The hottest Authoritarianism Substack posts right now

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

Fisted by Foucault • 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.

Actually, Horseshoe Theory is True

Mon0’s Substack • 39 implied HN points • 28 Aug 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political theory Authoritarianism Psychology Extremism Political Ideology
  1. Horseshoe theory suggests that far-left and far-right groups are more alike than different in certain ways. They may share similar psychological traits, making their mindsets closer than we think.
  2. Research shows both political extremes display traits like dogmatism, intolerance, and a rigid belief system. They often think in black-and-white terms, leading to conspiracy theories and overconfidence in their views.
  3. Authoritarian tendencies can be found on both sides of the political spectrum. This means that extreme ideologies, whether left or right, can lead to similar behaviors and mindset challenges.

People Want A Political Revolution. Let's Give Them One!

Creative Destruction • 26 implied HN points • 26 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Reform Democracy Political trends Authoritarianism Public Opinion
  1. Many people are unhappy with politics and feel that their needs are not being met by the current system. This shows a desire for change in how political systems operate.
  2. Authoritarian trends are growing, and more individuals believe that the system is failing them. This trend highlights the need for a response to their concerns.
  3. This conversation isn't just about politics; it's about understanding people's real needs and finding ways to create a system that works better for them.

The Strongman Fantasy (updated 11/24)

Thinking about... • 611 implied HN points • 26 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Authoritarianism Democracy Political theory Electoral Politics
  1. Many Americans are drawn to the idea of a strongman leader, thinking he will solve problems. However, such leaders often do not have the people's best interests at heart and tend to misuse their power.
  2. Under a dictatorship, fear and mistrust grow in society. People start to betray each other, and everyday life becomes governed by intimidation, harming both public and private relationships.
  3. The fantasy of a strongman achieving quick results often leads to a decline in quality of life for everyone, except for those close to the leader. Ultimately, the strongman weakens society and creates widespread discontent.
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Alexei Navalny RIP

Castalia • 759 implied HN points • 18 Feb 24
🌍 World Politics Authoritarianism Civil Rights International relations Political History
  1. Alexei Navalny was a brave opposition leader in Russia who stood up against Putin's regime. Despite facing imprisonment and even being poisoned, he returned to Russia to show his strength and courage.
  2. He represented a connection to a time of hope in the 1990s when many Russians wanted change. His death marks a significant point in the decline of political dissent in Russia.
  3. Navalny believed in the power of truth and courage over fear. He thought that standing up for what is right was worth the risk, even if it seemed like nothing would change.

The Case for Pro-Democracy Rituals

The Garden of Forking Paths • 1670 implied HN points • 26 May 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Democracy Rituals Authoritarianism Protest Movements Patriotism
  1. Pro-democracy movements can benefit from utilizing the power of rituals to build strong social connections and a shared sense of purpose.
  2. Rituals have the ability to create a feeling of collective effervescence, fostering unity and a sense of belonging among participants.
  3. It is important for progressive and pro-democracy movements to embrace and develop rituals that celebrate inclusive values and community engagement in order to strengthen their causes.

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.

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.

I Hope I'm Wrong

Unpopular Front • 153 implied HN points • 06 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Political theory Political Communication Authoritarianism Campaign strategies
  1. It's important to trust your instincts, even when others disagree. Sometimes, being confident in your own analysis brings clarity in uncertain times.
  2. Having a strong, clear vision is crucial in politics. If you don't present a bold idea of the future, it makes it hard for people to rally behind you.
  3. Adapting to new situations and challenges is key. Old tactics might not work anymore, and new strategies need to be developed to build support and create change.

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.

The reality crisis

Archedelia • 1277 implied HN points • 11 Apr 23
🎭️ Culture Philosophy Society Self-governance Authoritarianism
  1. There is a focus on self-governance in philosophical inquiry and reclaiming reality.
  2. The concept of the situated self adapting to external reality versus the atomized self reshaping the world to fit itself.
  3. The rise of an inward-oriented liberal self leading to a loss of self-government, reliance on experts, and a potential path towards totalistic technocracy.

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.

