Keen On America

Maybe he never went away. But Dr Strangelove is back now at the heart of America’s new military-industrial-digital complex. And Strangelove 2.0 might offer an even more existential threat than Kubrick’s original cigar-chewing model played with such absurdist aplomb by the great Peter Sellers. While the first Strangelove was just dumb, today’s powers-that-be at the Pentagon are both stupid and corrupt. That, at least, is the worrying view of Ben Freeman, the director of Democratizing Foreign Policy at the Quincy Institute for Responsible Statecraft and the co-author of the upcoming The Trillion Dollar War Machine. Freeman sees companies like Peter Thiel’s Palantir—which just secured a historic $10 billion contract—as the new face of a military establishment that has grown exponentially more dangerous since Eisenhower's bipartisan warning. Today's war profiteers (in both political parties) wield AI, deepfakes, and automated kill chains while maintaining the same reckless nuclear thinking that nearly ended the world in 1962 Cuba. The result? A trillion-dollar budget that enriches contractors while making America infinitely less safe in an infinitely more dangerous world. What we’re really missing is a Kubrick 2.0 to restore Strangelove to our digital screens. 1. The Military-Industrial Complex Has Gone Digital Companies like Palantir represent a new evolution - the "military-industrial-digital complex" - where Silicon Valley tech firms are now central players in defense contracting, with Palantir recently securing a historic $10 billion contract.2. It's a Bipartisan Problem, Not Just Trump Freeman emphasizes this spans party lines: Obama (despite his Nobel Peace Prize) oversaw record military spending, Biden sold arms at record levels, and the system perpetuates itself regardless of who's in the White House because defense contractors strategically place jobs in congressional districts.3. More Weapons = Less Security America just hit a trillion-dollar military budget for the first time, yet remains ineffective at solving major global conflicts (Ukraine, Gaza, Korea). Meanwhile, diplomatic tools like the State Department are being gutted, creating a dangerous imbalance.4. AI and Automation Pose New Existential Risks Beyond traditional nuclear threats, we now face "automated kill chains" where AI makes lethal decisions without human oversight, plus deepfakes that could trigger conflicts based on false information - combining old Dr. Strangelove logic with new technological capabilities.5. The Revolving Door Ensures System Perpetuation Pentagon officials stay quiet about waste and corruption because they know defense contractors like Boeing and Lockheed Martin will hire them post-retirement for lucrative positions, creating a self-perpetuating cycle that prioritizes profit over actual security.Keen On America is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit keenon.substack.com/subscribe

Michael Lind, a contributor to Tablet magazine, challenges the stereotype of the uninformed MAGA voter. He argues they are making rational choices rooted in their material interests, not blindly following right-wing influencers like Tucker Carlson. Lind dissects the political dynamics of Trump's coalition, emphasizing reliable GOP supporters and pragmatic swing voters. He also explores evolving elite dynamics, the intersection of class and ideology, and how America’s political landscape reflects broader global trends.

Book critic Bethanne Patrick, known for her insightful reflections on men's literature, argues that the literary man isn't dead—he's simply transformed. She highlights how modern male writers defy traditional stereotypes, showcasing figures like Ocean Vuong and Kwame Alexander. Patrick introduces five essential books tackling today's male identity crisis, pushing for a shift away from rigid gender norms. With generational change empowering diverse narratives, she encourages men to embrace queer literature and rethink masculinity beyond outdated archetypes.

Keith Teare, a veteran start-up entrepreneur, delves into the evolving AI landscape and the crucial battle for ownership in this new era. He describes our current phase as the 'AltaVista era,' where multiple players vie for dominance akin to the early search engine wars. Teare emphasizes that user attachment to AI interfaces creates significant switching costs, making loyal users a powerful asset. He notes that the winners in this multi-trillion dollar arena will be those who develop the most indispensable gateways to our AI-native future.

Jonathan Mahler, author of 'The Gods of New York' and a New York Times writer, discusses the chaotic transformation of New York City in the 1980s. He portrays pivotal figures like Trump and Giuliani as they transitioned from tabloid icons to powerful players. Mahler explores how this decade created a blueprint for modern America, driven by neoliberalism and rising inequalities. He also delves into race relations, the impact of Wall Street on urban revival, and what the future holds for a city grappling with its identity amidst socio-economic challenges.

In this engaging conversation, Bill McKibben, environmental thinker and founder of Third Act, shares his insights from his new book, Here Comes the Sun. He highlights solar energy as the cheapest and most transformative solution for the climate crisis, urging immediate action before time runs out. McKibben discusses the rapid buildout of solar infrastructure, especially in China, and challenges the U.S. to rethink its energy policies. He also explores innovative ways solar can benefit agriculture, merging sustainability with food production for a viable future.

David Daley, author of 'Antidemocratic' and gerrymandering expert, discusses the alarming impact of Chief Justice Roberts' 2019 decision that effectively released partisan gerrymandering from judicial scrutiny. He likens this to a scene from 'Ghostbusters' where evil spirits escape. Daley reveals that this has resulted in a political landscape dominated by non-competitive districts, threatening the very essence of American democracy. He advocates for urgent reforms to restore fairness and representation in the electoral process amid rising concerns over voter suppression.

In this discussion, Robert Pearl, former Kaiser Permanente Chief and Stanford professor, proposes that the future of AI healthcare might echo the gig economy, likening it to Uber and Airbnb. He predicts freelance doctors will guide patients in utilizing AI tools for chronic condition management. Pearl explores two healthcare models: expensive FDA-regulated tech vs. affordable clinician-led training. He expresses skepticism about current healthcare leadership, emphasizing the need for more empathetic AI integration and questioning if it will truly uplift patient and doctor experiences.

Mark Eltringham, publisher of Workplace Insight, delves into the often-overlooked dignity of essential workers, like those who clean our spaces. He critiques the solipsism in discussions about AI and its impact on jobs, emphasizing that many workers are left out of the conversation. Eltringham highlights the uneven effects of technology on job types and the need to recognize the value of all work, especially in our AI-centric world. He encourages listeners to acknowledge hidden labor that keeps society functioning, pushing for broader discourse on the future of work.

David Masciotra, a writer exploring the American dream, joins Soli Ozel, a leading Turkish intellectual. They dive into the left's dilemma between nostalgia and progress in post-industrial America. The conversation highlights Christopher Lasch's critique of elites and the romanticization of the working class. They dissect how Trump's coalition blurs class lines, emphasizing that delivering material benefits doesn't guarantee electoral support. Ultimately, they argue that redefining progress is essential in today's complex political landscape.