Fisted by Foucault $5 / month

Fisted by Foucault explores global political, economic, and cultural dynamics through commentary and analysis. It examines geopolitical tensions, historical conflicts, societal changes, and the influence of personalities in shaping public discourse. Recurrent themes include the scrutiny of power structures, the impact of policies on nations' fates, and reflections on ideological movements.

Geopolitical Analysis Economic Trends Cultural Shifts Historical Conflicts Ideological Movements Influence of Personalities in Politics Societal Changes

The hottest Substack posts of Fisted by Foucault

And their main takeaways

Random Musings

139 implied HN points • 28 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political theory Political History Political Movements Political Ideologies Political Commentary
  1. Communism and fascism aren't real threats in the West today. The political landscape has changed so much that old labels don't fit anymore.
  2. People in the West still strongly value individual rights and liberalism, regardless of what they call their political beliefs. This makes extreme movements less likely to gain ground.
  3. European bureaucracy is stifling innovation and could lead to economic decline. There's a concern that Europe might stagnate if things don't change.

A Little Bit of Everything

159 implied HN points • 26 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy Elections International relations War Crimes Political strategy Populism
  1. The US is seeing some major changes in its foreign policy due to a new incoming administration, which could complicate the situation in Ukraine. This transition may affect how the US interacts with Russia and its allies.
  2. Recent arrest warrants by the ICC for world leaders, including Israel's Prime Minister, have raised questions about the fairness of international justice and America's role in it. This has made the US look hypocritical to other countries.
  3. Germany's economy is struggling, with job cuts and company shutdowns indicating a larger issue. Many Germans feel their country isn't what it used to be, leading to potential shifts in political support.

Open Thread #33

99 implied HN points • 20 Nov 24
🎭️ Culture Cultural Studies Global Issues Public Discourse Foreign Policy
  1. There is a discussion about whether cultural conflicts are becoming a global issue. People are debating if what happens in one country affects others.
  2. The panel will explore different paths that the USA might take in its foreign policy, including being more isolationist or more transactional. This shows how foreign relations can vary widely.
  3. The author is excited to connect with readers who will attend the event. It's a chance for meaningful conversations and sharing ideas.

".....but a whimper."

190 implied HN points • 13 Nov 24
🌍 World Politics Geopolitics International relations Democracy Elections
  1. Georgia has a history of movements for change, but recent protests after an election were surprisingly quiet. This might indicate a lack of energy or uncertainty among the citizens about how to respond.
  2. Many NGOs in Georgia rely heavily on foreign funding, but the government has started to restrict their influence to protect its own power. This has made the situation tricky for the opposition.
  3. Despite wanting to join the EU, many Georgian citizens are not willing to challenge the current government. Concerns about potential war with Russia also play a role in their hesitance.

Saturday Commentary and Review #179

161 implied HN points • 12 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political theory Foreign Policy Elections Economic Policies Public Opinion
  1. Trump's second term will face challenges due to the need for compromise in US politics and the divided support within the GOP. Expectation management is crucial because many factors could limit his ambitious plans.
  2. The discussion around liberalism is shifting, with some arguing that Trump represents a return to classic liberalism, while others believe his policies disrupt traditional liberal values. This highlights the changing definitions of liberal democracy.
  3. Europe is feeling the pressure from US economic policies, as countries like Germany struggle with the effects of competition and trade dynamics. The relationship between US demands and European economies is becoming increasingly strained.
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The Courts and the Will of the People

122 implied HN points • 14 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Judiciary Legislation Democracy Political theory Constitutional Law
  1. The judiciary holds significant power in government as it can strike down laws, which can complicate the legislative process. This means popular reforms can be blocked by court decisions.
  2. Western democracies are designed with checks and balances, but political divisions often create gridlock, preventing necessary changes. This gridlock can last for years, leaving citizens frustrated.
  3. The influence of those who control the judiciary can overshadow the elected legislative body. This raises concerns about who really has the power in a democracy.

Saturday Commentary and Review #178

187 implied HN points • 02 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Public Policy Political strategy Government Agencies International relations
  1. Elections in the USA are more complicated and possibly rigged than people think. There's a lot of doubt about whether they are truly fair and free, especially after events surrounding the 2020 election.
  2. Government agencies can sometimes act in ways that contradict their original missions, such as the case with ICE and drug trafficking operations. This shows a lack of coordination and oversight within government bodies.
  3. The idea of BRICS as a powerful alternative to Western financial systems isn't as strong as it seems. Current economic ties with the US make it hard for developing nations to shift away from the dollar.

