The hottest Governance Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
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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.

How Closely Does the Classical Populism of the Tyrannoi Rhyme with Contemporary Populist "Demagoguery" Anyway?

Brad DeLong's Grasping Reality • 253 implied HN points • 03 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Populism Political History Elections Governance
  1. Populism has a history of connecting leaders with the people's needs. Unlike some modern populists, historical figures often focused on clear policy goals that aimed to help the public.
  2. Modern political movements sometimes rely more on fear and division rather than serving the public's needs. This shift can lead to leaders who promise protection without actual improvement in people's lives.
  3. The way people view historical figures like Andrew Jackson can change based on the context of their actions, showing that understanding history requires looking at both policies and motivations.

The Mump Regime

Thinking about... • 552 implied HN points • 20 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Governance Public Health Political Influence Regime Change
  1. The government may be shifting from traditional administration to a new kind of regime led by influential figures like Musk and Trump. This change means that financial power could have more influence than elected positions.
  2. Public health is a significant issue in the U.S., and a lack of a national health system leads to greater health problems among citizens. This situation can result in more anxiety and shorter lives for many people.
  3. With debates over vaccination and health policies, there is a real concern that society could face outbreaks of preventable diseases like mumps and measles due to weakened health protections.

PROJECT SYNDICATE: Misinformation Decided the U.S. Election

Brad DeLong's Grasping Reality • 207 implied HN points • 11 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Misinformation Political Behavior Public Opinion Governance
  1. Many Trump supporters are good-hearted people who genuinely worry about the country's direction. They voted for him not out of hate, but because they care.
  2. There is a serious problem when a large portion of the public prefers misinformation. It makes it hard for democracy to thrive if people choose not to believe the facts.
  3. Democrats may struggle to connect with those who need to hear their messages. Republicans are encouraged to take responsibility in educating their supporters about the truth.

Why is America "Trumpomuskovia"?

Thinking about... • 603 implied HN points • 09 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Analysis Elections Oligarchy Authoritarianism Governance
  1. America is becoming like a new regime called 'Trumpomuskovia,' which highlights how the country's leadership is increasingly unstable and personal, mainly focusing on figures like Trump and Musk.
  2. The term connects to Russia and suggests that the U.S. is influenced by oligarchs, reflecting a shift where money and personal power outweigh democratic processes.
  3. This new system is unstable, meaning it could collapse easily. The relationships between powerful figures like Trump and Musk could change quickly, leading to unpredictable outcomes.
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The Donald Trumped

Diane Francis • 839 implied HN points • 22 Feb 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Legislation Judiciary Political History Governance
  1. Donald Trump was ordered to pay $355 million for lying to financial institutions, highlighting that even powerful people can face consequences for their actions.
  2. New York's strict financial laws help maintain its reputation as a leading financial center, protecting investors from fraud.
  3. Trump compared his legal troubles to the struggles faced by political prisoners, while there are concerns he may be under foreign influence regarding his debts.

Weekend Listening: The Right Way to Fight Illiberalism

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 2119 implied HN points • 27 Jan 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Education Law Ideology Activism Governance
  1. There is a spreading concern about the moral decline within American universities due to instances of antisemitism and ideological indoctrination.
  2. Many states are reevaluating Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives on college campuses through legislation and policy changes.
  3. There is a debate about the nature of DEI ideology, with some viewing it as an illiberal force prioritizing identity over ideas, while others argue about its Marxist influences and impact on societal values.

Trumpomuskovia

Thinking about... • 608 implied HN points • 30 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political theory Elections Political History Civil Rights Governance
  1. History can show us patterns that help us understand our current problems. It's not about predicting the future, but recognizing familiar issues we can learn from.
  2. Four possible scenarios for America's future highlight risks like secession, increasing authoritarianism, and the influence of oligarchs. Each scenario shows how history might repeat itself in troubling ways.
  3. Inequality is a key theme in these scenarios. Any hope for improving America's situation will have to tackle issues of wealth and power differences in society.

