The hottest Democracy Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
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Top World Politics Topics

American polarisation

Wrong Side of History • 408 implied HN points • 29 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Polarization Elections Partisanship Political Identity Democracy
  1. America is very politically divided, with people seeing each other as serious threats rather than just political opponents. This hostility has been growing for decades.
  2. Many voters believe the other party is immoral or a danger, which creates a belief that winning is all that matters, and losing means disaster. This view can damage democracy.
  3. Recent elections have shown signs of increased conflict, with both sides preparing for legal battles over outcomes and growing distrust in the electoral process.

About my smashed shed

Jeff Giesea • 359 implied HN points • 15 Jul 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Democracy Political Reform Civic engagement Political violence
  1. Events happen that we can't control, like storms or trees falling, but how we react to them can make a difference. We can shape some outcomes by our actions.
  2. American democracy is fragile right now, much like a damaged shed. It needs rebuilding and improvement to feel secure again.
  3. Choosing to engage in democracy and work together for reforms is essential. It's up to us to strengthen the system for the future, especially for the next generation.

The People's Cabinet

Thinking about... • 680 implied HN points • 11 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government Elections Political parties Opposition Democracy
  1. A people's cabinet is a new idea for positive opposition to the current government. It's made up of elected officials who are responsible and can guide public opinion.
  2. The term 'shadow cabinet' doesn't resonate with Americans, so better names like 'people's cabinet' or 'alternative cabinet' should be considered. The name should reflect equality and a focus on serving the public.
  3. Creating a people's cabinet can provide a way to hold the government accountable. It can also offer new ideas and perspectives during times of political conflict.

The Counter-Revolution Begins

The Upheaval • 899 implied HN points • 12 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Revolution Elections Management Democracy Resistance
  1. This moment is a critical chance to change the political landscape and challenge current power structures. If this opportunity is missed, it might not come again for a long time.
  2. There's a strong desire for systemic reform and more democratic control over governance. This enthusiasm needs to be organized and directed to make real changes happen.
  3. Focus, organization, and discipline are essential moving forward. The team needs to be well-prepared to take quick action to fight back against entrenched opposition.

Liberals have always emphasized the need for collective action

Demodexio • 132 implied HN points • 30 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Liberalism Socialism Collective action Democracy Political theory
  1. Liberals believe people should work together to solve problems, not just focus on individual efforts. Collective action is really important in creating change.
  2. Socialism is often seen as a barrier to this teamwork because it can fixate on class issues. Liberals argue that this focus makes it hard to address other important aspects of people's lives, like race and gender.
  3. Throughout history, thinkers have emphasized that a successful society relies on people coming together for common goals. This idea has been part of liberal thought for over 2,400 years.
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NOTES FROM THE ROAD

TRANSFORM with Marianne Williamson • 3026 implied HN points • 02 Apr 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Policy Elections Government Democracy Society
  1. The American people have a history of standing up and making things right when they realize the importance of a cause.
  2. The current economic situation in America is dire, but there is hope with a shift towards fair policies and economic justice.
  3. To address the challenges facing the country, it is essential for Americans to come together and make informed decisions about the future.

ByteDance gets Suxtnet'd, Taiwan Healthcare and Internet Democracy

ChinaTalk • 355 implied HN points • 25 Oct 24
🕹 Technology AI Cybersecurity Internet Healthcare Democracy
  1. An intern at ByteDance caused major damage by sabotaging AI training, affecting thousands of GPUs and potentially costing millions. This highlights possible gaps in the company's security.
  2. Taiwan has a highly praised healthcare system, often ranked as the best in the world. It's seen as a model that could inspire others.
  3. The internet acts as a powerful platform for democracy in China. Victims often turn to it when traditional systems fail to provide justice.

