In association with the Institute of Ideas (IoI), SAID is convening two debates as part of the weekend festival the Battle of Ideas 2006. The first is a debate on international law: 'Empire of Regulation or Lawless World?' (12.15pm - 1.15pm, Saturday 28 October). The second is a debate on Islam and the West: 'Clash of Civilisations or Cultural Crisis?' (2pm - 3.30pm, Sunday 29 October). These discussions will include a range of academics, policy makers and media commentators. Confirmed speakers include Prof Philippe Sands QC, Prof Frank Furedi (Kent), The Times columnist David Aaronovitch and Prof David Chandler (Westminster).

As the title Battle of Ideas deliberately suggests, this weekend of discussions will avoid being anodyne in the name of consensus, reflecting instead the IoI’s commitment to open and robust debate. Taking ideas seriously means they must be interrogated, argued for and fought over. The weekend will make virtues of free-thinking and lively exchanges of views. The Battle of Ideas will be an interdisciplinary event, with themed panels running alongside a number of salons, ‘in conversations…’, films and provocation lectures and keynote debates.