Doha Debates

Superheroes are often seen as symbols of justice, but could their stories be shaping our sense of morality in ways we don't even realise?   In this episode of @DohaDebates podcast, host Malika Bilal questions the cultural power of superheroes, from their commercial dominance to the way they influence our perceptions of morality, justice and heroism. Joined by New York Times bestselling author Nnedi Okorafor, religion and pop culture scholar Hussein Rashid, and social critic and journalist Keith Spencer, the discussion explores what makes a superhero “super” and whether fictional heroes are filling a growing moral gap in society. The views expressed in this episode are the guests’ own and do not necessarily reflect Al Jazeera’s editorial stance. Visit the @DohaDebates YouTube channel for the extended version.  Connect with us: @AJEPodcasts on X, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube

Have universities begun to favor ideology over truth? In this episode of @DohaDebates podcast, host Malika Bilal questions whether universities still uphold free inquiry, as mounting pressure, surveillance, and self-censorship reshape academic spaces following October 7. Joined by Mohammad Fadel, Pablo Avelluto, Omer Bartov and Dorian Abbot, the discussion explores academic freedom, student activism, and the future of open debate in higher education worldwide. The views expressed in this episode are the guests’ own and do not necessarily reflect Al Jazeera’s editorial stance. Visit the @DohaDebates YouTube channel for the extended version.  Connect with us: @AJEPodcasts on X, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube

Can the world agree on a shared system of morality and justice? In this episode of @DohaDebates podcast, host Mohamed Hassan examines whether international institutions have lived up to their founding ideals, and what their failure to stop the genocide in Gaza says about the West’s moral leadership today.  Joined by Bruno Macaes, David Oldroyd-Bolt, Wadah Khanfar and Randa Slim, the discussion explores power, justice and the future of the global order. The views expressed in this episode are the guests’ own and do not necessarily reflect Al Jazeera’s editorial stance. Visit the @DohaDebates YouTube channel for the extended version. Connect with us: @AJEPodcasts on X, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube

What if we could cheat death? Researchers are pushing the boundaries of what it means to grow older. In this episode of @DohaDebates podcast, host Nadir Nahdi asks: Is ageing a natural stage of life to be honoured or a biological flaw that humanity should overcome? Joined by guests Thalia Arawi, Natasha Vita-More, Michael Hauskeller and Dr Alaa Murabit. The views expressed in this episode are the guests’ own and do not necessarily reflect Al Jazeera’s editorial stance. Visit the @DohaDebates YouTube channel for the extended version. Connect with us: @AJEPodcasts on X, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube  

Who decides what’s true in the digital age? From COVID-19 vaccines to election meddling, that battle is increasingly being fought online. In this episode of @DohaDebates podcast, host Mohamed Hassan unpacks disinformation, free speech and the limits of open debate with guests Renee DiResta, Siva Vaidhyanathan and Glenn Greenwald. The views expressed in this episode are the guests’ own and do not necessarily reflect Al Jazeera’s editorial stance. Visit the @DohaDebates YouTube channel for the extended version. Connect with us: @AJEPodcasts on X, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube  

Doha Debates brings you thought-provoking debates on today’s biggest issues with global thought leaders and students. Connect with us: @AJEPodcasts on X, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube