Uploaded December 2024 | Updated September 2026, 3 weeks ago
Labelling opponents as extremists is now ubiquitous. Many say populists are extremists. Liberals say the main threat is from the ‘far right’. Those of a conservative disposition are more likely to point the finger at eco-warriors or pro-Palestinian activists.
At a time when groups such as Jews or Muslims feel under threat, and when MPs and democratic representatives and their families and homes are targeted, should we be open to new constraints on extremist behaviour? Or is the bigger worry that ‘extremism’ is being weaponised and risks undermining our freedoms and civil liberties? Where do the boundaries lie between resisting intolerance and tolerating all views and ideas? How best do we make the case for liberty when society understands so many trends in current affairs through the lens of extremism? And if almost everything and anyone can be labelled extremist, is it a useful concept?
The speakers on the panel are:
Professor Ian Acheson - senior advisor, Counter Extremism Project; visiting professor, school of law, policing and forensics, University of Staffordshire; author, Screwed: Britain’s prison crisis and how to escape it
Silkie Carlo - director, Big Brother Watch; author, Information Security for Journalists
Luke Gittos - criminal lawyer; author, Human Rights – Illusory Freedom; director, Freedom Law Clinic
Munira Mirza - chief executive, Civic Future
Eli Vieira - journalist; editor, Gazeta do Povo; writer, Twitter Files - Brazil
The chair is:
Alastair Donald - co-convenor, Battle of Ideas festival; convenor, Living Freedom; author, Letter on Liberty: The Scottish Question
This video was filmed and edited by WORLDwrite volunteers attending the Battle of Ideas Festival 24. These are the introductory speeches only. To avoid duplication, the full debate will feature on the Academy of Ideas YouTube channel shortly.
WORLDwrite volunteers filmed over 40 sessions at the Battle of Ideas 24. To edit, sound clean and prepare these videos for the Academy & WORLDwrite channels takes at least 2 days each. With no paid staff the charity needs your help to keep its edit suites switched on. Please chip in by hitting the thanks button below. Thank You!
Labelling opponents as extremists is now ubiquitous. Many say populists are extremists. Liberals say the main threat is from the ‘far right’. Those of a conservative disposition are more likely to point the finger at eco-warriors or pro-Palestinian activists.
At a time when groups such as Jews or Muslims feel under threat, and when MPs and democratic representatives and their families and homes are targeted, should we be open to new constraints on extremist behaviour? Or is the bigger worry that ‘extremism’ is being weaponised and risks undermining our freedoms and civil liberties? Where do the boundaries lie between resisting intolerance and tolerating all views and ideas? How best do we make the case for liberty when society understands so many trends in current affairs through the lens of extremism? And if almost everything and anyone can be labelled extremist, is it a useful concept?
The speakers on the panel are:
Professor Ian Acheson - senior advisor, Counter Extremism Project; visiting professor, school of law, policing and forensics, University of Staffordshire; author, Screwed: Britain’s prison crisis and how to escape it
Silkie Carlo - director, Big Brother Watch; author, Information Security for Journalists
Luke Gittos - criminal lawyer; author, Human Rights – Illusory Freedom; director, Freedom Law Clinic
Munira Mirza - chief executive, Civic Future
Eli Vieira - journalist; editor, Gazeta do Povo; writer, Twitter Files - Brazil
The chair is:
Alastair Donald - co-convenor, Battle of Ideas festival; convenor, Living Freedom; author, Letter on Liberty: The Scottish Question
This video was filmed and edited by WORLDwrite volunteers attending the Battle of Ideas Festival 24. These are the introductory speeches only. To avoid duplication, the full debate will feature on the Academy of Ideas YouTube channel shortly.
WORLDwrite volunteers filmed over 40 sessions at the Battle of Ideas 24. To edit, sound clean and prepare these videos for the Academy & WORLDwrite channels takes at least 2 days each. With no paid staff the charity needs your help to keep its edit suites switched on. Please chip in by hitting the thanks button below. Thank You!
