Episode 0: Why free speech?

Only 13% of the world’s 7,4 billion people enjoy free speech. 45% live in countries where censorship is the norm. Still, more than half the world’s population across cultures and continents think free speech is very important. But why is that? Where does the principle of free speech come from? How has it been developed over time? Why have kings, emperors, and governments killed and imprisoned people to shut them up? And why have countless people risked death and imprisonment to express their beliefs? And what can people in the digital age learn from past conflicts over where to draw the line?  In this Prologue, Jacob Mchangama explains his motivation and core beliefs on why and how he will take on this endeavor to explore the history of free speech. Don't forget to subscribe to the series! 

Om Podcasten

This Week in Free Speech is your weekly deep dive into the most cutting-edge global developments affecting the most important of human rights: freedom of expression. Each week your host Jacob Mchangama invites a guest with particular relevance or expertise to discuss a hot topic with global relevance for free speech, whether online or offline. Jacob Mchangama is the executive director of the Future of Free Speech Project, research professor at Vanderbilt University author of the critically acclaimed book “FREE SPEECH: A History from Socrates to Social Media” and the writer and narrator of the podcast “Clear and Present Danger: A History of Free Speech”.