The hottest Democracy Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
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Top World Politics Topics

The heads-I-win, tails-you-lose democracy

Can We Still Govern? • 202 implied HN points • 15 Sep 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Democracy Elections Impeachment Political Power
  1. Republicans in Wisconsin are using undemocratic means to hold onto power despite losing elections.
  2. Gerrymandering in Wisconsin undermines democracy by allowing Republicans to maintain power without being responsive to majority opinion.
  3. The Wisconsin GOP's actions, like threatening to impeach judges, firing election officials, and proposing new maps, show a pattern of abusing power to protect their political dominance.

Abortion in Cuba vs US shows which country is truly democratic

Geopolitical Economy Report • 299 implied HN points • 23 May 22
🌍 World Politics Abortion Democracy Socialism US Politics Healthcare
  1. Cuba's healthcare system, including abortion rights, is free and enshrined in a constitution voted on by the people, in contrast to the US where decisions are made by unelected judges.
  2. Cuba's democratic process involves grassroots participation and direct input from the masses in debates and referendums, showcasing a more participatory form of democracy compared to the US.
  3. Socialism in Cuba has led to the full actualization of reproductive rights for women, emphasizing the importance of socialism in ensuring democratic and reproductive freedom for all.

Dynasty

The Global Jigsaw • 99 implied HN points • 06 Nov 23
🌍 World Politics Elections Democracy Geopolitics Youth
  1. Indonesia's upcoming elections in 2024 reveal a potential political dynasty forming under President Jokowi, despite his image as an anti-dynast.
  2. The removal of age requirements for presidential candidates in Indonesia and familial ties influencing political decisions raise questions about democratic norms.
  3. Lessons from Indonesia's political landscape, where dynastic politics persist, serve as a reminder to other nations, like India, to consider broader changes in political structures and power sharing.

The problem with American foreign policy

America in Crisis • 99 implied HN points • 03 Oct 23
🌍 World Politics International relations Democracy Autocracy
  1. The concept of a coherent national interest in American foreign policy doesn't really apply to democracies.
  2. The shift in America's foreign policy approach over time reflects the influence of domestic politics and party dynamics.
  3. The lack of a unified American foreign policy strategy based on a consistent national interest poses challenges in global affairs and alliances.
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Move over democracy

The Global Jigsaw • 79 implied HN points • 12 Dec 23
🌍 World Politics Democracy AI Politics Governance Elections
  1. People are losing trust in traditional democratic systems and are open to the idea of rule by artificial intelligence.
  2. Artificial Intelligence (AI) is seen as potentially more efficient than human decision-making, especially in complex situations like policy-making.
  3. The concept of rule by algorithm (algocracy) or AI is gaining traction, with some believing that it could lead to better outcomes than traditional democratic processes.

Chinese Chess

Diane Francis • 379 implied HN points • 04 Jul 22
🌍 World Politics International relations Geopolitics Human Rights Political Systems Democracy
  1. The handover of Hong Kong to China in 1997 was met with mixed emotions, and many people felt that the promised freedoms were never truly kept. Instead of a democratic system, China imposed its authority and control over the region.
  2. Over the years, Hong Kong has faced serious issues like a decline in human rights, a growing wealth gap, and crumbling living conditions for many residents. These problems have led to a loss of faith in its future as a financial center.
  3. Despite its challenges, Hong Kong remains important as a gateway to China for investments. However, due to continuous repression, many educated individuals are leaving, which threatens its status and stability.

All over but the shoutin'

Unreported Truths • 39 implied HN points • 05 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Democracy Voting Political trends Candidates
  1. Free speech is very important, but we must respect the results of democratic elections, no matter who wins. It's vital for maintaining our democracy.
  2. There's currently no evidence of significant voting fraud, so we should trust the election process and accept the outcome calmly.
  3. A peaceful transfer of power is essential for democracy, and we should all encourage others to vote and participate in the election.

Neo-Majorityism

Demodexio • 132 implied HN points • 21 Dec 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government Democracy Constitution Judiciary Legislature
  1. Avoid empowering short-term majorities through direct referendums or short terms-in-office for legislators.
  2. Current legal systems can easily disrupt the will of the majority, making governing slow and rigid.
  3. There is a potential for a more direct rule by the majority with less interference from courts, but it should be a majority built over time, not from a single election.

