The Reith Lectures

Title

First
Broadcast

Repeated

Comments

Can We Change Violent Minds?

20241221

20241222 (WS)

In her final 2024 BBC Reith lecture, the forensic psychiatrist Dr Gwen Adshead, assesses how we deal with violent offenders and asks is it time for a re-think?

Dr Adshead assesses the effectiveness and impact of therapeutic interventions with offenders in prisons. And she asks if the public needs to change their minds about violent perpetrators.

The programme is recorded in front of an audience in Bergen, Norway – a country which has a long tradition of rehabilitating violent offenders. It includes a Q and A.

In her final Reith Lecture, Dr Gwen Adshead asks if we can change violent minds?

The BBC's annual series of lectures from a major academic figure.

[LISTEN NOW]

Does Trauma Cause Violence?

20241207

20241214 (WS)
20241215 (WS)

How do we understand how to manage powerful emotions such as rage, fear and shame? With very rare access, forensic psychiatrist Dr Gwen Adshead gives her second Reith Lecture inside Grendon prison, in England, where she talks to a small number of prisoners and staff, and asks the question: Does trauma cause violence? Does being a victim of violence, in some circumstances, make you more likely to become a perpetrator of violence? Was WH Auden right when he wrote in 1939: those to whom evil is done do evil in return?

Dr Gwen Adshead explores the idea that victims of violence can become perpetrators

The BBC's annual series of lectures from a major academic figure.

Forensic psychiatrist Dr Gwen Adshead explores the idea that victims of violence are more likely to become perpetrators of violence.

How best do we understand how to manage powerful emotions such as rage, fear and shame?

Forensic Psychiatrist Dr Gwen Adshead asks: Does trauma cause violence?

[LISTEN NOW]

Is There Such A Thing As Evil?

20241214

20241207 (WS)
20241208 (WS)

In her third Reith Lecture, Dr Gwen Adshead asks if there is such a thing as evil? In a career spanning nearly 40 years the forensic psychiatrist has heard many of her patients ask: “I have done evil things but does that make me evil? ?

Ideas about what evil is a complex interplay between the social and the individual. Dr Adshead says that we have often confused 'evil' with mental illness. She argues that in certain circumstances we all have capacity for 'evil' and says we need to find ways to cultivate societal and individual 'goodness'. The programme is recorded at the V&A in Dundee, Scotland, in front of an audience and includes a Q and A after Dr Adshead's lecture.

Forensic psychiatrist Dr Gwen Adshead asks if there's such a thing as evil?

The BBC's annual series of lectures from a major academic figure.

In her third Reith Lecture, Dr Gwen Adshead asks if there's such a thing as “evil. ?? In a career spanning nearly 40 years the forensic psychiatrist has heard many of her patients ask: “ I have done evil things but does that make me evil. ??

Ideas about what evil is a complex interplay between the social and the individual. Dr Adshead says that we have often confused “evil ? with mental illness. She argues that in certain circumstances we all have capacity for “evil ? and says we need to find ways to cultivate societal and individual “goodness. ? The programme is recorded at the V&A in Dundee, Scotland, in front of an audience and includes a Q and A after Dr Adshead's lecture.

[LISTEN NOW]

Is Violence Normal?

20241130

20241201 (WS)

In her 2024 BBC Reith Lectures, Dr Gwen Adshead, addresses four questions that she has most commonly faced in her work as a therapist with violent perpetrators in secure psychiatric units and prisons: Is violence normal? What is the relationship between trauma and violence? Is there such a thing as evil? Can we change violent minds?

In this first lecture, using data and real-life stories from nearly 40 years experience as a forensic psychiatrist, she asks if violence is normal. Do we think about it as being normal because, deep down, we are all capable of cruelty and can experience, even briefly, the urge to hurt others? What then are the tipping points, what are the factors that drive some to kill?

(Photo: Dr Gwen Adshead. Credit: Andy Vox)

British forensic psychiatrist Dr Gwen Adshead asks if violence is normal?

The BBC's annual series of lectures from a major academic figure.

Or is violence unnatural? Do we think about it as being normal because, deep down, we are all capable of cruelty and can experience, even briefly, the urge to hurt others? What then are the tipping points, what are the factors that drive some to kill?

