Fascism, Exile, and Redefining Home in the 21st Century, with Ece Temelkuran - intelligence-squared-u-s-debates Recap

Podcast: intelligence-squared-u-s-debates

Published: 2026-02-13

Duration: 44 minutes

Guests: Ece Temelkuran

Summary

Ece Temelkuran explores the disintegrating concept of 'home' in the face of rising authoritarianism and climate change, arguing that we are all becoming exiles in our own countries. Her latest book, 'Nation of Strangers', uses personal letters to examine issues of displacement, belonging, and solidarity.

What Happened

Ece Temelkuran, an award-winning Turkish author and political thinker, discusses the increasing threat of fascism both in her home country and globally. She shares how authoritarian regimes are dismantling democratic institutions and how this contributes to a worldwide feeling of homelessness, where people are forced into exile or become politically homeless in their own countries.

Temelkuran's new book, 'Nation of Strangers', is a poignant reflection on exile and belonging, framed as intimate letters. These letters provide a personal way of connecting with readers, portraying the emotional and political challenges of living in a world where 'home' is increasingly under threat.

The episode delves into the term 'fascism', which Temelkuran argues is often avoided by media and political leaders, allowing authoritarian regimes to flourish unchecked. She believes that using accurate terminology is crucial in mobilizing action against these forces.

Temelkuran describes her personal experiences of exile, having lived in Berlin, Hamburg, and Zagreb after leaving Türkiye. She reflects on the ambivalence of the term 'exile', which she feels can romanticize a painful experience or give undue credit to Western societies as safe havens.

The discussion also covers the impact of climate change on the concept of home, as global warming accelerates the displacement of populations. Temelkuran highlights the interconnectedness of these issues, suggesting that climate degradation and political instability are jointly contributing to a loss of home for many.

Through references to literature and personal anecdotes, Temelkuran draws parallels between ancient texts like 'Homer's Odyssey' and contemporary struggles, suggesting that the journey home is essential for identity but increasingly fraught with obstacles today.

Key Insights

• Living in a world where the term 'fascism' is so taboo that its absence allows authoritarian regimes to grow unchecked. By avoiding this crucial label, media and political leaders might be unwittingly aiding the rise of dictatorship, showing that sometimes, words are as powerful as actions.
• That exile isn't always the romantic adventure it's cracked up to be. Despite living in cultural havens like Berlin and Zagreb, the Turkish author Ece Temelkuran found that exile often romanticizes a painful reality and glosses over the harsh truth about Western societies as sanctuaries.
• Global warming isn't just about melting ice caps - it's redefining 'home' for millions. Ece Temelkuran argues that climate change and political instability are two sides of the same coin, both accelerating the loss of a place to call 'home'.
• Ever thought of 'The Odyssey' as a modern political commentary. Temelkuran connects ancient texts to today's world, suggesting that the perilous journey home is as relevant now as it was for Homer, with new obstacles like authoritarianism and climate change blocking the way.