Keen On America
Andrew Keen
Nobody asks sharper or more impertinent questions than Andrew Keen. In KEEN ON, Andrew cross-examines the world’s smartest people on politics, economics, history, the environment, and tech. If you want to make sense of our complex world, check out the daily questions and the answers on KEEN ON.
Named as one of the "100 most connected men" by GQ magazine, Andrew Keen is amongst the world's best-known technology and politics broadcasters and commentators. In addition to presenting KEEN ON, he is the host of the long-running show How To Fix Democracy and the author of four critically acclaimed books about the future, including the international bestselling CULT OF THE AMATEUR.
Keen On is free to listen to and will remain so. If you want to stay up-to-date on new episodes and support the show please subscribe to Andrew Keen’s Substack. Paid subscribers will soon be able to access exclusive content from our new series Keen On America. keenon.substack.com
Named as one of the "100 most connected men" by GQ magazine, Andrew Keen is amongst the world's best-known technology and politics broadcasters and commentators. In addition to presenting KEEN ON, he is the host of the long-running show How To Fix Democracy and the author of four critically acclaimed books about the future, including the international bestselling CULT OF THE AMATEUR.
Keen On is free to listen to and will remain so. If you want to stay up-to-date on new episodes and support the show please subscribe to Andrew Keen’s Substack. Paid subscribers will soon be able to access exclusive content from our new series Keen On America. keenon.substack.com
Episodes
Mentioned books
Dec 26, 2025 • 48min
From Munich to Mar-a-Lago: Is Trump Appeasing Putin in Ukraine?
Jim Goldgeier, a scholar of U.S. foreign policy and Russia, dives deep into the complexities of the Ukraine conflict. He argues that Putin has no desire for peace unless it entails total control over Ukraine. Goldgeier critiques Trump's potential approach to negotiating with Putin, calling it appeasement. They discuss the necessity of raising the costs for Russia to push for a settlement and the critical role the U.S. plays in supporting Ukraine. Plus, he highlights the concerning rise of pro-Russian sentiment in Europe and the imperative for a stronger NATO.
Dec 25, 2025 • 40min
Americans Actually Dislike Each Other: The Unsavory Truth Behind the Data
Andrea Jones-Rooy, a data scientist and former NYU professor, dives into the fascinating yet unsettling truths about American society. She explains that while we may seem divided, it's often just a deep-seated dislike rather than genuine ideological disagreement. Jones-Rooy debunks myths about immigration, revealing that the undocumented population is smaller than perceived. She also discusses the shift from trusting institutions to media personalities and how emotional triggers like anger play into political engagement. Lastly, she emphasizes the need for curiosity and empathy to bridge divides.
Dec 24, 2025 • 53min
Cracked, Jagged and Leaderless: The World is No Longer Flat
Gary Gerstle, an economic historian and author of The Rise and Fall of the Neoliberal Order, discusses the decline of neoliberalism and the emergence of a jagged, leaderless world. He argues that Trump 2.0 signifies a shift from a flat world dominated by American ideals to one marked by rising borders and state capitalism. Gerstle examines the implications of presidential power, the challenges facing America's legal elites, and the chaotic nature of MAGA politics. He also expresses cautious optimism for a democratic response in this new landscape.
Dec 23, 2025 • 39min
2025: The AI Year Scripted by Gary Marcus in 2024
Gary Marcus, a cognitive scientist and AI researcher known for his critical views on AI models, dives into the realities of artificial intelligence. He discusses the limitations of large language models and the economic bubble around companies like OpenAI. Marcus predicts a turbulent future for AI in 2026, emphasizing the need for regulatory oversight and safer AI practices. He also highlights the competition between the U.S. and China and advocates for neurosymbolic approaches as the way forward. Will we finally see practical robots or merely demos? Tune in to find out!
Dec 22, 2025 • 38min
Justice is Round: Mussolini Couldn't Woo the World Cup, Neither Will Trump
Simon Kuper, an experienced football writer and World Cup historian, delves into the politics of the 2026 World Cup. He argues that efforts by figures like Trump to manipulate the tournament will fail, echoing Mussolini's past attempts. Kuper emphasizes the World Cup's role as a communal celebration over a political stage. He also discusses the importance of smaller nations, critiques high ticket prices, and explores the clash between local pride and celebrity culture. His insights on global football dynamics are as captivating as they are thought-provoking.
Dec 21, 2025 • 32min
Capitalism with a Nationalist Face: What Comes after Neoliberalism
Branko Milanovic, a renowned economist and former World Bank lead researcher, discusses his insights on the shift from neoliberalism to a nationalism-infused capitalism. He introduces the concept of 'homoploutia,' a new elite class that has emerged, blending wealth from both capital and labor. Milanovic argues that economic grievances fuel this rise of nationalism, while comparing the similarities and tensions between U.S. and Chinese capitalist models. He also reflects on the historical context of nationalism and its moral implications for society.
Dec 20, 2025 • 42min
Trump 0.2: The Failing Revolution
Jacob Heilbrunn, a D.C.-based political writer and editor at National Interest, dives into the failure of Trump's second term. He argues that Trump's authoritarian ambitions have faltered due to incompetence and fractures within MAGA. The conversation reveals potential economic pitfalls, likening them to 1929, and discusses institutional resistance to Trump’s policies. Heilbrunn also contemplates whether a transformative leader could emerge post-crisis, speculating on future political resets and coalitions that may arise amid economic turmoil.
Dec 19, 2025 • 46min
The Arrival of the American Future: Stephen Marche on the Crisis in 2025 United States
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.
Dec 18, 2025 • 52min
Bethanne's Best Books of 2025: Where Fact & Fiction Blur
Bethanne Patrick, a renowned book critic for the Los Angeles Times, shares her favorite reads of 2025, emphasizing the fascinating intersection of fact and fiction. She discusses Caroline Fraser's gripping non-fiction, *Murderland*, linking 1970s serial killers to environmental issues. Patrick also explores Ian McEwan's dual narrative of dystopia and hope, and the survival tale of Maurice and Marilyn Bailey. Rounding out her picks, she highlights the complexities of identity in Katie Kitamura's work and James Baldwin’s impactful love life as portrayed by Nicholas Boggs.
Dec 17, 2025 • 47min
2025 as the New 1925: Will Crypto be Trump's Teapot Dome Scandal?
Martin Wolf, Chief Economics Commentator at the Financial Times, shares insights on potential parallels between 2025 and the 1925 economic landscape. He explores how we may be in a 'slow-motion' interwar scenario and discusses Trump’s governance style as reminiscent of Warren Harding’s. Wolf posits that crypto could emerge as a significant financial scandal akin to the Teapot Dome, raising questions about economic stability. He also examines the risks of inflation and the geopolitical shifts shaping the future global landscape.
