Intelligence Squared U.S. Debates "Nationalism Is a Force for Good" via the German Marshall Fund's Brussels Forum, This Friday

Andrew Keen and Elif Shafak vs. Colin Dueck and Prerna Singh. Tune in live at 11:15am EDT at https://brusselsforum.org/

 

From Brexit to "America First," Modi in India, Erdogan in Turkey, and Bolsonaro in Brazil, nationalism has been on the rise in recent years. In the last few months alone, the coronavirus pandemic has closed borders around the world and sparked staunch debate about the future of global governance and political identity. Does the 21st century require international leadership, or is nationalism the best path forward? This Friday, June 26, in partnership with the German Marshall Fund's Brussels Forum, the nonpartisan Intelligence Squared U.S. will look at these questions with a live-streaming debate on the motion "Nationalism Is a Force for Good."

Arguing for the motion are State and Defense Departments consultant Colin Dueck and Political Science professor Prerna Singh. Arguing against the motion are best-selling author Andrew Keen and Turkish activist and novelist Elif Shafak. Audience vote will determine the winner, based on which side's numbers improve the most between a pre- and post-debate vote.

The debate will begin at 11:15 AM EDT / 17:15 CET this Friday, June 26. It will be free to watch at https://brusselsforum.org. Email raypadgett@shorefire.com if you would like a transcript afterwards.

FOR THE MOTION - BIOS

* Colin Dueck: Policy Professor & Author, "Age of Iron: On Conservative Nationalism" 
Colin Dueck is a professor of policy and government at George Mason University and a visiting scholar at the American Enterprise Institute. His latest book is "Age of Iron: On Conservative Nationalism." Dueck has consulted for the Department of State, the Department of Defense, and the National Security Council.

* Prerna Singh: Political Scientist & Author, "How Solidarity Works for Welfare" 
Prerna Singh is an associate professor of political science and international studies at Brown University and the author of "How Solidarity Works for Welfare: Subnationalism and Social Development in India." Her research addresses how a common national identity promotes social development.

AGAINST THE MOTION - BIOS

* Andrew Keen: Internet Entrepreneur & Author, "Tomorrows Versus Yesterdays" 
Andrew Keen, named as one of the "100 Most Connected Men" by GQ magazine, is amongst the world's best-known commentators on the digital revolution. He directed and wrote the documentary "How To Fix Democracy" and is the host of the popular podcast "Keen On Capitalism." He has written five books, including the bestselling "How To Fix The Future," and his most recent book, "Tomorrows Versus Yesterdays: Conversations in Defense of the Future."

* Elif Shafak: Activist & Author, "The Bastard of Istanbul" 
Elif Shafak is a novelist and the most widely read female author in Turkey. Her latest novel, "10 Minutes 38 Seconds in this Strange World," was shortlisted for the Booker Prize. In 2006, Shafak was prosecuted for "insulting Turkishness." She writes about global politics, populism, and nationalism.

ABOUT INTELLIGENCE SQUARED U.S. DEBATES (IQ2US)
A non-partisan, non-profit organization, Intelligence Squared U.S. was founded in 2006 to address a fundamental problem in America: the extreme polarization of our nation and our politics. Their mission is to restore critical thinking, facts, reason, and civility to American public discourse. The award-winning debate series reaches millions of viewers and listeners through through multi-platform distribution, including radio, live streaming, podcasts, interactive digital content, and on-demand apps on Roku and Apple TV. With over 170 debates and counting, Intelligence Squared U.S. has encouraged the public to "think twice" on a wide range of provocative topics. Author and ABC News correspondent John Donvan has moderated IQ2US since 2008.

About the German Marshall Fund of the United States:
The German Marshall Fund of the United States (GMF) is the leading organization dedicated to deepening transatlantic ties by shaping the policy conversation, strengthening civil society, and developing leaders. Headquartered in Washington, DC, GMF's office network includes Berlin, Brussels, Paris, Warsaw, Ankara, Belgrade, and Bucharest. GMF was established in 1972 with a gift from Germany to thank Americans for Marshall Plan assistance. GMF champions human rights, democracy, and rule of law - the values that make the transatlantic relationship a vital force for global good. It nurtures relationships between Europe and America, connecting people and ideas on both sides of the Atlantic that are shaping the future. We know that Europe and America working together is essential for a free, prosperous, and secure world.

About GMF's Brussels Forum: 
Brussels Forum is the German Marshall Fund's annual, marquee summit bringing together the most influential political, corporate, and intellectual leaders from the transatlantic community to confront the biggest issues of the moment. Leaders on both sides of the Atlantic are being tested by enduring and emerging challenges--this year through the lens of the COVID-19 crisis. By bringing together the preeminent thinkers and doers in the field, GMF's Brussels Forum helps shape a new transatlantic agenda that can adapt to changing global realities and new threats.

In its 15th year, Brussels Forum has gone all virtual, with senior officials from the European Union institutions and the member states, U.S. cabinet officials, U.S. congressional representatives, parliamentarians, academics, and journalists joining live streamed discussions. In 2020, GMF has expanded Brussels Forum to encompass a full month-- with dozens of conversations and speakers from around the world connecting via Zoom. All Brussels Forum 2020 sessions are archived on GMF's Youtube page.

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