How to Fix Democracy

What can Canada teach us about building resilient democracies? In this episode of How to Fix Democracy , Andrew Keen speaks with Canadian award-winning essayist and novelist John Ralston Saul about the country's long democratic tradition, the role of dialogue and negotiation in managing differences, and the importance of embracing Canada's complexity. They also discuss Canada's evolving relationship with the United States, the Arctic, and the role middle powers can play in a changing world. Saul argues that sometimes the seemingly "boring" work of talking, negotiating, and finding compromises is precisely what keeps democracy together.

What makes democracy resilient? Former Minneapolis mayor and current Minneapolis Foundation CEO R.T. Rybak argues that the answer starts at the local level. Drawing on decades of experience in public services, journalism and philantrophy, he explores how civic participation, local leadership, and strong communities can strengthen democracies in times of crisis. From responding to authoritarian pressures to fostering long-term civic engagement, this conversation examines why democracy is never finished, it is something citizens build together every day.

After more than a decade of Viktor Orban's rule, Hungary has entered a new political chapter. In this episode, Andrew Keen speaks with cultural anthropologist Marc Loustau about how Orban built an illiberal state, why his political project ultimately faltered, and what Hungary's experience can teach democracies around the world about resisting authoritarianism. From the role of the European Union to the importance of broad democratic coalitions, this conversation explores both the vulnerabilities and resilience of democratic institutions.

Can democracies become more resilient by being bolder? In this episode of How to Fix Democracy, Andrew Keen speaks with journalist, author and foreign affairs commentator John Kampfner about his new book Brave New World. Drawing on research from countries as diverse as Finland, Estonia, Taiwan, Morocco, Canada and Romania, Kampfner argues that democracy's greatest challenge is not a lack of ideas but a lack of political courage. Together, they explore why resilience, imagination, and courageous leadership are essential to tackling today's biggest challenges, from housing and healthcare to digital government, education, and climate policy. Rather than dwelling on democratic decline, this conversation offers practical examples of governments that are daring to think differently, and asks what other democracies can learn from them.

What role do schools play in strengthening democracy? In this episode, award-winning author James Traub argues that civic education remains one of the most important tools for building democratic resilience. From declining attention spans and digital distractions to respectful disagreement and civic engagement, Traub reflects on what he learned from classrooms across America and what it takes to prepare the next generation of citizens.