The hottest Authoritarianism Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top World Politics Topics

December 18, 2024

Letters from an American • 16 implied HN points • 19 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government Elections Legislation Political parties Authoritarianism Political Commentary
  1. A report by Congressman Loudermilk aims to alter the narrative about January 6, 2021, trying to blame Liz Cheney while defending Trump. It claims Cheney might have broken laws, which many see as an attack on those who oppose Trump.
  2. Trump is unhappy with a government funding deal and is using his influence to pressure Republicans against it. He and his supporters believe the deal gives too much power to Democrats and want to block it.
  3. There are concerns about Trump's authoritarian tendencies, especially with him and Elon Musk influencing political decisions. Critics worry this chaos could hurt the country and undermine democratic processes.

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.

China’s Jan 2024 Speech Censorship Policy

Austrian China • 176 implied HN points • 13 Jan 24
🌍 World Politics Censorship Authoritarianism Freedom of Speech Human Rights Government Control
  1. China's speech censorship policy is strict, but not as totalitarian as some may think.
  2. Violating speech restrictions can lead to consequences like post deletion and account suspension.
  3. Despite censorship, information still circulates, and the policy has limitations in preventing public voice and information flow.

Capitalism unchained

Global Inequality and More 3.0 • 830 implied HN points • 04 May 23
🌍 World Politics Capitalism Democracy Authoritarianism Socialism Fascism
  1. Democracy does not necessarily come with capitalism and may even be destroyed by it.
  2. Unbridled capitalism leads to social instability empowering right-wing parties.
  3. Success of Western capitalism in mid-20th century was influenced by pressure from Soviet Union and left-wing parties, which led to a period against normal capitalist tendencies.
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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.

The limits of heterodoxy - my review of the Battle of Ideas

The Path Not Taken • 462 implied HN points • 31 Oct 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Ideas Debates Freedom of Speech Liberalism Authoritarianism
  1. The Battle of Ideas festival had some limitations in representing a diverse range of viewpoints.
  2. There is a tension within the heterodox movement between promoting freedom of speech and the values of its supporters.
  3. The heterodox movement plays a crucial role in providing spaces for those marginalized by mainstream perspectives.

Welcome to the Resi...lience: How to Resist Techno-authoritarianism and Grow the Regenerative Alternative

As If We Were Staying • 5 implied HN points • 25 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political theory Authoritarianism Economic Systems Resistance Movements
  1. The Superorganism is a way to describe a system that seeks to extract resources without caring for people or the planet. To resist it, we need to be aware of its blind spots and act where it least expects us.
  2. Our strategy should focus on breaking down the wealth and resources of the Superorganism. This means we should find ways to disrupt its systems and also create new, independent sources of wealth that aren't tied to it.
  3. Building a strong community outside of the Superorganism is key. By supporting local economies and working together, we can create resilience and sustainability while lessening the Superorganism's hold over us.

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.

Populism May Be the Only Strategy Capable of Holding Authoritarianism At Bay

THE FREEDOM BLOG • 255 implied HN points • 02 Jul 23
🌍 World Politics Populism Authoritarianism Public Sentiment
  1. Populism can be effective in countering authoritarianism by representing citizen concerns over elite interests.
  2. There is a growing disconnect between political elites and ordinary citizens on various issues like censorship, trans ideology, and climate policy.
  3. Mainstream journalists have sometimes portrayed populism negatively, but it can serve as a mobilizing force against authoritarian tendencies.

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.

How to Get Your Tax Cattle to LOVE Digital ID

The Corbett Report • 21 implied HN points • 18 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government Authoritarianism Surveillance Political division
  1. Digital IDs are being pushed as a way to control and monitor people's actions, starting with tracking and eventually influencing how they buy or sell things. It's about creating a system where everyone is accounted for.
  2. Different approaches are used to convince both left- and right-wing individuals to accept digital IDs. For some, it’s about safety and security, while for others, it plays on fears related to immigration or children’s safety online.
  3. The idea of a digital ID is presented as something beneficial, but it can lead to increased government control and restrictions. There's a fear of losing individual freedom and privacy if everyone accepts these IDs.

Smurf Scandal Update, and Open Thread

eugyppius: a plague chronicle • 203 implied HN points • 17 Mar 24
🌍 World Politics Germany Freedom of Expression 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.

The Temptations of Carl Schmitt

The Upheaval • 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.

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 Egalitarianism 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.

