The hottest Democracy Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top World Politics Topics

Should we have Deliberative Democracy?

Erik Examines • 89 implied HN points • 18 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Democracy Political theory Civic engagement Public Policy Governance
  1. Deliberative democracy is about having conversations among citizens to make better decisions, rather than just voting. It focuses on discussing issues deeply before deciding things.
  2. This model can be mixed with traditional democracy, where citizen assemblies could help inform lawmakers. It doesn't replace representatives but enhances how decisions are made.
  3. Using AI can help find common ground during discussions, making it easier for people to reach agreements on policies. It could guide groups to better solutions by analyzing opinions and suggesting compromises.

What They Meant by Essential and Nonessential

COVID Reason • 1863 implied HN points • 18 Apr 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Policy Government Social Issues Civil Rights Democracy
  1. The distinction between essential and nonessential work was decided by a previously unknown agency called CISA.
  2. The terms essential and nonessential reshaped the commercial world in unprecedented ways.
  3. The categorization of essential and nonessential roles reveals a societal divide between those considered indispensable and those perceived as dispensable.

Three steps to freedom

Global Inequality and More 3.0 • 860 implied HN points • 15 Feb 24
🌍 World Politics Communism Nationalism Democracy Autocracy
  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.

Why Is the American Right Pandering to Putin?

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 881 implied HN points • 15 Feb 24
🌍 World Politics Russia United States Democracy Human Rights Economic Disparities
  1. Moscow appears clean and safe, but wealth disparity and control by the Kremlin are significant issues in Russia's capital city.
  2. The extreme wealth in Russia often stems from Soviet-era practices and companies are controlled by Kremlin power.
  3. Tucker Carlson's recent actions, like praising Moscow and interviewing Putin, have been controversial and divided public opinion in the U.S.
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Taking Illiberalism seriously

Theory Matters • 5 implied HN points • 11 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political theory Authoritarianism Democracy Campaign Strategy Political Analysis
  1. Illiberal movements often get underestimated because people don't take them seriously. This leads to ignoring deeper issues that let these movements grow.
  2. The current political climate is shaped by performance and storytelling, rather than just facts. To connect with people, liberals need to engage in better narratives.
  3. Rights and values need a strong reason behind them. Simply saying rights matter isn’t enough; there needs to be a clear understanding of why they are important.

(Ad-free Video) Jonathan Rauch: Christianity's Broken Bargain with Democracy

Critical Mass • 4 implied HN points • 05 Feb 25
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Christianity Democracy Philosophy Ethics Society
  1. Jonathan Rauch believes Christianity has positive moral values that support democracy. He thinks these values should be embraced to help improve democracy in the U.S.
  2. The discussion explores different views on the role of Christian teachings in society. It highlights the importance of understanding and respecting differing perspectives.
  3. Rauch's new book offers a surprising look at Christianity, challenging common criticisms. He argues for the importance of values that connect with democratic principles.

The global defeat of democracy: a scenario

Wyclif's Dust • 1073 implied HN points • 19 Nov 23
🌍 World Politics Democracy International Conflict Autocracy Cold War
  1. A new conflict is developing between Western democracies and non-Western autocracies.
  2. Defeat in the global conflict between democracy and autocracies could lead to a potential erosion of liberalism.
  3. Emerging weaknesses in democracy could put the system at serious risk, especially in the face of a changing international landscape.

Taking Illiberalism seriously

Theory Matters • 10 implied HN points • 29 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Democracy International relations Elections Authoritarianism
  1. We need to be careful about how we talk about democracy. It's not just about having elections; real democratic health needs strong institutions and genuine respect for rules.
  2. Illiberal regimes are becoming more common, and this is challenging liberal democracies. People can still vote but might not accept the results, which creates confusion about what democracy really means.
  3. Political and international stability isn't the same as true democracy. Democracies need to be able to adapt and face challenges, rather than just maintaining a facade of order.

The New York Times simps for nationalism abroad

Yasha Levine • 648 implied HN points • 21 Feb 23
🌍 World Politics Nationalism Russia Democracy International relations
  1. The New York Times is accused of projecting nationalist ideas onto foreign countries while not supporting nationalism domestically.
  2. The writer critiques the idea that Russia needs to be broken up for democracy to flourish, highlighting the implication that a multi-ethnic country is seen as illegitimate.
  3. The essay discusses the importance of homogeneity in a nation-state, contrasting it with the diversity of multi-ethnic societies.

