In a moment when public discourse can feel polarized and performative, Fareed Zakaria's voice stands out. He’s not doctrinaire, not ideological, and never reductionist. Instead, he brings a rare blend of history, contemporary data, and global perspective that helps us make sense of our increasingly turbulent times. On Tuesday night at Rotman, we had the chance to host Fareed in conversation with CBC’s always great Matt Galloway. It was a masterclass in how to think and talk clearly about a messy world. The conversation ranged from shifting geopolitics to the pressures facing democratic institutions, and how cycles of progress followed by backlash throughout history may be ‘rhyming’ now with current events. What struck me most was Fareed’s reminder that thoughtful citizenship requires questioning assumptions, doing your own research from multiple points-of-view, and resisting the temptation of easy answers. Indeed, Fareed’s insights always come from independent thinking, not allegia...