The hottest Authoritarianism Substack posts right now

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Top World Politics Topics

The Media Keeps Trying to “Understand” Trump Voters Because They Don’t Want to Accept the Truth About Them

Bulwark+ • 14976 implied HN points • 15 Jan 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Media Elections Partisanship Democracy Authoritarianism
  1. The media attempts to understand Trump voters but may not fully accept the truth about their motivations.
  2. Guardrails in democracy may not be enough to prevent certain actions of those seeking power.
  3. Google search influences web design, impacting user experience and content creation.

The Fourteenth Amendment Wasn’t a Creative Writing Exercise

Bulwark+ • 9552 implied HN points • 31 Jan 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Legal Presidential National Security Authoritarianism Democracy
  1. The Fourteenth Amendment was drafted in response to specific concerns about real-world actions from the past.
  2. The Fourteenth Amendment's Section 3 was written to prevent individuals like John B. Floyd, who violated their oath of office, from holding government positions.
  3. The progression of authoritarianism in America reveals the fragility of our system's guardrails when confronted one by one.

The Herd of Independent Minds Stampedes Off the Cliff

Bulwark+ • 6603 implied HN points • 23 Jan 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Election Authoritarianism Media Political Analysis
  1. The Republican Party is now Trump's party, with members rushing to show loyalty despite the consequences.
  2. Ben Shapiro, once a Never Trumper, endorsed Donald Trump, showcasing a shift in allegiance.
  3. Many individuals, including politicians, media figures, and billionaires, are downplaying the threats posed by Trump, showing a trend of denialism and minimizing concerns.
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Let the final battle begin

Robert Reich • 26612 implied HN points • 24 Jul 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Democracy Trump Election Rule of Law Authoritarianism
  1. Donald Trump is gearing up for a final battle against democracy and the rule of law.
  2. A potential indictment against Trump will shift focus to him in the 2024 election, making it a referendum on him rather than Biden.
  3. Defending democracy and the rule of law is crucial in the face of authoritarian impulses and the threat posed by Trump and his supporters.

Israel-Palestine Isn't 'Complicated', You Just Support Killing Palestinians

Caitlin’s Newsletter • 1597 implied HN points • 22 Feb 24
🌍 World Politics Israel-Palestine US Foreign Policy Global Conflicts Authoritarianism Human Rights
  1. The Israel-Palestine situation is not as complicated as it may seem, it boils down to supporting colonialism and genocide.
  2. The US is backing harmful actions and considering extraditing foreign journalists for exposing war crimes, while maintaining a condescending stance on human rights.
  3. Authoritarian measures being implemented aim to maintain the current societal structure rather than create a new one, solidifying the existing exploitative and oppressive systems.

Interview: Ryszard Legutko

The Upheaval • 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.

GLK, subscriber on my stack, is prophetic and on target here as to the Malone, Bourla, Bancel et al. death mRNA vaccine: "The importance of no-choice vaccination is functional in ways that are not

Alexander News Network -Dr. Paul Elias Alexander's substack • 1415 implied HN points • 06 Feb 24
🏥 Health Politics Vaccination Authoritarianism Public Health
  1. No-choice vaccination can serve functions beyond health.
  2. Symbolism and psychological conditioning play a role in vaccination.
  3. For some, mandatory vaccination is seen as a form of submission.

The global defeat of democracy: geopolitics, and what to do about it

Wyclif's Dust • 1001 implied HN points • 02 Feb 24
🌍 World Politics Geopolitics International relations Authoritarianism Democracy
  1. Democracies face an international challenge from the new autocratic axis of China, Russia, Iran, and North Korea.
  2. International conflicts are a struggle for whose rules will prevail, America's or China's.
  3. Democratic systems need more 'weight' in decision-making and should balance policy populism with institutional elitism.

The Justice of Bukele?

Bet On It • 674 implied HN points • 12 Feb 24
🌍 World Politics Law Justice Authoritarianism Human Rights Corruption
  1. Nayib Bukele's policies in El Salvador have significantly reduced the murder rate, but come at a cost of widespread jailing and lack of fair trials.
  2. The debate on Bukele's justice system involves utilitarian calculations which weigh saving lives against infringing on rights, highlighting moral pluralism.
  3. The emphasis on the importance of trials in a justice system is viewed primarily from an epistemic standpoint, weighing the trade-offs of accuracy and potential errors.

In the latest victory against right-wing extremism, police officers pull a 16 year-old girl out of chemistry class and advise her to stop posting Smurf-themed AfD-friendly content to TikTok

eugyppius: a plague chronicle • 235 implied HN points • 14 Mar 24
🌍 World Politics Germany Authoritarianism Freedom of Speech
  1. Police officers intervened with a 16-year-old girl for posting content deemed far-right on TikTok.
  2. Government figures in Germany are proposing actions against speech and thoughts deemed as potentially extreme.
  3. The incident sparked controversy and debate, with some defending the intervention as preventative.

