The hottest Communism Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
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Top World Politics Topics

Better an Absence of Men Than Imperfect Men

Rob Henderson's Newsletter • 10208 implied HN points • 22 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Communism
  1. The film 'Meeting With Pol Pot' shows how Western journalists were deceived by the Khmer Rouge regime, believing they were witnessing a utopia when in reality, there was widespread suffering and death.
  2. Communism often appeals to noble ideas like equality and dignity, but in practice, it leads to extreme violence and oppression, with leaders justifying atrocities as necessary for a 'better' society.
  3. The story serves as a reminder that the worst evils can come from educated and articulate individuals pursuing misguided ideals, rather than purely from hatred or greed.

Why communist reformers always lost

The Works in Progress Newsletter • 35 implied HN points • 03 Mar 26
💾 History Communism
  1. Keeping prices stable mattered more than reformers realized; reforms that raised prices or lengthened queues often triggered panic and protests, so changes had to deliver fast, tangible benefits to avoid backlash.
  2. The order of reforms and a broad coalition of winners were crucial; piecemeal moves (for example, enterprise reform without realistic prices) were either ineffective or destabilizing.
  3. Reformers frequently misunderstood the secretive, complex systems they were changing, and entrenched interests used that complexity to block change; reforms succeeded mainly where planning was weak and people stood to gain.

2023 Alberta Election results - Rural Alberta pauses Canada's slide into communism - and former Premier Jason Kenney's COVID Cabinet members who sold out Albertans to big pharma, are punished & fired!

COVID Intel - by Dr.William Makis • 4972 implied HN points • 30 May 23
🌍 World Politics Communism
  1. The 2023 Alberta Election results show Danielle Smith's UCP party winning with 49 seats.
  2. Communists won 38 seats but Rural Alberta's votes made the difference.
  3. Former Premier Jason Kenney's COVID Cabinet members faced consequences for dealings with big pharma.

The glorious Soviet Union

Trevor Klee’s Newsletter • 671 implied HN points • 10 Aug 25
💾 History Communism
  1. Communism looks good in theory but often fails in practice. Many historical attempts at communism ended badly for countries involved.
  2. Some people feel nostalgic for the idea of the Soviet Union, viewing it as a time of unity and purpose, despite its real flaws.
  3. After the fall of the Soviet Union, many Russians struggled with the chaos and loneliness of capitalism, missing the sense of community and shared sacrifice they once had.

My Sunday With The Amber-Eyed Hare

Daily Dreher • 1454 implied HN points • 02 Oct 23
💾 History Communism
  1. The story reflects on the rise and fall of a Jewish banking family through generational possessions and the impact of war
  2. The deep-rooted anti-Semitism in European society is highlighted through historical artifacts and experiences
  3. The narration urges vigilance against totalitarianism by drawing parallels between Nazi and Communist regimes, emphasizing the importance of learning from history
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My Communist Vision

In My Tribe • 1078 implied HN points • 06 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture Communism
  1. Young families benefit from living close to each other, creating a supportive community where kids can play together and parents can help one another.
  2. Having children early in life can lead to more grandchildren and a fulfilling family life, so society should encourage early marriage and parenting.
  3. Communal living arrangements for young families can help ease the challenges of parenting, but they should maintain individual households instead of being collective.

Xi Zhongxun: China Book of the Year

ChinaTalk • 459 implied HN points • 22 Jun 25
🌍 World Politics Communism
  1. Xi Zhongxun's life shows how suffering can lead to a strong commitment to a cause. For him, the struggles he faced made him passionate about communism and the Party.
  2. The book highlights that Xi Zhongxun was more complex than just a 'reformer.' He had conflicting views about individualism and Party demands, and his actions were sometimes driven by what the Party needed.
  3. It’s important to recognize that labels like 'good' and 'bad' don’t always fit. Xi Zhongxun's story reminds us that everyone in the Party had moments of both virtue and wrongdoing.

Xi Zhongxun’s Second Act

ChinaTalk • 296 implied HN points • 21 Jul 25
🌍 World Politics Communism
  1. Xi Zhongxun showed a unique ability to navigate politics, often finding a balance between party loyalty and a more humane approach to governance, especially in dealing with ethnic minorities.
  2. He faced significant challenges and moral dilemmas during his career, including dealing with purges and the strict demands of party ideology, which led him to reflect deeply on his actions and beliefs.
  3. Xi Zhongxun's relationship with his son, Xi Jinping, was marked by his strict teachings and expectations, influencing Jinping’s views on loyalty and the party's legacy.

