Keen On America The Arrival of the American Future: Stephen Marche on the Crisis in 2025 United States
Dec 19, 2025
In this discussion, Stephen Marche, a Canadian writer and commentator known for his keen insights on American politics, paints a grim picture of the United States in 2025. He describes it as a 'dumpster fire,' plagued by rapid crises and overwhelming news cycles. Marche discusses how Canadians are rethinking travel to the U.S. amidst rising border tensions and hostile policies. He also warns of the spread of authoritarian trends, the implications of AI, and the risks to democratic legitimacy, suggesting that discussions on partition may emerge as governance falters.
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Year Of Accelerating Crises
- Stephen Marche says 2025 felt like an accelerated "dumpster fire" with rapid, concentrated destruction across news cycles.
- He argues the pace and volume of crises now measure in hours, not days, overwhelming public attention.
News Cycle Compression Hides Big Disasters
- Marche notes people can't keep track of every horrific event because news cycles compress dramatically.
- He warns major disasters like Los Angeles fires get eclipsed by faster daily scandals despite their historic scale.
Canadian Backlash At U.S. Threats
- Marche recounts Canada reacting when U.S. leaders discussed annexation and trade wars, flipping American products in stores.
- He describes Canada mobilizing security thinking and public refusal to buy U.S. goods as a social signal.