King Netanyahu

Diane Francis • 819 implied HN points • 15 Feb 24
🌍 World Politics Middle East Conflict International relations Governance Human Rights
  1. Tensions are rising in Israel because of its actions in Gaza. Many worry about the impact on civilians and refugee situations.
  2. There is a significant disagreement between Israelis and global opinion on the future peace solution. Most Israelis oppose a two-state solution.
  3. Many Israelis feel disillusioned with Netanyahu's leadership and are leaving the country. Some feel unsafe or unrepresented due to his government’s actions and policies.

Decapitation Strike (December)

Thinking about... • 582 implied HN points • 01 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Governance Political parties Policy Making Political theory
  1. Trump's proposed appointments seem surprising but may be part of a larger plan to undermine the government. It's important to recognize this and not just react with shock.
  2. Health and law are vital for a democratic society. Appointing people who threaten health and the rule of law could damage the country significantly.
  3. Historical patterns show that control over key areas like defense and intelligence can lead to regime change. The individuals Trump chose have backgrounds that suggest they might weaken American institutions and empower personal agendas.

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.

Crocodile Tears For Gaza While Backing Its Destruction

Caitlin’s Newsletter • 1471 implied HN points • 13 Mar 24
🌍 World Politics Genocide US Politics Governance Ideology Palestine
  1. US politics highlights Biden's vulnerability due to sponsoring a genocide, yet Republicans can't confront him since they also support it.
  2. Western officials supporting Gaza's destruction shed mock tears, trying to appear sympathetic, which is hypocritical.
  3. Israeli atrocities surpass occurrences like October 7 but are not given equivalent attention, showing a bias in media coverage.

Why I Hope Trump Will Win

eugyppius: a plague chronicle • 215 implied HN points • 05 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Political culture Governance Bureaucracy Political Ideology
  1. The main issue in politics today is a big bureaucracy that keeps growing and makes things harder for everyone. This bureaucracy acts without clear control, making decisions that affect people negatively.
  2. Donald Trump is seen as a unique figure in politics because he openly challenges this bureaucratic system. He represents hope for those who want to push back against it.
  3. The problems caused by bureaucratic governance have been felt in many areas, like health and education. There is a desire for politicians to stand against this system and create a better future.

Comrade Musk

Diane Francis • 1179 implied HN points • 04 Dec 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Governance Policy Military Technology Regulation
  1. Elon Musk has significant power due to his wealth and technology, but this has raised concerns about his influence on global events. His actions, like limiting access to his satellite service, can have serious implications for security.
  2. Musk's past decisions have created tension and controversy, especially regarding his relations with Russia and Ukraine. His choices, such as withholding satellite support, have directly affected military operations.
  3. Many believe that Musk's actions, which intertwine technology with foreign policy, should be examined by government authorities to ensure proper oversight and prevent one person from having too much control over important matters.

German Vice-Chancellor Robert Habeck calls for a comprehensive internet censorship programme to stop people disagreeing with him

eugyppius: a plague chronicle • 228 implied HN points • 27 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Censorship Democracy Media Polarization Governance
  1. Robert Habeck wants to regulate social media more to make it safer for democracy. He believes that people shouldn't be able to say anything they want online.
  2. He is worried about the influence of social media algorithms and wants more transparency in how they work. He argues that powerful figures shouldn't control the online conversation.
  3. Habeck thinks that differing opinions can destabilize society and that the government should take action to manage these views. This is part of a larger concern about polarization in politics.

All politics is local politics.

Matt’s Five Points • 279 implied HN points • 17 May 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Legislation Governance Political parties Public Policy
  1. Politics at all levels looks similar. If you've been part of a local group making decisions, like a PTA or HOA, you can understand Congress better because the same dynamics are at play.
  2. Everyone hates losing in a decision-making process. Whether it's about Congress or choosing a family restaurant, people dislike the feeling of not getting their way.
  3. Members of Congress are just regular folks from your community. They're not superheroes and often deal with the same frustrations and challenges you see in local meetings.

Zombie Traffic Light: The German government teeters once again on the brink of collapse, but in truth it is already dead

eugyppius: a plague chronicle • 205 implied HN points • 02 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Governance Political parties Public Opinion Policy Reform
  1. The German government, known as the 'traffic light' coalition, is struggling and facing widespread disapproval from the public. Many people feel that the government has no clear plans to address current crises.
  2. The leading parties in the coalition—the SPD, FDP, and Greens—are failing to connect with their supporters and are engaged in internal conflicts that are worsening their situation.
  3. There is a strong possibility of new elections happening soon, as the coalition's issues might lead to a significant shift in power away from the current government.

