and supra-national bodies gaining traction across Europe, the concept of the nation state has never been more important. Read by Leighton Pugh. Image: A painting of the Dutch envoy Adriaan Pauw entering Münster around 1646 for the peace negotiations, painted by Gerard ter Borch. Credit: Wikipedia Commons/Stadtmuseum Münster
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