In latest effort to keep AfD out of government and save German democracy, ex-Stasi officer is appointed to a cabinet minister post in Thüringen

eugyppius: a plague chronicle • 170 implied HN points • 17 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Political parties Government Democracy Political History
  1. A new government in Thüringen called the 'blackberry coalition' was formed to keep the AfD party out of power. This coalition includes very different parties working together for a common goal.
  2. The appointment of Tilo Kummer, a former Stasi officer, as a cabinet minister is a notable change. This is the first time a person with such a background has held a government position in Germany.
  3. The political situation is tense, with many people raising concerns about the compromises made to prevent the AfD from ruling, even if it means working with parties they previously disagreed with.

Elon Musk is Ross Perot on Crack

Unpopular Front • 99 implied HN points • 19 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Democracy Government Political Figures Public Opinion
  1. Elon Musk's influence is compared to Ross Perot's, showing how billionaires can challenge traditional political systems. They both wanted to cut through the bureaucracy and bring change by going directly to the public.
  2. The concept of using electronic voting or plebiscites can undermine representative democracy. This idea may give the illusion of direct democracy but can also lead to manipulation by powerful individuals.
  3. Historically, plebiscites have been tools used by authoritarian leaders to control public opinion. Similar trends today could weaken democratic structures and lead to more centralized power.

Dan Williams on Democracy and Technocracy

In My Tribe • 410 implied HN points • 31 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Democracy Technocracy Political Power Political institutions Public Opinion
  1. Democracy can face challenges because not everyone has the same knowledge or values. People's differing abilities can make equal input in politics problematic.
  2. Experts often try to control information to influence voters, but these efforts can be ineffective and lead to public resentment instead of understanding.
  3. Our political systems should focus on how power is shared and maintained. It's important to prevent a concentration of power and ensure it can change hands peacefully.

joe biden can beat trump

Airplane Mode with Liz Plank • 1159 implied HN points • 09 Feb 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Election Presidency Candidates Democracy Foreign Relations
  1. There are concerns about Biden's memory and cognitive function affecting his potential reelection campaign.
  2. Biden could prevent Trump's second term by stepping down and allowing new Democratic candidates to enter the race.
  3. Allowing a different candidate to replace Biden could address challenges like lack of enthusiasm among voters and the threat of a second Trump presidency.

The Rise of Counterfeit Democracy

The Garden of Forking Paths • 2319 implied HN points • 24 Jul 23
🌍 World Politics Democracy Authoritarianism Human Rights
  1. Outside of established democracies, there is a rise in counterfeit democracy - authoritarian rule disguising as democratic.
  2. Many countries pretend to be democracies, but are actually authoritarian - leading to a decline in global democracy.
  3. Counterfeit democracies use elections and democratic trappings to maintain power, but lack true democratic values and institutions.

January 24, 2025

Letters from an American • 28 implied HN points • 25 Jan 25
💾 History Military World War II Democracy Civil Rights Political Movements
  1. The Battle of the Bulge was a major World War II fight where the German army tried to break through Allied lines. General McAuliffe famously replied 'NUTS!' when asked to surrender, showing strong resistance.
  2. After the war, the Allies worked to promote democracy and prevent fascism, creating institutions like the United Nations and NATO. They also invested in American citizens through programs like the G.I. Bill to support education and employment.
  3. In recent times, there has been concern about the dismantling of democratic principles and civil rights established post-war. Political decisions have raised fears of a shift away from the inclusivity and equality the U.S. fought for during World War II.

The Energizing Clarity Of Democracy

The Weekly Dish • 236 implied HN points • 08 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Democracy Political parties Public Opinion Governance
  1. Democracy can bring a sense of energy and clarity to political events. It helps people understand their roles and responsibilities in society.
  2. Elections are important moments for reflecting on the future of the nation. They reveal the hopes and concerns of the people.
  3. Engagement in democracy can lead to a stronger community. When people participate, they contribute to shaping the world around them.