From Infinite Progress to Delusional Despotism

Daniel Pinchbeck’s Newsletter • 15 implied HN points • 19 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Democracy Political Ideologies Authoritarianism Environmental Policy
  1. Unlimited growth can't continue as our planet faces serious ecological problems. The idea that we can keep getting richer while harming the Earth isn't realistic anymore.
  2. Wealth is becoming concentrated in the hands of a few, and this can lead to a lack of understanding about the real issues because rich people may live in bubbles. Some billionaires are focusing more on their egos than on helping the planet.
  3. We have a choice to build a better future and move away from power that is held tightly by a few. There’s potential for a much better system where communities share resources and make decisions together.

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.

Global Civil War

Dana Blankenhorn: Facing the Future • 119 implied HN points • 08 Dec 23
🌍 World Politics Global Conflict Authoritarianism Democracy Economic Impact Nationalism
  1. The world is currently in a Global Civil War with conflicts between democracy, capitalism, and enforced unity.
  2. Despite economic prosperity, the pressure is on balancing between democratic pluralism and enforced conformity.
  3. The hope for 2024 lies in the economic forces favoring pluralism, despite the challenges posed by autocrats and fascist tendencies.

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.

What's the Plan?

Daniel Pinchbeck’s Newsletter • 11 implied HN points • 18 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Climate Authoritarianism Social Change Media influence
  1. The old political and social systems can't adapt quickly enough to tackle big problems like the ecological crisis, and change is needed.
  2. Right-wing populism is rising everywhere, fueled by issues like immigration and declining quality of life, creating uncertainty about the future.
  3. Even though things seem bleak, there is hope for a better society that is participatory and regenerative, but we have to be careful not to fall into authoritarian control.

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).

What I wrote in the New York Times about Trump's authoritarian plans

Can We Still Govern? • 172 implied HN points • 28 Nov 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Authoritarianism Government Presidential Power Public Services Democracy
  1. The stakes are high as Trump aims to transform the American government in an authoritarian direction.
  2. Trump's plan involves appointing loyalists, undermining career civil servants, and leveraging government resources for his personal and political gain.
  3. There is a serious threat to democracy if Trump's authoritarian blueprint succeeds, leading to a weaker government and dismantling of limits on presidential power.

Horseshoe Politics

Skeptic • 85 implied HN points • 02 Mar 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Authoritarianism Abortion Political Spectrum Classical Liberalism 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.

Subscriber Commentary & Review Thread (#15)

The Upheaval • 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.

Pride and Prejudice in Tunisia

Pen>Sword • 59 implied HN points • 30 May 23
🌍 World Politics Authoritarianism
  1. Kais Saied in Tunisia leverages racial divisions to maintain power, using anti-Black racism and xenophobia to manipulate public opinion.
  2. Saied's exploitation of racial prejudices aims to distract the public from systemic issues like corruption and unemployment, consolidating his power through division.
  3. By weaponizing racism against political opponents and stifling dissent with authoritarian tactics, Saied undermines democracy and centralizes power in his hands.

Meet the New Book Burners

Unsafe Science • 97 implied HN points • 11 Oct 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Academia Authoritarianism Ethics Diversity Free speech
  1. Authoritarianism in academia is rising, leading to concern about the suppression of liberal democracy.
  2. Book burning is not just about literal burning of books, but also includes attempts to censor work deemed harmful.
  3. Prominent academics endorsing book burning practices and authoritarian behaviors pose ironic situations in academic fields.

Unveiling the authoritarian roadmap

Can We Still Govern? • 154 implied HN points • 02 May 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Authoritarianism Democracy Partisanship Administration Government
  1. Schedule F could increase politicization in the American government by allowing more political appointees and weakening job protections for career officials.
  2. The Heritage Foundation is pushing for a plan that could jeopardize American democracy by undermining the civil service system and concentrating power with potential for authoritarian misuse.
  3. There is a need for the center-left to develop its own agenda focused on restoring American administrative capacity, balancing the concerns about government efficiency with safeguarding democratic principles.

Putin and Belarus

Diane Francis • 359 implied HN points • 27 May 21
🌍 World Politics Geopolitics International relations Authoritarianism Human Rights
  1. Putin is increasing control over former Soviet states, especially Belarus, which is becoming more submissive to Moscow's power. This is concerning for the political future of the region.
  2. Belarus lacks strong civil society or support from the diaspora, making it harder for the country to resist Russian influence compared to Ukraine.
  3. Recent aggressive actions, like hijacking a plane to arrest an activist, show a dangerous precedent that threatens exiled activists everywhere and needs international condemnation.