[LISTEN NOW]

Our Democratic Future

20231202

20231203 (WS)

The first lecture, 'The Future of Democracy', asks whether we are in a 'democratic recession', where longstanding democracies are at risk of breakdown and authoritarianism is resurgent. It examines how resilient democracies are to the challenges of artificial intelligence, deep-fakes, and social media and whether they can effectively address core challenges from climate change to inequality. The lecture ends by outlining the kinds of reforms that can sustain our democracies: from citizens assemblies to electoral reform.

The series will be delivered by Ben Ansell, Professor of Comparative Democratic Institutions at Nuffield College, Oxford University.

The Future of Democracy by Ben Ansell

The BBC's annual series of lectures from a major academic figure.

Our Democratic Future

20231209

20231210 (WS)

The second lecture, 'The Future of Security', asks whether citizens of wealthy countries have been lulled into a false sense of security about threats from abroad and at home. It examines how we can control the security technologies of tomorrow, from facial recognition to autonomous weapons. And it concludes by suggesting how we can develop technologies powerful enough to protect us without exploiting us.

The series will be delivered by Ben Ansell, Professor of Comparative Democratic Institutions at Nuffield College, Oxford University.

The Future of Democracy by Ben Ansell

The BBC's annual series of lectures from a major academic figure.

Our Democratic Future

20231216

20231217 (WS)

The third lecture, 'The Future of Solidarity', explores whether we can develop a shared sense of belonging in today's polarised societies. How can we ensure that we look after the less fortunate among us in an economy that seems only to reward the 'already haves'? The lecture addresses the challenges posed by technologies that enrich a small elite and privatise solidarity with bespoke healthcare and benefits that might undermine collective solidarity. And it engages with reforms and politics that might underpin our sense of community - from universal basic income to civic nationalism.

The series will be delivered by Ben Ansell, Professor of Comparative Democratic Institutions at Nuffield College, Oxford University.

The Future of Democracy by Ben Ansell

The BBC's annual series of lectures from a major academic figure.

Our Democratic Future

20231223

20231224 (WS)

The final lecture, 'The Future of Prosperity', engages with a crucial question - can we continue to grow our economies without despoiling the earth? Focusing on the existential threats created by our own innovation - from climate change to out-of-control artificial intelligence - the lecture asks whether our politics is up to the task of supporting sustainable growth. It concludes by showing that the political lessons of past technological revolutions provide important lessons for today's challenges

The series will be delivered by Ben Ansell, Professor of Comparative Democratic Institutions at Nuffield College, Oxford University.

The Future of Democracy by Ben Ansell

The BBC's annual series of lectures from a major academic figure.

Our Democratic Future: The Future Of Democracy

20231202

20231203 (WS)

The first lecture, The Future of Democracy, asks whether we are in a 'democratic recession', where longstanding democracies are at risk of breakdown and authoritarianism is resurgent. It examines how resilient democracies are to the challenges of artificial intelligence, deep-fakes, and social media and whether they can effectively address core challenges from climate change to inequality. The lecture ends by outlining the kinds of reforms that can sustain our democracies: from citizens' assemblies to electoral reform.

The series will be delivered by Ben Ansell, Professor of Comparative Democratic Institutions at Nuffield College, Oxford University.

Are longstanding democracies at risk of breakdown and authoritarianism resurgent?

The BBC's annual series of lectures from a major academic figure.

Prof Ben Ansell examines how resilient democracies are to the challenges of rising authoritarianism, artificial intelligence, deep-fakes, and social media.

Our Democratic Future: The Future Of Prosperity

20231223

20231224 (WS)

Can we continue to grow our economies without despoiling the earth? Focusing on the existential threats created by our own innovation, from climate change to out-of-control artificial intelligence, the final lecture asks whether our politics is up to the task of supporting sustainable growth. It concludes by showing that the political lessons of past technological revolutions provide important lessons for today's challenges

The series is delivered by Ben Ansell, professor of Comparative Democratic Institutions at Nuffield College, Oxford University.

The BBC's annual series of lectures from a major academic figure.

Our Democratic Future: The Future Of Security

20231209

20231210 (WS)

Have citizens of wealthy countries been lulled into a false sense of security about threats from abroad and at home? This second lecture examines how we can control the security technologies of tomorrow, from facial recognition to autonomous weapons. And it concludes by suggesting how we can develop technologies powerful enough to protect us without exploiting us.

