Big Ideas That Changed The World

Reverend Jesse Jackson looks at the history of black people and the struggle for equality from the days of slavery to date, his work with Dr Martin Luther King and the Civil Rights Movement and his continued dream of an egalitarian society.

Former Prime Minister of Pakistan, Benazir Bhutto, examines the history of Islam, from its origins in the 7th Century to the present day. Considers the impact of the Crusades on a religion that preached tolerance and peace, and the rise of the Hashshashin Islamic group at the time, which justified murder and martyrdom agains the Crusaders. Also at how ever since there has been tension between traditional liberal Islam, and the more militant extreme forms.

Chair of the Sustainable Development Commission, Jonothan Porritt looks at the history of consumerism, and its destructive side which is now threatening the planet.

David Blunkett MP looks at the history of nationalism and British national identity, and at how traditional distrust of the concept may have impacted on racism and insecurity and that it could be utilized to be beneficial to society.

Terry Waite looks at the history of terrorism from the French Revolution to date and considers the effectiveness of violence and how negotiating with terrorists can sometimes have positive outcomes.