The hottest Dictatorship Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top U.S. Politics Topics

The reason of crowds

Wrong Side of History • 436 implied HN points • 18 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Opinion Dictatorship Historical Analysis
  1. People often hide their true feelings in a dictatorship because they fear punishment. This leads to a situation where everyone thinks they are alone in their beliefs, even when many share the same opinion.
  2. Once a few individuals find safety in expressing their true thoughts, it can create a chain reaction. This 'preference falsification cascade' can lead to rapid change, like revolutions, when many join in revealing their real feelings.
  3. Sometimes, people who were neutral or even against a regime will quickly switch sides to avoid repercussions. This can lead to extreme actions from those who were once passive, just to align with what seems to be the winning side.

Clapping for Stalin

The Watch • 1298 implied HN points • 20 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Dictatorship Totalitarianism Political History Political culture
  1. People often feel pressured to show support, even if they don't really believe in it. This can lead to a situation where everyone claps just to fit in.
  2. Some individuals may hesitate to stop applauding because of fear of consequences, showing how group dynamics can create a sense of obligation.
  3. In extreme situations, a single person's choice can change the entire group’s behavior, like stopping applause, which can reveal who is truly independent and who is not.

Remocracy

Daniel Pinchbeck’s Newsletter • 17 implied HN points • 15 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Democracy Dictatorship Social movements Political strategy Resistance
  1. Dictatorships can be weak and can fall if people unite against them. A strong group that believes in freedom can make a big difference.
  2. Nonviolent actions, like protests, can be very effective for change. History shows that resistance usually brings better results than negotiations in tough situations.
  3. To really change things, we need a clear plan and a strong social movement. It's important to address wealth inequality and create a democracy that involves everyone more directly.
Get a weekly roundup of the best Substack posts, by hacker news affinity:

The Slasher Sequel Election

Sarah Kendzior’s Newsletter • 3913 implied HN points • 12 Mar 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Election Candidates Trump Biden Dictatorship
  1. The 2024 election is compared to a worn-out horror film franchise, with predictable plots and disappointment.
  2. The narrative draws parallels between the characters in 'Halloween' films and the political figures in the 2024 election.
  3. The election commentary conveys a sense of dread and disappointment in the state of politics and power dynamics.

The Fall of Assad and What Comes Next in Syria

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 3612 implied HN points • 08 Dec 24
🌍 World Politics Middle East Syria International relations Conflict Dictatorship
  1. Bashar al-Assad, the dictator of Syria, has been overthrown after 24 years in power. This change is seen as a major event for the modern Middle East.
  2. Despite the cheers for his fall, there are concerns about the new leaders. Some of the rebel groups that took over were previously linked to more extreme factions like al-Qaeda.
  3. The departure of Assad raises questions about the future of Syria. It is uncertain if the new power dynamics will be better or worse for the country's people.

After Navalny Part 1

Diane Francis • 979 implied HN points • 07 Mar 24
🌍 World Politics Russian Politics Dictatorship Civil Rights
  1. After Navalny's death, Russia lacks a strong leader or unifying figure to challenge Putin. The country is still under a harsh dictatorship.
  2. The opposition in Russia is divided and struggling to work together. Until they unite and create a clear plan, they won't be able to effectively challenge the government.
  3. Fear and repression have silenced many Russians, making it hard for them to voice opposition or support a movement. True change will require bravery and solid organization among the opposition.

Dictators for a Day

Thinking about... • 542 implied HN points • 04 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Dictatorship Civil Rights Elections Military Opposition
  1. Attempts at military dictatorship can happen in democracies, as shown by Yoon in South Korea. This situation is a warning for other democratic countries, including the United States.
  2. The response of lawmakers and citizens is crucial when a leader tries to take control. South Korean lawmakers and the public united against Yoon's martial law, showing strong resistance to authoritarianism.
  3. It's important for citizens to be aware and proactive about protecting their democracy. Collective action can help prevent a slide into dictatorship, so everyone needs to stay informed and ready to speak up.

Ninety Years After the Reichstag Was Set On Fire

The Planet • 373 implied HN points • 28 Feb 23
💾 History WWII Dictatorship Resistance
  1. History serves as a reminder of the dangers of fascism and the importance of resisting injustice.
  2. Individuals who stand up against oppression inspire others and highlight the power of activism.
  3. The burning of the Reichstag 90 years ago paved the way for the Nazi dictatorship, showcasing the manipulation of tragedies for political gain.

BOBI WINE: THE PEOPLE'S PRESIDENT

The Nelson George Mixtape • 176 implied HN points • 07 Feb 24
🌍 World Politics Activism Documentary Dictatorship Democracy Global Politics
  1. The film 'Bobi Wine: The People's President' documents his struggle to democratically oust Uganda's corrupt leader Yoweri Museveni.
  2. The story shows Bobi Wine's transformation from popular performer to Presidential candidate over a decade.
  3. The film highlights the importance of faith in democracy, lessons for Americans, and the energy of young people globally.

