Rory Stewart and Mary Beard on who Really Has Power in the World | Intelligence Squared

In this clip from our recent session in 2023, 'Power and Politics,' Rory Stewart and Mary Beard share insights into the elusive nature of power in modern British life. Stewart draws on his experiences as a government official and a charity worker in Afghanistan. The speakers discuss the challenges of decision-making within bureaucracy, drawing comparisons to historical examples such as the Roman Empire. Delve into the corrupting influences of politics and the performative aspects of wielding power as they set the stage for a thought-provoking exploration of political dynamics.
See the full session here: • Rory Stewart and Mary ...
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[@thierry2720]

2 things : 1-The series "Yes Minister" is still a masterpiece at describing the issues with bureaucracy. 2-How weird it is that Rory didn't even hint at the power of the corporations, the lobbies and the big finance...

[@TheMap1997]

Well Rory might be ethical but he still needs the money for his cause

[@frooqy]

If you want to know who controls you, look at who you are not allowed to criticize. Voltaire

[@petejohnson8590]

I cannot believe my two most favorite people are speaking together, Mary, brings all her subjects alive, even if they died thousands of years ago, Rory, is such an honest man, he also brings matters alive, I a happy bunny listening to them chat 😃👍👍👍

[@khar12d8]

There's been a movement for generations to take power out of the hands of the traditional organs of state. New Labour did quite a bit of this by empowering non Parliamentary courts etc... Being a member of the EU diluted the ability to wealed internal power since power became dispersed across the EU to make certain laws etc... All these things were done historically for perfectly good liberal reasons. Independence for the Bank of England took the major economic power of interest rates out of the hands of the Treasury and gave it to the Bank. Of course, govt could try and take some of that power back. Brexit is arguably part of that process. If you want more power in govt then you need to be less liberal. That's the debate. You need to dilute human rights in the name of efficiency, as China does. Of course, it's about what type of society you want to live in.

[@buzzukfiftythree]

It can be argued that giving the Bank of England the power to set interest rates was sensible in that the rates would be set for economic rather than political reasons. It is not a perfect solution by any means but, in my view, it is better than manipulating rates for purely political motives. In reality, the EU has relatively little influence over domestic politics. Only around 13% of our laws were determined or influenced by EU legislation. I would argue that it actually moderated government policy and protected us from extremist and idiotic policies such as we are seeing now from one of the most incompetent governments in my nearly 70 year lifetime. Again, the EU is not faultless, but it’s a damn sight better than the Brexit we now have. As for diluting human rights, I sincerely hope you are not advocating that policy. That is a recipe for disaster.

[@thehazelnutspread]

They couldn't even set the stage so that the guests had a place to put their jacket or purse??? Wow

[@2Goiz_1ShanDA]

I mean go right ahead. ...I'm, I'll believe anything at this point😂

[@mrmurthi1011]

You really need to ensure better audio quality. Ruined the discussion.

[@barnabycole9145]

All I got from this is the civil service has become politicized and the problem.

[@dalestaley5637]

Rory, why are Tories funded by Russian oligarchs?

[@jonathonjubb6626]

Because not enough Brits fund them?

[@glhmedic]

Because like American republicans they worship money and power.

[@matthewrowe9903]

don't know why are so much of the left funded by the FBI and CIA ?

[@RobertMathieson]

everyone is

[@darrenkenton5364]

No their not, their funded by the same people Labour are funded by, The City Of London!

[@robbie_]

Why would you listen to either of those turnips?

[@paulcasey5204]

Had enough of experts? Welcome to Brexit.

[@robinmcewan8473]

Because they have knowledge and experience.

[@robbie_]

@@robinmcewan8473 Don't be silly. They're a couple of idiots.

[@robbiepeterh]

Because they’re not parsnips?

[@tobagostreetpolicestationc561]

Can you explain why you think they’re ‘turnips’?