inSUBSTANTIA Exploring Ideas - Challenging Assumptions.

WHEN JOURNALISTS CENSOR THEMSELVES When we picture censorship, we imagine a heavy hand. A banned book, a redacted headline, a state official stamping out the truth. But what happens when the censor is a journalist's own hesitant hand over the keyboard? 🎙️ IN THIS EPISODEMedia scholar and former Haaretz editor Dr. Ayala Panievsky terms it strategic bias. Journalists facing populist attacks soften their tone, avoid specific words, and drop certain topics, all to prove they are not what their attackers claim. No one issues an order. No one needs to. And entire realities quietly disappear from the screen. 📚 In this conversation, we walk through her book The New Censorship, published with a foreword by Emily Maitlis. From Israeli newsrooms where the word occupation vanished from the vocabulary, to the BBC, to doxing campaigns forcing journalists to weigh a scoop against threats to their families, to what readers and listeners can actively do. Her most hopeful statement: "We haven't even started fighting." ⏱️…

What happens when healthcare technology is not designed for people, but with them? InSubstantia welcomes Anam Hijab, the founder of AtPulse, a health technology company tackling one of the largest and least understood diabetes crises in the world. Pakistan is home to 55 million people living with or on the verge of diabetes. Anam is building technology to address this crisis. Following a career in pharmaceutical engineering in Denmark, Anam came back to Pakistan to apply that expertise where it could matter most. In this episode, she shares her experience of building systems on the ground in Pakistan, working with one of the largest cardiovascular hospital networks in the world. This conversation moves beyond product features and into first principles: how culture shapes care, why Western health models fail at scale in high-density populations, and what it means to design technology for communities rather than individuals. 00:00 – Introduction: Anam Hijab’s background and the scale of Pakistan’s diabetes…

What does mediation actually mean? In this episode of Insubstantia, I speak with mediator and author Manon Schonewille about why mediation is not a single, uniform practice. Even within the same country, the mediator’s role, level of intervention, and ethical boundaries can differ significantly. Once mediation crosses borders, those differences become unavoidable. Drawing on comparative work across jurisdictions, Manon explains how legal culture shapes expectations about neutrality, authority, fairness, and process. We explore facilitative and evaluative styles, the challenges of cross-border disputes, and why mediators must “mediate the process first, particularly in cross-border situations.” If parties do not share the same understanding of what mediation is supposed to be, what exactly are we doing when we say we are mediating? What we discuss: • What mediation is, and what people consistently misunderstand about it • The difference between negotiation and mediation • Why cross border disputes often fail…

Economies, Power, and Systems That Make Harm Profitable This is part 2 of my conversation with Guillaume. If violence is not a distortion of economic life but one of its foundations, what does that mean for markets, governance, and political power? In the second part of the conversation with Guillaume Soto-Mayor, we sharpen our focus on the arguments and case studies explored in his book, The Economies of Violence. We examine how violence creates value, sustains competitiveness, and infiltrates systems often considered legitimate, from labor markets and financial systems to development aid and democratic institutions. Along the way, we confront a difficult but necessary question: how can societies reclaim power and authority without reproducing the very violence they seek to overcome? In this episode, we explore: 00:00:00 — Violence as a foundation of economic life00:04:45 — Legal vs illegal economies: a false separation00:11:25 — How GDP calculations absorb illicit economies00:17:55 — Prison labor and…

Part I: Memory Identity and What We Learn Not to See We often think of violence as something visible: a war, a riot, a gun. Yet much of the violence shaping our world is quieter—folded into the ways we trade, govern, build institutions, and even convince ourselves we are doing good. My guest today, Guillaume Soto-Mayor, examines how violence becomes part of economic and social life, how it hides behind legality and necessity, and how it continues to shape societies long after the shooting stops. His book, The Economies of Violence, explores how power and harm intertwine across very different contexts, from human trafficking and forced labour to digital systems and political institutions. In the first part of our conversation, we identify and unpack different forms of violence in global society. We draw on examples ranging from hidden family histories and colonial legacies, to child abuse, public health, film industries, and political systems. Together, we lay the foundations for understanding how violence…

If Part 1 names the crisis, Part 2 confronts the consequences of continuing as we are. This second part of my conversation with Arthur Keller moves from diagnosis to responsibility, and from observation to choice. We explore what collapses first when systems fail, not just infrastructures, but trust, meaning, and social cohesion. 🧠 Psychological denial 🔥 Escalating systemic shocks 🏙 Fragile urban concentration ⚖ Growing inequality and exposure 🗳 Democratic systems under strain Collapse is rarely sudden. It is cumulative, uneven, and deeply political. Some populations are protected longer than others, but no one is outside the system. Arthur challenges the idea that adaptation will happen naturally or smoothly. Without conscious choices, adaptation becomes brutal selection. The question is no longer whether change is coming. It is whether we prepare together, or fragment under pressure. In this episode we explore ✨ why resilience is not a technical problem ✨ how fear shapes political responses ✨ the risk of…