The series is delivered by Ben Ansell, professor of Comparative Democratic Institutions at Nuffield College, Oxford University.

Prof Ben Ansell explores how we can control the security technologies of tomorrow

The BBC's annual series of lectures from a major academic figure.

Prof Ben Ansell explores how we can control the security technologies of tomorrow.

Our Democratic Future: The Future Of Solidarity

20231216

20231217 (WS)

Can we develop a shared sense of belonging in today's polarised societies? How can we ensure that we look after the less fortunate among us in an economy that seems only to reward the 'already haves'? This third lecture addresses the challenges posed by technologies that enrich a small elite and privatise solidarity with bespoke healthcare and benefits that might undermine collective solidarity. And it examines reforms and politics that might underpin our sense of community, from universal basic income to civic nationalism.

The series is delivered by Ben Ansell, professor of Comparative Democratic Institutions at Nuffield College, Oxford University.

The BBC's annual series of lectures from a major academic figure.

Rutger Bregman: 1. Moral Revolution

20251129

20251130 (WS)

Rutger Bregman's 2025 Reith Lectures, called Moral Revolution, explore the moral decay and un-seriousness of today's elites, drawing historical parallels to past eras of corruption that preceded transformative movements especially the 19th Century campaign to abolish slavery. In his series, he argues that small, committed groups can spark moral revolutions, emphasizing the importance of perseverance and long-term vision.

Bregman advocates for a new 'realist utopia' in the face of rapid technological change, promoting ideas like Universal Basic Income, fairer taxation and responsible tech regulation. Finally, he zooms out to reflect on humanity's strange historical trajectory, warning of the existential risks posed by unchecked AI and urging privileged individuals to take on an active role in shaping a better future.

The Reith Lectures are presented by Anita Anand who chairs a Q&A. The programme was recorded in front of an audience in London.

(Photo: Dutch historian Rutger Bregman is seen during his speech at the Barcelona Thought Biennale. Credit: Paco Freire/Getty Images)

Dutch historian Rutger Bregman delivers his first BBC Reith Lecture, Moral Revolution

The BBC's annual series of lectures from a major academic figure.

[LISTEN NOW]

Rutger Bregman: 2. How To Start A Moral Revolution

20251206

20251207 (WS)

Rutger Bregman's 2025 Reith Lectures, called Moral Revolution, explore the moral decay and un-seriousness of today's elites, drawing historical parallels to past eras of corruption that preceded transformative movements especially the 19th Century campaign to abolish slavery. In his series, he argues that small, committed groups can spark moral revolutions, emphasising the importance of perseverance and long-term vision.

The Reith Lectures are presented by Anita Anand who chairs a Q&A. The programme was recorded in front of an audience in London.

(Photo: Dutch historian Rutger Bregman is seen during his speech at the Barcelona Thought Biennale. Credit: Paco Freire/Getty Images)

Dutch historian Rutger Bregman delivers his second BBC Reith Lecture

The BBC's annual series of lectures from a major academic figure.

Dutch historian Rutger Bregman delivers his second BBC Reith Lecture, looking at what can be learned from the 19th Century campaign to abolish slavery.

Rutger Bregman's 2025 Reith Lectures, called 'Moral Revolution', explore the moral decay and un-seriousness of today's elites, drawing historical parallels to past eras of corruption that preceded transformative movements especially the 19th Century campaign to abolish slavery. In his series, he argues that small, committed groups can spark moral revolutions, emphasizing the importance of perseverance and long-term vision.

Dutch historian Rutger Bregman delivers his first BBC Reith Lecture, 'Moral Revolution

[LISTEN NOW]

Rutger Bregman: 3. A Conspiracy Of Decency

20251213

20251214 (WS)

Dutch historian Rutger Bregman's 2025 Reith Lectures, called Moral Revolution, explore the moral decay and un-seriousness of today's elites. He argues that small, committed groups can spark moral revolutions, emphasizing the importance of perseverance and long-term vision.

In this third of four lectures, Bregman argues for a new 'realist utopia,' calling for people to join what he labels' a conspiracy of decency.' He says that in the face of rapid technological change, we need to promote ideas like Universal Basic Income, fairer taxation and responsible tech regulation.

The Reith Lectures are presented by Anita Anand who chairs a Q & A. The programme is recorded in Edinburgh, Scotland.

