The hottest Authoritarianism Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top World Politics Topics

The True Darkness of Cancel Culture

American Dreaming • 123 implied HN points • 28 Apr 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Cancel Culture Political violence Authoritarianism
  1. Cancel culture is more than just public figures losing jobs, it's a mentality that can lead to extreme consequences.
  2. Turning disagreements into attacks on a person rather than their arguments can lead down a dark path.
  3. The cancel culture mentality is part of a broader authoritarian mindset, and can ultimately result in violence and even assassination attempts.

Horseshoe This!

Black Lodges • 39 implied HN points • 20 Mar 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Ideology Theory Centrism Extremism Authoritarianism
  1. The Horseshoe Theory compares far-left and far-right political extremes, suggesting they are closer together than to the moderate center.
  2. The Radical Center rejects traditional left-right divides, focusing on pragmatic policymaking influenced by corporate interests and market-based solutions.
  3. The Horseshoe Theory oversimplifies complex political ideologies, fails to consider fundamental differences between left and right, and misrepresents political reality.

Dealing With The Russian Right

Castalia • 119 implied HN points • 19 Sep 22
🌍 World Politics Geopolitics Authoritarianism Nationalism Philosophy History
  1. Understanding Russian right-wing thinkers like Limonov and Dugin can help explain the mindset behind Putin's actions. This ideology combines fascist elements with a deep-rooted belief in Russia's historical and spiritual superiority.
  2. Putin's view of liberalism and the West is not merely political; it’s seen as a mystical struggle against a perceived enemy. This perspective shapes the narrative that justifies Russia's aggressive actions in Ukraine.
  3. Engaging with these ideas is crucial, as they highlight a coherent worldview that challenges Western values. Recognizing this helps in forming a stronger response to the ideologies driving Russia's political strategies.

I Need to Get Back to the War

Anxiety Addiction & Ascension • 39 implied HN points • 18 Jan 23
🌍 World Politics Military History Authoritarianism National sovereignty Vaccines Propaganda
  1. When faced with a meaningful cause to fight for, being idle for too long can be unbearable. Finding an enemy worth fighting can ignite a strong desire to take action.
  2. Reflecting on historical events and personal connections can inspire a deep sense of purpose. Ancestral ties and the weight of history can influence our perspectives and motivations.
  3. Engaging in the current 'informational and psychological war' can be as impactful as past physical conflicts. Fighting for causes like national sovereignty can be seen as a modern-day equivalent to the noble struggles of previous generations.
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Commentator

Castalia • 79 implied HN points • 11 Dec 22
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Protests Authoritarianism Foreign Policy Defense Spending Artificial Intelligence
  1. China has seen major protests, but the government is cracking down hard on them. Even though some COVID rules are easing, many are getting arrested or questioned for protesting.
  2. The recent protests in Iran are also facing harsh government pushback, leading to executions and continued unrest, highlighting a struggle for freedom in both countries.
  3. There's growing concern about how technologies like AI and military robots are being used. Many people worry that these advancements could lead to dangerous situations and ethical issues.

Mailbag 02.27.24

Unpopular Front • 23 implied HN points • 27 Feb 24
🌍 World Politics Global Conflict Authoritarianism Neoliberalism
  1. The situation in Ukraine appears grim and challenging, with both sides facing real material difficulties in the war.
  2. The rise of authoritarian politics is not solely caused by economic immiseration, but also by the breakdown of the previous social order and leadership crisis.
  3. Local conditions and history play a significant role in the rise of far-right movements in different countries, with unique factors shaping each situation.

Commentator

Castalia • 59 implied HN points • 29 Nov 22
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Foreign Policy Civil Rights Authoritarianism Media Critique Public Health
  1. People in China are bravely protesting against the government's zero-Covid policy and calling for freedom. This shows that even under strict authoritarian control, citizens can still express their desire for change.
  2. In Iran, people are risking their lives to protest against a brutal regime, and there are reports of significant violence against protestors. This highlights a growing unrest and the possibility of change despite the regime's strong grip.
  3. The war in Ukraine continues with heavy casualties and no clear progress, while the Russian military is drawing recruits from vulnerable populations. This situation raises questions about the treatment of soldiers and the toll war takes on communities.

Lessons From Syria: How the West failed and Syrians won

Theory Matters • 1 implied HN point • 15 Dec 24
🌍 World Politics Civil War Authoritarianism International relations Human Rights Revolution
  1. The Assad regime was extremely brutal, using violence and oppression to maintain control in Syria. Many civilians suffered and died because of this regime's actions during the civil war.
  2. Despite the challenges, the Syrian people showed great courage by rising up against oppression. Their determination led to the eventual fall of the Assad regime, proving that they can dream of and fight for a better future.
  3. The international community largely failed to support the Syrian people during their struggle. Many in the West mistakenly viewed Assad as a necessary leader, ignoring the reality of the brutal regime he led.

