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

Saturday Commentary and Review #186

185 implied HN points • 17 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political speech International relations Democracy issues Migration policy
  1. J.D. Vance highlighted that Europe's biggest threat isn't from outside forces like Russia or China, but rather from internal issues like declining democratic values and free speech. He believes Europe needs to uphold the will of its citizens.
  2. Vance pointed out that Europe is facing a significant challenge with mass migration, which he claims is a result of policies not aligned with the people's desires. He stresses that European leaders should listen to and respect their voters' concerns.
  3. He also stressed that the responsibility for security lies with Europe itself, and as the USA focuses more on East Asia, European countries need to step up and take charge of their own defense and of their democratic processes.

Influence

185 implied HN points • 04 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Influence Government Appointments Foreign Policy Media Relations Political Commentary
  1. The Substack mentioned has a modest audience but has substantial influence, especially within political circles. It has even attracted subscribers from multiple White Houses.
  2. Darren J. Beattie, a controversial figure, has been appointed to a significant role in the U.S. State Department, showing a shift toward a more aggressive political stance.
  3. Beattie's hiring signals a new direction for the current administration that prioritizes a bold and unconventional approach to foreign policy.

Saturday Commentary and Review #185

202 implied HN points • 01 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Government Policy Society International relations
  1. Ukraine's population is declining sharply due to the war and past crises. Many people have left the country, leading to labor shortages and an aging population.
  2. The rise of AI is becoming crucial for economies, especially with new players like China's DeepSeek competing strongly with the US. This highlights a significant shift in the tech landscape.
  3. There is a cultural shift in the US, with a new generation embracing the #MAGA movement. This change reflects a sense of optimism among young conservatives, contrasting with the challenges faced by other political groups.

Trump47 and the Decapitation of the Éminences Grises

309 implied HN points • 21 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Trump administration Executive orders Political strategy Deep State Government Accountability
  1. Trump signed many executive orders on his first day back in office to show he's serious about changes. This was meant to impress both his followers and the world.
  2. One of the key goals for Trump is to reduce the influence of government insiders, often called the 'Deep State'. He believes that without this, his efforts won't last.
  3. Trump took action against former officials he believes manipulated information during the last campaign. He revoked their security clearances as a bold statement against political interference.

Saturday Commentary and Review #184

206 implied HN points • 26 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy Geopolitics National Security Think Tanks Military Affairs
  1. The US needs to take Taiwan's defense seriously to prevent China from taking over. Taiwan is crucial for the US's credibility and is seen as a key part of stopping China's rise as a superpower.
  2. Trump's focus on acquiring Greenland shows the US's need for strategic resources. Greenland has valuable minerals and its location is important for military surveillance against threats from Russia and China.
  3. Funding for think tanks largely comes from special interests and foreign governments. This can affect the objectivity and independence of their research, raising concerns about who really influences US foreign policy.
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Some Perspective Is In Order

141 implied HN points • 28 Jan 25
🌍 World Politics Geopolitics International relations Conflict Diplomacy Territorial Issues
  1. The US has damaged the Nordstream pipeline that linked Russia and Germany, raising geopolitical tensions.
  2. Trump's interest in buying Greenland might be a way to pressure European countries to spend more on defense.
  3. While the EU supports Ukraine against Russian aggression, there are questions about who might really be the threat to Europe.

Trump47: The Second Coming of The Donald

213 implied HN points • 20 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political strategy Immigration Policy Foreign Policy Economic Policy Trump administration
  1. A major focus will be on reducing the Deep State influence, as it can undermine Trump's achievements. The aim is to place loyal supporters in key positions right from the start.
  2. Immigration reform is crucial for Trump's agenda, especially regarding deportations of illegal immigrants. Balancing the views of his supporters on legal migration will be a big challenge.
  3. Foreign policy will shift to a more transactional approach, ensuring allies contribute more. This might lead to the US taking a tougher stance on NATO and calling for more support against rivals like China.

Saturday Commentary and Review #183

198 implied HN points • 11 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Political Ideologies International relations Public Policy Social Issues
  1. Putin has significantly changed Russia since he took power, winning popularity by boosting the economy and restoring national pride after the tough years of the Yeltsin era.
  2. Many Western countries failed to build a real partnership with Russia, leading Putin to seek closer ties with China instead, which some view as a mistake in the long run.
  3. The current political landscape shows that traditional liberalism is under strain, and while there is much discussion about new ideologies, many political movements still operate within a liberal framework.

A Requiem For Ba'athism (Part 3 of 3)

60 implied HN points • 26 Jan 25
🌍 World Politics Geopolitics Nationalism Conflict Identity Ideology History
  1. Ba'athism, meant to unite Arabs, failed because tribal identities are stronger than national ones in many regions. People often identify more with their local tribes than a broader Arab identity.
  2. Religious differences present another challenge, as the intertwining of state and religion makes it hard for diverse groups to bond over a single national identity. This creates conflict among different confessions.
  3. The struggle for Ba'athist leadership between Syria and Iraq shows how internal divisions, personality clashes, and tribal loyalties made it difficult to create a unified movement in the Arab world.

