The Hidden Hand

The Hidden Hand explores global resistance and activism against oppressive regimes and economic systems, focusing on surveillance, control, and the spread of anarchist and far-left ideologies. It chronicles journeys across multiple continents, highlighting political struggles, cultural insights, and the evolution of communication and societal models.

Global Politics and Activism Anarchism and Far-Left Ideologies Cultural and Societal Insights Colonialism and Its Impact Economic Systems and Inequality Travel and Adventure Technology and Communication Historical Movements and Theories

The hottest Substack posts of The Hidden Hand

And their main takeaways

The last great victory

0 implied HN points • 13 May 13
  1. The labor movement experienced a significant victory in France in 1995, but it turned out to be the last major success in a generation of political activity.
  2. There has been a consistent decline in the ability of the labor movement to win victories globally, with various factors contributing to this trend.
  3. Socialist ideas play a crucial role in the success of social movements, such as labor disputes; a decline in socialist influence has impacted the labor movement's ability to succeed in conflicts.

What's in a name

0 implied HN points • 07 May 13
  1. The name Kevin Chekov Kolbe Feeney has a deep meaning behind each part, connecting to family, literary figures, and historical events.
  2. Growing up with a unique name like Chekov in a culturally homogeneous place led to challenges and a divided identity between school and home life.
  3. Having a common name that differs from the official one can create confusion and annoyance in various situations, but unusual names can also be a sign of elite status and individuality.

Back to porridge down under

0 implied HN points • 25 Jan 22
  1. Australian aboriginal culture has a unique history of resilience and adaptation over thousands of years.
  2. The arrival of British settlers in Australia led to devastating impacts on the native cultures.
  3. Agricultural societies have typically outcompeted hunter-gatherer societies, but at a cost to quality of life.

The Backwoodsmen of Tropical Portugal and Scotland

0 implied HN points • 30 Dec 21
  1. Crossing the Tanzania-Mozambique border near the coast involves immigration control posts and a journey through difficult terrain.
  2. Portuguese settler colonialism in Africa was marked by a focus on forced labor and a failure to adapt after post-war changes.
  3. Exploring Lake Malawi offers unique experiences such as observing diverse cichlid species underwater, but travelers should be aware of the risk of parasites like schistosomiasis.

The Swahili coast

0 implied HN points • 27 Dec 21
  1. The Swahili coast in Tanzania is rich in history, with a unique cultural blend shaped by trading routes, indigenous populations, and external influences.
  2. European colonialism had a profound impact on the region, leading to disruptions in local cultures and economies, like in Kilwa when the Portuguese arrived.
  3. Travel experiences in East Africa can be both adventurous and challenging, requiring an openness to unexpected situations and encounters, like dealing with jiggers while exploring Kilwa.
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Rwanda - after the genocide

0 implied HN points • 24 Dec 21
  1. Medical infrastructure and access to treatment are crucial in Africa to combat diseases like malaria and parasitic infections.
  2. The history of colonialism in Central Africa highlights the manipulation and exploitation by European powers for control over resources.
  3. Infrastructure, especially transportation, plays a pivotal role in the power dynamics and control of resources in the region.

Lagos the great

0 implied HN points • 29 Nov 21
  1. Lagos faced negative perceptions but had reasons to visit.
  2. Preparations were key for a safe visit to Lagos.
  3. Extensive challenges faced on the journey and arrival in Lagos.

The Cote de Khaki

0 implied HN points • 18 Nov 21
  1. The roadblocks in Cote D'Ivoire are serious and intricate, made of scrap metal and manned by soldiers.
  2. Military rule after a coup can lead to authoritarianism and strict security measures.
  3. Exploring the forests, hills, and beaches of Cote D'Ivoire offers a diverse natural landscape and cultural experiences.

Senegal: More tales from the dark continent

0 implied HN points • 04 Nov 21
  1. The journey to Casamance involved challenges like rough road conditions, long travel times, and military checkpoints
  2. The lifestyle in Casamance featured relaxed days at the beach, traditional African lodgings, and interactions with locals
  3. The region struggles with a complex history, including separatist movements, a colonial legacy, and a mix of traditional and modern influences

An Irish anarchist in Africa

0 implied HN points • 01 Nov 21
  1. Traveled through Africa to learn about leftist and anarchist groups and visit archaeological sites
  2. Shared first impressions of Gambia as a tourist enclave with stark economic divides
  3. Not a typical representation of West Africa, but an example of colonial legacy and dependence on foreign aid

Guilt, sacrifice and purgatory points

0 implied HN points • 04 Nov 15
  1. Guilt is a strong motivator for left-wing parties' members, driven by the collision of lofty goals and limited resources.
  2. Maintaining a political party involves significant administrative tasks, propaganda production, and participation in mass movements.
  3. Members of political parties often feel guilt and sacrifice their time and energy to meet moral obligations and strive to live up to party principles.

Anarchy through strict formal structures

0 implied HN points • 30 Jun 15
  1. Anarchy in formal structures: detailed organizational structures help maintain order and decision-making processes.
  2. Internal meetings: strict rules and formality create a unique, formal atmosphere for discussions and decisions.
  3. Culture of debate: there is a focus on open, rational discussion within defined boundaries for opinions and topics.

