The hottest Fascism Substack posts right now

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

Fascist Failure

Thinking about... • 1492 implied HN points • 25 Feb 26
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Fascism
  1. The attempt to turn the country into a fascist state is stalled because it depends on a bloody, popular, victorious war and the political competence to wage it, which the current leader lacks — he can bluster and break things but can’t deliver decisive triumphs.
  2. The choices on Iran are limited and risky: doing nothing changes little, while an invasion would likely be catastrophic domestically; he may also try to suppress voting as an alternate route to stay in power, but that faces legal and civic resistance.
  3. Democratic resistance still matters — protests, civil society, local media, and courts have so far checked worse outcomes, and winning the next elections will require extraordinary organizing and broad coalitions to prevent authoritarian consolidation.

Not So Long Ago

Steady • 32784 implied HN points • 09 Feb 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Fascism
  1. Lessons from history, like the rise of fascism in Germany, should not be forgotten or ignored.
  2. The importance of maintaining separate and equal branches of government to uphold democracy.
  3. Being aware of dangerous signs and the threat to liberal democracy is crucial for safeguarding freedom.

Is the age of liberalism coming to an end?

New Means • 3105 implied HN points • 08 Jan 24
🌍 World Politics Fascism
  1. The rise of far-right ideologies poses a threat to liberalism and democracy.
  2. Neoliberalism's focus on profit has accelerated the decline of the liberal system.
  3. Challenges in liberalism and capitalism are leading to a shift towards authoritarianism which requires building a strong alternative left movement.

The Liberal Media Always Fails Against Fascism

Shatter Zone • 4107 implied HN points • 08 Mar 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Fascism
  1. Liberal media institutions like the New York Times and Washington Post historically fail at confronting fascism.
  2. Evidence shows a decline in free societies despite an increase in global news media outlets and journalists.
  3. Journalists and publishers of legacy media companies have sometimes enabled fascist movements by prioritizing objectivity over advocacy against authoritarianism.
Get a weekly roundup of the best Substack posts, by hacker news affinity:

The Rise of Global Authoritarianism

Sarah Kendzior’s Newsletter • 3634 implied HN points • 25 Oct 23
🌍 World Politics Fascism
  1. The long arc of history does not naturally bend towards justice; it requires real people to shape it for the better.
  2. Authoritarianism can thrive when people underestimate its possibility and the presence of corruption, violence, and systemic problems.
  3. Staying vigilant, holding onto moral boundaries, and resisting the normalization of atrocities are crucial to preventing the erosion of values in the face of societal challenges.

The Anglo-American Hand Behind The Rise Of Fascism Then And Now

Matt Ehret's Insights • 1277 implied HN points • 09 May 23
💾 History Fascism
  1. The integration of leading Nazis into Anglo-American intelligence complex after WWII led to the rise of fascism then and now.
  2. Modern expressions of fascism seen in Ukraine and other post Soviet nations glorify Nazi collaborators.
  3. The financiers and industrialists of the 1920s -1940s were key in fueling fascism with their support and resources, showing that Hitler and Mussolini were not 'their own men'.

The Engineer-Dictator Temptation: Lawrence Dennis, the Great Depression, & the Fascist Road Not Taken

Brad DeLong's Grasping Reality • 422 implied HN points • 30 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Fascism
  1. Lawrence Dennis believed that during the Great Depression, liberal capitalism was failing and suggested a need for a strong, centralized government to maintain order. He thought only authoritarian solutions could address economic chaos effectively.
  2. Dennis warned that without meaningful reform, America might face either fascism, communism, or chaos. His views reflected fears held by many during that time about the future of democracy.
  3. He predicted that if elites didn't adapt to the changing economic landscape, a violent upheaval could occur. Dennis saw the rise of strong leaders as a potential solution to guide the country through crisis.

The current crisis era

America in Crisis • 99 implied HN points • 19 Jun 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Fascism
  1. Pessimism surrounds the state of the American nation and the West, with concerns about civil strife, economic inequality, and extreme political ideologies on the rise.
  2. Secular cycle theory proposes that the current crisis period, marked by high political stress, is driven by rising inequality and elite competition.
  3. We are also experiencing a creedal passion period, involving cultural instability and radical ideologies, which may impact future political resolutions.

The Great Confinement

OK Doomer • 347 implied HN points • 25 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Fascism
  1. Fascism has deep roots in American history, influenced by race laws and policies aimed at Native Americans long before it appeared in Europe. These ideas shaped actions in both the U.S. and Nazi Germany.
  2. The eugenics movement in America was popular and supported by many, even reaching influential figures and organizations. This movement promoted harmful policies that aimed to exclude and sterilize those deemed 'unfit'.
  3. Throughout history, societies have often confined or excluded people who don't fit certain norms, treating them as undesirable. Recognizing this pattern can help us understand and confront ongoing injustices today.

