Dialogues Across Difference

How do we keep talking when a conversation gets hard? In this episode of Dialogues Across Difference, Professor Heather Zwicker speaks with Professor Randy Boyagoda, director of the Jackman Humanities Institute at the University of Toronto, about civil discourse as a practice. They discuss fear and curiosity, social media and the pressure to hold a fixed position, finding common ground, and why entering a conversation open to being wrong matters.

In this episode, Professor Elissa Foster and Professor Heather Zwicker explore what it really takes to engage in dialogue across difference in a world that feels increasingly fractured. Drawing on research and experience, they share evidence-based strategies for strengthening interpersonal communication, staying engaged even when we disagree, and building more meaningful connections. 

In this episode, Professor Simon Adams explores the future of human rights in an era of geopolitical upheaval, democratic backsliding, mass displacement, and rising authoritarianism. Drawing on decades of experience in atrocity prevention and international justice, he examines how human rights are evolving, whether current systems can meet today’s challenges, and the role Australia can play as a middle power in advancing global justice.

In this episode, Bishop Daniel Abot, a former “Lost Boy of Sudan,” shares his powerful lived experience and reflections on racism, peacebuilding, and engagement across difference. Drawing on his experience as a refugee and advocate, Bishop Abot offers insights into belonging and meaningful change, inviting listeners to reflect on their role in fighting racism and building a more inclusive, compassionate future. This episode was recorded in acknowledgement of the UN International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination (21 March).

In this episode, speakers will share practical tools for having respectful and inclusive debates. We’ll talk about how to actively listen, understand different perspectives, challenge ideas (not people), and practice empathy—so everyone feels heard and valued.

SPEAKERS

Moderator: School of Political Science and International Studies Head of School Professor Katrina Lee-Koo

Associate Professor Morgan Brigg (Perspective: Tools from mediation)

Professor Thelma Parker (Perspective: Tools for collaboration)

This episode unpacks the complexities of modern debate, examining the factors that make discussions challenging. We will look at the current socio-political environment as a catalyst for disagreement, emotional intensity, and how misinformation and polarisation is contributing to fraught conversations. 

SPEAKERS

Moderator: Co-moderators Deputy Executive Dean and Associate Dean (Academic) Professor Kath Gelber and UQ Union President Jaafar Jabur

Dr Anne Kruger (Perspective: Misinformation and disinformation)

Dr Kiri Ingram (Perspective: Online radicalisation)

Professor Andrew Phillips (Perspective: Social media)

Shahzaib Farhan (Perspective: Students’ lived experiences - social media and young adults)

Over the past decade, having respectful conversations and debate, especially about the big issues, has become more challenging.  We live in a world where trust is declining, information is non-stop and algorithms are feeding us more of what we already believe. We will explore how we can have better, more respectful conversations and debate – even when we don’t agree.

SPEAKERS

Moderator : Professor Heather Zwicker, Pro Vice-Chancellor (Campus, Culture and Leadership)

Professor Matthew Hornsey (Perspective: Declining trust in science)

Dr Jackie Huggins AM FAHA (Perspective: Truth, trust and healing)

Dr Bethany Mackay (Perspective: Polarisation and safety)