🎙 The Future We Must Build - Part 1 The world is entering a period of deep instability and no society will be spared. In this first part of my conversation with Arthur Keller, we explore the forces already reshaping the conditions of life on this planet. 🌡 Climate overshoot 🌿 Biodiversity collapse ⛽ Resource depletion 📉 Economic fragility 🏛 Institutions unable to think systemically These are not separate problems. They form a single planetary crisis that will affect everyone, rich or poor, north or south. Arthur explains why our societies remain unprepared, why institutions cannot think at the scale required, and why information alone rarely leads to meaningful change. His formulation is stark. Almost no one changes after understanding the issues. Information does not move people. So what does move people And what does it really mean to face a systemic crisis with clarity instead of denial In this episode we explore ✨ the limits of institutional thinking ✨ why warnings are ignored ✨ how stories shape action…

Artificial intelligence now influences decisions in health, justice, and finance. In this episode of inSUBSTANTIA, Gabor Farkas speaks with Mariana de la Roche Wills, Co Chair of INATBA’s AI and Blockchain Convergences Task Force and leader at BlackVogel. They explore how blockchain can enhance trust, transparency, and accountability in AI, the limits of decentralisation, and why human oversight remains essential. 🎙️ Blockchain and AI. Trust, fairness, and accountability with Mariana de la Roche Wills Artificial intelligence now shapes decisions that affect real lives, from healthcare to criminal justice. How do we make sure these systems remain transparent, fair, and accountable. Can blockchain, often described as a trust machine, help us achieve that, or does it create new risks of its own. In this episode of inSUBSTANTIA, Gabor Farkas speaks with Mariana de la Roche Wills, Co Chair of INATBA’s AI and Blockchain Convergences Task Force and leader at BlackVogel. Drawing from her background in law, human…

Platforms, Power, and Purpose In Part 2 of this two-part conversation, we shift our focus to Building Bridges as a platform: its role within Geneva’s global landscape, the challenges of multistakeholder governance, and the ethical tensions that arise when finance, diplomacy, and development intersect. Karen Hitschke reflects on what it means to hold space for collaboration across sectors and worldviews, and how that work is being reshaped by shifting geopolitics, decentralised technologies, and rising global inequality. We discuss: • The evolving role of Switzerland and Geneva in sustainable finance • The structure and long-term vision of Building Bridges • The fine line between convening and influencing • The power dynamics that shape development conversations • The importance of staying anchored in values when working across asymmetries This episode is about institutions, but also about intentionality, what it takes to build credibility in a world where trust is increasingly fragile.

A Life in Systems Thinking In Part 1 of this two-part conversation, Karen Hitschke, CEO of Building Bridges, shares the personal and professional journey that shaped her leadership. From childhood experiences during the Cold War and the Ethiopian famine, to a career in biology, consulting, venture capital, and impact investing. We explore: • The values that shaped her worldview • The pivotal moments that redirected her career path • How she came to lead one of Geneva’s most ambitious sustainability platforms • The founding story and guiding ethos behind Building Bridges This is a conversation about systems thinking, humility, and the power of convening across difference — told through a life lived at the intersection of science, finance, and social purpose. 🎧 Part 2 explores Building Bridges as a platform: its governance, global role, and the ethical tensions it must navigate as it grows. #KarenHitschke #BuildingBridges #inSUBSTANTIA #Leadership #SustainableFinance #SystemsChange

🎙️ What does circular economy really mean, beyond the green slogans? ♻️ In this conversation, Gabor and Dr Phillip Wallat cut through the buzz to explore why turning circular theory into practice is messy, political, and full of trade-offs. ✨ What you’ll hear: 🚫 Why circularity ≠ just recycling 🔧 The design choices that decide repairability and reuse ⚖️ Trade-offs between cost, performance, and sustainability 🤖 How AI, robotics, and 3D printing might help—or not 🌍 Global inequalities and the risk of leaving poorer regions behind 📜 The policy gaps and IP battles that block progress This episode isn’t a celebration of circularity as a cure-all. It’s a candid look at the blind spots, cultural barriers, and hard questions we must confront if circular economy is to be more than a marketing slogan.

