Sep 12, 2025, 2:29 PM
Sep 12, 2025, 2:29 PM

Ian McEwan highlights major global challenges in crisis age

Highlights
  • Ian McEwan, a celebrated British author, discussed significant global issues in a podcast episode,
  • He highlighted the rising challenges presented by artificial intelligence and authoritarianism,
  • The conversation emphasized the need for engagement with these pressing issues through literature.
Story

In a recent episode of the podcast 'Ways to Change the World,' Sir Ian McEwan, a prominent British novelist known for tackling complex themes such as morality and memory, participated in a discussion regarding pressing global issues. McEwan, who has been instrumental in reshaping modern British literature alongside fellow authors like Martin Amis and Salman Rushdie since the 1980s, engaged with interviewer Krishnan Guru-Murthy on topics ranging from the ethical dimensions of artificial intelligence to the troubling rise of authoritarianism in various parts of the world. The conversation explored how these challenges intersect with the themes present in McEwan's works, including his latest novel, 'What We Can Know.' The discussion comes at a time when many are concerned about the implications of emerging technologies and the fragility of democratic institutions across the globe. This focus on the relationship between literature and contemporary societal issues reflects McEwan's enduring relevance as an author who prompts readers to think critically about moral and public dilemmas. The podcast episode serves not only as a platform for McEwan to share his insights about the evolving literary landscape but also as an important commentary on the state of the world today, suggesting a need for awareness and engagement with these societal issues among the reading public.

Opinions

You've reached the end