New Retarded German Speech Prosecution Just Dropped

eugyppius: a plague chronicle • 215 implied HN points • 21 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Fascism
  1. A politician in Bavaria was fined for sharing a video of someone making a Nazi salute to criticize them, raising questions about free speech and legality.
  2. The case highlights the challenges of distinguishing between true expressions of fascism and actions intended to criticize fascism.
  3. German laws against Nazi symbols are strict, leading to complicated legal situations when it comes to sharing images or videos that may appear fascist but aren’t intended as such.

British empire killed 165 million Indians in 40 years: How colonialism inspired fascism

Geopolitical Economy Report • 398 implied HN points • 14 Dec 22
🌍 World Politics Fascism
  1. British colonialism in India under the British empire caused the deaths of at least 100 million Indians in just 40 years from 1880 to 1920, and the theft of trillions of dollars in wealth.
  2. European empires' genocidal acts inspired fascist leaders like Adolf Hitler and Benito Mussolini, leading to similar genocidal crimes within their own territories.
  3. The British empire, along with causing the deaths of millions of Indians, also drained an estimated $45 trillion of wealth from India between 1765 and 1938, significantly impeding the country's growth and development.

Robert Paxton's Vichy France

Castalia • 219 implied HN points • 29 Aug 23
💾 History Fascism
  1. Vichy France was formed after France fell to Germany in 1940, and many French people thought it was an embarrassing part of their history. However, Robert Paxton showed that Vichy was more of a proactive choice rather than just a forced submission to Nazi demands.
  2. The Vichy regime gained popularity by promoting a vision of a united, family-centered society. Many people believed it was a chance to create a better country, despite the regime being deeply tied to fascist ideas.
  3. Paxton warns that democracies can fail when people lose faith in them, as seen in France during the 1930s. Illiberalism can rise when political groups become extreme and the center loses confidence, which can lead to the collapse of democratic systems without much notice.

"Too much fraternizing between the sexes" - Ideology and Subjectivity

Fisted by Foucault • 85 implied HN points • 29 Jul 25
💾 History Fascism
  1. Brac is a beautiful island in the Adriatic, known for its friendly people and stunning beaches like Zlatni Rat. The island's tourism has replaced fishing and farming as its main source of income.
  2. The island's history is rich and complicated, influenced by various empires, especially the Venetian Empire, which left a strong cultural mark. This history includes changes in political power and local identities over the years.
  3. During World War II, Brac faced many challenges as it became part of a puppet state under both Nazi Germany and Fascist Italy. The local people just wanted to live in peace and improve their lives, free from outside control.

'The Biggest Problems in Legacy Media:' A Conversation With Chris Hedges and Hasan Piker

The Chris Hedges Report • 119 implied HN points • 04 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Fascism
  1. Legacy media often struggles to cover important issues, leading to misinformation and a lack of public understanding.
  2. The ongoing situation in Gaza is a significant topic that needs more attention and compassion from both media and the public.
  3. There is a growing concern that the U.S. is moving towards authoritarianism, which requires vigilant critique from society.

The Fatal Embrace

Unpopular Front • 73 implied HN points • 27 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Fascism
  1. Political movements can use antisemitism as a tool to unite people against perceived common enemies. This often happens when those in power want to blame outsiders for their problems.
  2. Historically, Jews have looked to political elites for protection, which can put them in danger when anti-system movements rise. This pattern has repeated over time in different countries.
  3. The rise of populism and radicalism can lead to antisemitic themes being used in political discourse, especially during tough economic times. If conditions are hard, people may seek scapegoats, and Jews can become targets.

From the Storm to the Stormtroopers

Thinking about... • 288 implied HN points • 11 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Fascism
  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.

HOISTED FROM THE ARCHIVES: Why There Are No Enduring Relevant Attractive Conservatives

Brad DeLong's Grasping Reality • 15 implied HN points • 08 Dec 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Fascism
  1. Conservative ideas often fail to remain broadly attractive and relevant over time.
  2. Socially conservative writers who take anti-LGBTQ positions struggle to get younger people to listen, which weakens their influence.
  3. Predictions that such conservative thinkers would lose traction have been borne out as audience attitudes changed.