AMLO says Mexico is more democratic than oligarch-run USA, condemns State Dep't 'meddling' against electoral reform

Geopolitical Economy Report • 637 implied HN points • 09 Mar 23
🌍 World Politics US Relations Media bias Democracy
  1. Mexican President AMLO believes Mexico is more democratic than the US, highlighting that the people govern in Mexico while the oligarchy governs in the US.
  2. AMLO is pushing for popular electoral reforms in Mexico, aiming to simplify the voting system and reduce corruption in the electoral process.
  3. AMLO criticizes US meddling in Mexico's affairs, denouncing the Monroe Doctrine and highlighting the negative coverage of his reforms by US media.

January 6, 2025

Letters from an American • 17 implied HN points • 07 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Democracy Congress Political parties
  1. The electoral votes were counted smoothly, marking the peaceful transfer of power as a key aspect of democracy. Vice President Kamala Harris emphasized the importance of counting votes and respecting the election results.
  2. Despite the peaceful transfer, former President Trump, who previously attempted to overturn the election results, is set to take office again. This highlights a shift in attitudes among some Republicans who previously condemned his actions.
  3. A Supreme Court ruling has granted Trump immunity from legal accountability as a sitting president, raising concerns about fairness and the rule of law. This decision signals a significant change in how laws may be applied to powerful individuals.

Sunday Strip: The Democracy That Never Was.

Who is Robert Malone • 48 implied HN points • 01 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Democracy Legislation Government History Current Events
  1. The term 'democracy' is not mentioned in important U.S. founding documents. The Founding Fathers preferred a representative democracy to avoid the problem of majority rule.
  2. A new AI tool called Grok will help summarize complex laws to make them easier for people to understand. This could help more people engage with what their government is doing.
  3. Historical tensions around gun control were significant leading up to the American Revolution. Restrictions on weaponry fueled a desire for independence from British rule.

It’s Time To Save Civilization From The Pathocratic State

Public • 766 implied HN points • 01 Jan 24
🌍 World Politics Democracy Media Control Authoritarianism Totalitarianism Disinformation
  1. The media and political establishment are seen as a greater threat to democracy than populist movements.
  2. The term 'pathocracy' is used to describe leadership positions filled with narcissists and psychopaths.
  3. Governments and mainstream establishments have engaged in manipulative and authoritarian actions over the years.

Photo of the Day

Photo of the Day • 314 implied HN points • 24 Jan 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Civil War Slavery Democracy Congress
  1. The Civil War was a costly conflict that shocked the nation and prompted urgency to end it
  2. Abraham Lincoln pushed for bold action to save American democracy by addressing slavery through constitutional amendments
  3. The survival of American democracy hinged on the decisions made by Congress and the Administration during a tumultuous time

From the Storm to the Stormtroopers

Thinking about... • 288 implied HN points • 11 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Fascism Climate change Disinformation Government Democracy
  1. Disinformation can turn people against their government, making it hard to respond to real crises like climate change. It's easier for some leaders to create enemies than to solve problems.
  2. When people lose faith in democracy, they'll look to a strong leader instead of the law. This can lead to a dangerous kind of politics where personal favors replace justice.
  3. As climate change worsens, politicians may blame people from other countries instead of their own policies. This creates more division and conflict among people.

Answering your questions

Comment is Freed • 64 implied HN points • 13 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Parties Policy Democracy International relations
  1. The Republican party seems to have shifted away from traditional establishment figures, with MAGA and Trump influencing their direction. Future candidates may be more conventional but still lean to the right.
  2. Democrats are facing challenges with key voter demographics, especially Latino men, and they might need to nominate someone who can connect with these groups in future elections.
  3. Both the US and UK are dealing with the implications of Trump's influence on politics, particularly regarding relationships with Europe and international cooperation.

Proof of Consequences, Vol. 2: The 2024 U.S. Presidential Election Was Not Stolen

Proof • 57 implied HN points • 09 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Democracy Political parties Political Ideologies Government
  1. The belief that the 2024 U.S. Presidential Election was stolen is false. It's important to accept this to understand the current state of politics.
  2. America is facing serious threats to democracy, and things could get much worse if people don't unite to address these issues.
  3. Democrats need to stop clinging to false hopes and start confronting the reality of the situation in politics for any real change to happen.

Tuesday’s US election and why social justice ideology might not be so bad for liberal democracy

The Path Not Taken • 66 implied HN points • 03 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Democracy Political Ideologies Social justice Political parties
  1. Social justice ideology is having a big impact on the Democratic Party and its relationship with liberal democracy. It focuses on identity and the protection of marginalized groups.
  2. Surveys show that people who support social justice values also tend to support the separation of powers within government, which is a key part of liberal democracy.
  3. While there are some conflicts between social justice ideology and liberal democratic values, it also highlights the need to defend rights and fairness for all, especially in times of political tension.

