2015 Global Thinkers Sonita Alizadeh and Helly Luv discuss how they’ve both used music to fight — against the Islamic State and against the institution of marriage.

Can Music Be an Effective Weapon?

News & Politics

2015 Global Thinker Hanya Yanagihara and writer Meghan O'Rourke debate the limits of pain, empathy, and romance.

Why the ‘Five Stages of Grief’ Theory Is a Sham

2015 Global Thinker Chigozie Obioma and novelist Taiye Selasi discuss whether the narrative of nationhood is the greatest story ever told.

Does the World Really Need Nation-States?

2015 Global Thinker Marjan Minnesma and Gasland director Josh Fox debate the best—and perhaps only—way to spurn action on climate change: Terrify people.

The Green Movement and its Inconvenient Truths

From telenovelas to Sesame Street, 2013 Global Thinkers Noura al Kaabi and Saad Mohseni debate the importance of cultural imports in a localized entertainment industry.

How to Build a Media Industry from Scratch

2015 Global Thinker Tobias Zielony and writer Anna Badkhen debate how the West stereotypes—to dangerous effect—the Global South.

Can Music Be an Effective Weapon?

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