The Upheaval

The Upheaval Substack delves into the ideological shifts in Western society, the rise of China, challenges to liberalism, and global political dynamics. It explores various facets including media influence, political strategies, societal transformations, feminism, geopolitical tensions, and governance. The articles combine historical analysis, contemporary issues, and speculative outlooks on future societal orders.

Ideological Shifts Media and Government Relations Societal Transformation Political Theory International Relations Technology and Security Feminism and Gender Issues Governance and Democracy Economic Policies Cultural and Philosophical Analysis

The hottest Substack posts of The Upheaval

And their main takeaways

Important Announcements

1952 implied HN points • 14 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government Policy International relations Political theory Public Administration
  1. A book titled 'Control: The Global Rise and Coming Fall of Managerial Tyranny' is coming soon. It will be an expanded version of previous work on managerialism.
  2. The Substack will be paused indefinitely while the author takes a senior policy role at the State Department. Subscription payments are frozen, but the content will remain accessible.
  3. The author feels it's important to take action in today's world rather than just discuss issues. They hope to return to writing in the future.

NYT Essay, My Name

1844 implied HN points • 06 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Commentary Media Critique Cultural Commentary Identity politics
  1. The author wrote an opinion piece in the New York Times explaining the managerial regime and why some people dislike it. They want to share their views with a broader audience.
  2. The author has chosen to publish under a pen name, N.S. Lyons, but revealed their real name, Nathan Levine, after feeling ignored by journalists and NGOs.
  3. They mentioned their own background, noting that although they have some Jewish ancestry, they identify as an Orthodox Christian, and they are aware of how this might attract attention online.

American Strong Gods

3204 implied HN points • 13 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political History National Identity Governance Populism Political theory
  1. Donald Trump represents a major shift away from the values of the Long Twentieth Century, promoting action and change instead of the procedural politics that dominated. He embodies a new spirit that prioritizes national interests and direct action.
  2. The idea of an 'open society' has led to a weakening of national identities and strong moral bonds, which many see as harmful. There's a growing desire to restore strong communal values and cohesive identities to counter this trend.
  3. Recent political movements are pushing back against the old liberal consensus, favoring a return to strong beliefs and identities. This reflects a broader dissatisfaction with the previous order and a quest for a more united and purposeful society.

On Millennial Snot

5276 implied HN points • 09 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Discourse Cultural critique Liberalism Generational Dynamics Public Perception
  1. Millennial Snot describes the trendy, snarky way that some elites talk today, making serious topics feel unserious. It's like a mix of teen slang and sarcasm that feels immature.
  2. This speech style reflects the struggles of millennials to balance their youthful identity with adult responsibilities. They often use this casual tone to cope with feelings of inadequacy and a desire to stay 'cool.'
  3. Millennial Snot may be fading as younger generations like Gen Z start to find it cringe-worthy. There’s a shift back toward sincerity and real communication as a response to the overly snarky discourse.

Colonization, Replaceable Man, and Love of One’s Own

1852 implied HN points • 11 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Nationalism Colonialism Cultural Identity Populism Migration
  1. Colonization changes how people see themselves and their culture. It often leads to a loss of national identity and local traditions.
  2. Modern society is experiencing a kind of self-colonization driven by globalization. People and cultures are treated more like replaceable cogs than unique communities.
  3. Nationalism is rising as people respond to the loss of their identity. Many are now striving to take pride in their own culture and seek to protect it.
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Taiwan: Trump’s Most Dangerous Global Challenge

1135 implied HN points • 20 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy National Security Military Strategy Global relations Geopolitics
  1. China sees taking over Taiwan as a crucial goal to establish itself as a world superpower. They've set deadlines for this, with some leaders believing they need to act soon before circumstances change.
  2. The U.S. military faces serious challenges in defending Taiwan, including its reliance on long supply chains and manufacturing that could leave it vulnerable in a conflict. This might make it hard to respond quickly if an invasion happens.
  3. Defending Taiwan is not just about supporting democracy; it's about protecting U.S. interests globally. Losing Taiwan could shake the U.S.'s standing in the world and lead to a big economic crisis at home.

The Counter-Revolution Begins

899 implied HN points • 12 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Revolution Elections Management Democracy Resistance
  1. This moment is a critical chance to change the political landscape and challenge current power structures. If this opportunity is missed, it might not come again for a long time.
  2. There's a strong desire for systemic reform and more democratic control over governance. This enthusiasm needs to be organized and directed to make real changes happen.
  3. Focus, organization, and discipline are essential moving forward. The team needs to be well-prepared to take quick action to fight back against entrenched opposition.