(Photo: Dutch historian Rutger Bregman is seen during his speech at the Barcelona Thought Biennale. Credit: Paco Freire/Getty Images)

Dutch historian Rutger Bregman delivers his first BBC Reith Lecture, Moral Revolution

The BBC's annual series of lectures from a major academic figure.

The Reith Lectures are presented by Anita Anand who chairs a Q & A. The programme was recorded in front of an audience in London.

[LISTEN NOW]

Rutger Bregman: 4. Fighting For Humanity In The Age Of The Machine

20251220

20251221 (WS)

In this fourth and final lecture, he zooms out to reflect on humanity's strange historical trajectory, warning of the existential risks posed by unchecked AI and urging privileged individuals to take on an active role in shaping a better future.

The Reith Lectures are presented by Anita Anand. The programme was recorded in front of an audience at Stanford University, USA with a Q&A.

(Photo: Dutch historian Rutger Bregman is seen during his speech at the Barcelona Thought Biennale. Credit: Paco Freire/Getty Images)

Dutch historian Rutger Bregman delivers his first BBC Reith Lecture, Moral Revolution

The BBC's annual series of lectures from a major academic figure.

The Reith Lectures are presented by Anita Anand who chairs a Q & A. The programme was recorded in front of an audience in London.

[LISTEN NOW]

