The hottest Substack posts of thinkinghistorically

And their main takeaways

"What if your entire worldview was just because of near-zero interest rates?"

283 HN points • 06 Dec 22
  1. The near-zero interest rate regime shaped the worldview of a generation in finance.
  2. The long period of cheap money had widespread effects beyond finance, leading to dysfunctional accumulations in society.
  3. The post-2009 era saw unprecedented financial trends like corporations hoarding cash, excessive stock buybacks, and the rise of financialization.

The 19th Century Returns

412 implied HN points • 04 Mar 22
  1. Understanding the frame of a state is crucial to comprehend its actions and justifications.
  2. Russia's current frame under Putin is rooted in a 19th-century perspective, particularly focused on the concept of the all-Russian nation.
  3. The clash between the 19th-century frame of the Russian state and the 21st-century geopolitical realities presents challenges and limitations.

Uncertain Futures

176 implied HN points • 21 Apr 22
  1. Expecting the unexpected is the new norm in today's chaotic and unpredictable world.
  2. Political landscapes are evolving into quantum-like systems, driven by technology and digital interactions.
  3. History has transitioned from being a stable refuge to a realm of uncertainty and disorder, impacted by quantum-like social forces.

The Return of the World's Fair?

2 HN points • 17 Dec 23
🌍 World Politics Geopolitics Nationalism Soft Power
  1. World's fairs were historically significant events that showcased a country's power and aspirations.
  2. Since World War II, world's fairs have declined in importance, but recent events suggest a resurgence linked to geopolitics.
  3. Saudi Arabia winning the 2030 bid for World Expo signals their transformation into a global tourist hub and move away from oil dependency.
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A Deep Dive Down the Memory Hole

5 HN points • 22 Nov 22
  1. Online emotional synchronization has intensified amidst constant emergencies, creating a sense of disorienting speed and disembodiment.
  2. The concept of the memory hole has evolved from political term to embedded feature of the infosphere, influencing society's memory and attention span.
  3. The ongoing battle over memory holes in major events, like the Russo-Ukrainian War and January 6th, has become a political tactic to shape narratives and allegiances.

Too Many Wannabe Elites: A Story of Russia (and Possibly America)

5 HN points • 17 May 22
  1. Elite overproduction can lead to social unrest and significant consequences in history.
  2. Peter Turchin's concept of elite overproduction focuses on the structural aspects, but may overlook the nuanced reasons behind why individuals adopt certain ideas.
  3. Dostoevsky's analysis delves into the complexities of social relations and the uncertainties that go beyond empirical patterns.