What is Free Speech?

Free speech is hailed as a universal right, but its boundaries and meaning are anything but clear. From its emergence in 18th-century Britain to today’s global debates over censorship, misinformation, and cultural divides, the story of free speech is one of struggle, reinvention, and resilience.

Historians William Dalrymple and Fara Dabhoiwala take us through the history and evolution of free expression, revealing how power, technology, and shifting cultural norms continue to challenge its very foundation. What does free speech mean in a world where cultural norms are shifting, media is evolving, and political values are being redefined?

We’ll examine the tensions between liberty and control, the impact of misinformation and censorship, and the enduring relevance of free speech in shaping democracies and societies. With a historian’s insight and a modern lens, join us to explore how history helps us understand the fight for free speech and what it means for…