March 17, 2024

Letters from an American • 11 implied HN points • 18 Mar 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government Conservatism Dictatorship Authoritarianism Policy
  1. Journalist Casey Michel highlighted how Hungarian prime minister Orbán's visit to a right-wing think tank was significant, shedding light on potential influence and alliances.
  2. Project 2025, led by Heritage Foundation, aims to reshape the U.S. government with far-right ideologies, targeting areas like family, government workforce, international relations, and personal liberties.
  3. The document envisioned by Project 2025 outlines extreme measures like purging civil service, dismantling international relationships, and concentrating power, posing a threat to democracy and equality as outlined by the Founding Fathers in 1776.

Burning Down the House!

Daniel Pinchbeck’s Newsletter • 6 implied HN points • 18 Mar 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Christian nationalism Conspiracy Theories Neoliberalism Authoritarianism
  1. Jared Yates Sexton offers a sharp analysis of right-wing authoritarianism, Christian nationalism, and conspiracy theory culture from ancient Rome to today.
  2. Sexton traces the rise of these political elements, examining their historical roots and the impact on modern society.
  3. The American Dream and current social structures are evolving, leading to a battle over what will replace them and shape the future.

Aung San, Liz Cheney

the rohn report • 19 implied HN points • 13 May 21
🌍 World Politics Democracy Leadership Elections Protests Authoritarianism
  1. Aung San Suu Kyi was deposed by the military in Myanmar, highlighting the struggle for democracy in the country.
  2. Liz Cheney, a conservative politician, faced consequences for not agreeing with Trump's falsehoods, showing internal party conflicts.
  3. The power of media in influencing public opinion can be as potent as a military coup, raising concerns about truth and manipulation.

What's Going on with China's Stagnation?

Arpitrage • 3 HN points • 21 Aug 23
🌍 World Politics China Economy Authoritarianism Real Estate Budget
  1. There is a debate between two main schools of thought regarding China's growth hurdles: authoritarian expropriation risk and structural Keynesian views.
  2. The real estate boom-bust hypothesis suggests China's dependence on real estate and infrastructure may lead to weak growth ahead.
  3. The soft budget constraint thesis, rooted in authoritarianism and political economy problems, could also be contributing to China's growth issues.

After Woke

Wood From Eden • 2 HN points • 13 Oct 23
🌍 World Politics Nationalism Immigration Pandemic response Public Discourse Authoritarianism
  1. Woke culture in Sweden was influenced by different factors than in America, such as its approach to LGBTQ issues and racial segregation.
  2. The rise of Woke culture in Sweden coincided with changes in immigration policy, leading to societal issues like segregation and increased crime.
  3. The aftermath of Woke culture in Sweden highlights a shift towards authoritarianism, with the elite controlling the narrative and targeting new adversaries.

The Dystopian Left of 2023

Wayne's Earth • 0 implied HN points • 11 Oct 23
📚 Literature Dystopian Authoritarianism Power Dynamics
  1. The Party in George Orwell's '1984' uses slogans like 'WAR IS PEACE' to manipulate citizens into believing that violence leads to peace, preying on vulnerability and desperation.
  2. Another slogan, 'FREEDOM IS SLAVERY', is used to convince people that individual liberty results in bondage under the Party's rule, exploiting fears and insecurities to eliminate resistance.
  3. The maxim 'IGNORANCE IS STRENGTH' highlights the Party's suppression of intellectual curiosity, pushing intentional ignorance as a form of power to obscure truth with propaganda.

Hypocrisy and Libertarianism

Matt’s Five Points • 0 implied HN points • 22 Jun 11
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Libertarianism Authoritarianism Political culture
  1. Hypocrisy in politics often comes from people promoting strict rules they don't follow themselves. For example, a politician who wants to ban something but does it anyway shows personal or political hypocrisy.
  2. The idea of hypocrisy is mainly linked to authoritarian views. If someone supports a policy that restricts others' freedoms but doesn't follow it, that's when the accusations fly.
  3. Even if someone benefits from a policy they oppose, like a politician using Medicare, it doesn't always make them a hypocrite. People can still operate within the system while wanting to change it.

A letter from China

do clouds feel vertigo? • 0 implied HN points • 25 Jan 24
🌍 World Politics Authoritarianism China Economics Technology Culture
  1. One idea discussed is called a 'walk-and-talk', where a small group walks together while sharing deep conversations. It seems like a nice way to bond over a journey.
  2. There's a spot in China where young people relax and take it easy, showing that even in busy places, people seek downtime.
  3. Bitcoin is debated as a tool against authoritarianism. Even critics see its potential value as many people want to protect their freedom in a world that often centralizes power.

How much power does Putin have?

Demodexio • 0 implied HN points • 06 Feb 24
🌍 World Politics Power Dynamics Authoritarianism Geopolitics Revolution Dictatorship
  1. Western commentators have differing views on Putin's rationality and power, suggesting his hold on power may be weak.
  2. Putin's actions, such as the invasion of Ukraine, reflect his concern about maintaining popularity and power.
  3. Putin's reliance on performances and manipulation of public opinion hint at potential weaknesses and fears about losing power.