Interview: Ryszard Legutko

The Upheaval • 795 implied HN points • 13 Mar 24
🌍 World Politics Liberal democracy Totalitarianism Democracy Authoritarianism
  1. The political turmoil in Poland is examined through the lens of Ryszard Legutko's book, highlighting the government's crackdown on media and institutional changes.
  2. Ideas from Legutko's book suggest that aspects of liberalism contribute to abandoning the rule of law, and policymakers are driven by dogmatic ideological beliefs.
  3. There is a discussion on how liberalism, power, and social engineering intersect, leading to a vision where liberal ideology holds authority over societal structures.

US invites authoritarian far-right regimes to 'Summit for Democracy'

Geopolitical Economy Report • 518 implied HN points • 03 Apr 23
🌍 World Politics Authoritarianism Democracy Geopolitical BRICS
  1. The US organized a 'Summit for Democracy' where several far-right, anti-democratic regimes were invited, including leaders from Israel, Poland, India, and Pakistan.
  2. Western media outlets have acknowledged the authoritarian nature of regimes like Netanyahu's in Israel, Duda's in Poland, and Modi's in India, despite their participation in the summit.
  3. The summit aimed to create a bloc against China and Russia, pressuring nations to sign statements denouncing these countries, revealing the US strategy to advance its geopolitical interests.

Is more democracy the answer?

Theory Matters • 12 implied HN points • 18 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Democracy Voting Political theory Political engagement Citizenship
  1. More democracy might not be the simple answer to our problems. Just having more people vote doesn't mean they will actually connect or understand each other better.
  2. In today's world, people are often stuck in their own bubbles, only talking to those who agree with them. This leads to misunderstandings and makes it hard to find common ground.
  3. To improve democracy, we need to have real conversations and listen to one another. Creating spaces for open talk can help us understand each other and build stronger communities.

Is American democracy on the brink of collapse?

Krystal Kyle & Friends • 491 implied HN points • 13 Sep 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Democracy Election Political Commentary
  1. Andrew Yang discusses his new book 'The Last Election' which portrays a fictional scenario of a collapsing American political system.
  2. The book offers a vivid and shocking image of where the flawed democracy might be heading.
  3. Listeners can subscribe to the podcast to hear a thrilling discussion with Yang about the book and the future of American politics.

The guardrails are off

Men Yell at Me • 200 implied HN points • 03 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Democracy Public Opinion Civic engagement
  1. Many Americans are really stressed about the upcoming election. It's normal to feel anxious about big events that could affect our lives.
  2. Articles often suggest easy fixes like turning off the news, but sometimes that isn't enough. It's valid to feel scared about the future of democracy.
  3. Facing tough realities is part of being human. It's okay to acknowledge fear and uncertainty instead of pretending everything is fine.

No one can explain Trump's victory

The Cosmopolitan Globalist • 52 implied HN points • 07 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Democracy Political parties Voter Behavior Media Critique
  1. Many articles are trying to explain Trump's win by sharing personal opinions, which often don't reflect the views of most voters.
  2. The real reasons people voted for Trump are complex and not limited to policy disagreements with Democrats.
  3. It's important to recognize that many voters chose Trump knowing about his character flaws, indicating a desire for a different approach to politics.

Germany announces wide-ranging plans to restrict the speech, travel and economic activity of political dissidents, in order to better control the "thought and speech patterns" of its own people

eugyppius: a plague chronicle • 493 implied HN points • 17 Feb 24
🌍 World Politics Government Censorship Political Opposition Surveillance Democracy
  1. Germany is implementing wide-ranging measures to restrict speech, travel, and economic activity of political dissidents to control the thought patterns of its people.
  2. The political establishment in Germany is using strategies to maintain power, including targeting opposition groups like Alternative für Deutschland (AfD).
  3. The government in Germany is expanding its control over dissent by planning to use various tools like financial investigations, travel restrictions, and internet censorship to combat right-wing extremism.

'Demonic force': Dominion lawsuit reveals Fox knowingly spread election lies

georgelakoff • 432 implied HN points • 17 Feb 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Media Disinformation Democracy Fox News
  1. Dominion Voting Systems filed a $1.6 billion defamation lawsuit against Fox for knowingly spreading election lies
  2. Fox personalities like Tucker Carlson and Laura Ingraham privately expressed disbelief at Trump's false attacks on democracy but still spread those lies on air
  3. Fox chose to prioritize ratings over truth by airing false claims about the election and pressuring employees who fact-checked the lies