Civic Life Kinda Sucks

Unpopular Front • 101 implied HN points • 12 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Democracy Civic engagement Political theory Progressivism Local Politics
  1. Civic engagement can feel disappointing, as many people want to help but find it hard to be heard in group settings. Good intentions sometimes don't lead to real community connection.
  2. People often feel that political clubs and organizations can be unwelcoming, making it hard for newcomers to share their ideas or feel valued. This can lead to disillusionment.
  3. Writing and expressing opinions online can sometimes be more rewarding than traditional civic involvement. Many find that they prefer this quick way to participate rather than struggling with local politics.

These defenders of democracy do not exist

Conspirador Norteño • 76 implied HN points • 05 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Social media Democracy AI Technology Political Activism
  1. Some social media accounts pretend to be liberal activists but are actually fake and use AI to generate responses. They try to look real but their activity is suspicious.
  2. These accounts follow a lot of people quickly but don't gain many followers back. This pattern shows they are likely bots trying to manipulate engagement.
  3. Many of the replies from these accounts are generic offers of help or unsolicited responses. It's often clear they are automated replies, not real conversations.

When Oligarchs go Bad

The Cosmopolitan Globalist • 20 implied HN points • 25 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political parties Extremism Democracy Authoritarianism International relations
  1. Democracies face a challenge in protecting themselves from groups that want to undermine them while still allowing freedom of expression. Finding the right balance is difficult, especially in places with a troubled history.
  2. Germany has strict laws to monitor and potentially ban parties that threaten its democratic values, but it is challenging to enforce these laws without appearing biased or suppressing free speech.
  3. The rise of far-right groups, like the AfD in Germany, highlights a growing trend towards extreme nationalism and xenophobia, often fueled by the support of external powers like Russia. These movements can harm democracy and threaten social cohesion.

"Knowingness" and the Politics of Ignorance

The Garden of Forking Paths • 1965 implied HN points • 12 May 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Democracy Polarization Culture Wars
  1. Misplaced faith in knowingness can lead to deliberate ignorance which poses a threat to democracies.
  2. Knowingness can be more damaging than polarization as it hampers the acceptance of fresh facts and different viewpoints.
  3. Combating knowingness is crucial in promoting intellectual curiosity and a collective approach to problem-solving in society.

Putin as the Patron Saint of Right Wing Misanthropy

Richard Hanania's Newsletter • 3072 implied HN points • 16 Feb 24
🌍 World Politics Russia Conservatism Democracy Foreign Policy
  1. Hatred of America in right-wing circles can sometimes reflect a deeper misanthropy that values different societal aspects than standard measurements of success.
  2. The anti-American right's hostility to democracy and liberalism can stem from a disdain for what most people desire and choose.
  3. Some in the conservative movement prioritize a pro-Putin stance over rational arguments against America's Ukraine policy, complicating efforts for peace and strategic negotiation.

Should I go all in on post-partisanship?

Jeff Giesea • 419 implied HN points • 25 May 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Partisanship Democracy Political Identity Polarization
  1. Post-partisanship is all about working together and finding real solutions instead of sticking strictly to one political party's views. It's about being practical and collaborative.
  2. There's a growing fatigue with constant polarization in politics, and many people want to see a shift towards more open-minded discussions and problem-solving between different sides.
  3. Rebranding could help connect better with the idea of post-partisanship, but it's important to think about what that change means for staying true to personal beliefs and identity.

".....but a whimper."

Fisted by Foucault • 190 implied HN points • 13 Nov 24
🌍 World Politics Geopolitics International relations Democracy Elections
  1. Georgia has a history of movements for change, but recent protests after an election were surprisingly quiet. This might indicate a lack of energy or uncertainty among the citizens about how to respond.
  2. Many NGOs in Georgia rely heavily on foreign funding, but the government has started to restrict their influence to protect its own power. This has made the situation tricky for the opposition.
  3. Despite wanting to join the EU, many Georgian citizens are not willing to challenge the current government. Concerns about potential war with Russia also play a role in their hesitance.

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.

