The lifeblood of any free society is healthy disagreement: people with different views trying to change each other’s minds through argument and persuasion. But many democracies across the world are suffering a crisis of faith in the values of debate and have instead turned to writing off those who disagree with them.

On December 14 Anand Giridharadas comes to Intelligence Squared to discuss how our societies lost the art of persuasion. Drawing on his new book The Persuaders, he will take us inside the movements at the heart of the culture wars. From Black Lives Matter to Trumpism, Giridharadas will highlight the intense pressure to conform to ideas and highlight the dissenters who continue to champion persuasion and healthy disagreement in an age of polarisation.

Join us on December 14, hear the arguments and ask your questions.