When Communism Came To America

The Redneck Intellectual by C. Bradley Thompson • 530 implied HN points • 28 Mar 23
💾 History Communism
  1. Seventeenth-century American colonies like Jamestown and Plymouth were founded on communist principles, which led to starvation and failure.
  2. Communism is inherently immoral and leads to resentment, mistrust, and decreased productivity.
  3. The introduction of private property at Jamestown and Plymouth led to increased productivity, social harmony, and moral transformation, emphasizing the importance of freedom and private property.

FROM RUSSIA, WITH LOVE?

Reflections on "Going Down Tobacco Road" and Investing • 353 implied HN points • 20 Jun 23
💾 History Communism
  1. Russia has a long and tumultuous relationship with tobacco, with bans and regulations changing over the centuries.
  2. Russian history shows unusual bans such as forbidding the killing and eating of cows, playing cards and dice, and eating rounded fruits on specific days.
  3. Leaders like Peter the Great and Paul I of Russia implemented strict rules on appearance and language to align with foreign standards.

The Berlin Wall Never Fell

Thinking about... • 567 implied HN points • 09 Nov 24
💾 History Communism
  1. The Berlin Wall did not actually fall; it remains a symbol rather than an event. People rushed to cross it in 1989, but the wall itself stayed standing.
  2. The story around the wall simplifies a complex history. It ignores the important protests and the teamwork that helped end communist rule in Eastern Europe.
  3. Thinking the wall fell suggests freedom just happens without effort. True change comes from people cooperating and working together towards freedom.

05/01/30 - FAQ Answered!

Moly’s Substack • 334 implied HN points • 02 May 23
🌍 World Politics Communism
  1. China's urban areas vary from fancy to drab, without much in between due to rapid development and lack of government oversight.
  2. Chinese humor leans towards sarcasm and can be hard to translate, often involving puns and cultural references.
  3. Chinese beauty standards emphasize extreme slimness, reflecting societal norms but also influenced by body types.

The Economist on Mao

David Friedman’s Substack • 476 implied HN points • 07 Dec 24
💾 History Communism
  1. Mao Zedong is often credited for significant changes in China, but his policies caused massive suffering, including a severe famine that killed millions. It's important to look at the real consequences of his leadership, not just the positive narratives.
  2. There was a strong bias among Western intellectuals towards communism, which led to overlooking the negative impacts of Mao's rule. This shows how personal beliefs can cloud judgment about political regimes.
  3. Even reputable publications like The Economist can misjudge historical figures due to a lack of direct information. It's crucial for media to be critical and accurate, especially concerning totalitarian states.

Three steps to freedom

Global Inequality and More 3.0 • 860 implied HN points • 15 Feb 24
🌍 World Politics Communism
  1. The process of secession in Communist federations typically involves three steps: building a sentiment of national grievances, gaining acceptance from the communist party leadership, and making a decisive break from federal control.
  2. Nationalist movements in the Soviet and Yugoslav republics followed a similar playbook of exploiting perceived grievances like economic exploitation or cultural rights violations to justify secession.
  3. The unraveling of Communist federations into independent republics often led to territorial disputes and conflicts, overshadowing democratic principles with movements for self-determination.

Bestseller In Japan: “Degrowth Communism” As The Answer to Climate Change, Part I

Japan Economy Watch • 599 implied HN points • 22 Sep 22
🌞 Climate & Environment Communism
  1. Some believe 'Degrowth Communism' is the answer to climate change, promoting shrinking the economy, but it may pose risks by lowering living standards globally.
  2. Advanced countries show a trend of reducing CO2 emissions while still experiencing economic growth, indicating growth and technological progress are crucial solutions to climate change.
  3. Karl Marx emphasized the potential of technology for growth, contrasting with the view that the economy would hit a 'stationary state'; however, he underestimated capitalism's ability to address its own challenges.