Open Thread #32

70 implied HN points • 04 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Commentary Elections Public Policy Political Analysis Current Events
  1. It's hard to predict what will happen in the future because there are many factors to consider. So, it's okay to admit uncertainty.
  2. This is an open thread for everyone to share their own predictions. Sharing ideas can help us think through complex situations.
  3. Sometimes, situations can drag on longer than we expect, which adds to the uncertainty. Being open about this can prepare us for surprises.

Saturday Commentary and Review #158

408 implied HN points • 09 Mar 24
🌍 World Politics Negotiations Conflict resolution
  1. Google is facing challenges and risks due to a failed AI rollout, reflecting internal issues like a 'culture of fear' and a lack of innovation.
  2. Corporate America, including Wall Street, is reevaluating Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives amidst fears of reverse discrimination and legal liabilities.
  3. There are positive developments in medicine, such as a new drug allowing cystic fibrosis patients to live into their 80s with improved quality of life.

A Tribute to Saint Alexei, Patron Saint of Liberal Democracy

393 implied HN points • 20 Feb 24
🌍 World Politics Democracy Russia Liberalism Dictatorship
  1. Saint Alexei, a figure representing liberal democracy, faced challenges in his past but ultimately embraced the principles and mission of liberal democracy, symbolizing a transformation and dedication to the cause.
  2. The narrative highlights the conflict between Saint Alexei and Russian leaders, shedding light on the struggle for liberal democracy in a political environment filled with corruption and oppression.
  3. The portrayal of Saint Alexei as a hero and martyr underscores the importance of his mission to bring liberal democracy to Russia and the sacrifices made by individuals in this pursuit.

Saturday Commentary and Review #156

333 implied HN points • 24 Feb 24
🌍 World Politics Turkey European Union Nationalism International relations
  1. Israel's existence sparks heated debates and conflicts globally, especially regarding the Israel-Palestine conflict.
  2. USA faces a dilemma in prioritizing support for Ukraine against Russia or focusing on countering China in East Asia.
  3. European farmers are protesting against EU policies that may affect their livelihoods, revealing a disconnect between elites and the people.

Saturday Commentary and Review #157

297 implied HN points • 02 Mar 24
🌍 World Politics Populism Immigration Nationalism Globalization National sovereignty
  1. Citizens in the West are growing suspicious of liberal democracy due to a perceived disconnect between ruling elites and the people.
  2. Populism is emerging as a response to the de-nationalization of elites, reflecting a growing sentiment of dissatisfaction with current governance.
  3. The impact of migrants from the Subcontinent, particularly in the Anglosphere, is notable in politics, culture, and economics, shaping new dynamics in their adopted countries.

Saturday Commentary and Review #154

323 implied HN points • 11 Feb 24
🌍 World Politics Geopolitics Censorship Currency Global Markets Political Influence
  1. Poland experienced challenges with judicial reform and resistance to western liberal mandates.
  2. There is a shift towards illiberal methods in the name of defending democracy, exemplified by actions in Poland and Germany.
  3. Efforts to de-dollarize economies like China's seek to strengthen financial security and reduce vulnerabilities in the global economic system.

The Spanish Civil War in Retrospect: Why Did Spaniards Rebel Against Their Government?

367 implied HN points • 12 Jan 24
🌍 World Politics Civil Unrest Elections
  1. The Spanish Civil War was a complex conflict involving a wide range of factions, not just a simple tale of good vs. bad.
  2. The histories of wars are often written by the losers, leading to biased narratives and oversimplified viewpoints.
  3. The Second Spanish Republic faced internal divisions and challenges from both the extreme left and extreme right, leading to a breakdown in governance.

Saturday Commentary and Review #155

290 implied HN points • 18 Feb 24
🌍 World Politics EU Globalization
  1. Matteo Salvini and right-wing populist parties in the EU are strategizing to gain more power within the Brussels machine by forming alliances and aiming for electoral victories.
  2. BlackRock, a massive asset manager, is entering the Bitcoin market and leading the trend of tokenizing assets, indicating a significant shift in the financial sector towards digitalization.
  3. The James Webb Space Telescope has unlocked a cosmic mystery by detecting light from early galaxies that should have been obscured, showcasing the telescope's capabilities in understanding the universe.

Saturday Commentary and Review #153

313 implied HN points • 03 Feb 24
🎭️ Culture Music Language History Identity Art
  1. Democracy promotion efforts by the US have faced setbacks in various countries like Yugoslavia, Egypt, Libya, and Syria, leading to negative outcomes.
  2. Asia's strategic significance in the US-China competition is leading to a focus on democracy promotion in the region as a competitive advantage for the US.
  3. The evolution of music criticism, the effects of ideological capture on platforms like Pitchfork, and the changing landscape of American accents show the complexity of cultural influences over time.