The Question of January 6

Unpopular Front • 116 implied HN points • 06 Jan 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political History Democracy Fascism Historical comparisons
  1. The events of January 6, 2021 were significant in American history and revealed Trumpism's fascist tendencies.
  2. The question of January 6 raises debates on democracy, legitimacy, and the future of the United States.
  3. Despite the failure of the events on January 6, they exposed a dangerous desire to subvert democratic norms and institutions.

Open Weights, Open Society, Open Future

Future History • 80 implied HN points • 15 Mar 24
🕹 Technology AI Open Source Innovation Regulation Democracy
  1. Protect open source and open weights AI at all levels of society to avoid damaging the future economy
  2. The historical impact of restrictions on open sharing of ideas and software can have detrimental effects on economic value and innovation
  3. Opposition to open source AI is rooted in a fundamental misunderstanding of the benefits of open societies, economies, and the positive impact of open source software

What Europe Must Do Now in 10 Steps

Phillips’s Newsletter • 96 implied HN points • 05 Feb 24
🌍 World Politics European Union Security Membership Democracy
  1. European states need to prepare for potential security challenges without relying on the US.
  2. The European Union should take on more responsibility for European security, including integrating Ukraine and UK, and removing non-democratic states.
  3. Immediate steps are needed to support Ukraine in the war, requiring quick and decisive action from European states.

The Hong Konger

Pieter’s Newsletter • 179 implied HN points • 17 Apr 23
🌍 World Politics Activism Human Rights Democracy China
  1. The world seems to have forgotten about Jimmy Lai, a prominent figure in the Hong Kong democracy movement.
  2. Jimmy Lai, a wealthy Hong Kong business icon, faced persecution for his pro-democracy stance and involvement in protests.
  3. Despite facing imprisonment, Jimmy Lai remains steadfast in his commitment to fighting for the people of Hong Kong and their freedom.

Possible Futures for American Democracy (2023-2040)

Think Future • 79 implied HN points • 13 Jul 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Democracy Political trends Partisan dynamics Political parties Government Role
  1. Cassidy Steele Dale forecasts possible futures for American democracy from 2023-2040, helping us understand and prepare for what may come.
  2. Forecasting American democracy is based on major trends, scenario planning, and understanding critical variables such as voting, governance, freedoms, rights, and demographic shifts favoring Democrats.
  3. Trends over the past 40 years, responses to them, and party actions define the potential paths for American democracy, leading to either Democratic majorities reshaping the political landscape or GOP securing minority rule.

The Trans Issue is Not a Petty Culture War Clash – It is Everything

Anxiety Addiction & Ascension • 79 implied HN points • 27 Mar 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Social Issues Government Ideology Policy Democracy
  1. Trans ideology requires abandoning critical thinking, making it crucial to the establishment
  2. The Trans issue is not just a cultural clash; it symbolizes the dismantling of the West's ability to reason, paving the way for tyranny
  3. The battle over the Trans issue signifies a crucial struggle for the minds of people in the West, challenging basic realities and leading to a realm of 'pure, unadulterated madness'

Chapter 24: Healthcare and US Elections 2024!

Spyderdoc Newsletter • 9 implied HN points • 31 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Healthcare Policies Democracy Political landscape
  1. Healthcare costs are a big issue in US politics, and they impact everyone. It's important for citizens to get involved in the political process to shape healthcare policies.
  2. The election in 2024 is crucial, with big differences between candidates on healthcare. How they handle issues like drug pricing and abortion can really change the future of healthcare in America.
  3. The way healthcare is organized is changing, with a shift from quality care to more emphasis on quantity. This affects how patients are treated and what kind of care they receive.

Regime Change and Colour Revolutions Part 1: Mrs. Humanitarian Intervention in Budapest

Fisted by Foucault • 250 implied HN points • 28 Feb 23
🌍 World Politics Regime Change Democracy Civil Society
  1. The series delves into regime change and color revolutions, emphasizing the importance of understanding the subject thoroughly.
  2. Samantha Power's visit to Budapest focused on initiatives like supporting independent media, addressing corruption, and promoting civic engagement.
  3. Samantha Power is portrayed as a powerful advocate of humanitarian intervention, believing in spreading liberalism globally, even through force.

