Gideon's Substack

Gideon's Substack explores global and domestic political dynamics, focusing on conflict, democracy, and societal issues. It examines ideological conformity, geopolitical tensions, and the impacts of political decisions, offering insights into the complexities of allyship, governance, and the consequences of ideological and military conflicts on societies and international relations.

Political Analysis Geopolitical Conflicts Democracy and Governance Societal and Cultural Issues Ideological Trends and Impacts International Relations Military Strategies Legal and Judicial Perspectives Human Rights Economic Conditions and Policies

The hottest Substack posts of Gideon's Substack

And their main takeaways

Mankind Cannot Bear Too Little Reality

23 implied HN points β€’ 02 Aug 22
  1. The representation of life in art can vary from feeling real to being overly glossy and fantastic.
  2. There is concern about a societal loss of the capacity to imagine and portray reality in popular art.
  3. Some recent films struggle with balancing fantasy and reality, highlighting the importance of staying grounded in representing life authentically.

NYFF Wrap

7 implied HN points β€’ 31 Oct 23
🎨 Art & Illustration Film Director Cinematography Storytelling
  1. Attending film festivals can provide a renewed sense of hope for the art of cinema.
  2. Different film festivals offer unique experiences and atmospheres, contributing to diverse perspectives on the film industry.
  3. Experiencing films on a big screen in a collective environment can enhance the impact and appreciation of cinematic art.

Burn Down the House?

9 implied HN points β€’ 10 Aug 23
🎭️ Culture Theater Artists Funding Community Challenges
  1. The traditional not-for-profit regional theater model is facing challenges due to rising costs and falling revenue.
  2. One proposed solution is to have artists create their own work independently, forming partnerships and renting spaces.
  3. Direct funding of artists by foundations or government may face challenges, and alternative funding models like crowdfunding require exceptional marketing skills.

What Are We Fighting For In Ukraine?

19 implied HN points β€’ 14 Oct 22
  1. Identifying clear objectives is crucial in determining our involvement in Ukraine.
  2. We should know what we are fighting for to navigate escalation and deescalation effectively.
  3. The ultimate goal may be to bring about a change in Russia, but the method and outcome are uncertain.

A Tale of Three Elections

16 implied HN points β€’ 10 Nov 22
  1. The US midterm elections surprised with Democratic success.
  2. In Israel, a seemingly clear victory had close implications due to minor vote differences.
  3. The transition of power in Brazil showcased the importance of stakeholder acceptance for stability.
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Two Tales of the Green-Eyed Monster

7 implied HN points β€’ 12 Sep 23
🎭️ Culture Theater Literature Drama Arts Entertainment
  1. The article discusses two plays, Much Ado About Nothing and Grand Magic, both dealing with the theme of jealousy.
  2. In Much Ado About Nothing, the director added a dialogue to address the problem of male jealousy and mistrust within the story.
  3. Grand Magic presents a unique take on the theme of jealousy, exploring the idea of illusion, faith, and the consequences of mistrust in relationships.

So Much For Institutionalism

19 implied HN points β€’ 24 Jun 22
  1. Conservative Supreme Court overturns Roe v. Wade, signaling a shift in constitutional law
  2. Chief Justice Roberts' role as a moderate institutionalist is questioned as the Court becomes more conservative
  3. Roberts may need to adjust his approach to win over conservative colleagues and maintain Court's credibility

Ranked Choice Voting Strikes Again

16 implied HN points β€’ 04 Sep 22
  1. Ranked choice voting does not guarantee a consensus candidate
  2. The winner may not have the majority support in each round
  3. Ranked choice voting can expose divisions within parties

Fertility, Fear and Futurity

33 implied HN points β€’ 12 May 21
  1. Fertility choices are personal but provoke emotional reactions.
  2. Existentialism emphasizes the constant change in our lives and the pressure of choice.
  3. Loss of a sense of futurity due to factors like fear of the future can impact fertility rates and cultural responses.

Fatwa Wrap

16 implied HN points β€’ 15 Aug 22
  1. Salman Rushdie's significance is not solely based on his writing, but also on the fatwa issued against him.
  2. Rushdie's experience highlights the delicate balance between freedom of speech and security for controversial writers.
  3. Rushdie's resilience in the face of danger serves as an inspiring example of living without fear.

There Will Be No Settlement On Abortion

19 implied HN points β€’ 03 May 22
  1. The likelihood of settling the issue of abortion is low due to deep-rooted political divisions and lack of consensus.
  2. The debate surrounding abortion will continue to be a contentious and ongoing culture war, impacting both state and federal politics.
  3. Public opinion on abortion in the U.S. shows a range of views, with no clear consensus, leading to ongoing battles and political polarization.