Saturday Commentary and Review #148

421 implied HN points • 02 Dec 23
🎭️ Culture Music History Politics Literature Art
  1. The USA benefits from its geographical location, resources, and Monroe Doctrine in maintaining power in the Americas.
  2. US easing of Venezuela oil sanctions indicates strategic economic concerns and reliance on oil market dynamics.
  3. Tensions between Venezuela and Guyana over oil reserves highlight geopolitical complexities and potential regional conflicts.

Vicki Victae

236 implied HN points • 10 Mar 24
🌍 World Politics Geopolitics Philosophy US Politics Russia Satire
  1. The Seventh Seal is a timeless movie loved for its themes of good and evil, faith and reason, and more, making it a perfect film.
  2. Death in The Seventh Seal is portrayed as a character that awaits no one, honest in his fatalistic inevitability.
  3. Victoria Nuland, a serious figure, symbolizes a US Empire focus on a Trotskyite jihad against Russia throughout her career.

Saturday Commentary and Review #151

311 implied HN points • 15 Jan 24
🌍 World Politics International relations Genocide Foreign Policy Alliances
  1. A crisis of competency is looming due to the erosion of meritocracy in decision-making processes, particularly in the US, impacting institutions like the FAA.
  2. The UK's subordinate role to the USA, known as 'Atlanticism' and the 'Special Relationship,' raises questions about the country's autonomy and benefits from the alliance.
  3. The case of Israel facing genocide allegations at The Hague highlights global divisions in support, with countries like the US and Germany rejecting the accusations while others, mainly from the Islamic world, show solidarity.

Open Thread #29

180 implied HN points • 05 Mar 24
🌍 World Politics Policy International relations Government
  1. Vicki Nuland has submitted her resignation, a significant move due to her influential role in USA's Russia policy.
  2. Her resignation indicates a shift in USA's approach towards Ukraine and Russia, possibly signaling a move to assign Ukraine to Europe and focus on containing China.
  3. The resignation prompts discussions on the impact and reasons behind this shift in US foreign policy.

Ukraine: The Self-Awareness of the Sacrificial Lamb (Part 2 of 2)

174 implied HN points • 08 Feb 24
🌍 World Politics Geopolitics Conflict Foreign Aid Negotiations
  1. The conflict in Ukraine is escalating with the fall of the city Avdiivka to Russian forces, showing the severe impacts on domestic politics and international support.
  2. The US Senate's failure to agree on sending more money to Ukraine is seen as a significant setback for their battlefield capabilities and a source of growing despair among officials.
  3. Western media's shift towards accepting that Ukraine may not achieve maximalist goals in the war signifies a changing narrative on the feasibility of certain outcomes and the need for peace negotiations.

Update to "Jews don't Count......Or Do They?"

223 implied HN points • 11 Dec 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics DEI Speech Academia Anti-Semitism
  1. The fight between US universities and its donor class over free speech on campus is intensifying.
  2. The battle includes issues of ideological capture, free speech limitations, and the role of the donor class in academia.
  3. The conflict also reveals concerns about DEI (Diversity, Equity, Inclusion) and the potential impact on different groups within universities.

A Second Note on the Spanish Civil War Series

145 implied HN points • 30 Jan 24
💾 History Anarchism
  1. The series will explore the events leading up to the Spanish Civil War, covering phases like pre-Civil War, the failed military coup, and the civil war itself.
  2. The author will delve into various aspects such as the different sides of the conflict, key groups, violent early months, and international involvement.
  3. Readers can expect a detailed and extensive series that will take time to unfold, providing a thorough understanding of this historical episode.

Joe Piscopo, Frank Sinatra, Phil Hartman, and Nick Land

136 implied HN points • 05 Feb 24
🎭️ Culture Comedy TV shows Music Literature Philosophy
  1. Joe Piscopo was a significant figure in the early 80s SNL era but faced challenges with changing cast and producers.
  2. Phil Hartman's portrayal of Frank Sinatra on SNL was iconic, portraying him in a comedic light and causing controversy.
  3. Humorous exchanges and misinterpretations from the SNL sketch 'The Sinatra Group' have left a lasting impact on viewers, showcasing the power of memory and humor.

Open Thread #27

133 implied HN points • 27 Jan 24
🎭️ Culture Photography Discussion Personal updates
  1. The author shares about their activities like enjoying the day outside, starting work for the weekend, and plans for upcoming essays about the War in Ukraine and the Spanish Civil War.
  2. Readers are invited to use the thread to discuss various topics, ask questions, give recommendations, or share criticisms, while also being presented with random photographs taken by the author.
  3. The post includes multiple links to view photographs and engage in the discussion thread at the end of the post.