Episodes

Title	First Broadcast	Repeated	Comments
Can We Change Violent Minds?	20241221	20241222 (WS)	In her final 2024 BBC Reith lecture, the forensic psychiatrist Dr Gwen Adshead, assesses how we deal with violent offenders and asks is it time for a re-think? Dr Adshead assesses the effectiveness and impact of therapeutic interventions with offenders in prisons. And she asks if the public needs to change their minds about violent perpetrators. The programme is recorded in front of an audience in Bergen, Norway – a country which has a long tradition of rehabilitating violent offenders. It includes a Q and A. In her final Reith Lecture, Dr Gwen Adshead asks if we can change violent minds? The BBC's annual series of lectures from a major academic figure. [LISTEN NOW]
Does Trauma Cause Violence?	20241207	20241214 (WS) 20241215 (WS)	How do we understand how to manage powerful emotions such as rage, fear and shame? With very rare access, forensic psychiatrist Dr Gwen Adshead gives her second Reith Lecture inside Grendon prison, in England, where she talks to a small number of prisoners and staff, and asks the question: Does trauma cause violence? Does being a victim of violence, in some circumstances, make you more likely to become a perpetrator of violence? Was WH Auden right when he wrote in 1939: those to whom evil is done do evil in return? Dr Gwen Adshead explores the idea that victims of violence can become perpetrators The BBC's annual series of lectures from a major academic figure. Forensic psychiatrist Dr Gwen Adshead explores the idea that victims of violence are more likely to become perpetrators of violence. How best do we understand how to manage powerful emotions such as rage, fear and shame? Forensic Psychiatrist Dr Gwen Adshead asks: Does trauma cause violence? [LISTEN NOW]
Is There Such A Thing As Evil?	20241214	20241207 (WS) 20241208 (WS)	In her third Reith Lecture, Dr Gwen Adshead asks if there is such a thing as evil? In a career spanning nearly 40 years the forensic psychiatrist has heard many of her patients ask: “I have done evil things but does that make me evil? ? Ideas about what evil is a complex interplay between the social and the individual. Dr Adshead says that we have often confused 'evil' with mental illness. She argues that in certain circumstances we all have capacity for 'evil' and says we need to find ways to cultivate societal and individual 'goodness'. The programme is recorded at the V&A in Dundee, Scotland, in front of an audience and includes a Q and A after Dr Adshead's lecture. Forensic psychiatrist Dr Gwen Adshead asks if there's such a thing as evil? The BBC's annual series of lectures from a major academic figure. In her third Reith Lecture, Dr Gwen Adshead asks if there's such a thing as “evil. ?? In a career spanning nearly 40 years the forensic psychiatrist has heard many of her patients ask: “ I have done evil things but does that make me evil. ?? Ideas about what evil is a complex interplay between the social and the individual. Dr Adshead says that we have often confused “evil ? with mental illness. She argues that in certain circumstances we all have capacity for “evil ? and says we need to find ways to cultivate societal and individual “goodness. ? The programme is recorded at the V&A in Dundee, Scotland, in front of an audience and includes a Q and A after Dr Adshead's lecture. [LISTEN NOW]
Is Violence Normal?	20241130	20241201 (WS)	In her 2024 BBC Reith Lectures, Dr Gwen Adshead, addresses four questions that she has most commonly faced in her work as a therapist with violent perpetrators in secure psychiatric units and prisons: Is violence normal? What is the relationship between trauma and violence? Is there such a thing as evil? Can we change violent minds? In this first lecture, using data and real-life stories from nearly 40 years experience as a forensic psychiatrist, she asks if violence is normal. Do we think about it as being normal because, deep down, we are all capable of cruelty and can experience, even briefly, the urge to hurt others? What then are the tipping points, what are the factors that drive some to kill? (Photo: Dr Gwen Adshead. Credit: Andy Vox) British forensic psychiatrist Dr Gwen Adshead asks if violence is normal? The BBC's annual series of lectures from a major academic figure. Or is violence unnatural? Do we think about it as being normal because, deep down, we are all capable of cruelty and can experience, even briefly, the urge to hurt others? What then are the tipping points, what are the factors that drive some to kill? [LISTEN NOW]
Our Democratic Future	20231202	20231203 (WS)	The first lecture, 'The Future of Democracy', asks whether we are in a 'democratic recession', where longstanding democracies are at risk of breakdown and authoritarianism is resurgent. It examines how resilient democracies are to the challenges of artificial intelligence, deep-fakes, and social media and whether they can effectively address core challenges from climate change to inequality. The lecture ends by outlining the kinds of reforms that can sustain our democracies: from citizens assemblies to electoral reform. The series will be delivered by Ben Ansell, Professor of Comparative Democratic Institutions at Nuffield College, Oxford University. The Future of Democracy by Ben Ansell The BBC's annual series of lectures from a major academic figure.
Our Democratic Future	20231209	20231210 (WS)	The second lecture, 'The Future of Security', asks whether citizens of wealthy countries have been lulled into a false sense of security about threats from abroad and at home. It examines how we can control the security technologies of tomorrow, from facial recognition to autonomous weapons. And it concludes by suggesting how we can develop technologies powerful enough to protect us without exploiting us. The series will be delivered by Ben Ansell, Professor of Comparative Democratic Institutions at Nuffield College, Oxford University. The Future of Democracy by Ben Ansell The BBC's annual series of lectures from a major academic figure.