Smurf Scandal Update, and Open Thread

eugyppius: a plague chronicle • 203 implied HN points • 17 Mar 24
🌍 World Politics Germany Media Reporting Authoritarianism
  1. The TikTok video causing the Smurf Scandal juxtaposed the Smurfs with German political colors, sparking controversy and police involvement.
  2. There's an ongoing investigation into the police for potentially violating the girl's freedom of expression, amidst claims of a a right-wing hate campaign against the school and police.
  3. The girl at the center of the Smurf Scandal, named Loretta, faced police lecture on 'incitement' and 'opposition to the constitution' for her online content, showcasing a concerning attitude towards free speech.

Just So We're Clear on the 2024 Election....

Drezner’s World • 963 implied HN points • 10 Jan 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Election Trade policy Inflation Authoritarianism
  1. The author has issues with both Biden and Trump, but views Trump's economic policies as far worse.
  2. The author emphasizes the difference between the economic policies of Biden and Trump, particularly in relation to inflation.
  3. The author highlights the authoritarian tendencies and disastrous economic policies of Donald Trump, leading to a preference for Biden in the 2024 election.

Oh, how wonderful it is to live in an extremely democratic state like Germany, where the police will never harass you or fine you or raid your house for criticising the government

eugyppius: a plague chronicle • 275 implied HN points • 01 Mar 24
🌍 World Politics Democracy Freedom of Speech Political criticism Authoritarianism Government Control
  1. Germany embraces freedom of expression with its constitution protecting the right to criticize the government openly.
  2. The authorities in Germany respect the freedom to criticize the government, evident by cases of protest signs targeting political figures and police interventions.
  3. While there are limits, Germany promotes an open democratic discourse, allowing criticism of politicians without fear of severe consequences.

Make America Hungary Again

Can We Still Govern? • 148 implied HN points • 13 Mar 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Democracy Authoritarianism Media Control Higher education Bureaucracy
  1. The MAGA movement's admiration for Viktor Orban signifies a desire for authoritarianism over greatness, as demonstrated by Orban's undemocratic tactics in Hungary.
  2. Orban's success lies in his ability to consolidate power by controlling institutions like the media, judiciary, and higher education, mirroring patterns seen in the potential rise of American Orbanism.
  3. Orban's strategy includes increasing control over the bureaucracy to create a network of loyalists, leading to a corrupt system enabling his authoritarian rule, which American politicians are observing for potential application.

German domestic intelligence services are now targeting political dissidents considered guilty of "delegitimising" the state, in yet another ominous development reminiscent of the DDR

eugyppius: a plague chronicle • 113 implied HN points • 18 Mar 24
🌍 World Politics Surveillance Authoritarianism
  1. German domestic intelligence services are targeting political dissidents for 'delegitimising' the state, resembling oppressive practices of the past.
  2. The concept of 'Delegitimisation of the State' has been introduced, restricting certain political dissent akin to past authoritarian regimes.
  3. Criticism and comparisons between the Federal Republic and the DDR are now being monitored by the Federal Office for the Protection of the Constitution (BfV).

It’s Time To Save Civilization From The Pathocratic State

Public • 766 implied HN points • 01 Jan 24
🌍 World Politics Democracy Media Control Authoritarianism Totalitarianism Disinformation
  1. The media and political establishment are seen as a greater threat to democracy than populist movements.
  2. The term 'pathocracy' is used to describe leadership positions filled with narcissists and psychopaths.
  3. Governments and mainstream establishments have engaged in manipulative and authoritarian actions over the years.

The global war against populism

Striking 13 • 1058 implied HN points • 24 Nov 23
🌍 World Politics Populism Authoritarianism Election EU US Politics
  1. Countries around the world are facing a rise in populism, with notable victories for right-wing figures like Javier Milei and Geert Wilders.
  2. While economic policies like Biden's stimulus plan have shown success, they may not always align with public perception, highlighting a disconnect.
  3. The European Union is grappling with challenges posed by populist leaders like Viktor Orban, impacting critical decisions such as Ukraine's accession talks.

Whither China? Part III: Policy hubris and the end of infallibility

Chartbook • 2317 implied HN points • 20 Aug 23
🌍 World Politics China Economy Policy Authoritarianism COVID
  1. China's economy is facing challenges due to a mix of authoritarian policies and exhausted growth models.
  2. Two main interpretations of China's economic situation are based on institutional economics and Keynesian macro perspectives.
  3. China's current crisis highlights the impact of overconfidence and policy hubris on the regime's decision-making.

Bring Me Your Leader

Desk Notes by Charles Schifano • 364 implied HN points • 26 Jan 24
📖 Philosophy Ethics Authority Authoritarianism Power Dynamics Human Interaction
  1. In our modern world, there is a trend of continuous judging and assessing everything we interact with.
  2. Having difficult conversations directly with individuals can be more effective than immediately seeking higher authorities.
  3. The desire for a 'real leader' can create anxiety in various aspects of life, including politics and daily interactions.

