So - I have no hesitation in recommending Noam Chomsky.
Like Adam Curtis he's done so much to generate thinking debate around how 21st century politics in conducted & constructed - and pointing out the discrepancies between 'what it says on the can' of Democracy - and the writhing Wormery inside.
Intellectually stimulating, he's pioneered a whole generation to be more judicious with our critical ability and not take things at face value. Not that many of us were necessarily falling into that trap - but a coherent framework to hang our alternative theories on, gives a springboard to thinking higher while staying firmly grounded. Utmost respect.
There are many interviews on the interwebs to choose from - but I highly recommend the old-school, wooden information method. Books allow you to pause and ponder, wrangle and wonder - and stay rigorous - which is par for the course with Chomsky.
If you don't know his work, a seminal title is 'Manufacturing Consent' which in my world, would be mandatory reading for all.. Here's a prettily animated intro that might interest:
And if you don't know Adam Curtis - he's primarily video based - and hence may suit a wider (younger) audience. I really enjoyed his (fairly) recent historical 'Bitter Lake' - but also really rate 'All Watched Over By Machines of Loving Grace' . His latest 'Hypernormalisation' at 2hrs 46m is a bit epic - but keeps you visually stimulated with amazing footage while tickling the grey matter. But dip into any of his work and you're unlikely to be disappointed.
So - enjoy. Information is power, couple that with a brain in the 'on' position and we have a chance to rise above the level expected of us and take back the world together.
Peace.