When Safety becomes Dangerous

Deep Dives and Articles by Gummi Bear • 1081 implied HN points • 03 Mar 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Authoritarianism Free speech Climate change
  1. An excessive focus on safety can lead to the erosion of individual liberty and the rise of authoritative tyranny.
  2. Safetyism breeds a culture of fear and intolerance, leading to censorship and suppression of free speech.
  3. Values are crucial in protecting us against our worst instincts, even when safety seems to be the only priority.

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

Wyclif's Dust • 1073 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.

Are MAGA Republicans 'conservatives'?

georgelakoff • 923 implied HN points • 04 Aug 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Ideology Authoritarianism Democracy Conservatism
  1. The Republican Party under Trump has shifted to an extreme phase, breaking political norms and valuing power over democracy
  2. The term 'conservative' traditionally signified preserving traditional ideologies, but some Republican voters are willing to undermine democracy to maintain power and impose their morality
  3. The evolution of MAGA Republicans towards authoritarianism challenges the traditional meaning of 'conservative' and raises questions on how to label them

Testing the Fascism Thesis

Unpopular Front • 79 implied HN points • 14 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Political theory Authoritarianism Trumpism Democracy
  1. The fascism thesis is viewed as a framework to analyze Trump's behavior. It can help predict actions but must remain flexible to be valid.
  2. Key predictions include the potential for state-backed violence against political opponents and the suspension of civil liberties. If these things happen, it would strengthen the fascism theory.
  3. The reaction of the Biden administration to Trump shows challenges in maintaining democratic norms without appearing hypocritical. It's a balancing act that can complicate democratic practices.

The Museveni Succession

An Africanist Perspective • 732 implied HN points • 13 Nov 23
🌍 World Politics Authoritarianism Succession
  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.

The Power We Have

Thinking about... • 349 implied HN points • 02 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Voting Authoritarianism Public Sentiment
  1. We have the power to influence our future through voting. Every vote matters and can help stop negative outcomes.
  2. Trump's tactics aim to scare and demoralize the majority. It's important to stay hopeful and not let fear take over.
  3. Voting can bring positive change and open doors to a brighter future. Participating in elections is a small but powerful act.

Taking Illiberalism seriously

Theory Matters • 5 implied HN points • 11 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political theory Authoritarianism Democracy Campaign Strategy Political Analysis
  1. Illiberal movements often get underestimated because people don't take them seriously. This leads to ignoring deeper issues that let these movements grow.
  2. The current political climate is shaped by performance and storytelling, rather than just facts. To connect with people, liberals need to engage in better narratives.
  3. Rights and values need a strong reason behind them. Simply saying rights matter isn’t enough; there needs to be a clear understanding of why they are important.

Taking Illiberalism seriously

Theory Matters • 10 implied HN points • 29 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Democracy International relations Elections Authoritarianism
  1. We need to be careful about how we talk about democracy. It's not just about having elections; real democratic health needs strong institutions and genuine respect for rules.
  2. Illiberal regimes are becoming more common, and this is challenging liberal democracies. People can still vote but might not accept the results, which creates confusion about what democracy really means.
  3. Political and international stability isn't the same as true democracy. Democracies need to be able to adapt and face challenges, rather than just maintaining a facade of order.

Beyond Growth: A Strategy for Tackling Power. My speech to the EU Conference

System Change • 668 implied HN points • 29 May 23
🌍 World Politics Economic Models Climate change Monetary Policy Authoritarianism
  1. The Money Interest holds real power over the planet and must be challenged by focusing on monetary policy.
  2. The economic model discussed highlights the need to shift focus from attacking the 99% for consumption to holding the 1% accountable for overproduction.
  3. To mobilize the majority for change, we must shine a light on the finance sector, educate ourselves on monetary policy, and focus on challenging the 1% instead of the 99%.

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.

Will the streets run red?

Unpopular Front • 47 implied HN points • 22 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political violence Authoritarianism Electoral Politics
  1. There are groups in the U.S. that share some ideas with fascism but have not become fully fascist. Their use of street violence is more common in many political movements than we think.
  2. Street fighters in right-wing movements have not been as successful recently. They've struggled to connect with mainstream politics and have not organized effectively after events like January 6.
  3. Fascist movements can emerge in specific environments but need strong organization to thrive. Right now, there aren’t enough dedicated groups ready to act on their beliefs, despite a rise in far-right ideas.