Putting the recent coups in the Sahel in broader perspective

An Africanist Perspective • 1761 implied HN points • 03 Aug 23
🌍 World Politics Democracy Geopolitics Sovereignty
  1. The recent coups in the Sahel are not just about democratic backsliding, but also reflect state-building failures and shaky sovereignty, with conflicting incentives among various actors
  2. Public support for military intervention in politics in some of these countries indicates frustration with the failures of democracy to deliver, highlighting the need for meaningful change and democratic consolidation
  3. The discourse on self-determination arising from the current crisis presents an opportunity to rethink governance, repair social contracts, and foster local solutions to regional challenges in the Sahel

Taiwan Goes Its Own Way

Persuasion • 982 implied HN points • 15 Jan 24
🌍 World Politics Taiwan China Election Democracy
  1. The recent election in Taiwan reflected domestic politics more than reactions to China.
  2. Criticism of the ruling party in Taiwan focused on economic performance and frustrations with issues like low wages and housing.
  3. Despite challenges, Taiwan continues to navigate its future with democratic transitions of power.

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.

You don't hate Congress. You hate losing.

Matt’s Five Points • 319 implied HN points • 16 May 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Legislation Public Opinion Political Process Democracy
  1. Congress is not popular, and its approval ratings are quite low, often under 20%. This means many people express frustration with it, but it often stems from deeper feelings of losing in the political system.
  2. Losing in a democracy can feel terrible. Whether it's in Congress or at a local meeting, people often get upset when their views aren't prioritized or when they don't get their way.
  3. Everyone is capable of feeling like losers in politics because decisions often have winners and losers. This frustration is common and can lead to heated feelings about politicians and government processes.

Next for Ukraine

Diane Francis • 1179 implied HN points • 11 Dec 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy Military Aid Democracy Legislation Geopolitics
  1. Ukraine is facing challenges in getting the military aid it needs as political obstacles grow in both the U.S. and Europe. Leaders are rushing to resolve these issues since aid is crucial for Ukraine's defense.
  2. There are fears that without adequate support, Ukraine could experience severe consequences, including more refugees and a potential military collapse. Historical experts are worried about the broader impact on global stability.
  3. Despite political delays, some military aid is still being provided to Ukraine. The Ukrainian leaders remain determined to continue fighting for their country and not to give up any territory.

It's easy from here

Gray Mirror • 156 implied HN points • 26 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Power Dynamics Governance Democracy Elections
  1. Power tricks people into thinking it belongs to them, when in reality, they belong to it. This means that real change often requires recognizing who truly holds power.
  2. The true influence in politics often lies with unelected bureaucrats and lobbyists rather than elected officials. This makes it difficult for citizens to understand how their government operates and to effect real change.
  3. To truly reclaim power, people need to shift their focus from trying to improve a flawed system to recognizing their lack of power in it and learning to take control of their political landscape.

The Kaiser's Long Stare

Daily Dreher • 1552 implied HN points • 30 Sep 23
🌍 World Politics Empires Institutions Leadership Geopolitics Democracy
  1. The novel 'The Radetzky March' explores the decline of the Austro-Hungarian Empire through three generations of the von Trotta family.
  2. The book reflects on the importance of faith in institutions and the internal decay that can lead to their downfall.
  3. The text draws parallels between historical events and the current social and political challenges, highlighting the importance of an animating spirit within a society.

Class War or Culture War?

Thinking about... • 431 implied HN points • 19 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Inequality Culture Class Democracy
  1. America faces huge inequality, and it's crucial to talk about class and who benefits from it. Talking about who the wealthy are and how they gain power can help everyone understand their struggles better.
  2. Just addressing class issues isn't enough. Cultural factors play a big role in how people view these issues and who they support politically. Many people have strong feelings tied to identity that can affect their political choices.
  3. To create real change, we need to combine discussions about class with understanding cultural dynamics. Empathy and mutual understanding between different groups can help us work together to fight inequality and improve society.