The hottest Power Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
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Top Faith & Spirituality Topics

Meditations in an Emergency

Can We Still Govern? • 375 implied HN points • 05 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government Power Trump administration Public Policy
  1. Elon Musk has gained significant control over important data and government operations, which raises serious concerns about privacy and security. It's crucial to ask who really benefits from this data control.
  2. Musk's push to shut down agencies like USAID is not just about foreign aid; it's a power grab that could undermine democratic systems. Ignorance and conspiracy theories seem to drive his decision-making.
  3. Public servants are standing up against illegal actions from the administration, and they need support from courts, media, and Congress to protect government integrity. These officials are crucial in maintaining checks on power.

Of course it’s a coup

Thinking about... • 2652 implied HN points • 05 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Democracy Coup Government Power Digital Rights
  1. A coup can be digital, not just physical. Instead of armed men storming buildings, a group can gain power through technology and access to government systems.
  2. When someone who isn't elected, like Elon Musk, gains control over important government functions, it threatens democracy. It undermines our rights and makes our votes irrelevant.
  3. Recognizing and resisting this type of coup is crucial. It's important to defend our democratic systems against any form of control that chips away at our rights.

Why rabbits?

Noahpinion • 34118 implied HN points • 18 Jun 23
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Pets Morality Power Protection Hierarchy
  1. Rabbits make great pets because they are low maintenance and playful.
  2. Taking care of a pet rabbit can be a rewarding experience, creating a special bond.
  3. It is important to use our strength and power to protect and uplift those who are weaker, promoting a more equal and gentle world.

Donald Trump's perfect world of unlimited power

Lucian Truscott Newsletter • 3498 implied HN points • 11 Jan 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Legal Presidency Impeachment Power Constitution
  1. Donald Trump's legal team argued for immunity from prosecution for his actions as president unless impeached.
  2. Recent court rulings have rejected Trump's claims of immunity from civil lawsuits.
  3. Trump's plans if re-elected include extreme actions like replacing civil service workers and invoking the Insurrection Act.
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The political takeover over journalism

Striking 13 • 2555 implied HN points • 26 Jan 24
🌍 World Politics Media Politics Journalism Power Values
  1. Journalism and politics are increasingly blurred, making it hard to differentiate between the two.
  2. Some individuals operate simultaneously as journalists and politicians, creating a dangerous scenario where roles get mixed up.
  3. Journalism is not just about spectators; it holds the power to change history and should be grounded in truth and journalistic values.

Power, Speed and Centralisation

The Commonplace • 824 implied HN points • 23 Jan 25
📖 Philosophy Modernity Consumerism Power Technology Society
  1. We live in a fast-paced world where everything moves quickly, but it often leaves us feeling stressed and unfulfilled. Speed can make us feel busy without achieving true progress.
  2. The relentless push for speed and efficiency leads to a centralization of power and control. As technology advances, those who control the speed of communication gain more influence over our lives.
  3. Sometimes, it’s important to just stop and reflect. Taking a moment to slow down allows us to think critically about what we really want and question who benefits from our constant rush.

Britain is institutionally 'anti-racist'

Wrong Side of History • 479 implied HN points • 17 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Racism Justice Power Morality Policy
  1. Having leaders who share the same values as their people is important for stability. When leaders and citizens have different beliefs, it can create disconnect and distrust.
  2. Some recent cases of sexual abuse show troubling behaviors among those in power. It seems like their priorities are misplaced, focusing on irrelevant factors instead of justice.
  3. There are concerns about how victims are treated based on race. This reflects a serious issue in the justice system where it seems some victims are not given fair treatment.

The Truckers Won. Everything.

Anarchonomicon • 1886 implied HN points • 07 Jun 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Protest Government Policy Power Revolution
  1. The trucker convoy in Canada was extremely successful and led to significant political shifts in a short amount of time.
  2. The actions of the trucker convoy resulted in the government caving on key issues and policies within a week.
  3. This protest demonstrated the power of coordination and initiative among middle-class groups and hinted at larger societal changes.

Notes on Power, Seduction, Mastery, Strategy, and Human Nature

Rob Henderson's Newsletter • 795 implied HN points • 27 Oct 24
📖 Philosophy Power Mastery Strategy Human nature
  1. Understanding power dynamics can help you navigate social situations better. It's good to be aware of how influence works between people.
  2. Mastery in any skill requires consistent practice and strategy. Putting in the effort over time will lead to improvement.
  3. Human nature is complex, and understanding it can help you relate better to others. Being empathetic goes a long way in connecting with people.