Don't Assume Putin Has the Upper Hand

21 implied HN points β€’ 25 Feb 22
  1. Don't assume powerful people always have the upper hand
  2. Sometimes, rash decisions are made when feeling cornered
  3. Launching major actions without a clear plan can lead to unexpected outcomes

If You Drive Fast, You Have To Corner Harder

16 implied HN points β€’ 29 Jul 22
  1. Driving fast in economic policy has consequences, like high inflation.
  2. Inflation can lead to a self-fulfilling prophecy and damage the economy's productive capacity.
  3. Balancing between full employment and stable inflation requires making tough policy choices.

Objectively Ranking the Presidents

3 HN points β€’ 20 Feb 24
πŸ‡ΊπŸ‡Έ U.S. Politics Presidents Ratings History Academia Political Ideology
  1. Presidential rankings can be subjective and change over time based on historical perspectives and societal values.
  2. Greatness in a president can be defined by their impact, leadership style, and ability to navigate complex political landscapes.
  3. Moderates may provide a more objective evaluation of presidents due to potentially weaker ideological filters.

Margaret Wise Brown in the Multiverse of Madness

14 implied HN points β€’ 28 Sep 22
  1. The movie Everything Everywhere All At Once tells the story of a stressed Chinese immigrant mom caught in a multiverse struggle to save the universe, involving various alternate timelines and a daughter with total consciousness.
  2. The film delves into themes of meaningfulness in a multiverse narrative and the adolescent realization that everything happens, making nothing truly matter.
  3. The story draws parallels to Margaret Wise Brown's children's book The Runaway Bunny, exploring complex family dynamics and the desire for transformation and understanding between mother and daughter.

Pass Good Laws, Repeal Bad Ones

16 implied HN points β€’ 21 Jul 22
  1. Passing good laws and repealing bad ones is fundamental for democracy.
  2. Legislatures should not rely on courts to overturn laws, but rather actively repeal unconstitutional or unjust laws.
  3. It is important for legislators to interpret the constitution themselves and act accordingly, rather than waiting for court decisions.

A Sandwich Is a Sandwich, But a Manwich Is a Meal

19 implied HN points β€’ 29 Mar 22
  1. The debate about what constitutes a sandwich shows how definitions can be fluid and context-dependent.
  2. The essence of a sandwich is in the process of sandwiching, not the specific ingredients or form.
  3. Avoiding rigid definitions can help facilitate understanding and communication about complex topics like gender identity.

A.I.s of Tumblr

16 implied HN points β€’ 15 Jun 22
  1. A.I.s like LaMDA are designed to simulate human interaction but not necessarily to be conscious or sentient.
  2. Passing the Turing test does not equate to true sentience or intelligence.
  3. Challenges arise in evaluating A.I. for consciousness when humans are easily fooled by technology designed to mimic human behavior.

It's Normal to Overreact to Horrible Events

16 implied HN points β€’ 31 May 22
  1. It's normal to overreact to horrible events.
  2. Gun control strategies may not be as effective as expected.
  3. Rational approaches to policy may not align with emotional responses.

Red People Too Happy, Blue People Too Mad

21 implied HN points β€’ 19 Nov 21
  1. The significance of trial verdicts may not always reflect the broader societal issues at play.
  2. In cases where self-defense claims lead to multiple armed parties facing off, it can result in a chaotic and dangerous situation.
  3. Limiting ready access to firearms may not be a straightforward solution due to societal complexities and historical context.

The Field or the Players?

11 implied HN points β€’ 16 Nov 22
  1. Maps play a significant role in election outcomes
  2. The Senate's map rarely changes, affecting election dynamics
  3. Fairly drawn maps can influence election results

Religious Freedom Is Still Impossible

14 implied HN points β€’ 29 Jun 22
  1. It's challenging to define the limits of Free Exercise when dealing with religious freedom.
  2. The trigger for legal issues isn't always local complaints, but anxiety about potential lawsuits.
  3. Religion in America is often about practice, not just belief, posing challenges for religious freedom laws.

Abortion Unwrapped

14 implied HN points β€’ 28 Jun 22
  1. The Supreme Court's decision to overturn Roe v. Wade will lead to states passing laws restricting abortion
  2. Testimonial appeals and storytelling are powerful tools in shaping opinions on abortion, but should be targeted carefully and not used as conversation-enders
  3. The Supreme Court's recent decisions, such as the NY gun rights case and potential environmental protection case, have far-reaching implications

A Christmas Movie Recommendation

19 implied HN points β€’ 26 Dec 21
  1. The single overarching requirement of a Christmas movie is gentleness.
  2. Making a Christmas movie without cheating takes skill and artistry.
  3. A good Christmas story should make you believe in the power of kindness.

Ukraine and the Hungarian Election

16 implied HN points β€’ 04 Apr 22
  1. Populist-nationalist leaders tend to know how to be popular, despite criticisms against them.
  2. Hungary's government stands out in Central Europe with its neutral stance on Ukraine conflict.
  3. National interest often guides countries' positions in conflicts, even when it goes against ideological expectations.