Under the fog of war, Ukraine cancels its 2024 presidential elections

The Dossier • 477 implied HN points • 20 Feb 24
🌍 World Politics Government Elections Totalitarianism Dictatorship
  1. Ukraine canceled its 2024 presidential elections under the cover of war and extended Martial Law, transforming into a totalitarian dictatorship.
  2. The Ukrainian government's actions have led to the removal of opposition parties, the ban of non-state media, and increased centralized power, eroding democratic principles.
  3. An adviser critical of Zelensky faced a criminal investigation, and all dissent from the pro-war narrative leads to scrutiny or worse, showing the severe restrictions on freedom of speech and political opposition in Ukraine.

A Tribute to Saint Alexei, Patron Saint of Liberal Democracy

Fisted by Foucault • 393 implied HN points • 20 Feb 24
🌍 World Politics Democracy Russia Murder Liberalism Dictatorship
  1. Saint Alexei, a figure representing liberal democracy, faced challenges in his past but ultimately embraced the principles and mission of liberal democracy, symbolizing a transformation and dedication to the cause.
  2. The narrative highlights the conflict between Saint Alexei and Russian leaders, shedding light on the struggle for liberal democracy in a political environment filled with corruption and oppression.
  3. The portrayal of Saint Alexei as a hero and martyr underscores the importance of his mission to bring liberal democracy to Russia and the sacrifices made by individuals in this pursuit.

Corporations Offended By Free Speech Are Happy to Invest In Places Without It

Public • 303 implied HN points • 22 Dec 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Free speech Corporations Advertising China Dictatorship
  1. Corporations withdrew advertising from platforms that embraced free speech due to concerns over associating with offensive content
  2. Some companies offended by free speech have no problem investing in countries with repressive speech environments
  3. The trend of corporations prioritizing 'brand safety' over free expression raises questions about their commitment to democratic values

to my friends, everything; to my enemies, the law

bad cattitude • 200 implied HN points • 01 Mar 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Justice System Corruption Dictatorship Election interference
  1. Control over the justice system is powerful, as it determines who is charged and for what.
  2. Those in power can abuse the justice system without consequences, while minor infractions by others are punished harshly.
  3. The imbalance of enforcing laws creates a culture of fear, demoralization, and lack of accountability in the justice system.

All governments are based on violence but democracy brings that violence under the control of the people

Demodexio • 132 implied HN points • 23 Jan 24
🌍 World Politics Democracy Violence Dictatorship Judiciary
  1. All governments are based on violence, but democracy puts that violence under the control of the people.
  2. Liberal democracy adds extra checks to protect unpopular minorities from the majority's control of violence.
  3. Even in a democracy, the government's foundation is the threat of violence, although it's managed by laws and oversight for social benefit.

Extradition battles, Japan's Defense White Paper, Hybrid Russian cybercrime, Chinese text input method vulnerabilities, Putinism in a nutshell

Natto Thoughts • 59 implied HN points • 11 Aug 23
🌍 World Politics International relations Cybersecurity Geopolitics Dictatorship National Security
  1. US facing setbacks in extraditing suspects from Russia, with delays in decisions
  2. Japan's Defense White Paper upsetting China by calling their military activities a strategic challenge
  3. Vulnerabilities found in the Sogou input method used widely in China, raising concerns about eavesdropping and Chinese government monitoring

March 17, 2024

Letters from an American • 11 implied HN points • 18 Mar 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government Conservatism Dictatorship Authoritarianism Policy
  1. Journalist Casey Michel highlighted how Hungarian prime minister Orbán's visit to a right-wing think tank was significant, shedding light on potential influence and alliances.
  2. Project 2025, led by Heritage Foundation, aims to reshape the U.S. government with far-right ideologies, targeting areas like family, government workforce, international relations, and personal liberties.
  3. The document envisioned by Project 2025 outlines extreme measures like purging civil service, dismantling international relationships, and concentrating power, posing a threat to democracy and equality as outlined by the Founding Fathers in 1776.

A Risk Argument: Democracies versus Dictatorships

Musings on Markets • 0 implied HN points • 19 Sep 09
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Democracy Dictatorship Risk management Globalization Economic Policies Democracy Dictatorship Political Risk Governance International relations
  1. Democracies have more day-to-day uncertainty because policies can change frequently, making it hard for businesses to predict outcomes. In contrast, dictatorships can promise stability but may change radically without warning later on.
  2. Continuous risks in democracies can be managed with tools like options and futures, while the sudden changes in dictatorships can be harder to protect against. This is why managing constant risks can be easier for businesses.
  3. Experience in uncertain democratic environments can help businesses adapt better to changes, giving them an edge in the unpredictable global economy compared to those in more stable, but risky, dictatorship settings.

How much power does Putin have?

Demodexio • 0 implied HN points • 06 Feb 24
🌍 World Politics Power Dynamics Authoritarianism Geopolitics Revolution Dictatorship
  1. Western commentators have differing views on Putin's rationality and power, suggesting his hold on power may be weak.
  2. Putin's actions, such as the invasion of Ukraine, reflect his concern about maintaining popularity and power.
  3. Putin's reliance on performances and manipulation of public opinion hint at potential weaknesses and fears about losing power.