Lessons from The Years of Lyndon Johnson by Robert Caro

Dwarkesh Patel • 1592 implied HN points • 03 May 23
📚 Literature Biography Power Manipulation Empathy Influence
  1. To succeed, go beyond the norm and do everything necessary with intensity and attention to detail.
  2. Ambition can lead to unexpected alliances and outcomes as seen in the political career of Lyndon Johnson.
  3. Understanding and reading people is key in wielding power and influence, as exemplified by Johnson's ability to empathize and manipulate for his goals.

The World's Most Famous Narco Wife Walks

CrashOut by Ioan Grillo • 628 implied HN points • 13 Sep 23
🌍 World Politics Crime Gender Power Violence Drug Trafficking
  1. Emma Coronel is a famous figure due to her association with El Chapo and her glamour as a former beauty queen
  2. There is a long-standing interest in the role of narco wives in media and fiction, focusing on their relationships and power dynamics
  3. Despite her legal troubles, Coronel continues to attract media attention and appears to be navigating her situation strategically

Three wise men talk about wisdom and power.

The Joyous Struggle • 355 implied HN points • 11 Dec 23
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Wisdom Power Conversation Reflection
  1. The conversation discussed how our capacity for wisdom at a small scale contrasts with the large-scale problems we face
  2. There was a reflection on the different perspectives of the three speakers when discussing world issues
  3. The importance of recognizing the interconnectedness of different aspects like society, soul, and systems when bringing about changes

Chechnya and Dagestan

kamilkazani • 412 implied HN points • 06 Nov 23
🌐 International Government Power Society
  1. Chechnya and Dagestan are two regions in Russia with contrasting characteristics - Chechnya is monoethnic, while Dagestan is highly diverse.
  2. Chechnya has an absolutist regime led by Kadyrov, enforcing extreme compliance and limited displays of wealth, in contrast to Dagestan's anarchic oligarchy with wealthy officials.
  3. Despite Chechnya's tribalist society, the ruling group consists of individuals who have abandoned their kinship allegiances.

Best Posts of 2024

God's Spies by Thomas Neuburger • 45 implied HN points • 03 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government Policy Society Climate Power
  1. The site experienced significant growth in 2024, showing a 250% increase, thanks to support from its followers.
  2. Issues like climate change and the influence of billionaires are critical and concerning topics that need attention in today's world.
  3. The idea of power and control is still relevant, influenced by both government actions and societal dynamics.

A brief history of creativity (and power)

escape the algorithm • 179 implied HN points • 24 May 23
🎭️ Culture History Philosophy Power Art Gender
  1. Creativity has a complex history tied to power dynamics, transitioning from divine origins to human control over time.
  2. The concept of creativity evolved alongside the shift in gender roles and power dynamics, affecting societal views on art and innovation.
  3. In modern times, creativity is intertwined with capitalist productivity, leading to value creation and power imbalances in various spheres of society.

Spain's Electoral Results Are a Perfect Illustration of the Pathology of Centralised Rule

THE FREEDOM BLOG • 157 implied HN points • 27 Jul 23
🌍 World Politics Decentralization Government Power Policy
  1. Spain's recent election results show challenges with centralized rule in forming a stable government with diverse opinions.
  2. Centralized democratic States may lead to policies out of touch with citizens' wishes due to a concentration of power in national parliaments.
  3. Devolved government and finances could reduce political conflict, improve accountability, and better reflect local interests.

Soft Power and Smart Power

Comment is Freed • 103 implied HN points • 17 Jan 24
🌍 World Politics Power International relations Soft Power Foreign Policy
  1. Joseph Nye discusses the challenges of balancing academia and government roles, with a focus on time and power.
  2. Power has been a dominant issue in Nye's career, explored through concepts like soft power and interdependence.
  3. Nye and Bob Keohane analyzed how OPEC's non-military influence on global wealth showcased asymmetrical interdependence.

How Kings Are Made

backstory • 242 implied HN points • 06 May 23
🌍 World Politics Power Conflict Olympics Drought
  1. The journey explores the culture gap between different tribes in Sudan.
  2. The story highlights the impact of historical events on Sudan, including drought, famine, and communal violence.
  3. The narrative showcases the resilience and triumph of marginalized communities, as seen through the Sudanese Olympic athletes.