Machine Antihumanism and the Inversion of Family Law

1044 implied HN points • 04 Nov 24
📖 Philosophy Ethics Human nature Law Technology Family
  1. New reproductive technologies may change how we think about family and personhood. Instead of being linked to parents, children could be viewed as products that the state owns.
  2. The focus on individualism in family law can weaken the importance of natural family bonds. This shift may lead to the law treating relationships as just contracts rather than meaningful connections.
  3. The idea of family could be fundamentally altered, making children feel like they belong nowhere. This change can rob them of their history and sense of belonging, leading to a troubling loss of identity.

The Post-Cold War Apotheosis of Liberal Managerialism

1065 implied HN points • 23 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Liberalism Global Governance Political theory Public Policy
  1. There's been a big shift where the lines between government power and everyday life have blurred. This change makes it easier for the state to control personal freedoms and decisions.
  2. The rise of global governance has been fueled by a blend of neoliberal and neoconservative ideologies. This partnership pushes for more control over international finance and politics to achieve a unified agenda.
  3. Managerialism has taken over many aspects of society, promoting the idea that experts can and should manage every part of life. This creates a system where individual freedoms may be sacrificed for the sake of efficiency and control.

On “Public-Private Partnership”

1065 implied HN points • 16 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Policy Governance Corporate Influence Elections
  1. Public-private partnerships can help achieve goals, especially in global competition, but they also have risks. It's important to weigh these risks, as they can lead to significant problems in governance and society.
  2. A major concern with public-private partnerships is that they often leave out the public's voice. Decisions may be made without consulting the people affected, which can lead to widespread dissatisfaction and lack of trust in the government.
  3. While some level of cooperation between the government and corporations can be necessary, it's crucial to prioritize the nation's interests and ensure transparency. Keeping the public informed can help prevent misuses of power and maintain democratic accountability.

Confucius Says “lol, lmao”

2026 implied HN points • 15 Feb 24
📖 Philosophy Governance Trust Leaders Wisdom History
  1. According to Confucius, the basics of governance consist of having enough armaments, food, and the trust of the common people.
  2. Confucius emphasizes that the trust of the people is the most crucial element for a state to stand, even above food and armaments.
  3. The modern political leaders seem to have forgotten these fundamental principles, failing to prioritize security, defense, and the trust of the common people.

Announcements – November 2024

455 implied HN points • 02 Nov 24
🎭️ Culture Art Philosophy Literature Social Events Podcasts
  1. A dialogue with Freya India is now available for free, so you can share it with others who might enjoy it.
  2. Recently, a great gathering in the Catskills brought together interesting people for discussions and good times, and there are opportunities to join similar events in the future.
  3. A book proposal expanding 'The China Convergence' is underway, and the author is looking for potential publishers to bring it to life.

Interview: Ryszard Legutko

795 implied HN points • 13 Mar 24
🌍 World Politics Liberal democracy Totalitarianism Democracy Authoritarianism
  1. The political turmoil in Poland is examined through the lens of Ryszard Legutko's book, highlighting the government's crackdown on media and institutional changes.
  2. Ideas from Legutko's book suggest that aspects of liberalism contribute to abandoning the rule of law, and policymakers are driven by dogmatic ideological beliefs.
  3. There is a discussion on how liberalism, power, and social engineering intersect, leading to a vision where liberal ideology holds authority over societal structures.

A Better Model of Political Categories

630 implied HN points • 28 Feb 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Philosophy Conservatism Progressivism
  1. Consider the political landscape beyond just Left vs. Right and explore other categories like Right-Wing Progressives for a more comprehensive understanding.
  2. Challenge traditional frameworks like the four-quadrant political compass and explore models that acknowledge the nuances and complexities of political ideologies.
  3. Think about political personality types using multiple axes/spectrums to represent the diverse nature of political beliefs, moving away from simple, misleading charts.

Creative Destruction

1032 implied HN points • 05 Sep 23
🌍 World Politics Regime Change Future scenarios
  1. Historian Neil Howe predicts a significant shift in America's society and governance, likening it to previous generational historical cycles.
  2. Howe's model suggests a coming crisis leading to the birth of a new national order, potentially involving revolutionary regime change and great societal transformation.
  3. The book presents an optimistic outlook for America's future after the impending crisis, envisioning a new golden age albeit with concerns about potential outcomes and implications.