Authoritarianism and the Modern Liberal State

eugyppius: a plague chronicle • 117 implied HN points • 11 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Authoritarianism Liberalism State power Individual Rights Political Ideologies
  1. Modern authoritarianism can be different from historical fascism, as it stems from today’s anti-fascist values. It's important to understand how current states operate beyond just past comparisons.
  2. The idea that more rights to bear arms would fully protect freedoms is oversimplified. A deeper approach is needed to challenge state power effectively.
  3. Classical liberalism has changed, with a shift from focusing on individual rights to promoting more social welfare. This change has expanded state authority despite its anti-authoritarian claims.

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.

American Psycho

Slack Tide by Matt Labash • 261 implied HN points • 15 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Commentary Elections Authoritarianism Political Rhetoric Civic Responsibility
  1. It's important to stay calm during chaotic times, especially when others are panicking. Keeping a level head can help you think clearly.
  2. Donald Trump is being described as authoritarian and dangerous, suggesting that his behavior and words reflect a serious threat to democracy.
  3. There's a concern among some Christians about praying for Trump to lead America back to God. The idea is that God doesn't need Trump; rather, it could be a sign of divine discontent with society.

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.

US invites authoritarian far-right regimes to 'Summit for Democracy'

Geopolitical Economy Report • 518 implied HN points • 03 Apr 23
🌍 World Politics Authoritarianism Democracy Geopolitical BRICS
  1. The US organized a 'Summit for Democracy' where several far-right, anti-democratic regimes were invited, including leaders from Israel, Poland, India, and Pakistan.
  2. Western media outlets have acknowledged the authoritarian nature of regimes like Netanyahu's in Israel, Duda's in Poland, and Modi's in India, despite their participation in the summit.
  3. The summit aimed to create a bloc against China and Russia, pressuring nations to sign statements denouncing these countries, revealing the US strategy to advance its geopolitical interests.

Farewell, Washington Post

The Cosmopolitan Globalist • 61 implied HN points • 26 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Rhetoric Media influence Authoritarianism Election Integrity Public Perception
  1. Power can be slowly taken away from independent institutions, similar to what happened in Turkey. People often adapt to these changes without realizing how dangerous they can be.
  2. The way American media talks about the 'Deep State' mirrors discussions in Turkey, which raises concerns about the integrity of news and democratic values.
  3. When powerful interests align themselves with authoritarian leaders, it threatens democracy and citizen welfare. The rich may benefit, but ordinary people could face serious consequences.

Left Wing Authoritarians

Disaffected Newsletter • 679 implied HN points • 29 May 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Authoritarianism Social justice Personality Traits Political Psychology Culture Wars
  1. Some researchers are finding that authoritarian traits can be present in left-wing groups, not just right-wing ones. This challenges the common view that authoritarianism is only a right-wing issue.
  2. There is a difference between being politely formal and genuinely respectful. Some people use formal politeness to disguise their condescension and social judgment.
  3. The conversation touches on the reality of mortality and the challenges people face when dealing with death and funerals, especially in a financial context.

The rules for destroying a liberal democracy, revisited

The Cosmopolitan Globalist • 35 implied HN points • 19 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Democracy Authoritarianism Populism Political strategy Election Integrity
  1. To weaken a democracy, create distrust in leaders and institutions. If people stop believing in them, it makes it easier to control what happens.
  2. Use fear and division to rally supporters. If you can make people afraid of 'the other,' they might follow you blindly.
  3. Change the rules to stay in power. If necessary, manipulate laws and elections so that you or your party can never lose.

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.

Democracies, Dr. Putin Will See You Now

Surfing the Future • 139 implied HN points • 18 Mar 24
🌍 World Politics Democracy Authoritarianism Repression Sustainability Election interference
  1. Democracy is facing challenges globally, with a recurring pattern of decline observed in capitalism, democracy, and sustainability.
  2. Existential shocks are needed to reshape assumptions in the realms of Democracy and Sustainability.
  3. Leaders like Putin in power for long periods exhibit authoritarian tendencies, highlighting the need to revamp democratic systems.

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.

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.