We are thrilled to announce Debating Matters Transatlantic (DMTA) – an exciting new project from Ideas Matter and the Bill of Rights Institute. This programme will bring six teams – from both sides of the Atlantic – to London, to be challenged on some of the biggest issues of our times.
DMTA will take place in the heart of Westminster, featuring a five-day programme of seminars with guest speakers, discussions on key debates of our time, and tours of some of London’s greatest cultural landmarks.
We will be producing specifically tailored topic guides that delve deep into some of the most challenging issues, including NATO, free speech and advances in AI. These topic guides will provide the opportunity for rich engagement in both sides of the debate as students ready themselves for difficult discussions, preparing to be challenged – by both fellow students and our experienced judges – to push students beyond their comfort zone.
Last year, Ideas Matter and the Bill of Rights Institute hosted the first-ever Debating Matters Transatlantic, with debates taking place online via Zoom. The students involved provided a high standard of debate and it was a valuable opportunity to explore different perspectives between the two nations. This time, in person rather than online, we are organising an even more intensive programme of debate. At a time when the ‘special relationship’ faces growing strain, DMTA seeks to renew it from the ground up – providing American and British students with the opportunity to build lasting relationships grounded in good-faith disagreement and mutual understanding.
On 14 November 2026, the experience will conclude with a final day of debate, where students go head-to-head. Three teams from the US and three from the UK will challenge established ideas and debate some of the major social and political issues facing both countries. And as political tensions across both sides of the Atlantic are on the rise, our in-depth, challenging, but two-sided debate motions are now needed more than ever.
At a time when meaningful dialogue is often in short supply, DMTA aims to equip students with the confidence, curiosity, and resilience to engage thoughtfully across ideological and cultural differences.
Sponsored by the Bill of Rights Institute.