How would anarchist societies protect themselves?

The Novelleist • 553 implied HN points • 13 Nov 24
📖 Philosophy Anarchism Society Conflict Protection Governance
  1. Anarchist societies might struggle with conflict and violence without a police force or official laws, as history shows many groups resolved issues through harsh means.
  2. The idea of countries without states not going to war seems optimistic; history shows that powerful groups have often conquered more peaceful societies.
  3. It's unclear how communities could operate without structured work and schools while still getting things done, and more examples are needed to understand how this could work in practice.

sunday meanpool

bad cattitude • 127 implied HN points • 10 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Policy Elections Governance Public Opinion Political Commentary
  1. It's easier to see certain things when you finally understand them. Sometimes, the truth is clear but hard to face.
  2. People often struggle to accept obvious truths about themselves. Admitting what's true can be a challenge for many.
  3. Looking at things from a different perspective can help clarify confusing situations. A fresh viewpoint can make what seems complicated feel simple.

Biden, Gavin, and Kamala

Diane Francis • 1039 implied HN points • 20 Nov 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Political strategy Governance Political Figures Public Opinion
  1. Biden and Trump are both seen as old and controversial candidates, raising concerns about their age and ability to lead. Many worry about what it means for the future of America.
  2. California Governor Gavin Newsom could be a strong choice to replace Kamala Harris as Biden's running mate. He has popular support and experience as a leader.
  3. The idea of swapping Harris for Newsom is unique and could strengthen Biden's chances in the election. It’s based on loyalty but could help prevent a Trump presidency.

Uncertainty

Random Minds by Katherine Brodsky • 159 implied HN points • 07 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Governance Civil Rights Political parties Political Ideologies
  1. Uncertainty can feel scary, like someone else is controlling your life. It's natural to worry about what might happen next.
  2. We can’t always predict the future, and our fears often feel worse than reality. It’s better to focus on what we know and can control right now.
  3. Life is unpredictable and sometimes out of our hands. Learning to accept uncertainty and live in the moment can help us cope better.

Confucius Says “lol, lmao”

The Upheaval • 2026 implied HN points • 15 Feb 24
📖 Philosophy Governance Trust Leaders Wisdom History
  1. According to Confucius, the basics of governance consist of having enough armaments, food, and the trust of the common people.
  2. Confucius emphasizes that the trust of the people is the most crucial element for a state to stand, even above food and armaments.
  3. The modern political leaders seem to have forgotten these fundamental principles, failing to prioritize security, defense, and the trust of the common people.

Dingus of the week: Kathy Hochul

Men Yell at Me • 327 implied HN points • 20 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Governance Policies Elections Political Commentary Current affairs
  1. Kathy Hochul's recent decision to let a company manage a program for disabled New Yorkers is raising concerns about potential negative impacts on care. People worry it could lead to less oversight and worse service for those who need help the most.
  2. Hochul is also thinking about creating a hotline for CEOs to report safety threats, which seems unnecessary since wealthy people already have plenty of ways to get help if they feel unsafe. This makes some people feel like their safety is prioritized over others who are more vulnerable.
  3. The piece argues that instead of helping CEOs, Hochul should focus on protecting those at greater risk, like migrants and homeless individuals, by improving government programs to truly serve people.

Extraterrestrial Governance

Skeptic • 42 implied HN points • 30 Dec 24
📖 Philosophy Governance Ethics Human nature Society Exploration
  1. As we start living on other planets, we need to figure out how to govern ourselves there. This means thinking about the best way to make decisions and keep everyone safe.
  2. Direct democracy sounds good for a small group, but as the population grows, we might need more rules and systems to handle conflicts. Balancing freedom and order will be a big challenge.
  3. We can learn from Earth's history and societies to create better systems on other planets. Sharing resources, cooperating, and having good leadership are crucial for survival and success.

