Keen On America

Sandra Matz, a computational social scientist and professor at Columbia Business School, advocates for using data science to predict and influence human behavior. She delves into the impact of AI on consumer choices and the ethical challenges of psychological targeting. Matz discusses the importance of data privacy, especially in personality tests and mental health applications, highlighting the need for regulation in the fast-evolving tech landscape. Her insights urge us to consider both the potential and risks of AI in shaping our lives.

In this engaging discussion, Jill Kastner, an independent scholar and historian based in London, delves into the resurgence of historical power plays in international politics. She reveals how subversion, a strategy employed since ancient times, remains relevant in today's geopolitical struggles. Kastner highlights the delicate balance between diplomacy and conflict, using examples from Thucydides to modern tensions over Ukraine and Taiwan. She argues that subversive tactics emerge when war seems too costly, reminding us that history often repeats itself in intriguing ways.

Adam Chandler, a journalist and author focused on the American way of life and technology's impact on labor, digs into the contradictions of American capitalism. He reveals how, despite the boom in AI investments, many workers face declining wages and unrest at companies like Amazon and Starbucks. Chandler critiques the myth of meritocracy, stressing the need for systemic support and better worker protections. He also promotes the idea of a 'third life' for community engagement and discusses universal basic income as a potential remedy for workforce disruption.

This is a good one. Former mobster Louis Ferrante discusses the second volume of his history of the American mafia, Borgata: Clash of Titans, covering the critical period between 1960 and 1985 when the mob was at its height of power. The era began with the Kennedys' rise to power, where Joe Kennedy paradoxically used mob connections to help JFK win the 1960 election, particularly in Illinois and West Virginia. However, Robert Kennedy's aggressive pursuit of organized crime as Attorney General created deep animosity with the mob. The period was marked by the complex relationship between the mafia and Jimmy Hoffa's Teamsters Union. While Hoffa wasn't a mobster himself, he needed mafia support to maintain his position as Teamsters president. The mob had significant control over the U.S. economy through their influence over unions, construction, and various industries. Ferrante presents hard evidence that the mafia, particularly Carlos Marcello, was involved in JFK's assassination, describing failed assassination attempts in Florida and Chicago before the successful Dallas plot. After Kennedy's death, the mob's influence grew as federal law enforcement, under J. Edgar Hoover, focused more on communism and civil rights protesters than organized crime. The period ended with Hoffa's disappearance in 1975, which Ferrante attributes to mob retaliation after Hoffa threatened to expose their activities when trying to regain control of the Teamsters from Frank Fitzsimmons. According to Ferrante, this era represented the apex of mafia power in America, before increased violence and internal conflicts began to tear the organization apart in the 1980s. Great stuff from Ferrante, who is establishing himself as the semi-official historian of the American mafia. Louis Ferrante is an international bestselling author, global speaker, and television host for Discovery Networks International. His books have been translated into twenty languages and his television series has aired in over 200 countries and territories around the world.Keen On is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.Named as one of the "100 most connected men" by GQ magazine, Andrew Keen is amongst the world's best known broadcasters and commentators. In addition to presenting KEEN ON, he is the host of the long-running How To Fix Democracy show. He is also the author of four prescient books about digital technology: CULT OF THE AMATEUR, DIGITAL VERTIGO, THE INTERNET IS NOT THE ANSWER and HOW TO FIX THE FUTURE. Andrew lives in San Francisco, is married to Cassandra Knight, Google's VP of Litigation & Discovery, and has two grown children.Keen On 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

Adi Jaffe, an addiction specialist and former meth addict, takes listeners on a compelling journey through the realities of addiction. He reveals that nearly half of Americans grapple with various forms of addiction, challenging the idea that total abstinence is the sole answer. Jaffe highlights deeper issues like trauma and beliefs behind these behaviors, urging a shift from elimination to replacement. The conversation touches on the intersection of addiction with politics, technology, and even spirituality, making for a thought-provoking discussion.

Paula Whyman, author of *Bad Naturalist* and a devoted conservationist, shares her inspiring journey from a bug-obsessed child to the steward of a 200-acre Virginia mountaintop. She emphasizes the critical role individual landowners play in restoring native ecosystems, challenging the idea that nature only flourishes in national parks. Whyman discusses her ecological restoration efforts to combat invasive species and promote biodiversity, revealing how each small victory reignites her hope for America's environmental future.

Larry Downes, a best-selling tech author known for examining technology's societal impacts, tackles the inefficiencies of the federal government. He questions the necessity of numerous Social Security offices and highlights the dismal 12% user satisfaction with user services. Advocating for e-government solutions, Downes explores international models from Estonia and Denmark, emphasizing digital transformation's potential to streamline bureaucracy while addressing political roadblocks. He argues this modernization could enhance transparency and efficiency without privatizing essential services.

David Masciotra, an author and journalist known for his works on Jesse Jackson and Bruce Springsteen, discusses the consequences of Kamala Harris's refusal to engage with Joe Rogan. He draws parallels to Jesse Jackson's historic debate with David Duke, asserting that progressives should confront ideological foes instead of avoiding them. Masciotra emphasizes the importance of civil discourse, critiquing contemporary political strategies that shy away from engaging with extremist views, and making a case for robust, open debate in today's polarized landscape.

In this engaging discussion, Chris Schroeder, a global investor and chair of the German Marshall Fund, shares insights from his extraordinary journey as a co-founder of Next Billion Ventures. He emphasizes the importance of deep reading in understanding today's complex world, advocating for intellectual curiosity among young entrepreneurs in emerging markets. Schroeder also highlights the rising influence of China and the need for America to enhance competitiveness. He tackles critical themes like nuclear threats and evolving business dynamics, showcasing how literature enriches our perspective on global issues.

Michael Scott-Baumann, author of The Shortest History of Israel and Palestine, shares his deep insights on the hopelessness faced by Palestinians. He discusses the catastrophic aftermath of the Gaza War, emphasizing the staggering loss of life and dire humanitarian conditions. Scott-Baumann critiques Western powers' response and the ineffectiveness of the UN, while predicting a grim future for Palestinian statehood. He also explores the complexities of the two-state solution and the geopolitical landscape, shedding light on the urgent need for equitable political action.