Open to Debate

Open to Debate is the nation’s only nonpartisan, debate-driven media organization dedicated to bringing multiple viewpoints together for a constructive, balanced, respectful exchange of ideas. Open to Debate is a platform for intellectually curious and open-minded people to engage with others holding opposing views on complex issues. (Formerly Intelligence Squared U.S.) 

OUR MISSION 

Open to Debate is a call to action: All of us should keep an open mind to solve the complex problems we face as individuals and as a nation.

Open to Debate is a reminder: To solve our greatest problems, we must operate in a contempt-free zone. We need to be able to sit in the same room and exchange ideas with people we disagree with. Being open to debate is a gesture of respect for the good faith arguments of those we disagree with, for the intelligence and integrity of those who watch or listen, and for the value of debate done right.

Open to Debate is a duty: The future of American Democracy depends on the strength of communities to work together and overcome our differences. “Us vs. Them” thinking is destructive to our social fabric, and we need a national model to guide debates to a healthy and free exchange of ideas.

At Open to Debate, our mission is to restore critical thinking, facts, reason, and civility to America’s public square. Open to Debate is a platform for intellectually curious and open-minded people to engage with others holding opposing views on complex issues.

OUR IMPACT

We know debate works to find common ground. On average, 32% of the Open to Debate audience changes their mind on contentious topics after hearing a debate. That’s the power of debate done right, and at scale, it can change the direction we’re headed in America.

OUR APPROACH

Through weekly debates distributed on public radio, in podcasts and digital videos, we systematically bring opposing viewpoints together for a respectful and open-minded exchange of ideas.

ABOUT THE NAME

Why did we change our name from Intelligence Squared U.S. Debates? Because Open to Debate better reflects what we bring to the public square. It’s about conveying a new, more focused mission to address how historic levels of polarization are dividing our nation and how we can actually fix it. The key word in the new name Open to Debate is “Open.” That means open to listening. Open to disagreeing. Open to understanding. Open to learning. Open to “the other side.”