From ancient battles to modern proxy wars, conflicts have been a constant in human history. But does that mean we are destined to continue treating it as an option? Those saying war is inevitable argue that our global system is anarchic and no overarching authority exists to stop war, so states prioritize survival and power. But others argue that conflict is not the only form of dispute resolution; trade, diplomacy, international law, mediation, and peace treaties can avert war. Now we debate: Is War Inevitable? 

Arguing Yes: Dylan Motin, Visiting Scholar at the Seoul National University Asia Center 

Arguing No: Gabrielle Rifkind, Conflict Mediator; Director of Oxford Process 

Emmy award-winning journalist John Donvan moderates 

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As modern warfare becomes increasingly automated and AI-reliant, questions arise about the use of a “kill switch” overriding autonomous weapons in conflict zones. Should the ultimate decision be in humans’ or AI’s hands? Those arguing for human oversight say moral reasoning, empathy, and legal accountability are essential, especially in wartime. Supporters of AI integration argue that machines can make faster, more precise, and less emotional decisions, which could prove more humane than past approaches. Now we debate: Wartime Kill Switch: Human or AI? 

Arguing "Human": 

Elliot Ackerman, Former Marine Raider Officer and CIA Special Activities Officer; Bestselling Author 

Laura Walker McDonald, Senior Advisor for New Technologies & Conflict at the International Committee of the Red Cross 

Arguing "AI":   

Michael C. Horowitz, Senior Fellow for Technology and Innovation at the Council on Foreign Relations; Director of Perry World House and Richard Perry Professor at the University of Pennsylvania 

Jack Shanahan, Inaugural Director of Joint Artificial Intelligence Center, Office of the Department of Defense Chief Information Officer 

Emmy award-winning journalist John Donvan moderates 

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It’s been five years since the pandemic began, but was our public health system or society to blame for our country’s failures to stop the spread? Some argue that public health leaders were unprepared, mismanaged the crisis, and provided inconsistent guidance. Others argue the failures were societal, citing widespread mistrust, misinformation, and other guidance, which undermined compliance and effectiveness. Now, in a new format, our debaters argue both sides of this nuanced and complex question: Was COVID a Public Health Failure or Did Society Fail Public Health? 

Dr. Tom Frieden, Former Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC); President and Chief Executive Officer at Resolve to Save Lives 

Doctor Mike Varshavski, Board-certified family medicine physician, UNICEF Ambassador, and Influencer 

Dr. Jerome Adams, 20th Surgeon General of the United States 

Dr. Dara Kass, Practicing ER physician and medical news contributor during the COVID pandemic, Former Regional Director in the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services 

Emmy award-winning journalist John Donvan moderates 

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Men are falling behind in our society, and some point to traditional ideas of masculinity as the cause. What does it mean to “be a man” today, and how do labels like toxic masculinity impact that question? For some men, masculinity is a continually evolving identity that goes beyond narrow definitions placed upon it. For others, it's a rigid set of expectations that results in emotional isolation and other negative outcomes. Now we debate: Is Masculinity A Prison?

Arguing Yes: Lux Alptraum, Writer, Journalist, and Sex Educator 

Arguing No: Mike Pesca, Host of "The Gist" Podcast 

Nayeema Raza, Journalist and Host of "Smart Girl Dumb Questions", is the guest moderator. 

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It’s Back to School season, and TikTok has been taking a larger role in helping students learn — but should it? Some teachers argue that using TikTok can help make whatever subjects they study more digestible and adaptable to different types of learners. Others call the app distracting and capable of undermining classroom authority and prioritizing entertainment and short attention spans over education. Now we debate: TikTok in the Classroom: Enhancing or Eroding the Teaching Profession? 

Enhance: Phil Cook, Education Influencer and High School Chemistry Teacher   

Erode: Adrian Dingle, Second Schoolteacher and Education Consultant 

Emmy award-winning journalist John Donvan moderates 

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In some policy circles, the idea of the U.S. electing a CEO-style dictator running the country like a company is gaining momentum. But should the idea be embraced? Those proposing the Dictator CEO, like Curtis Yarvin, argue it would challenge existing institutions and deliver cutthroat efficiency. But democracy advocates, like E. Glen Weyl, argue that consolidating power under one leader undermines the core values fundamental to America’s political system. Now we debate: Should the U.S. Be Ruled by a CEO Dictator? 

Arguing Yes: Curtis Yarvin, Anti-democracy theorist and Tech Entrepreneur 

Arguing No: E. Glen Weyl, Co-Founder of the RadicalxChange Foundation, Plurality Institute, and the Faith, Family and Technology Network 

Emmy award-winning journalist John Donvan moderates 

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More Americans are moving away from eating meat toward a vegetarian or vegan lifestyle. But is continuing to eat animals a personal choice—or an ethical failure? Those favoring a plant-based lifestyle argue that eating animals is morally indefensible when plant-based alternatives can provide the same nutrition without pain. But meat lovers argue there’s more to eating meat than seems obvious and caution against vilifying meat consumption. Now, we debate this motion: Don’t Eat Anything With A Face. 

Arguing Yes:  
Neal Barnard, Clinical Researcher, Author of "21-Day Weight Loss Kickstart" 

Gene Baur, President and Co-Founder of the Farm Sanctuary 

Arguing No:  

Chris Masterjohn, Nutritional Sciences Researcher; Blogger at The Daily Lipid 

Joel Salatin, Farmer & Author 

Emmy award-winning journalist John Donvan moderates 

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Fast fashion has taken over the fashion industry, but is less expensive, trendy clothing really worth the purchase? Those who say to “stop” argue fast fashion harms the environment in many ways and exploits workers in countries with lax regulations. Those who say “keep shopping” argue it’s up to shoppers to choose, as fast fashion offers affordable options, supports jobs, and boosts local economies. Now we debate: Fast Fashion: Shop or Stop? 

Arguing Stop: Kenneth Pucker, Former COO of Timberland; Professor at The Fletcher School at Tufts University  

Arguing Shop: Katherine Mangu-Ward, Editor-in-Chief at Reason 

Emmy award-winning journalist John Donvan moderates 

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The pressure to constantly be productive and achieve has become an aspiration one should aspire. But is this mindset worth the effort? Those claiming it’s toxic argue it creates impossible standards, opening the door for anxiety, burnout, and disconnection. But some argue the problem isn’t productivity itself, but how we’ve come to define success — and the unrealistic expectations that come with it. Now we debate: Is Our Productivity Culture Toxic? 

Arguing Yes:  

Jennifer Moss, Workplace Culture Expert; Author of "The Burnout Epidemic" 

Rahaf Harfoush, Digital Anthropologist and New York Times Best-Selling Author 

Arguing No:  

David Allen, Creator of the "Getting Things Done" Time Management Method and Author  

Amy Edmondson, Novartis Professor of Leadership and Management at Harvard Business School 

Emmy award-winning journalist John Donvan moderates 

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Pope Leo XIV’s accession could mean a new opportunity to reform the Catholic Church by allowing women as ordained deacons. Those advocating for this change argue that allowing women would represent a return to early Church tradition and showcase an evolving Church ready for modernity. Those against this argue that it would blur theological lines and that women already play substantial leadership roles within the Church. Now we debate: Is It Time for the Catholic Church to Ordain Women as Deacons? 

Arguing Yes: Casey Stanton, Co-director of Discerning Deacons 

Arguing No: Pia de Solenni, Theologian; Former Chancellor of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Orange in California 

Nayeema Raza, Journalist and Host of "Smart Girl Dumb Questions", is the guest moderator. 

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