The hottest Authoritarianism Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
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Top World Politics Topics

How will Trump Become Dictator?

Erik Examines • 268 implied HN points • 13 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Authoritarianism
  1. Trump's approach to gaining power could follow a slow and strategic path like other modern dictators, rather than an abrupt takeover. This means he might try to control various parts of the government and media gradually.
  2. Looking at examples like Putin's Russia and Orbán's Hungary helps understand how a more subtle authoritarianism can develop in a modern society. These regimes often maintain a facade of democracy while consolidating power behind the scenes.
  3. There's a real concern that if Trump were to attempt an authoritarian shift, it could lead to significant backlash in the U.S. Americans value their freedoms highly and might resist overreach aggressively, creating a cycle of conflict.

Why Egypt’s Democratic Transition Failed

The Weekly Gazette • 19 implied HN points • 01 Dec 25
🌍 World Politics Authoritarianism
  1. The protests during the Arab Spring were fueled by generations of anger against corrupt and oppressive regimes, leading to significant changes in several countries including Egypt.
  2. The Muslim Brotherhood's victory in Egypt was undermined by their lack of a clear political plan and challenges from the military and other political groups.
  3. After Morsi's ousting, Egypt returned to authoritarian rule, showing how quickly the gains of the revolution were lost due to poor leadership and existing power structures.

Global Civil War

Dana Blankenhorn: Facing the Future • 119 implied HN points • 08 Dec 23
🌍 World Politics Authoritarianism
  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.

Pattern Recognition

Things I Didn't Learn in School • 137 implied HN points • 22 Sep 23
🌍 World Politics Authoritarianism
  1. Pattern recognition is crucial for accurately understanding and investing well.
  2. Human folly, whether by a CEO or political leader, can lead to negative outcomes like war or monetary problems.
  3. Cultural attitudes towards modernity can be measured through different indicators, like acceptance of homosexuality.

American Psycho

Slack Tide by Matt Labash • 261 implied HN points • 15 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Authoritarianism
  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.
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Lines in the sand

The Watch • 550 implied HN points • 14 Dec 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Authoritarianism
  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.

Capitalism unchained

Global Inequality and More 3.0 • 830 implied HN points • 04 May 23
🌍 World Politics Authoritarianism
  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.

Let's Get Real

Unpopular Front • 145 implied HN points • 06 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Authoritarianism
  1. Some believe that Trump isn't a strong leader because he struggles with Congress and doesn't have popular support. However, this weak position could be why he tries to bypass normal government processes and use executive power more.
  2. Critics of the idea that Trump is fascist argue he's not repressive, but history shows that early fascist leaders cooperated with existing systems before showing more authoritarian tendencies, which we may be seeing now.
  3. People often think fascism has to involve a strong military or violent takeover, but it can also use economic control and the threat of job loss to maintain power, which is evident in today's political environment.

The Temptations of Carl Schmitt

The Upheaval • 816 implied HN points • 14 Feb 23
🌍 World Politics Authoritarianism
  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.

Richard Beck is an Idiot

Unpopular Front • 69 implied HN points • 21 May 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Authoritarianism
  1. When reviewing someone's work, it's important to get the facts right. Misrepresentation can really hurt the credibility of the review and the reviewer.
  2. Authors feel frustrated when reviewers focus more on personal attacks rather than engaging with the ideas and arguments presented in the book.
  3. Critics should pay attention to the key arguments in a piece, as missing them can lead to misunderstandings and a weak critique.

Bring Me Your Leader

Desk Notes by Charles Schifano • 364 implied HN points • 26 Jan 24
📖 Philosophy Authoritarianism
  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.

I Hope I'm Wrong

Unpopular Front • 153 implied HN points • 06 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Authoritarianism
  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.

Christopher Rufo and the problem of anti-wokeness

The Path Not Taken • 330 implied HN points • 22 Jan 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics 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.