Europe and China remain deeply connected yet increasingly cautious of each other. In this second part of our conversation, intercultural leadership consultant Gabor Holch joins me to explore the political, economic and technological dimensions shaping EU–China relations today. We begin with technology as one of the sharpest areas of strategic friction — the Huawei controversy, Apple’s role, and the rise of competing ecosystems. From there, we look at Europe’s balancing act between the United States and China, and the contrast between business leaders who quietly maintain engagement and politicians who signal disengagement. The conversation also uncovers how mistrust is fuelled by restricted access, competing narratives and historical memory, while pointing to opportunities for cooperation in climate action, education, ageing societies and smart cities. Above all, we reflect on how empathy, curiosity and cultural agility can help bridge divides and foster trust between East and West. About the guest Gabor…

Europe and China are deeply interdependent yet increasingly uncertain about each other. In this first part of a two‑part conversation, intercultural leadership consultant Gabor Holch joins Gabor Farkas to explore the cultural and historical dynamics shaping EU and China relations. We discuss Holch’s personal journey from diplomacy to more than two decades of consulting in China. We examine how cultural mindsets such as conflict tolerance, flexibility in agreements and the influence of historical memory shape negotiation, leadership and trust between East and West. These insights offer a different lens on today’s geopolitical landscape, including Europe’s cautious disengagement, China’s uneasy alignment with Russia and projects like the Budapest to Belgrade railway. Part 2 focuses on the political, economic and technological dimensions of EU and China relations. About the guest Gabor Holch is an intercultural leadership consultant, coach, author and speaker with more than two decades of experience in East…

This analysis explores the rearmament of Europe and the systemic habit of outsourcing security to the United States. Featuring Brigadier General (Res.) Dr Salvador Sánchez Tapia, we examine the Readiness-2030 plan and the tension between NATO-reliance and European strategic autonomy.

In this episode of inSUBSTANTIA, host Gabor Farkas speaks with Eric Heinze, Professor of Law and Humanities at Queen Mary University of London, about the complex and often contentious role of free speech in democratic societies. Their conversation explores the philosophical and historical roots of free expression, including Karl Popper’s famous paradox of tolerance. ex Heinze contrasts US and European approaches to free speech law, examines the disruptive influence of digital platforms, and considers the growing threat of misinformation. He argues for distinguishing between regulating individual users and overseeing powerful tech platforms, calling for more nuanced regulatory frameworks. The episode also reflects on polarising events, such as the January 6 Capitol riots, and the evolving role of social media in shaping public discourse. Throughout, Heinze champions counter-speech and the creation of alternative platforms as vital tools for improving the quality of democratic debate.

Continuing our conversation with Adam Kahane, Part 2 explores practical strategies for conflict resolution. Learn how to implement exercises like 'paired walks' to build empathy, understand the balance of power, love, and justice, and embrace tension as a catalyst for growth. Adam also discusses navigating unexpected outcomes in facilitation and challenging the status quo. This episode offers valuable insights into fostering genuine collaboration and driving systemic change.

In this insightful conversation, Gabor Farkas sits down with Adam Kahane, a renowned author and facilitator known for his work on resolving complex conflicts. Kahane discusses his career, starting from his unexpected journey at Royal Dutch Shell to his pivotal involvement in South Africa's historic dialogues. The conversation delves into his new book, 'Everyday Habits for Transforming Systems,' focusing on the idea of 'stretch collaboration.' Kahane emphasizes the importance of approaching disagreements as opportunities for progress and explains the evolving nature of his work in facilitation. He shares personal anecdotes, such as his transformative experience with the Mont Fleur Scenario Project and his methodology of facilitating multi-stakeholder dialogues. Kahane also reflects on the nuances of neutrality, trust, and agreement in conflict resolution, emphasising the power of incremental progress and understanding one's role within the system. The dialogue concludes with a teaser for the next episode,…

In the second part of our compelling conversation with Dr. Ewa Lombard, we delve into the nuances of decision-making and collective action. We uncover how peer pressure can significantly impact our choices, and explore creative methods like hackathons to encourage long-term thinking. We also debate the effectiveness of different messaging strategies, particularly in climate change advocacy. This episode critically examines the power and pitfalls of collective intelligence, emphasising the necessity of diverse and independent voices within a psychologically safe space. We further consider the future of decision support with a discussion on AI as a potential personal coach, while addressing crucial ethical concerns. Finally, we conclude with a provocative look at the role of testosterone in leadership and the critical importance of gender balance in shaping effective decisions.