What "Mandate for Leadership" Says About the GOP's Governing Philosophy

Can We Still Govern? • 124 implied HN points • 06 Mar 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Authoritarianism Conservative movement Trump administration Political Ideologies
  1. The GOP's governing philosophy outlined in 'Mandate for Leadership' leans towards authoritarianism and challenges traditional democratic norms.
  2. The document highlights a disdain for science and evidence, advocating for the dismissal of agencies producing research on climate change.
  3. There is a push in 'Mandate for Leadership' to purge ideologically suspect individuals, including enforcing terminations for past participation in diversity, equity, and inclusion programs.

Authoritarian politics in postwar Europe, or: Why fascism is a bad way to describe what is happening in Germany

eugyppius: a plague chronicle • 191 implied HN points • 19 Feb 24
🌍 World Politics Authoritarianism Liberalism Nationalism Globalism
  1. Liberalism, socialism/communism, and right-nationalism have overlapping elements but differ in their ideologies and approaches.
  2. Authoritarianism is a complex concept that can be found in varying degrees across different political ideologies.
  3. Current political shifts in Germany towards illiberalism are driven by the left-liberal government's desire to maintain power, but labeling them as fascists might not be accurate.

The Rise of Counterfeit Democracy

The Garden of Forking Paths • 2319 implied HN points • 24 Jul 23
🌍 World Politics Democracy Authoritarianism Human Rights
  1. Outside of established democracies, there is a rise in counterfeit democracy - authoritarian rule disguising as democratic.
  2. Many countries pretend to be democracies, but are actually authoritarian - leading to a decline in global democracy.
  3. Counterfeit democracies use elections and democratic trappings to maintain power, but lack true democratic values and institutions.

Christopher Rufo and the problem of anti-wokeness

The Path Not Taken • 330 implied HN points • 22 Jan 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Conservatism Social justice Education Ideology Authoritarianism
  1. Christopher Rufo's ideas are influential in conservative circles and may shape a new administration if Trump wins.
  2. Rufo's book focuses on anti-wokeness as a response to critical theory and the excesses of social justice ideology.
  3. Critics are concerned about the aggressive and vague language suggesting radical countermeasures against ideologies, advocating for moderation and maintaining liberal-democratic principles.

Lines in the sand

The Watch • 550 implied HN points • 14 Dec 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Authoritarianism Democracy Civil Rights Political Discourse
  1. The Republican Party and Donald Trump are showing signs of embracing authoritarianism at an alarming rate.
  2. Concerns about Trump's disregard for democratic norms have shifted from being dismissed as exaggeration to becoming a mainstream issue.
  3. It's important to challenge individuals in power, regardless of their political affiliation, about their stances on authoritarianism and threats to democracy.

The Museveni Succession

An Africanist Perspective • 732 implied HN points • 13 Nov 23
🌍 World Politics Authoritarianism
  1. Leaders in African countries face structural limits to their power and struggle to transform societies due to economic and social realities.
  2. Museveni's long tenure as Uganda's president has led to a decay in institutions, reliance on authoritarianism, and a failure to build a strong nation or economy.
  3. The succession dilemma in Uganda involves the options of a successor from outside the west, potential elite defections, or passing power to Museveni's son, each carrying different risks and implications.

Citizen Trump.

News Items • 196 implied HN points • 07 Feb 24
🌍 World Politics China Economy Growth Trade Authoritarianism
  1. China's economy is struggling with a trade surplus and other challenges like a property market downturn.
  2. Investors and officials fear that China lacks a reliable source of growth.
  3. Boosting the spending of China's vast population is seen as a key factor for economic growth in the country.

Why Democrats Became The Totalitarians They Warned Us About

Public • 607 implied HN points • 19 Nov 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Democrats Trump Authoritarianism Censorship
  1. Democrats have shifted from defending free speech to censoring and falsely accusing opponents.
  2. Many initially skeptical liberals became convinced that American democracy was under threat after the Capitol riot.
  3. Democrats used the insurrection narrative to demonize voters, justify censorship, and weaponize the justice system.

Horseshoe Politics

Skeptic • 85 implied HN points • 02 Mar 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Authoritarianism Abortion Presidential Election
  1. The extreme ends of the political spectrum, whether far right or far left, can exhibit authoritarian tendencies, showing similarities rather than vast differences.
  2. The Horseshoe Theory suggests that the political spectrum can be likened to a horseshoe shape, indicating that extreme ideologies may not be as distant as commonly thought.
  3. Classical Liberalism is presented as a balanced approach, incorporating elements from both liberals and conservatives, advocating for individual rights, democracy, free speech, and critical thinking.