Keen On America

Edward Luce, U.S. national editor at the Financial Times and author of 'Zbig,' dives into the life of Zbigniew Brzezinski. He describes Brzezinski's remarkable foresight regarding the Soviet collapse and his strategic alliances, notably with Pope John Paul II to stave off Soviet threats in Eastern Europe. Luce also discusses Brzezinski's unique blend of hard and soft power, his critiques of American hubris post-Cold War, and his belief in meritocracy despite his aristocratic roots, painting a complex picture of a pivotal foreign policy figure.

In this engaging conversation, John Cassidy, a staff writer at The New Yorker and author of "Capitalism and its Critics," shares his insights on the evolution of capitalism and its most vocal critics. He discusses capitalism’s various forms, from state capitalism to hyper-globalization, and the intertwined histories of capitalism with colonialism and slavery. Cassidy highlights the Luddites’ moral opposition to industrialization and warns of AI's potential disruption to modern economies, urging the need for diverse voices in discussions about capitalism's future.

Joan Williams, a distinguished psychologist and scholar known for her work on social inequality, argues that Democrats are losing the working class by neglecting their economic struggles. In her new book, she highlights a significant shift of non-college voters of color toward Republicans, emphasizing the need for 'cultural competence' to reconnect with this demographic. Williams believes Democrats must prioritize economic stability and develop messaging that resonates with working-class values to regain power in future elections.

Anna Malaika Tubbs, a New York Times bestselling author and expert on race, gender, and equity, dives into the hidden history of American patriarchy. She reveals how patriarchy has shaped the nation's founding documents, affecting women differently based on race and class. Tubbs discusses the need for nuanced understandings of feminism, emphasizing the overlooked contributions of Black women. She warns that movements like Project 2025 seek to reinforce traditional patriarchal values, urging listeners to confront these issues for true societal change.

Marshall Poe, an esteemed historian and founder of the New Books Network, draws chilling parallels between the Gaza conflict and Vietnam. He emphasizes the futility of military occupations, highlighting how they often alienate local populations and lead to devastating ethical violations. Poe discusses the catastrophic implications of population relocations, questions the viability of a two-state solution, and critiques the role of external powers like the U.S. in seeking a resolution, shedding light on the complexities of an enduring conflict.

William Deresiewicz, a progressive essayist, critiques the exhausted Democratic establishment, arguing that both Biden's mental decline and Harris' lackluster campaign are indicative of deeper issues. He discusses the party's 'tacit cover-up' of significant problems like crime and pandemic missteps. Deresiewicz explores how the Democratic Party has become a mix of elites and working-class voters with diverging interests. He advocates for a revival of liberalism that embraces creativity and openness, urging progressives to reinvent their approach in today's political landscape.

In today's discussion, Keith Teare, the Publisher of That Was The Week newsletter and tech analyst, delves into the chaotic landscape of modern technology. He argues that truth only applies to facts from the past, shaped by human actions. The conversation also highlights AI's disruptive influence on education, illustrated by a professor’s resignation over AI-generated content. Additionally, they explore how companies like Netflix and Airbnb are innovating to stay relevant, amid the pressures of a technology-driven society. It's a thought-provoking look at survival in a rapidly changing world.

Jeffrey Rogg, a Senior Research Fellow at the Global and National Security Institute and author of The Spy and the State, dives into the intricate world of American espionage. He argues that spying, often seen as un-American, is both necessary and inevitable. Rogg discusses legendary figures like Wild Bill Donovan and the contentious Bay of Pigs invasion, revealing how intelligence operations mirror societal fears. He warns against the over-politicization of the intelligence community, emphasizing the historical necessity of understanding its moral complexities.

Tim Minshall, Professor of Innovation at the University of Cambridge and author of How Things Are Made, dives into the complexities of modern manufacturing. He discusses the balance needed between domestic production and global supply chains, emphasizing that complete self-sufficiency isn't feasible. Minshall highlights China's increasing influence and the need for a skilled workforce as AI reshapes the industry. He also underscores the responsibility of consumers in fostering sustainable practices and improving product quality in a changing manufacturing landscape.

Peter Voss, CEO of Aigo.ai and a pioneer in AI who coined 'Artificial General Intelligence' in 2001, critiques generative AI as a misguided venture. He argues that large language models (LLMs) are fundamentally flawed due to their lack of memory and inability to learn incrementally, calling them a technological dead end. Voss warns of an impending bubble burst in the industry, drawing parallels to past economic manias. He advocates for a return to foundational principles in AI development to truly advance towards human-like intelligence.