The Last True Fascist

Unpopular Front • 80 implied HN points • 05 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Fascism
  1. Michael Ledeen's journey shows how someone can start from a place of scholarly curiosity about fascism and end up using that knowledge to support harmful political ideologies. It's a reminder that understanding history can lead to different paths.
  2. The blending of paleoconservatism and neoconservatism highlights how different factions can contribute to a broader trend of American fascism, emphasizing militarism and a disregard for civil liberties.
  3. Ledeen's view of fascism as a potentially progressive force, if not for its Nazi association, reveals a dangerous romanticizing of ideologies that can lead to real-world consequences, emphasizing the need for careful historical interpretation.

Capitalism unchained

Global Inequality and More 3.0 • 830 implied HN points • 04 May 23
🌍 World Politics Fascism
  1. Democracy does not necessarily come with capitalism and may even be destroyed by it.
  2. Unbridled capitalism leads to social instability empowering right-wing parties.
  3. Success of Western capitalism in mid-20th century was influenced by pressure from Soviet Union and left-wing parties, which led to a period against normal capitalist tendencies.

Gold and Brown

Unpopular Front • 97 implied HN points • 10 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Fascism
  1. Libertarianism and fascism in the U.S. share surprising connections. Many people who identify as libertarians have been drawn to fascist ideas, showing how political beliefs can change over time.
  2. Both ideologies fundamentally distrust existing political structures. They believe that the state doesn’t serve everyone fairly and should be replaced with something that favors their specific interests.
  3. The push for privatization and corporate control often leads to the weakening of the state. This can confuse citizens, who may see these changes as improvements instead of a loss of their rights and freedoms.

Klu Klux Kountry

Diane Francis • 519 implied HN points • 09 Sep 21
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Fascism
  1. America has a complicated history that includes elements of racism and authoritarianism. This has been part of the country's identity since its founding and continues to influence politics today.
  2. The Republican Party has shifted away from its original values and now carries ideas similar to those of the Klu Klux Klan. This includes promoting a culture of discrimination and a longing for a past that favored their interests.
  3. There is a growing concern that democracy in America is under threat from factions that are using distorted political practices. Many believe that if these groups gain more power, they could dismantle important rights and freedoms.

Prigozhin's March on Moscow

Thinking about... • 412 implied HN points • 26 Jun 23
🌍 World Politics Fascism
  1. Putin is not as popular as assumed, with signs of apathy and readiness for a new exploitative regime among Russians.
  2. Prigozhin posed a threat to Putin by leveraging similar tactics and assets, showcasing the extractive nature of the Russian state.
  3. Prigozhin's mutiny exposed truths about the war, shedding light on the internal divisions and potential future power struggles within Russia.

Intermission

Banana Peel Pirouette • 59 implied HN points • 06 Sep 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Fascism
  1. Conservative discourse has transformed 19th century economic liberalism into what is now recognized as economic conservatism in America. This shift raises questions about the role of neoliberalism within conservative ideology.
  2. In a bourgeois democracy, social liberals tend to have an advantage over social conservatives due to the momentum of perpetual progress. Social conservatives often find themselves playing a defensive game and may shift towards more extreme ideologies if they perceive a betrayal of traditional values.
  3. Support for same-sex marriage among Republicans has increased over time, indicating a change in societal views. This shift highlights how political stances can evolve over the years.

Is America Going Fascist?

Everything's Broken • 58 implied HN points • 16 Apr 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Fascism
  1. America is not going communist, but is facing challenges related to public welfare allocation.
  2. The capture of the Republican party by extreme elements is a concerning aspect in the context of potential fascism.
  3. While America is not fascist, there are worrisome trends including personality-driven politics and scapegoating.

More Adorno; Trump's Paleocon Foreign Policy; Christopher Hitchens on Ross Perot

Unpopular Front • 47 implied HN points • 26 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Fascism
  1. Adorno's ideas from his essay still resonate today. He suggests that leaders often present themselves as both powerful figures and relatable people.
  2. Fascist propaganda targets emotions rather than reason. It thrives by exploiting people's frustrations and existing beliefs without trying to change them.
  3. The concept of the 'great little man' is vital in fascist imagery, representing a leader who appears both ordinary and extraordinary, fulfilling followers' desires for authority.

Why is The World so Messed Up?

Erik Examines • 44 implied HN points • 06 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Fascism
  1. Technology has a huge impact on politics. In the past, things like new communication methods made it easier for big movements to arise, just like how social media is shaping today's political landscape.
  2. Migration is driven more by technology and educational access than just poverty or war. Today, smartphones and the internet help people migrate and connect with communities that weren't possible before.
  3. Populist movements are gaining power in many countries as people react against changes from immigration and modernization. This backlash can feel similar to what happened during the rise of fascism in the 1930s.

