Are we living through a key turning point in world history? How do we make sense of this present moment, and what's on the horizon?Trump's trade wars, long-held alliances dismantled, the deadly conflicts in Gaza and Ukraine, the rise and rise of AI, the tech oligarch takeover, China's military build-up, NATO's demise, and much more. It's a confusing time. Four seasoned analysts and journalists with their finger on the pulse join Big Ideas host Natasha Mitchell to share their prognoses. This event was hosted and organised by the <a href="https://sorrentowritersfestival.com.au/">2025 Sorrento Writers Festival</a> curated by festival director <a href="https://sorrentowritersfestival.com.au/the-festival-story/">Corrie Perkin.</a>Speakers<a href="https://www.abc.net.au/news/john-lyons/14017482">John Lyons</a>Walkley award winning foreign correspondentABC Editor, AmericasABC Washington bureau chief<a href="https://www.theaustralian.com.au/author/greg-sheridan">Greg Sheridan</a>Foreign editor, The AustralianJournalist and author, Christians, the urgent case for Jesus in our world (2021)<a href="https://australiainstitute.org.au/expert/emma-shortis/">Emma Shortis</a>Director, The Australia Institute's International and Security Affairs program. Author, Our Exceptional Friend: Australia's Fatal Alliance with the United States (2021),  After America: Australia and the New World Order (2025)<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/profile/josh-taylor">Josh Taylor</a>Award-winning journalist specialising in technology and politicsThe Guardian

Big Ideas

Has the world lost the plot? John Lyons, Greg Sheridan, Emma Shortis, Josh Taylor with Natasha Mitchell

Feed your mind. Be provoked. One big idea at a time. Your brain will love you for it. Grab your front row seat to the best live forums and festivals with Natasha Mitchell.