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

Lula and Trump

11 implied HN points • 29 Aug 22
  1. The post compares the post-presidencies of Lula and Trump, highlighting the impact of legal troubles on their political careers.
  2. Political context plays a significant role in how legal proceedings involving prominent politicians are perceived.
  3. The decisions related to holding Trump or Lula accountable for their actions are intertwined with political considerations and the unpredictability of the consequences.

Prayer For the French Republic Wrap

14 implied HN points • 11 Apr 22
  1. French politics is marked by fragmentation and shifting allegiances among traditional and populist parties.
  2. The center in France faces challenges but remains a strong contender in elections.
  3. Macron's centrist approach and pragmatism have helped him navigate complex political dynamics in Europe.

Turn Off, Tune Out, Drop In

11 implied HN points • 09 Aug 22
  1. The value of disconnecting and being fully present with people and surroundings.
  2. The negative impact of constant connectivity on real relationships and solitude.
  3. Questioning the purpose and impact of news cycles on society and democracy.

Italian Wrap

11 implied HN points • 20 Jul 22
  1. Being in historic religious spaces can evoke contrasting feelings of awe and authenticity.
  2. The political situation in Italy reveals complexities in populist movements and parliamentary systems.
  3. The author shares updates on recent publications and invites new readers to explore their work.

Democratic Accountability Wrap

9 implied HN points • 24 Oct 22
  1. A system with democratic accountability can lead to leadership changes based on performance.
  2. Democracy is designed to prioritize practicality over heroic leadership, but citizens still have dreams.
  3. Authoritarian systems may allow for rapid development, but lack accountability and can lead to catastrophic outcomes.
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America the Absurdly-Named

11 implied HN points • 04 Jul 22
  1. America was named in an unusually capricious way.
  2. The United States of America has a unique and distinctively American name compared to other countries.
  3. The Supreme Court holds a special and revered place in American society.

Legislative Dereliction of Duty

11 implied HN points • 01 Jul 22
  1. The recent court rulings highlight the atrophying of national and state legislatures, emphasizing the need for clearer legislative action.
  2. The Court's decisions point out the importance of the legislature being responsive to public interest and opinion, raising concerns about accountability and effectiveness.
  3. While the Court has made significant rulings, the ultimate duty to ensure the rights and interests of the people lies with the people themselves and a responsive legislature.

Is Fetterman All That?

11 implied HN points • 18 May 22
  1. Lieutenant Governor John Fetterman's victory in the Pennsylvania Senate race is seen as a win for progressive Democrats.
  2. Fetterman's genuine and authentic style may give him credibility with voters on various issues.
  3. Fetterman's economic ideas, although aligning with his image, may face challenges in the current inflationary environment.

Does It Matter Whether Manchin Was Right?

14 implied HN points • 20 Dec 21
  1. Democrats are upset with Senator Joe Manchin for opposing the Build Back Better bill
  2. Many view the bill as flawed due to elements like funding phase-outs and poorly designed components
  3. Manchin's opposition prompts a discussion on whether he was right to kill the bill

War Is Not a Game

11 implied HN points • 30 Mar 22
  1. Wars rarely have clear winners and losers
  2. Political objectives are as important as battlefield outcomes in wars
  3. Most wars do not have clear winners, but rather result in negative-sum outcomes

Return of the Millman Political Taxonomy

11 implied HN points • 15 Mar 22
  1. The traditional left vs. right political divide may not accurately capture the full range of political beliefs and motivations.
  2. Being right-wing is often about valuing hierarchies, success, dominance, and winning.
  3. The emotional core that differentiates liberals from conservatives lies in their beliefs about individual capacities and approaches to authority.

What We Talk About When We Talk About Cosby

11 implied HN points • 11 Mar 22
  1. Your response to art should be persuasive and generative.
  2. It's important to recognize the complexity of public figures like Bill Cosby.
  3. Growing up involves understanding the difference between personas and reality.

Grand Strategy. Huh. (Good God.) What Is It Good For?

14 implied HN points • 05 Oct 21
  1. Yale's Grand Strategy program faced a crisis due to donor influence on curriculum and faculty hiring.
  2. The conflict at Yale highlights issues of academic freedom and the influence of money on education.
  3. The situation underscores the importance of donor management and clarity in funding agreements for educational programs.