Democracy For Sale

Black Lodges • 19 implied HN points • 17 Jan 24
🌍 World Politics Fascism
  1. The post discusses the concept of democracy for sale and who is the buyer.
  2. It highlights the propaganda arms of the NATO empire and their narrative around threats to democracy.
  3. The post questions the authenticity of defending democracy against racist and fascist realities.

How to fight fascism

Sex and the State • 38 implied HN points • 17 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Fascism
  1. It's important to recognize that the fight against censorship and control often starts with marginalized groups, like sex workers, and their struggles can affect everyone. We need to unite and support each other regardless of our backgrounds.
  2. Challenging the status quo is essential, but it's also crucial to understand that real change takes time and involves understanding the complexities of existing systems. Burning everything down might not be the answer.
  3. Celebrating small acts of resistance and being true to ourselves matters. Each step we take counts, whether it's showing our identities or standing against the norm.

The N95 Mask: A Tool to Fight Fascism

OK Doomer • 42 implied HN points • 26 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Fascism
  1. It's important to wear N95 masks to protect ourselves from health threats, especially during pandemics. They can help keep us safe from viruses in the air.
  2. There is growing concern about the government limiting communication from health agencies, which could affect our awareness about health risks. This makes it even more crucial to take personal precautions.
  3. The current political climate poses challenges to public health, so we need to be proactive and take measures to defend our health and community values. Being prepared can help resist these threats.

The Question of January 6

Unpopular Front • 116 implied HN points • 06 Jan 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Fascism
  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.

Missiles over Kyiv

Thinking about... • 170 implied HN points • 17 May 23
🌍 World Politics Fascism
  1. Russian attacks on Kyiv are an act of terrorism aiming at civilians and infrastructure.
  2. Ukrainian self-defense through air-defense systems is crucial in this conflict.
  3. Russian propaganda distorts the reality of their actions, promoting fascism as a form of politics.

Fascism and the Revolutionary Right of the Weimar Republic

eugyppius: a plague chronicle • 89 implied HN points • 21 Feb 24
💾 History Fascism
  1. The author plans to write about fascism as a historical phenomenon and modern political construct, drawing from books read during a holiday in the Swiss Alps
  2. The author provides a disclaimer that they are not a fascist and aims to offer historical descriptions of fascism, distinguishing it from the postwar Western liberal perspective
  3. The post is behind a paywall, requiring subscription for access to the full content and archives

We Thought We Were Free

Daniel Pinchbeck’s Newsletter • 20 implied HN points • 15 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Fascism
  1. There's a slow collective awareness about the political changes happening in the US. Many people seem unaware of how these changes can affect their lives.
  2. Some young people feel it's already too late to fight back against the growing control of technology and government. This attitude can lead to a pessimistic acceptance of a bleak future.
  3. It's important for people to recognize the potential for a loss of democracy. A significant portion of the population needs to wake up and take action to stop these trends.

December 6, 2024

Letters from an American • 23 implied HN points • 07 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Fascism
  1. Doris Miller showed incredible courage during the Pearl Harbor attack, stepping up to serve and protect others despite his lack of training in combat. He became a symbol of bravery and equality.
  2. The fight during World War II was not just against fascism but also for democracy and equality as stated in the Declaration of Independence. Many diverse groups fought together to defend these ideals.
  3. Today, there are concerns that democracy is once again under threat by leaders who aim to impose their will and suppress others. It's important to recognize the value of equality and stand against such actions.

The Browning of the Right

Unpopular Front • 89 implied HN points • 19 May 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Fascism
  1. Radicalization among the junior staff of the conservative movement is widespread.
  2. Both the lower ranks and leadership of the Right show signs of embracing extremist ideologies.
  3. Fascist subjectivity involves indulging sadistic feelings and the performance of hesitation or doubt.

Repeated False Accusations of Fascism

Who is Robert Malone • 16 implied HN points • 03 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Fascism
  1. Accusations of fascism are often used by some to attack political opponents, especially those who are center-right or populist. This can be seen as a sign of weakness in their own arguments.
  2. Modern left-wing politics in Europe may have more similarities with historical fascism than they care to admit, while right-wing populist movements are unfairly labeled as fascist.
  3. The focus should be on promoting freedom of thought and speech, as well as encouraging individual choices in health and economics, to improve society and counteract failing globalist policies.

Memoirs of an Antisemite

Unpopular Front • 70 implied HN points • 01 Jul 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Fascism
  1. Identification with a strongman figure can lead to descent into antisemitism.
  2. Antisemitism simplifies complex issues and offers a sense of power through taboo indulgence.
  3. Thoughtlessness and bad faith play a role in the spread of antisemitic ideas.