On Tyranny

Thinking about... • 311 implied HN points • 06 Jan 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Authoritarianism
  1. Authoritarian power is often given willingly by individuals, don't comply in advance.
  2. Defend institutions that uphold decency and democracy by actively supporting them.
  3. Be vigilant against the rise of one-party states and fight to uphold democratic principles and multiple-party systems.

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 Authoritarianism
  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.

Revolutions Always Fail

Theory Matters • 3 implied HN points • 22 Jan 26
🌍 World Politics Authoritarianism
  1. Revolutions rarely create truly new systems; they often reuse existing coercive institutions and end up as repressive as what they replaced.
  2. Revolutions demand unity but are driven by competing factions, and that internal conflict commonly leads to violence, terror, and the collapse into tyranny or chaos.
  3. Passionate ideas about identity, anti-imperialism, or spiritual politics can mobilize people, but the gap between revolutionary fantasy and everyday governance usually produces failure, while pluralistic liberal arrangements tend to be more stable.

Fault Lines

Comment is Freed • 78 implied HN points • 27 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Authoritarianism
  1. The CPAC event has evolved into a global gathering for right-wing leaders, with participants from many countries, showing a rise in nationalist movements worldwide.
  2. Tension is growing between moderate and extreme factions within the right-wing movement, as seen with the response to controversial gestures and ideology.
  3. Right-wing parties in Western Europe face challenges in balancing their base and broader electorate, which could lead to splits and conflicts within their ranks.

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 Authoritarianism
  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.

Authoritarianism and the Modern Liberal State

eugyppius: a plague chronicle • 117 implied HN points • 11 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Authoritarianism
  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.

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.

Is America Going Fascist?

Everything's Broken • 58 implied HN points • 16 Apr 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Authoritarianism
  1. America is not going communist, but is facing challenges related to public welfare allocation.
  2. The capture of the Republican party by extreme elements is a concerning aspect in the context of potential fascism.
  3. While America is not fascist, there are worrisome trends including personality-driven politics and scapegoating.

Smurf Scandal Update, and Open Thread

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

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
  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.

Testing the Fascism Thesis

Unpopular Front • 79 implied HN points • 14 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Authoritarianism
  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.

American Panopticon

Daniel Pinchbeck’s Newsletter • 29 implied HN points • 05 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Authoritarianism
  1. There's a growing concern about surveillance and loss of personal freedom in the U.S. Many feel like we are heading towards a totalitarian state if we don't resist this.
  2. The use of technology, like AI and big data, is making it easier for the government to track and control citizens. This poses a serious risk to our privacy and liberties.
  3. To combat this, it's important for people to become aware, take legal action against harmful practices, and advocate for privacy rights. Education and active participation in democracy are key.

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

Fisted by Foucault • 64 implied HN points • 01 Jan 25
🌍 World Politics 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.

Putin and Belarus

Diane Francis • 359 implied HN points • 27 May 21
🌍 World Politics Authoritarianism
  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.

Make America Hungary Again

Can We Still Govern? • 148 implied HN points • 13 Mar 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Authoritarianism
  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.

Subscriber Commentary & Review Thread (#15)

The Upheaval • 261 implied HN points • 30 May 23
🌍 World Politics 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.

Horseshoe This!

Black Lodges • 39 implied HN points • 20 Mar 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics 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.

How Trump Will Use the Alien Enemies Act of 1798

JoeWrote • 51 implied HN points • 21 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Authoritarianism
  1. The Alien Enemies Act from 1798 allows the President to remove non-citizens from countries the U.S. is at war with. This means even legal immigrants could be sent away without a trial.
  2. Trump might use the idea of a 'national emergency' to frame immigrants as threats, leading to more aggressive deportation policies against various groups, even those who are legally present.
  3. Resistance to Trump's plans should focus on the larger issues of racism and anti-immigrant sentiments in America, not just oppose him as an individual leader.

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
  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.

Dealing With The Russian Right

Castalia • 119 implied HN points • 19 Sep 22
🌍 World Politics Authoritarianism
  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.