Open to Debate

Jan 8, 2025 | opentodebate.org | Barbara Slavin

Iran’s nuclear ambitions and military capabilities are at a critical juncture. U.S. officials warn Iran could produce the necessary quantity of enriched uranium to weapons-grade levels within a few weeks, which it could then use to assemble an operational nuclear weapon. With the Middle East’s largest ballistic missile arsenal, Iran poses a significant threat to Israel and parts of Europe.

Oct 10, 2024 | opentodebate.org | Michael Doran

Israel and Iran have been in a proxy conflict for decades, but it escalated to a new level this year during the ongoing war between Israel and Hamas. Now with rising tensions and new rocket strikes by Iran and the Iran-backed group Hezbollah, which is allied with Hamas, world leaders are watching closely and wondering if Israel should take military action against Iran.

Jul 31, 2024 | opentodebate.org | Nick Gillespie

Recorded live in Washington, DC on August 13thAmerican politics today has been marred by increasing levels of “us vs. them” thinking, leading to the destruction of our social fabric and democracy. But critical thinking, facts, and reason can lead us out of that path.

Feb 13, 2024 | opentodebate.org | Michael Doran |Barbara Slavin

The nonpartisan debate series Open to Debate in partnership with the Council on Foreign Relations is taking a closer look at Iran in a post-October 7th world. Its presence in the Middle East—and on the world stage—is growing stronger, many say, given its nuclear ambitions and its use of proxies in Gaza, Syria, Lebanon, and Yemen, most recently disrupting shipping in the Red Sea and the Suez Canal.

Jul 19, 2023 | opentodebate.org | Jamelle Bouie |Brian Lehrer |Amy Walter |Lina Newton

When you think about the world’s most intractable problems, racial inequality is among the most challenging. Societies have grappled not just with how to treat community members equitably in public spaces, but how to judge individuals based on qualities that extend beyond race in personal interactions. For many decades, some have pointed to “color blindness,” or treating people without regard to race or ethnicity, as the best way to promote equal opportunity.