Festival of Dangerous Ideas

Since the dawn of time, our pro-natalist society has implemented certain systems, norms and lenses in which we view child rearing. These often oppressive and coercive conditions make it difficult for many to think about their reproductive options. But with the emergence of artificial wombs and womb transplants, what im

Throughout history we have found ways to regulate human behaviour through the threat of social exclusion. But while the idea of ‘cancellation’ is not new, the online sphere has radically shifted the way we hold people to account and punish perceived wrongdoing.  Is redemption possible in the digital age? And can narrat

Democracy has often been presented as an ideal, where citizens can participate and benefit from a fair society. But as we face growing inequality, political turmoil, and loss of faith in modern life, the price of preserving democracy might be proving too steep.    Masha Gessen is an opinion columnist for The New York T

The process of global collapse has begun – driven by the damage we have caused to the Earth’s natural systems. And governments and corporations aren’t going to save us.    So are we going to cling to our old individual ways of fighting each other for the final scraps? Or should we adapt and support each other through t

The increase in mental health and neurodivergent diagnoses in recent years indicates that we’re more aware of our brains than ever before.   Does improved social awareness, self-identification, representation and access mean we’ve reached a turning point in the way we acknowledge and treat mental health and neurodiverg

Masculinity has become a battle ground. From the gender pay gap, to domestic violence and rape, the idea of what it means to be a man has been heavily scrutinised in recent times.  Meanwhile the gender wars – fuelled by mainstream conservatives, technology and social media – has shifted society’s ideas in a dangerous d