Three Different Articles on the War Between Israel and Hamas

104 implied HN points • 25 Jan 24
🌍 World Politics Middle East International relations Conflict Diplomacy Geopolitics
  1. The article discusses South Africa's personal connection to defending Palestine and its efforts at the International Court of Justice, seeking to address the Israel-Palestine conflict.
  2. Germany's commitment to Israel's security as a 'reason of state' is explored, reflecting on the historical context and political decisions made by Angela Merkel.
  3. Former Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert's take on the Gaza conflict and his perspective on the root cause behind the terrorist attacks in Israel.

Open Thread #28

82 implied HN points • 15 Feb 24
🎭️ Culture Essays Art
  1. The author is experiencing difficulty concentrating due to a pinched nerve in their left hip, causing delays in posting new content. They ask for patience from their readers as they deal with this issue.
  2. The post provides a list of recommended readings on various topics, including essays, chilling transcripts, and discussions on art, inviting readers to explore these materials during the wait for new content.
  3. The author mentions doing stretching exercises to cope with the pinched nerve issue, highlighting the importance of self-care and physical therapy for such health concerns.

The Spanish Civil Part 2: El Bienio Negro - Conservative Reaction & Leftist Rebellion (1933-36)

86 implied HN points • 02 Feb 24
🌍 World Politics Civil War Government Revolution
  1. The establishment of the Second Republic in Spain led to extreme political polarization, with various factions like conservatives, socialists, and anarchists all vying for power and projecting their own agendas.
  2. The elections in 1933 showed a shift in power, with the Radical Republicans and CEDA gaining traction, leading to challenges and rebellion from groups feeling marginalized or threatened by the new order.
  3. The political landscape in Spain during this period was marred by violence, corruption, and accusations of fascism, culminating in the failed 'October Revolution' against the new government, showcasing how fragile the democracy was at that time.

The Taormina Interviews: Lee Fang - ChiCom Sleeper Agent

229 implied HN points • 01 Jun 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Corruption Media Government Politics Identity politics
  1. Lee Fang discusses his journey from being a college political enthusiast to a journalist speaking out against various forms of misinformation and disinformation.
  2. Growing up in a diverse household helped Lee Fang realize the flaws in identity categories and the folly of reducing complexities to race.
  3. Lee Fang reflects on the corruption in government, media, and corporations, highlighting the manipulation of social justice rhetoric for self-serving interests.

Saturday Commentary and Review #124

220 implied HN points • 13 May 23
🌍 World Politics Foreign Relations Government Law Conflict International Organizations
  1. The UK is facing severe economic decline and social issues due to centralization in London
  2. Francis Fukuyama's views on liberalism have evolved over the years, impacting his stance on technology and politics
  3. Proposed restrictive hate speech legislation in Ireland and transparency concerns with NGOs operating in Europe are raising questions about freedom of speech and funding sources

Regime Change and Colour Revolutions Part 1: Mrs. Humanitarian Intervention in Budapest

250 implied HN points • 28 Feb 23
🌍 World Politics Regime Change Democracy Civil Society
  1. The series delves into regime change and color revolutions, emphasizing the importance of understanding the subject thoroughly.
  2. Samantha Power's visit to Budapest focused on initiatives like supporting independent media, addressing corruption, and promoting civic engagement.
  3. Samantha Power is portrayed as a powerful advocate of humanitarian intervention, believing in spreading liberalism globally, even through force.

Gli Umarelli di Spalato

232 implied HN points • 19 Mar 23
🎭️ Culture Photography History Society Construction Aging
  1. Sometimes men enjoy watching construction sites and offering advice - known as Umarells.
  2. The term Umarell has evolved from a general older person to specifically older men at construction sites.
  3. In Italy, Umarells are respected and even celebrated for their presence at construction sites.

Chapters 4 and 5: "Open Fire on the Enemy" & Triumphant Failure

44 implied HN points • 25 Jan 24
💾 History Prohibition
  1. The Temperance Movement faced challenges due to the significant revenue the US government derived from taxes on alcohol, making it a tough battle to ban alcohol sales.
  2. A coalition of various groups, including racists, progressives, suffragists, populists, and nativists, contributed to the popularization of the Temperance Movement.
  3. The push for a National Income Tax by progressives and prohibitionists played a vital role in advancing the cause for Prohibition, culminating in a significant petition presented to Congress.