Our Democratic Future	20231216	20231217 (WS)	The third lecture, 'The Future of Solidarity', explores whether we can develop a shared sense of belonging in today's polarised societies. How can we ensure that we look after the less fortunate among us in an economy that seems only to reward the 'already haves'? The lecture addresses the challenges posed by technologies that enrich a small elite and privatise solidarity with bespoke healthcare and benefits that might undermine collective solidarity. And it engages with reforms and politics that might underpin our sense of community - from universal basic income to civic nationalism. The series will be delivered by Ben Ansell, Professor of Comparative Democratic Institutions at Nuffield College, Oxford University. The Future of Democracy by Ben Ansell The BBC's annual series of lectures from a major academic figure.
Our Democratic Future	20231223	20231224 (WS)	The final lecture, 'The Future of Prosperity', engages with a crucial question - can we continue to grow our economies without despoiling the earth? Focusing on the existential threats created by our own innovation - from climate change to out-of-control artificial intelligence - the lecture asks whether our politics is up to the task of supporting sustainable growth. It concludes by showing that the political lessons of past technological revolutions provide important lessons for today's challenges The series will be delivered by Ben Ansell, Professor of Comparative Democratic Institutions at Nuffield College, Oxford University. The Future of Democracy by Ben Ansell The BBC's annual series of lectures from a major academic figure.
Our Democratic Future: The Future Of Democracy	20231202	20231203 (WS)	The first lecture, The Future of Democracy, asks whether we are in a 'democratic recession', where longstanding democracies are at risk of breakdown and authoritarianism is resurgent. It examines how resilient democracies are to the challenges of artificial intelligence, deep-fakes, and social media and whether they can effectively address core challenges from climate change to inequality. The lecture ends by outlining the kinds of reforms that can sustain our democracies: from citizens' assemblies to electoral reform. The series will be delivered by Ben Ansell, Professor of Comparative Democratic Institutions at Nuffield College, Oxford University. Are longstanding democracies at risk of breakdown and authoritarianism resurgent? The BBC's annual series of lectures from a major academic figure. Prof Ben Ansell examines how resilient democracies are to the challenges of rising authoritarianism, artificial intelligence, deep-fakes, and social media.
Our Democratic Future: The Future Of Prosperity	20231223	20231224 (WS)	Can we continue to grow our economies without despoiling the earth? Focusing on the existential threats created by our own innovation, from climate change to out-of-control artificial intelligence, the final lecture asks whether our politics is up to the task of supporting sustainable growth. It concludes by showing that the political lessons of past technological revolutions provide important lessons for today's challenges The series is delivered by Ben Ansell, professor of Comparative Democratic Institutions at Nuffield College, Oxford University. The BBC's annual series of lectures from a major academic figure.
Our Democratic Future: The Future Of Security	20231209	20231210 (WS)	Have citizens of wealthy countries been lulled into a false sense of security about threats from abroad and at home? This second lecture examines how we can control the security technologies of tomorrow, from facial recognition to autonomous weapons. And it concludes by suggesting how we can develop technologies powerful enough to protect us without exploiting us. The series is delivered by Ben Ansell, professor of Comparative Democratic Institutions at Nuffield College, Oxford University. Prof Ben Ansell explores how we can control the security technologies of tomorrow The BBC's annual series of lectures from a major academic figure. Prof Ben Ansell explores how we can control the security technologies of tomorrow.
Our Democratic Future: The Future Of Solidarity	20231216	20231217 (WS)	Can we develop a shared sense of belonging in today's polarised societies? How can we ensure that we look after the less fortunate among us in an economy that seems only to reward the 'already haves'? This third lecture addresses the challenges posed by technologies that enrich a small elite and privatise solidarity with bespoke healthcare and benefits that might undermine collective solidarity. And it examines reforms and politics that might underpin our sense of community, from universal basic income to civic nationalism. The series is delivered by Ben Ansell, professor of Comparative Democratic Institutions at Nuffield College, Oxford University. The BBC's annual series of lectures from a major academic figure.
Rutger Bregman: 1. Moral Revolution	20251129	20251130 (WS)	Rutger Bregman's 2025 Reith Lectures, called Moral Revolution, explore the moral decay and un-seriousness of today's elites, drawing historical parallels to past eras of corruption that preceded transformative movements especially the 19th Century campaign to abolish slavery. In his series, he argues that small, committed groups can spark moral revolutions, emphasizing the importance of perseverance and long-term vision. Bregman advocates for a new 'realist utopia' in the face of rapid technological change, promoting ideas like Universal Basic Income, fairer taxation and responsible tech regulation. Finally, he zooms out to reflect on humanity's strange historical trajectory, warning of the existential risks posed by unchecked AI and urging privileged individuals to take on an active role in shaping a better future. The Reith Lectures are presented by Anita Anand who chairs a Q&A. The programme was recorded in front of an audience in London. (Photo: Dutch historian Rutger Bregman is seen during his speech at the Barcelona Thought Biennale. Credit: Paco Freire/Getty Images) Dutch historian Rutger Bregman delivers his first BBC Reith Lecture, Moral Revolution The BBC's annual series of lectures from a major academic figure. [LISTEN NOW]