Saturday Commentary and Review #182

140 implied HN points • 29 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics International relations Election Analysis Political theory Social movements Government Policy
  1. Europe is facing a tough time with the rise of far-right politics, and things might get worse as economic problems grow. Many traditional left-wing parties are losing support and influence.
  2. The U.S. is in a strong global position as it hands off power to Trump, with a focus on maintaining military support for Ukraine in the ongoing conflict with Russia.
  3. In Georgia, political tensions are high with protests ongoing after a controversial election. The new president has divided opinions, and many are calling for a rerun of the elections.

Saturday Commentary and Review #181

154 implied HN points • 23 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics International relations Political Philosophy Defense Policy Social movements Public Policy
  1. The collapse of the Syrian government has surprising global effects, especially concerning China's security. The presence of Uyghur militants fighting in Syria poses a potential threat to China's Xinjiang region.
  2. In many Western societies, the traditional separation between government and private interests has blurred. This post-liberal shift often sees political agendas influencing both public opinion and private actions.
  3. European nations are currently facing significant challenges, including economic passivity and loss of sovereignty. This has led to a sense of pessimism and isolation among many Europeans as they perceive a decline in their collective influence.

A Requiem For Ba'athism (Part 1 of 2)

128 implied HN points • 27 Dec 24
🌍 World Politics Geopolitics Middle East International relations Historical context Political Philosophy
  1. The Syrian government quickly collapsed, with major cities falling to opposition forces in a matter of weeks. This rapid change marked the end of Ba'athism and the Assad family's rule.
  2. The regime's failure was due to a mix of internal issues like demoralization among troops and lack of support from allies like Iran and Hezbollah. It wasn't a heroic battle but rather a series of local surrenders.
  3. The collapse of the Assad regime shows how much the political landscape in the Arab world has changed. It's also seen as a broader consequence of historical grievances and foreign interventions in the Middle East.

Saturday Commentary and Review #180

199 implied HN points • 30 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Populism Elections Foreign Policy Social Issues Economic Policy
  1. Populism is on the rise due to many people feeling left behind by the system. This is especially true for the middle class, who are struggling to maintain their living standards amid economic changes.
  2. The failures of liberal democracy have led to a distrust of elites and institutions. Events like the 2008 financial crisis and the COVID-19 pandemic showed that many people's lives are worsening, making them more receptive to populist ideas.
  3. Some political movements have broken away from traditional left-right ideologies. In many cases, both sides have ignored the working class, which has opened the door for new political expressions and movements.

Open Thread #34 - This One's On You

88 implied HN points • 31 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics International Public Policy Elections Social Issues
  1. People are making predictions about major world events for 2025, like the situation in Ukraine and the conflict in Syria. It's interesting to hear different opinions on what's coming up.
  2. There's also a focus on US politics and issues like immigration and the influence of 'wokeness.' These topics can shape the political landscape significantly.
  3. In personal news, people are reflecting on their New Year's resolutions and what entertainment they're looking forward to. It shows how individuals set goals and enjoy life as the new year begins.

Random Musings

180 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

180 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.

al-Qaida-led Jihadis Enter Aleppo (Again)

165 implied HN points • 29 Nov 24
🌍 World Politics Conflict Terrorism Middle East International relations Government
  1. al-Qaida-led fighters are attacking Aleppo and have already gained control of many towns. This is creating a serious problem for the Syrian government.
  2. The fighting has resulted in many casualties, including both combatants and civilians, with reports of air strikes causing deaths.
  3. The current regional tensions, especially with Hezbollah occupied in Lebanon, have left Syria vulnerable to these new attacks.

A Requiem For Ba'athism (Part 2 of 3)

64 implied HN points • 01 Jan 25
🌍 World Politics Middle East Political Movements Nationalism Authoritarianism
  1. Ba'athism emerged as a political movement in Syria after some early Arab intellectuals, who were influenced by their time in the West, wanted to unite Arabs through secular ideas rather than Islam.
  2. The Ba'ath party faced many internal splits and rivalries, highlighting the difficulties of creating a united political ideology in a traditionally conservative society.
  3. Throughout the mid-20th century, Syria experienced a series of coups and political instability, with influential figures who rallied for social change and land reform, further complicating the Ba'athist agenda.

".....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.

Niccolo on Patrick Casey's Restoring Order: Syria and the Fall of the Assad Regime

75 implied HN points • 23 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy Middle East Political Analysis Geopolitics
  1. The discussion focuses on the recent events in Syria, specifically looking at the fall of the Assad regime and the roles of various players like Iran and Russia. It's important to understand who gained and who lost from this situation.
  2. The conversation also covers the concept of 'wishcasting' and the idea that the U.S. is unlikely to repeat previous military actions like in Iraq. This highlights changing perspectives on American intervention.
  3. The speaker is experimenting with audio content for their platform, planning to create short historical episodes. This shows a shift towards exploring history in a new, engaging format.

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.

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.

The Courts and the Will of the People

123 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.

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.

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 Murder 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 #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.

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 #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 #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.

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.

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.