In this thought-provoking episode of 'inSUBSTANTIA,' host Gabor Farkas welcomes neuroscientist and behavioural economist Dr Ewa Lombard to unravel the intricate workings of the human brain and its impact on our lives. Part 1 of this two-part conversation takes you on a journey through the dynamics of sustainable decision-making, the powerful influence of emotions and stress, and a discussion on the elusive nature of free will. Dr Lombard also sheds light on how financial incentives drive behaviour, the potential of AI to mitigate cognitive biases, and the crucial role of cultural and psychological factors in long-term thinking. They also touch upon the power of storytelling and the challenges of navigating misinformation in today's digital world.

Abstract Are we witnessing the erosion of democracy in Europe, or a chance for revitalization? Explore shifting ideologies and global dynamics with Prof. András Bozóki on the latest episode of 'Insubstantia.' A deep dive into the heart of Central and Eastern European political change. A Changing Definition of Democracy Recently, I had the privilege of discussing with András Bozóki, a Professor of Political Science at the Central European University. András Bozóki eloquently examined how real-time global events, such as the Ukraine-Russia conflict and the resurgence of nationalism, are reshaping the essence of democracy. Traditionally viewed as a realm of rational discourse and representative governance, democracy now grapples with the challenge of becoming a spectacle dominated by charismatic personalities and visual media. This transformation raises questions about the future of political science in Europe and the efficacy of traditional democratic structures in addressing contemporary issues. The Future of…

In this episode, Gabor Farkas talks with Sandro Cattacin, a sociology professor at the University of Geneva, about his interdisciplinary approach to research and his engagement to address vulnerabilities and injustices in society. The conversation explores the conditions that spark civic engagement that make people step beyond their individual concerns and commit to something bigger than themselves. It considers the socio-economic factors influencing civic engagement and the role of heterogeneity and social capital in fostering a responsible and democratic society. They discuss how history, migration, and policies of assimilation have shaped social attitudes and behaviours, referencing Norbert Elias' civilisation process and the Adam Smith paradox. The discussion also covers the impact of trust in institutions, the importance of public spaces for democracy, and examples of successful civic engagement initiatives. Cattacin emphasises the need for collaborative, innovative responses to societal challenges,…

🎙️ In this episode, Gabor Farkas dives deep with Dr. Federica Russo, a trailblazing philosopher of science, to unravel the powerful intersections of knowledge, technology, and ethics. Dr. Russo introduces her groundbreaking concept of 'epistemology cum ethics'—the idea that producing knowledge is never neutral but deeply ethical, especially in the world of AI and data science. Together, they explore how AI is reshaping scientific methods, the urgent need to embed ethics into algorithm design, and the ripple effects of machine learning on fairness, accountability, and sustainability. 💡 Key questions they tackle: How can we ensure AI systems are fair and accountable? What happens when biases in data go unchecked? Can AI serve as a tool for education—or does it risk undermining it? From the philosophical to the practical, this conversation takes a hard look at the challenges and responsibilities we face as AI becomes a central force in shaping our world.

In this episode, Gabor Farkas talks with Dr Jennifer Blanke, an economic development expert and former chief economist at the World Economic Forum. They discuss the challenges of meeting urgent global needs while ensuring sustainable and equitable progress. The conversation addresses systemic issues in the current economic model, including climate change, socio-economic inequality, and the need for inclusive financing mechanisms. Dr Blanke shares insights from her career and personal experiences, highlighting the importance of inclusive growth, progressive taxation, universal access to education, and social safety nets. They also explore social enterprise models, innovative financing mechanisms like green bonds, and the critical role of AI in sustainable development. The episode emphasizes the importance of empathy, transparency, and multi-stakeholder collaboration in addressing global economic challenges and ensuring long-term sustainable growth.

In this episode, Gabor Farkas talks with physicist and finance expert Jean-Christophe de Mestral about the global challenge of meeting growing energy demands sustainably. They discuss the expected growth in global energy demand by 2050, the dominant energy sources, and the limitations of renewable energy. The conversation also delves into the environmental impact of current energy sources, the potential of nuclear energy, particularly thorium-based reactors, and the work of Transmutex in addressing nuclear waste and energy production. The dialogue emphasizes the need for improved energy storage technologies, international collaboration, and effective communication to overcome resistance to nuclear energy. Key topics include the sustainability of nuclear energy, the safety of waste management, and the role of thorium in achieving a cleaner and safer energy future.