Memory-Holing the Apocalypse

812 implied HN points • 12 Oct 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Corruption Government Influence Pandemic response Accountability Media censorship
  1. A whistleblower revealed bribery and manipulation by top officials to change conclusions on the origins of Covid-19
  2. Fauci and his colleagues engaged in a widespread effort to cover up the true origin of the virus
  3. Despite evidence piling up for a lab-leak scenario, accountability for the actions of those involved, including Fauci, seems unlikely

Official Endorsement for President

924 implied HN points • 25 Apr 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Satire Election
  1. Concrete Block is endorsed for President in 2024 for providing stability in uncertain times
  2. Concrete Block promises not to change anything, raise taxes, or issue executive orders
  3. Concrete Block's platform includes pro-construction, limited government, and local governance

The Temptations of Carl Schmitt

816 implied HN points • 14 Feb 23
🌍 World Politics Totalitarianism Political theory Authoritarianism Nihilism Critical Theory
  1. Carl Schmitt's ideas have made a resurgence in disaffected political circles, especially on the right, reflecting a trend of his concepts becoming more mainstream.
  2. Schmitt's study of political chaos in post-World War I Germany offers insights into today's political, cultural, and spiritual upheavals.
  3. Schmitt's concept of 'friend-enemy distinction,' the central domain of politics, ties into today's identity politics and struggles for power.

Upheaval Interview: Matthew B. Crawford

617 implied HN points • 11 Apr 23
📖 Philosophy Reality Self-governance Authority Ethics Technocracy
  1. The work of Matthew B. Crawford focuses on understanding the world and suggesting concrete ways to live in it.
  2. Crawford's book 'The World Beyond Your Head' delves into themes like attention, distraction, tradition, and reclaiming the real
  3. Crawford's analysis highlights a shift towards an inward-focused liberal self, leading to conflict aversion, reliance on experts, and potential risks to self-governance and democracy

Feminism Against Humanity

576 implied HN points • 02 May 23
🎭️ Culture Feminism Society Gender Literature
  1. A 32-year-old woman's choice to prioritize self-care over her partner's care sparked debate on personal autonomy.
  2. The UN's report emphasized empowering women to make choices about their bodies and futures as a primary focus.
  3. Mary Harrington's book 'Feminism Against Progress' challenges the current state of liberal feminism and explores ways to redirect it.

Subscriber Commentary & Review Thread (#15)

261 implied HN points • 30 May 23
🌍 World Politics Geopolitics Central Banks Digital Currency Liberalism Authoritarianism
  1. The Gulf States are rapidly changing due to economic boom, attracting global wealth and talents, leading to potential reshaping of global liberalism.
  2. Central banks are pushing forward with the development of central bank digital currencies (CBDCs) despite concerns over totalitarian state surveillance and control.
  3. Global trends suggest a shift towards stable authoritarian regimes with liberal elements, possibly leading to a new form of governance different from the West or China.

China’s Russia Dilemma

315 implied HN points • 02 Mar 23
🌍 World Politics China Russia Conflict Military Diplomacy
  1. China has not yet sent any arms to Russia, despite alleged considerations.
  2. China is conflicted about supporting Russia due to conflicting economic and diplomatic interests.
  3. Chinese material military support could significantly impact the Ukraine conflict in Russia's favor.

Subscriber Commentary and Review Thread (#14)

219 implied HN points • 07 Mar 23
🌍 World Politics Global Politics Terrorism Crisis Management
  1. The British government runs a program called Prevent that encourages people to report on their neighbors for having 'wrong' thoughts.
  2. Some taxpayer-funded documents have flagged seemingly harmless books and TV shows as signs of potential extremism.
  3. International Substack users may soon see new features like pricing in local currencies and alternative payment options.

The Rise of the Right-Wing Progressives

6 HN points • 15 Jan 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Ideology Progressivism Conservatism Egalitarianism Hierarchy
  1. The concept of Right-Wing Progressives challenges traditional political labels and emphasizes a focus on progress and innovation.
  2. Right-Wing Progressives value hierarchy and prioritize progress above all else, often advocating for state intervention for the sake of progress.
  3. The beliefs of Right-Wing Progressives are grounded in rationalism and consequentialism, leading to a philosophy that aims to maximize progress through technological advancement and societal transformation.