Battle of Ideas Archives - Uncommon Ground

Radical Islamism is the result of several early-20th century thinkers like Maududi and Qutb

Islam vs. Islamism: The Birth of Totalitarian Theology

July 24, 2018 Ammar Anwer 0

Islamist terrorists and theocrats hold beliefs quite different from those of ordinary Muslims. But where does radical Islamism originate from? In the 20th century, the world faced two major totalitarian

The Academic Roots of Post-Truth Society

January 4, 2018 Helen Pluckrose 3

(This is an expanded version of an opening statement given by Helen Pluckrose on the 28th October 2017 at the Battle of Ideas festival hosted by The Institute of Ideas

Why Freedom of Expression Still Matters

September 20, 2017 Terri Murray 0

Why does freedom of expression matter? Allowing our best ideas to be challenged forces us to remain aware of why we hold these cherished beliefs.

Russia-phobia: We Are Not Scared Enough

September 9, 2017 Dale Claridge 0

Modern Russia still retains corruption from its days as the USSR; the difference is, we are no longer as alert to this threat.

Globalisation: The Answer to Unprotective Protectionism

September 8, 2017 Valentin Boboc 0

If we want economic growth in an era of globalisation, then we must focus on free trade and decentralisation of the economy, not protectionism.

Universal Basic Income: Freedom over Workfare

September 6, 2017 Angelos Sofocleous 2

Universal Basic Income has the potential to solve poverty, income inequality, starvation, bureaucracy, and significantly improve healthcare and employment.

Law and Sovereignty in the 21st Century

September 5, 2017 Emile Yusupoff 0

Britain’s sovereignty outside of EU was one of the main arguments for Brexit. However, post-Brexit Britain won’t be considerably more sovereign.

Post-Truth Society is Killing Free Speech

September 5, 2017 Guest Writer 2

The post-truth era has dealt us a double blow. It has caused us to minimise both the importance of factual information and the value of individuals.

Party Politics: Realignment For Strategy or Disintegration Without Vision?

September 3, 2017 Dan Littauer 2

From the 1970s, neither Labour nor the Conservative Party have offered truly alternative socio-economic models -new promises are merely repackaging old ones

Radicalism and the Duplicity of Muslim Identity

September 3, 2017 Shaaz Mahboob 4

“They can’t be Muslims” is the first explanation from Muslims when self-proclaimed Muslims or group of Muslims commit evil. This must end.

What Does Jordan Peterson’s Enforced Monogamy Actually Look Like? | Beatrice Louis

June 19, 2018 14

Monogamy enforced by social norms is an easily observable phenomenon in many parts of the world–and its consequences are deadly.
For a New Left | Dan Fisher

September 11, 2017 4

The first article in the “For a New Left” series looks at how and why we should begin to rebuild and re-establish left wing values.
The Spread of Anti-Christian Hatred in Egypt | Tara Abhasakun

July 21, 2017 2

The spread of anti-christian hatred in Egypt goes beyond ISIS to include non-violent groups such as the Muslim Brotherhood, and even former ruler Mobarak.
Cults and Terrorism: Can We Establish Parallels Between Noxious Belief Systems? | Sarah Mills

July 5, 2017 3

Can insights and lessons about human behavioural trends and group psychologies from cults help us understand and thereby reduce risks of terrorism today?
The Need for an Expanded Theory of Mind in an Era of Increasing Polarisation | Angelos Sofocleous

July 3, 2017 0

Can the Theory of Mind help us foster more empathy and drive us out of our bubbles? How can we achieve a world governed by facts in an era of polarisation?