Maculate Conception

14 implied HN points • 04 Oct 21
  1. Haaning's art stunt challenges the absurdity of the contemporary art world.
  2. Jasper Johns' work demonstrates how art is a balance of ideas and physical objects.
  3. Art exists not just as concepts, but as tangible creations that can evoke emotions and reward attention.

Unhedged (or Unhinged) Wrap

11 implied HN points • 07 Mar 22
  1. Ignoring systemic risks, like correlation risk in financial markets, can be a rational strategy.
  2. Market signals may not accurately reflect the risk of extreme events like nuclear war.
  3. Threats of mutually-assured destruction in a nuclear conflict may lack credibility, affecting military planning.

A Temporary Absence

7 implied HN points • 02 Nov 22
  1. The author will be taking a temporary break due to a family emergency.
  2. The author's father passed away suddenly, impacting the author's current writing schedule.
  3. The author will resume writing in a week after observing the period of mourning.

We Hold These Truths To Be Subject To Revision

14 implied HN points • 24 Sep 21
  1. Texts should be preserved as they are.
  2. It's important to accurately represent original quotes.
  3. Consider the implications of language changes on the meaning of text.

Juneteenth/Father's Day Double Wrap

9 implied HN points • 22 Jun 22
  1. The argument of slavery as a 'positive good' was framed in terms of paternalism and the relationship between owner and worker.
  2. Being a good father means focusing on the child's well-being, even if it involves discipline or tough decisions.
  3. James Joyce's 'Ulysses' and the concept of solipsism in literature highlight the complexity of creating art and encountering different minds.

Break the Blob's Bad Habits

14 implied HN points • 15 Sep 21
  1. In times of crisis, it's crucial to clarify intentions to prevent misperceptions and potential conflicts.
  2. Maintaining a healthy balance of power between civilian leadership and military is essential for democracy.
  3. Leaders need to establish a culture of open dialogue and accountability to prevent challenges and ensure effective decision-making.

Do We Need To Worry About Violence Against the Court?

9 implied HN points • 13 Jun 22
  1. Violence against the court is a concern that needs serious attention, not just in terms of security but also through reform.
  2. Rising acceptance of the idea that political institutions are illegitimate can contribute to violence against the court on both sides of the political spectrum.
  3. Reforming the Supreme Court to reduce its vulnerability to violence could be a necessary measure, with bipartisan support possibly achievable despite hyper-polarization.

Boudin vs. Krasner

9 implied HN points • 08 Jun 22
  1. Chesa Boudin was recalled as San Francisco's DA, challenging criminal justice reform.
  2. Crime concerns in Philadelphia differ and influenced Larry Krasner's reelection.
  3. Progressive criminal justice reformers may need to reach more conservative voters to succeed.

Joe Manchin and John C. Calhoun

11 implied HN points • 26 Jan 22
  1. The filibuster can lead to unnecessary gridlock and encourage partisanship.
  2. American politics shows deep cultural divides rather than just economic distinctions.
  3. In a scenario of profound distrust among different groups, bipartisan consensus becomes crucial for political legitimacy.

Deal-Breaking Wrap

9 implied HN points • 22 May 22
  1. Having deal-breakers in politics means being willing to walk away entirely from a candidate or party based on certain non-negotiables.
  2. People's political affiliations are often tribal, influenced by their social groups and not just issues.
  3. Deal-making can play a significant role in politics, where certain key issues can override other concerns when supporting a candidate.

The Greenspan Put Was Really a China Put

9 implied HN points • 12 May 22
  1. The Greenspan Put was actually a result of market psychology
  2. The Fed's behavior was influenced by the economic integration with China
  3. Without a new positive supply shock, expect higher rates and inflation

Encounters With Greatness

11 implied HN points • 04 Jan 22
  1. Great books courses were intended as counter-cultural
  2. Encountering great minds is the main purpose of these courses
  3. The value of reading 'great books' lies in the immediate powerful encounter

Divide and Conquer?

9 implied HN points • 20 Apr 22
  1. Democrats are facing challenges in electoral prospects due to educational polarization.
  2. Suggests a radical idea of dividing and creating new parties to increase political competition.
  3. Breakup of the partisan Senate might induce moderation in appointments to the judiciary.