Joining the WSM

0 implied HN points • 07 Nov 14
  1. Joining the WSM required paying a membership subscription of at least 5% of gross income each month.
  2. Applicants had to read a recommended list of anarchist literature before being admitted as members.
  3. Participation in WSM activities was crucial during a probationary period before membership was finalized.

The socialist worldview

0 implied HN points • 24 Jun 14
  1. When people have different worldviews, their behaviors might seem irrational to each other. Understanding someone's worldview is important to make sense of their actions.
  2. Socialists have a distinct worldview that differs from the mainstream model. They view societies as a conflict between capital owners and workers, rather than a democracy.
  3. There are different socialist factions with varying views on achieving socialism, such as through gradual reforms, revolution, or complete state destruction.

The brain of the beast

0 implied HN points • 05 Sep 13
  1. The human brain can solve complex problems effortlessly that are extremely difficult for computers to tackle
  2. Artificial intelligence research often starts with optimistic assumptions that later reveal the immense complexity of human behavior
  3. Solving problems that seem simple for humans, like understanding language, requires sophisticated models and understanding the brain's capabilities

Lyonnaise days: la fédération anarchiste and the fascists

0 implied HN points • 22 Jul 13
  1. France has a diverse political landscape with significant representation from various ideologies.
  2. Political tensions in France are heightened by the history of collaboration and friction between far-right groups and the state.
  3. Anarchists in Lyon responded to a fascist attack by mobilizing a large demonstration and fundraising event, showcasing the depth of resources within the French far-left.

Among the automonistas

0 implied HN points • 13 Jul 13
  1. Workers in Lyon staged a major uprising in 1831, marking a significant event in the industrial era
  2. The Croix Rousse neighborhood in Lyon has a rich history of revolution and anarchist movements
  3. The European anarchist movement is characterized by social centers and activism, with Italy's cenros sociales standing out

Caribbean contrasts: part 2

0 implied HN points • 05 Jul 13
  1. Jamaica has stark social divides between resort tourists, service workers, and fringe community members.
  2. Jamaica was unexpectedly expensive compared to US cities, especially for basic necessities like food and beer.
  3. Cuba has economic challenges due to US embargo, leading to dual economies with high prices in tourist areas, while locals experienced shortages and reliance on rum and tobacco purchases.

Caribbean contrasts

0 implied HN points • 02 Jul 13
  1. The author and a friend travel from Vancouver to Jamaica, hoping to visit Cuba, but end up in Kingston where they have a challenging and eye-opening experience.
  2. Their trip to Kingston reveals the stark contrast between the wealthy areas and the run-down, impoverished neighborhoods, along with the city's high crime rate.
  3. Despite facing obstacles, such as transportation issues and encountering dangerous situations, the author continues on their journey, eventually reaching Negril beach in Jamaica.

Surviving India

0 implied HN points • 12 Jun 13
  1. Encountered a potential drug set-up by police officers in India that turned out to be a sting
  2. Struggled through challenging and uncomfortable travel experiences, including illness and overwhelming culture shock
  3. Navigated through the complexities of Indian society, including scams, poverty, and regional differences

From counter-cultural Paris to proletarian London

0 implied HN points • 30 May 13
  1. Economic challenges can limit opportunities for young people in countries facing depression and high unemployment.
  2. Hospitality and mutual aid are crucial in economically marginal immigrant communities for survival.
  3. The life of a low-paid security guard in a big city like London shows the fundamental unfairness of the economic system.

A culture of alienation

0 implied HN points • 27 May 13
  1. The books discussed focused on the alienating nature of modern society and proposed different solutions to combat it.
  2. The proposed solutions in the books required elements of magical thinking and had challenges in translating into real societal change.
  3. Beyond the theme of alienation, there were other influential strands of thought within the counter-cultural movement.

Free the cheese one and the great demonstration

0 implied HN points • 10 May 13
  1. The author narrates a humorous story of being arrested for 'liberating' a giant cheese in Paris, showing the power of playing the harmless idiot in serious situations.
  2. The author vividly describes joining a massive working-class demonstration in Paris during a strike, showcasing the strength of unity and activism.
  3. The demonstration escalates into clashes with paramilitary police, highlighting the tensions and risks associated with political protests.

What's it all about

0 implied HN points • 01 May 13
  1. The author reflects on how studying computer science and being involved in leftist politics have shaped their understanding of complex systems in human societies.
  2. Over 20 years, the author has gone through significant changes in their beliefs and political theories, admitting to being wrong and constantly striving to improve their ideas.
  3. The author plans to share their personal story and insights on a website, aiming to present an honest account of their experiences and perspectives.

End the Inhuman Regimes of Surveillance and Control

0 implied HN points • 18 Jun 23
  1. Join the movement for human freedom against surveillance and control
  2. Global society needs liberty, equality, and fraternity as a necessity
  3. Superpowers of espionage should no longer be tolerated