A brief history of capitalism (& socialism & communism)

The Novelleist • 684 implied HN points • 05 Jun 23
🌍 World Politics Communism
  1. Industrialization led to the growth of big corporations, creating inequality which sparked movements for socialism and communism.
  2. Workers' rights improved through regulations in capitalist countries after World War II, leading to economic prosperity.
  3. Capitalism emerged as the most successful economic model globally, but there are ongoing challenges like wealth inequality and environmental impact that need to be addressed.

On the communist origins of diversity, equality, and inclusion ideology

Heterodox STEM • 220 implied HN points • 03 Apr 23
💾 History Communism
  1. The communist origins of diversity, equality, and inclusion ideology can be traced back to Lenin and Soviet history.
  2. Lenin promoted reducing high salaries and creating ideological control in Soviet Union which has parallels to current movements in academia.
  3. There are alarming similarities between the practices of diversity, equality, and inclusion initiatives in academia and the ideological control in the Soviet Union, leading to the censorship of ideas and persecution of dissent.

How to prepare for a Communist Revolution

Splattern • 19 implied HN points • 24 Oct 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Communism
  1. Staying at a job can build strong relationships with your boss and team, helping you grow in your career. It's important to weigh the benefits of success at your current job against new opportunities.
  2. The tech industry offers great financial opportunities, so it's smart to succeed in your current role before making big changes. Building credibility now can help you take bigger risks later.
  3. With rising economic disparities, it's natural to worry about the future and consider how to protect yourself. Saving money might not be as wise as engaging with your community and sharing wealth.

I Learned Something From That Weird Ass Jacobin Article That Said Blackstone Owns 1/3 of All Houses

I Might Be Wrong • 12 implied HN points • 08 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Communism
  1. Jacobin magazine published a wildly incorrect statistic about Blackstone owning a large portion of U.S. houses, leading to a lot of criticism. It's important to check facts before sharing numbers, especially big claims.
  2. The actual ownership by Blackstone is much smaller than claimed, showing how misinformation can spread easily. Even big publications can make serious mistakes when they don't verify.
  3. Reading the article gave new insights into why some people might be drawn to communism, even if the statistics are wrong. Understanding different viewpoints helps us discuss these issues better.

Tolstoyan Colony in Turkestan - Turkestan Vedomosti, 1910

The Library of Alexandria Ultima • 8 implied HN points • 05 Oct 24
💾 History Communism
  1. The Tolstoyan Colony in Turkestan was created by people who followed Leo Tolstoy's ideas of peaceful living and simple lifestyles. They wanted to distance themselves from mainstream society and create a community based on shared values.
  2. The colony faced challenges like resource mismanagement and conflicts over land with local nomadic populations. These issues highlight the difficulties that communal living and utopian ideas often experience in real life.
  3. Despite the problems, the community made progress by working hard to develop their farming and living conditions. They focused on growing food and improving their homes, believing in their ideals even when obstacles arose.

Jews and Communism

In My Tribe • 2 HN points • 17 Feb 24
🌍 World Politics Communism
  1. American Jewish memory often overlooks the association between Jews and Communists, but for some, the entanglement holds significant personal history.
  2. Historically, as an ethnic group, Jews tend to lean toward leftist political movements due to urban living, progressive support of Jewish emancipation, and traditions that favored learning and commerce.
  3. Despite some historical ties, many Jews today are turning away from left-wing anti-capitalism, as they may feel alienated by the portrayal of Jewish entities by the left.

Hồ Chí Minh

Thái | Hacker | Kỹ sư tin tặc • 0 implied HN points • 22 May 15
🌍 World Politics Communism
  1. Before the resistance against the French, Ho Chi Minh was highly admired for his patriotism and dedication to achieving independence for Vietnam.
  2. Ho Chi Minh's decision to align with China for fighting against the French was a major mistake that led to division and consequences that Vietnam continues to face.
  3. It's essential to think critically and not blindly believe everything we hear or read, especially in today's society where information can be manipulated.

Communism: the God that failed? Or shall this God yet succeed?

Demodexio • 0 implied HN points • 06 Nov 23
🌍 World Politics Communism
  1. Communism has a history of challenging ruling elites and creating division between East and West in Europe.
  2. There are similarities between the rise of Communism and Protestantism in terms of charismatic leaders and rejection of norms.
  3. The future of Communism might involve a more profound re-thinking of societal assumptions, challenging traditional beliefs about sexuality and identity.