Silver and Gold Wrap

11 implied HN points • 22 Nov 21
  1. The author celebrated their 25th anniversary in a heartfelt way, reflecting on the past and expressing gratitude.
  2. The return of live performances like 'The Alchemist' by Red Bull Theater was highlighted and praised for its humor.
  3. The author discussed the potential impact of multiple progressive challengers in New York on the Democratic Party's future.

Monster Wrap

9 implied HN points • 14 Mar 22
  1. Monster Wrap article discusses the theme of living with inner fears and challenges
  2. The article reflects on the portrayal of power and control in a film, questioning its realism
  3. The post addresses the importance of global powers in brokering peace and the ongoing impact of the pandemic

Apres Ski Wrap

9 implied HN points • 28 Feb 22
  1. The global reaction to Russia's war on Ukraine is escalating with significant responses from Western countries like Turkey, Germany, and others.
  2. The effectiveness of sanctions and the potential consequences of a deteriorating Russian battlefield position raise concerns about the future of the conflict.
  3. Ukraine's role in its own battlefield achievements and potential peace negotiations is crucial, with President Zelensky earning recognition for rallying his country and Europe.

Quick Thoughts on the German Election

11 implied HN points • 27 Sep 21
  1. The German election results show a decline in CDU/CSU and increased political fragmentation.
  2. A Black-Green-Yellow 'Jamaica' coalition is now mathematically possible for the next German government.
  3. Fragmentation in the German political system can improve democratic accountability and prevent dominance by major parties.

Teachable Moment Wrap

9 implied HN points • 31 Jan 22
  1. A Tennessee school board's decision to remove 'Maus' from the curriculum sparked controversy about Holocaust education and the importance of discussing difficult themes.
  2. Criticism of the school board's decision revealed underlying issues of cultural appropriation of sensitive topics, like the Holocaust, for political agendas.
  3. The article explores the concept of concurrent majority in political theory as a method to address deep divides and establish political legitimacy.

The Radicalism of NY State Rifle & Pistol v. Bruen

7 implied HN points • 23 Jun 22
  1. The Second Amendment's right to bear arms for personal self-defense is hotly debated, especially in regards to originalist interpretations.
  2. Justice Thomas's rejection of balancing tests for gun regulation is considered radical and challenges traditional levels of scrutiny.
  3. The decision in NY State Rifle & Pistol v. Bruen raises concerns about democracy, judicial fundamentalism, and the role of the judiciary in interpreting constitutional rights.

Cutting Your Losses

9 implied HN points • 19 Jan 22
  1. The film 'The Lost Daughter' may have failed due to its structural storytelling approach.
  2. Explanations in films can sometimes drain the story of mystery and interest.
  3. Flashbacks in films should add depth and emotional weight rather than just serve as exposition.

Can the Texas Law Stand Without Overturning Roe?

11 implied HN points • 02 Sep 21
  1. The unique enforcement mechanism of the Texas anti-abortion law deputizes the entire population to enforce the ban.
  2. The novel enforcement mechanism of the Texas law does not necessarily overturn the Roe v. Wade ruling.
  3. The Supreme Court's decision to not grant a stay on the Texas law does not definitively predict how they will rule on the underlying constitutional question of abortion.

Bardolatrous Wrap

7 implied HN points • 07 Jun 22
  1. The author shares their experience at the Stratford Festival in Ontario and the cultural significance of Shakespeare in their life.
  2. The Stratford Festival offers a unique theater experience with a sense of continuity and history not found elsewhere.
  3. The author provides insights on recent productions of 'Hamlet', 'Chicago', and 'Richard III' at the festival, highlighting different elements and performances.

It's the Little Things

11 implied HN points • 18 Aug 21
  1. Santa Fe has a strong sense of community among artists
  2. Art is a key local industry in Santa Fe, reflected even in the State Capitol
  3. Creating prompts and being less picky can help with writing procrastination

Boxing Day Wrap

9 implied HN points • 26 Dec 21
  1. Boxing Day is not always on December 26, it can be on the 27th if Christmas falls on a Sunday.
  2. The end of the Soviet Union had both idealistic and materialist reasons behind it.
  3. Harvard's admission standards may not be as crucial as the power held by institutions that its graduates work for.

Time to Make Germany Great Again?

9 implied HN points • 17 Dec 21
  1. Germany needs to consider rebuilding its power to deal with foreign policy challenges.
  2. Germany should focus on transforming the EU into a more functional entity.
  3. To have a better relationship with Russia, Germany needs to show independence from both Russia and America.