Switzerland is about to vote on a new government-led electronic identity system. This decision will shape how citizens prove who they are online for years to come. 🗳️ Why does it matter? Three years ago, Swiss voters rejected a private sector model for eID. The new proposal keeps digital identity in public hands and sets a high bar for privacy, security, and user control. 🎙️ In this episode: Dr Rolf Rauschenbach from the Federal Office of Justice explains what is at stake in the vote, how the Swiss eID system is designed, and how it compares to digital identity models in other countries. We discuss why the previous law failed, what has changed, and how the new project balances convenience with individual rights. Topics include adoption, transparency, self-sovereign identity, interoperability with Europe, and the wider impact on democracy and digital transformation. 👥 Who should listen? If you are in Switzerland or interested in digital identity, privacy, or citizenship, this episode offers a clear overview…

In this episode, Gabor talks with Dan Davies about how accountability vanishes in our increasingly complex institutions. Why do massive systems routinely make disastrous decisions, and why does no one seem responsible? Dan Davies draws on his experience in banking regulation and equity research, along with cybernetics and information theory, to explain how feedback loops collapse and decisions emerge from a “black box” that no one owns. They explore how complexity breeds unaccountability, why managers evade responsibility, and what it would take to restore real accountability in an age dominated by industrialized, algorithmic decision-making. Further Reading & Connection Book: The Unaccountability Machine: Why Big Systems Make Terrible Decisions – and How the World Lost Its Mind — Profile Books Dan’s Substack - Back of Mind: Essays on economics, systems, and the crises of modern civilisation → backofmind.substack.com

In this episode of the GEMLabs podcast, we dive into AI governance with consultant Jörn Erbguth. The conversation spans the EU AI Act, highlighting its stages, potential errors, transparency, and intellectual property issues. Delving into ethical, cultural, and regulatory perspectives, the discussion examines the roles of corporations, governments, and the global impact of AI regulation. We also explore the risks and societal implications of AI, such as biometric categorization, facial recognition, and potential job displacement. Key themes include the balance between innovation and regulation, stakeholder responsibilities, and future challenges in AI development.

In this episode, Marianne Schoerling discusses the concept and importance of collective intelligence in addressing contemporary global challenges. Emphasizing the need for collaboration across diverse backgrounds, Marianne explores how collective intelligence acts as a catalyst for innovation and sustainable solutions. She delves into her experiences in innovation management, highlighting the significance of social systems and diversity in achieving meaningful outcomes. The conversation explores strategies for ensuring diverse participation in collective intelligence initiatives and the role of soft skills and inclusivity. Marianne also addresses the potential biases in data and emphasizes the importance of equitable access to collective intelligence platforms. Throughout, the dialogue provides insights into the role of leadership, diversity, and strategic planning in fostering sustainable innovation projects.

In this episode of the GEMLabs podcast, Gabor Farkas speaks with Ekkehard Ernst, the president and co-founder of GEMLabs (Geneva Macro Labs). They delve into the origins, growth, and future aspirations of GEMLabs, a think-and-do tank based in Geneva aimed at leveraging collective intelligence to advance the UN's Sustainable Development Goals. Ekkehard shares his motivations for starting the initiative, which began as a small lunch conversation and grew into a global network involved in various impactful projects. The discussion covers GEMLab's structure, challenges in securing funding, and the importance of community participation and younger generations' involvement. Ekkehard also highlights the need for sustainable funding sources and reflects on potential future directions, including focusing on projects related to natural capital and responsible consumption.

In this episode of the GemLabs podcast, host Gabor Farkas converses with Dr. Sandy Chong on the importance of AI inclusion and culturally diverse perspectives for creating a positive future. Dr. Chong, with her extensive background in Australian and Asian experiences, discusses her roles with the United Nations Association in Western Australia, ASEAN Business Alliance, and Australian Harvard Women. She underlines the importance of incorporating various cultural viewpoints and ethical frameworks, guided by the UN Sustainable Development Goals, into AI development. The discussion also highlights the necessity of trust, cultural diversity, and ethical innovation in AI. The conversation concludes with optimism about AI’s potential as a constructive tool for solving complex human problems and expresses hope for future dialogues on the evolution of AI.

Host Gabor Farkas welcomes guest Dmitry to discuss his book 'Why Politicians Lie About Trade'. They delve into trade policy misconceptions, the historical impact of trade decisions, and modern trade dynamics. The conversation focuses on the implications of AI on global trade, particularly for MSMEs and marginalized groups. Dmitry shares his background and the motivation for his current venture, ExplainTrade. They also explore the sustainability of current trade models and the potential for new models influenced by emerging technologies. The podcast emphasizes the importance of honest public discourse and the need for adaptive strategies in an evolving trade landscape.