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Debates | Munk Debates

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Mainstage Debates

Since 2008, we have brought the world’s sharpest minds and brightest thinkers to our mainstage debates in Toronto, Canada. In front of live audiences of 3,000 people, twice a year, we debate the big issues of the day, from climate to the global economy to political correctness to the future of democracy. All these great debates are curated here in video, audio and text for your watching, listening and reading pleasure. Enjoy the art of civil and substantive public debate.

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November 30, 2022

Mainstream Media

November 30, 2022

Mainstream Media

Be it resolved, don't trust mainstream media.

Pro
Douglas Murray
Matt Taibbi
Con
Malcolm Gladwell
Michelle Goldberg
Result
PRO wins with a 39% vote gain.
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May 12, 2022

Russia-Ukraine War

May 12, 2022

Russia-Ukraine War

Be it resolved, ending the world’s worst geopolitical crisis in a generation starts with acknowledging Russia’s security interests.

Pro
John Mearsheimer
Stephen Walt
Con
Michael McFaul
Radosław Sikorski
Result
Con wins with a 34% vote gain
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December 4, 2019

Capitalism

December 4, 2019

Capitalism

Be it resolved, the capitalist system is broken. It's time to try something different...

Pro
Katrina vanden Heuvel
Yanis Varoufakis
Con
Arthur Brooks
David Brooks
Result
Con wins by a margin of 2%
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May 9, 2019

China

May 9, 2019

China

Be it resolved, China is a threat to the liberal international order...

Pro
H.R. McMaster
Michael Pillsbury
Con
Kishore Mahbubani
Huiyao Wang
Result
Con wins by a narrow margin of 2%
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Nov 2, 2018

The Rise of Populism

Nov 2, 2018

The Rise of Populism

Be it resolved, the future of western politics is populist not liberal...

Pro
Stephen K. Bannon
Con
David Frum
Result
No side wins
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