This is not how we fight for Democracy

Taipology • 19 implied HN points • 20 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Democracy Legislation Protests Political Conflict
  1. Taiwan's legislature is going through a lot of fighting and drama, which is embarrassing for democracy. It's not a good look when lawmakers act like wrestlers instead of representatives.
  2. Both major parties in Taiwan blame each other for the chaos, but the current ruling party needs to accept their loss and allow voting to happen without interruptions.
  3. Protesting is important in a democracy, but it's wrong to obstruct the legislative process. There should be a clear line between peaceful protests and actions that threaten democratic institutions.

The End of Allyship

Gideon's Substack • 116 implied HN points • 24 Oct 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Social Issues Diversity Conflict resolution Policy Making Democracy
  1. The concept of 'allyship' may have reached its end due to complexities and conflicts that arise when trying to be allies with different groups.
  2. Being an ally often requires adopting language and views of one group, which can create enemies with another group, leading to division and conflict.
  3. Institutions may need to move away from 'allyship' and focus on making decisions based on what they believe is right, rather than following the demands of particular groups.

And the antidote to polarization is... deliberative tech

techandsocialcohesion • 19 implied HN points • 26 Mar 24
🕹 Technology AI Democracy Peacebuilding Social media
  1. Deliberative technology, enhanced by AI, can foster inclusive public discourse by bringing together diverse perspectives to tackle shared challenges.
  2. Deliberative technologies enable dynamic exchanges that go beyond traditional polls, allowing participants to refine solutions collaboratively.
  3. The integration of AI in deliberative tech not only streamlines processes but also amplifies democratic participation, navigates polarization, and reveals common ground for more effective solutions.

This is the Most Interesting Time in Human History. So far.

The Digital Anthropologist • 79 implied HN points • 22 Apr 23
🕹 Technology Digital Genetic Engineering Capitalism Democracy Artificial Intelligence
  1. This may be the most interesting time in human history due to the rapid advancements in digital technologies and societal changes.
  2. Humanity has always progressed through massive societal changes driven by revolutionary technologies, and the pace of such changes is accelerating.
  3. Key changes underway include a shift in our relationship with nature, advancements in genetic engineering for longer lifespans, the evolution of capitalism and democracy, and the impact of invisible technologies.

Unveiling the authoritarian roadmap

Can We Still Govern? • 154 implied HN points • 02 May 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Authoritarianism Democracy Partisanship Administration Government
  1. Schedule F could increase politicization in the American government by allowing more political appointees and weakening job protections for career officials.
  2. The Heritage Foundation is pushing for a plan that could jeopardize American democracy by undermining the civil service system and concentrating power with potential for authoritarian misuse.
  3. There is a need for the center-left to develop its own agenda focused on restoring American administrative capacity, balancing the concerns about government efficiency with safeguarding democratic principles.

Happy Birthday Ukraine

Diane Francis • 339 implied HN points • 23 Aug 21
🌍 World Politics International relations Geopolitics Conflict Studies Democracy National Security
  1. Ukraine declared its independence from Russia 30 years ago, which was a major moment in ending the Soviet Empire. This anniversary is important to celebrate.
  2. Despite ongoing conflict and challenges, Ukraine has built a strong army and shows great determination to protect its freedom and seek European integration.
  3. The people of Ukraine have stood up against corruption and fought for their rights through peaceful protests, which have led to significant reforms and a push towards democracy.

2/3rds of Nicaraguans support leftist Sandinista Front: Poll debunks 'dictatorship' lie

Geopolitical Economy Report • 239 implied HN points • 04 Sep 21
🌍 World Politics Polling Parties Elections Democracy Sovereignty
  1. Around 2/3 of Nicaraguans support the leftist Sandinista Front, showing strong backing for the ruling government and President Daniel Ortega.
  2. Polls debunk the Western narrative of Nicaragua being a 'dictatorship,' with strong public confidence in the Sandinista government's respect for human rights and civil liberties.
  3. Nicaraguans display high levels of voter enthusiasm and satisfaction with democracy, supporting progressive government policies such as subsidies for housing, healthcare, and education.