If you are exasperated by the parlous state of public discourse and debate - in politics, popular culture, or society generally - then you are not alone. Writers Helen Razer and Bernard Keane are similarly cranky about ‘the decline of reason’ and the ascendancy of ‘stupid’ ideas. In their new book, A Short History of Stupid, they take aim at anti-scientific thinking, government paternalism, the war on terror, contemporary feminism, and more. Paul Barclay talks to them.

Australia is such a passive society that we let politicians veto democratic reform.

Jay Winter explains why was shell shock was such a difficult issue to come to terms with.

The life and times of journalist and commentator Greg Sheridan

The EU and climate change action.

In a career spanning 50 years, singer and songwriter Buffy Sainte-Marie remains as active as ever.

How much hope is there for our threatened oceans facing pollution, overfishing and a rapidly decreasing biodiversity? Two of the world’s most inspiring environmental messengers see good reason for a lot of hope. Equipped with science and knowledge, they say, we can save the marine environment – if we are prepared to start acting now. Simran Sethi and Sylvia Earle, here in conversation from the WOMADelaide Festival.

A discussion on the contribution made by Malcolm Fraser in building relations with Asia.