Doha Debates

In 2013, blogger and counterterrorism expert Clint Watts used Twitter to interact with someone who would otherwise be difficult to talk to -- Omar Hammami, a member of the Islamist militant group al-Shabaab. Drawing on his military training, Watts persuaded Hammami to share stories, jokes and details about his ideology. In the end, Watts concludes "that often, there's very little that separates the terrorists and the counter terrorists that hunt them."

In a world deeply divided, how do we have hard conversations with nuance, curiosity, respect? Veteran reporter Eve Pearlman introduces "dialogue journalism": a project where journalists go to the heart of social and political divides to support discussions between people who disagree. See what happened when a group that would have never otherwise met -- 25 liberals from California and 25 conservatives from Alabama -- gathered to talk about contentious issues. "Real connection across difference: this is a salve that our democracy sorely needs," Pearlman says.

At 16, Rana Abdelhamid started teaching self-defense to women and girls in her neighborhood. Almost 10 years later, these community classes have grown into Malikah: a global grassroots network creating safety, power and solidarity for all women. How did she do it? Abdelhamid shares three ingredients for building a movement from the ground up.

Millennials are now the largest, most diverse adult population in the US -- but far too often, they're reduced to the worn-out stereotype of lazy, entitled avocado toast lovers, says author Reniqua Allen. In this revealing talk, she shares overlooked stories of millennials of color, offering a broader, more nuanced view of the generation. "Millennials are not a monolith," she says.

What does it mean to be civil? Journalist Steven Petrow looks for answers in the original meaning of the word, showing why civility shouldn't be dismissed as conversation-stifling political correctness or censorship. Learn three ways we can each work to be more civil -- and start talking about our differences with respect.

The Brooklyn Nomads perform a blend of folkloric songs, El Manisero from Cuba and 'Al Maya from Syria. From left to right, Hadi Eldebek (Oud, Vocals), Nacho González (Guitar), Sheila Del Bosque (Flute), Mohamad Eldebek (Derbake, Vocals).