Rutger Bregman: 2. How To Start A Moral Revolution	20251206	20251207 (WS)	Rutger Bregman's 2025 Reith Lectures, called Moral Revolution, explore the moral decay and un-seriousness of today's elites, drawing historical parallels to past eras of corruption that preceded transformative movements especially the 19th Century campaign to abolish slavery. In his series, he argues that small, committed groups can spark moral revolutions, emphasising the importance of perseverance and long-term vision. Bregman advocates for a new 'realist utopia' in the face of rapid technological change, promoting ideas like Universal Basic Income, fairer taxation and responsible tech regulation. Finally, he zooms out to reflect on humanity's strange historical trajectory, warning of the existential risks posed by unchecked AI and urging privileged individuals to take on an active role in shaping a better future. The Reith Lectures are presented by Anita Anand who chairs a Q&A. The programme was recorded in front of an audience in London. (Photo: Dutch historian Rutger Bregman is seen during his speech at the Barcelona Thought Biennale. Credit: Paco Freire/Getty Images) Dutch historian Rutger Bregman delivers his second BBC Reith Lecture The BBC's annual series of lectures from a major academic figure. Dutch historian Rutger Bregman delivers his second BBC Reith Lecture, looking at what can be learned from the 19th Century campaign to abolish slavery. Rutger Bregman's 2025 Reith Lectures, called 'Moral Revolution', explore the moral decay and un-seriousness of today's elites, drawing historical parallels to past eras of corruption that preceded transformative movements especially the 19th Century campaign to abolish slavery. In his series, he argues that small, committed groups can spark moral revolutions, emphasizing the importance of perseverance and long-term vision. Dutch historian Rutger Bregman delivers his first BBC Reith Lecture, 'Moral Revolution [LISTEN NOW]
Rutger Bregman: 3. A Conspiracy Of Decency	20251213	20251214 (WS)	Dutch historian Rutger Bregman's 2025 Reith Lectures, called Moral Revolution, explore the moral decay and un-seriousness of today's elites. He argues that small, committed groups can spark moral revolutions, emphasizing the importance of perseverance and long-term vision. In this third of four lectures, Bregman argues for a new 'realist utopia,' calling for people to join what he labels' a conspiracy of decency.' He says that in the face of rapid technological change, we need to promote ideas like Universal Basic Income, fairer taxation and responsible tech regulation. The Reith Lectures are presented by Anita Anand who chairs a Q & A. The programme is recorded in Edinburgh, Scotland. (Photo: Dutch historian Rutger Bregman is seen during his speech at the Barcelona Thought Biennale. Credit: Paco Freire/Getty Images) Dutch historian Rutger Bregman delivers his first BBC Reith Lecture, Moral Revolution The BBC's annual series of lectures from a major academic figure. Rutger Bregman's 2025 Reith Lectures, called 'Moral Revolution', explore the moral decay and un-seriousness of today's elites, drawing historical parallels to past eras of corruption that preceded transformative movements especially the 19th Century campaign to abolish slavery. In his series, he argues that small, committed groups can spark moral revolutions, emphasizing the importance of perseverance and long-term vision. Bregman advocates for a new 'realist utopia' in the face of rapid technological change, promoting ideas like Universal Basic Income, fairer taxation and responsible tech regulation. Finally, he zooms out to reflect on humanity's strange historical trajectory, warning of the existential risks posed by unchecked AI and urging privileged individuals to take on an active role in shaping a better future. The Reith Lectures are presented by Anita Anand who chairs a Q & A. The programme was recorded in front of an audience in London. [LISTEN NOW]
Rutger Bregman: 4. Fighting For Humanity In The Age Of The Machine	20251220	20251221 (WS)	Rutger Bregman's 2025 Reith Lectures, called Moral Revolution, explore the moral decay and un-seriousness of today's elites, drawing historical parallels to past eras of corruption that preceded transformative movements especially the 19th Century campaign to abolish slavery. In this fourth and final lecture, he zooms out to reflect on humanity's strange historical trajectory, warning of the existential risks posed by unchecked AI and urging privileged individuals to take on an active role in shaping a better future. The Reith Lectures are presented by Anita Anand. The programme was recorded in front of an audience at Stanford University, USA with a Q&A. (Photo: Dutch historian Rutger Bregman is seen during his speech at the Barcelona Thought Biennale. Credit: Paco Freire/Getty Images) Dutch historian Rutger Bregman delivers his first BBC Reith Lecture, Moral Revolution The BBC's annual series of lectures from a major academic figure. Rutger Bregman's 2025 Reith Lectures, called 'Moral Revolution', explore the moral decay and un-seriousness of today's elites, drawing historical parallels to past eras of corruption that preceded transformative movements especially the 19th Century campaign to abolish slavery. In his series, he argues that small, committed groups can spark moral revolutions, emphasizing the importance of perseverance and long-term vision. Bregman advocates for a new 'realist utopia' in the face of rapid technological change, promoting ideas like Universal Basic Income, fairer taxation and responsible tech regulation. Finally, he zooms out to reflect on humanity's strange historical trajectory, warning of the existential risks posed by unchecked AI and urging privileged individuals to take on an active role in shaping a better future. The Reith Lectures are presented by Anita Anand who chairs a Q & A. The programme was recorded in front of an audience in London. [LISTEN NOW]