“We still talk about the British conquering India, but that phrase disguises a more sinister reality.” – William Dalrymple

The devastating story of how the British came to rule India is one characterised by aggression, ruthlessness and violence. From trading silks and spices to running a vast private security force twice the size of the British army, the East India Company mercilessly conquered the entire Indian subcontinent.

So how did a company headquartered in a single office, five windows wide, bring down one of the world’s most magnificent empires?

Historian and best-selling author William Dalrymple delivers a rich account of Britain’s harrowing colonial history, exploring how a dangerously unregulated private enterprise managed to corrupt the most senior British politicians and officials in the process.

“We still talk about the British conquering India, but that phrase disguises a more sinister reality.” – William Dalrymple The devastating story of how the British came to rule India is one characterised by aggression, ruthlessness and violence. From trading silks and spices to running a vast private security force twice the size of the British army, the East India Company mercilessly conquered the entire Indian subcontinent. So how did a company headquartered in a single office, five windows wide, bring down one of the world’s most magnificent empires? Historian and best-selling author William Dalrymple delivers a rich account of Britain’s harrowing colonial history, exploring how a dangerously unregulated private enterprise managed to corrupt the most senior British politicians and officials in the process.

An initiative of UNSW Sydney, the Centre for Ideas is a thought-provoking program of events and digital content from the globe's leading thinkers, authors and artists.

An initiative of UNSW Sydney, the Centre for Ideas is a thought-provoking program of events and digital content from the globe's leading thinkers, authors and artists.

An initiative of UNSW Sydney, the Centre for Idea…

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“We still talk about the British conquering India…

William Dalrymple: The Relentless Rise of the East India Company

Many people would recognise Australian actress Yael Stone from her breakout role as the red-lipped Lorna Morello in TV series Orange is the New Black. But, in 2020 she gave up her green card, and her acting career in the United States, unable to reconcile the carbon emissions of the jet-setting lifestyle with her own climate conscience. Since then, Yael has channelled her focus into a new career path in climate advocacy, going back to university and co-founding the not-for-profit renewables and clean energy organisation, Hi Neighbour.  

In celebration of International Women’s Day 2026, hear actress, entrepreneur and climate advocate Yael Stone alongside writer and broadcaster Benjamin Law as they explore what we have to give up to gain a life living in alignment with our personal values.

Many people would recognise&nbsp;Australian&nbsp;actress&nbsp;Yael&nbsp;Stone&nbsp;from her breakout role as&nbsp;the red-lipped Lorna Morello&nbsp;in&nbsp;TV series&nbsp;Orange is the New Black.&nbsp;But, in&nbsp;2020 she gave up her green card, and her&nbsp;acting career&nbsp;in the United States,&nbsp;unable to reconcile the carbon emissions of&nbsp;the&nbsp;jet-setting&nbsp;lifestyle&nbsp;with her own climate&nbsp;conscience. Since then,&nbsp;Yael has channelled her focus into&nbsp;a new career&nbsp;path in&nbsp;climate&nbsp;advocacy, going back to university and co-founding&nbsp;the&nbsp;not-for-profit&nbsp;renewables and clean energy organisation,&nbsp;Hi Neighbour.&nbsp;&nbsp;
In celebration of International Women&rsquo;s Day 2026, hear actress, entrepreneur and climate advocate Yael Stone alongside writer and broadcaster Benjamin Law as they explore what we have to give up to gain a life living in alignment with our personal values.

Yael Stone: Giving to gain

Within today's social media landscape, a finely tuned content algorithm is serving up often unhealthy and sometimes extreme views on masculinity. For boys, in particular, the injection of vitriol into playgrounds, classrooms, backyards and wider society has turned the question of what it means to be a man on its head. This is also having far-reaching consequences for young girls and women. 

So what do we do when influencers co-opt masculinity for clout? Hear ABC presenter Siobhan Marin as she explores this topic with award-winning author, human rights advocate and Indigenous leader Thomas Mayo, former Aussie Rules player and Chief Operating Officer for the AFL, Tom Harley.

Originally recorded on 18 November 2025.

Within today's social media landscape, a finely tuned content algorithm is serving up often unhealthy and sometimes extreme views on masculinity. For boys, in particular, the injection of vitriol into playgrounds, classrooms, backyards and wider society has turned the question of what it means to be a man on its head. This is also having far-reaching consequences for young girls and women.&nbsp;
So what do we do when influencers co-opt masculinity for clout? Hear&nbsp;ABC presenter Siobhan Marin as she explores this topic with award-winning author, human rights advocate and Indigenous leader Thomas Mayo, former Aussie Rules player and Chief Operating Officer for the AFL, Tom Harley.
Originally recorded on 18 November 2025.

Who's the Man? (Re-release)

Hear acclaimed political biographer Troy Bramston in conversation with UNSW’s Verity Firth and delve into his latest book Gough Whitlam: The Vista of the New. From Whitlam’s rise through the Labor party to Prime Minister, to his family, upbringing and life after politics, Troy lifts the lid on new revelations behind the man and his polices.

Hear acclaimed political biographer Troy Bramston in conversation with UNSW&rsquo;s Verity Firth and delve into his latest book Gough Whitlam: The Vista of the New. From Whitlam&rsquo;s rise through the Labor party to Prime Minister, to his family, upbringing and life after politics, Troy lifts the lid on new revelations behind the man and his polices.

William Dalrymple: The Relentless Rise of the East India Company

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