Were the Modern Monetary "Theorists" Right After All?

11 implied HN points β€’ 19 Oct 22
  1. Modern Monetary Theory emphasizes government control over money and fiscal policy.
  2. The effectiveness of fiscal policy in stabilizing the economy is still debated.
  3. The political challenges of implementing fiscal policy measures to tackle inflation are significant.

Requiem For a Liberal Internationalism That Never Really Was

19 implied HN points β€’ 08 Dec 21
  1. Liberal internationalism opposes unilateralism and aims for peaceful resolution of conflicts
  2. American foreign policy has breached the rules-based international order it claims to uphold
  3. Rebuilding a rules-based order requires reevaluating priorities and focusing on peace over global hegemony

Gratitude is Orthogonal to Justice

19 implied HN points β€’ 25 Nov 21
  1. Gratitude focuses on the good in life, not on weighing it against the bad.
  2. Practicing gratitude can help us rise above suffering and judgment.
  3. Gratitude is not opposed to justice, but it doesn't solely depend on it either.

Armageddon Wrap

11 implied HN points β€’ 03 Oct 22
  1. The risk of nuclear war is back in the news due to recent events involving Russia and Ukraine.
  2. Putin's threats of nuclear weapons use against Ukraine seem to be more about strategic terror than tactical military advantage.
  3. Responses to nuclear threats should focus on avoiding escalation and treating any nuclear use as a war crime.

A Problem From Hell

14 implied HN points β€’ 26 May 22
  1. The United States has a very high rate of gun ownership and gun enthusiasm that is not likely to decrease.
  2. Reducing gun violence in America may involve working within the existing gun culture rather than against it.
  3. Efforts to address gun-related deaths should consider factors beyond just the quantity of guns, such as demographics, cultural influences, and effective policing.

The Wisdom To Know the Difference

19 implied HN points β€’ 15 Nov 21
  1. The book 'The Deep Places' by Ross Douthat is a powerful account of chronic illness and the quest for treatment.
  2. Douthat emphasizes the importance of the medical establishment taking seriously the experiences and testimonies of the afflicted.
  3. The journey of navigating chronic illness often requires finding the wisdom to accept limitations and the courage to continue seeking wellness.

Early Modern Anti-Heroes

16 implied HN points β€’ 05 Mar 22
  1. Marlowe invented the anti-hero in English drama
  2. Art can challenge our moral judgments and make us reflect on our own values
  3. Anti-heroes in films like 'The Sopranos' and 'King Lear' offer complex portrayals that question traditional heroism

Χ©Χ Χ” Χ’Χ˜Χ•Χ€Χ” (A Year Wrapped)

11 implied HN points β€’ 25 Sep 22
  1. The author reflects on feeling unprepared for the Days of Awe.
  2. The author shares their uncertainties and incomplete projects as a writer.
  3. The author seeks feedback from readers on their work and writing style.

Is "Harm" Framing Harmful?

14 implied HN points β€’ 19 May 22
  1. Using the word 'harmful' in discussions can induce passivity instead of progress.
  2. The word 'harmful' is loaded and accusatory, making debate difficult.
  3. Framing language as 'harmful' can lead to a paralyzing sense of perfectionism and erases the room for learning and improvement.

Substack University

19 implied HN points β€’ 08 Nov 21
  1. The new University of Austin is offering a non-traditional educational model without accredited degrees
  2. The University of Austin's value proposition is compared to Substack's model of offering compelling content
  3. Efforts to create diversity among institutions can lead to innovative approaches in education

On Compromise With Evil

21 implied HN points β€’ 24 Aug 21
  1. The debate on compromise with evil is complex and marred by retrospective judgment.
  2. Compromising is seen as essential in personal relationships but frowned upon in political contexts with perceived evil.
  3. Advocates of purity in resistance may actually stem from feelings of hopelessness and despair.

Does It Matter Who Owns Twitter?

14 implied HN points β€’ 26 Apr 22
  1. Ownership of Twitter has implications for the public good and inclusive participation.
  2. The management of Twitter, as a digital agora, is crucial for its impact on democracy.
  3. Ensuring competition and alternatives in social media platforms is essential for better management and user experience.

Encanto's Parable of the Talents

16 implied HN points β€’ 04 Feb 22
  1. Encanto is about successful generational transition, not personal magic
  2. Mirabel's value to the family lies in her character, not a magical talent
  3. Mirabel had to become her true self to earn her place in the family

The Week Wrap

14 implied HN points β€’ 25 Apr 22
  1. The Week magazine's opinion portal is closing down, aligning with its print identity.
  2. Emmanuel Macron's win in the French election shows the center's evolving dynamics.
  3. Proposing a shift in American politics towards a dynamic, centrist coalition approach.