The Case for Centrism

Castalia • 299 implied HN points • 24 Apr 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political theory Governance Electoral Politics Political Extremism Party Dynamics
  1. Centrism is a political approach that aims to find a balance between different views. It's about governing from the middle ground rather than extreme positions.
  2. Understanding the center of politics is crucial for effective governance. Good leaders can also shift the center to align with the needs of the people.
  3. Recent politics show a strong divide between extremes, which makes centrist policies more important. A focus on the middle can lead to real progress on important issues.

American Shadow Creatures Exposed: But Will the Empire Still Win the Day?

Matt Ehret's Insights • 1159 implied HN points • 26 Jun 23
🌍 World Politics Governance International relations Geopolitics Global Affairs Propaganda
  1. Throughout history, there have been instances where shadowy actions have been exposed but often don't lead to significant consequences.
  2. American leaders like Lincoln, FDR, and JFK fought against imperial impulses and tried to shine a light on these shadowy forces.
  3. Recent events like the Durham Report have shed light on the fabrication of Russiagate, showing the importance of alliances with countries like Russia and China to counter the global empire.

The Healing Power of Ridicule

Slack Tide by Matt Labash • 195 implied HN points • 21 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Satire Public Opinion Elections Governance Political Commentary
  1. Laughing at difficult situations, like politics, can be very helpful. Humor helps us cope with the stress that comes from these challenges.
  2. Everything, including tough political situations, eventually comes to an end. It's important to hold on to the belief that change is possible.
  3. Ridicule can be a powerful tool for critiquing behavior and attitudes. It can help us highlight issues in a way that's both effective and entertaining.

What is the goal of anarchism?

The Novelleist • 347 implied HN points • 18 Nov 24
📖 Philosophy Anarchism Political theory Society Governance Conflict resolution
  1. Anarchism promotes the idea of living peacefully in small, self-governing communities. It believes people can manage their own lives without a large government.
  2. History shows that small communities often face threats from larger groups. To be safe, these small groups sometimes need to band together or rely on bigger organizations for protection.
  3. One way to achieve a peaceful, self-governing life may be to work within existing societies. By forming small communities where people can live as they want, we might promote harmony while still having some protection from the outside.

Is Eric Adams Free?

Political Currents by Ross Barkan • 12 implied HN points • 31 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Corruption Political strategy Campaigns Governance
  1. Eric Adams, the mayor of New York City, has faced federal corruption charges and is struggling with low approval ratings. Many believe he might be the first mayor in thirty years to lose a re-election bid.
  2. Donald Trump might help Adams by influencing the Justice Department to drop the corruption charges. This could allow Adams to run again in the Democratic primary without the burden of legal troubles.
  3. Andrew Cuomo, the former governor, could be a tough challenger for Adams if he decides to run for mayor. Adams' chances might improve if he avoids criminal charges and gains more support from voters.

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.

Am I an anarchist?

The Novelleist • 304 implied HN points • 22 Nov 24
📖 Philosophy Political theory Anarchism Social theory Governance
  1. Small communities can self-govern effectively, but larger groups may need some form of governance to ensure good behavior among members. This raises questions about whether a decentralized system still counts as anarchist.
  2. People want similar goals across different ideologies, like a more equitable and environmentally conscious society. The focus should be on improving our current systems rather than starting from scratch.
  3. Open borders could change the dynamics of power between countries. If people can easily leave bad governments, those governments might be less likely to wage war or act poorly to keep their citizens.

Israel, Ukraine Support

Diane Francis • 759 implied HN points • 30 Oct 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Governance Foreign Policy Party Dynamics Military Aid Public Opinion
  1. Support for Ukraine is in danger as the focus shifts to Israel, but many Americans and Europeans still want to help Ukraine fight against Russia.
  2. Ukraine faces serious military challenges and needs continued support, especially with winter approaching and ongoing attacks on its cities.
  3. There's a worry that U.S. political issues could hurt aid for Ukraine, making it crucial for leaders to prioritize security and act decisively.

Three Billion Africans

An Africanist Perspective • 850 implied HN points • 10 Feb 23
🌍 World Politics Demographics Economics Governance Migration Urbanization
  1. African demographics are changing rapidly, with the population projected to reach over 3 billion by 2100. This growth will impact economics and politics, necessitating changes in agricultural practices, urbanization, and governance.
  2. The increase in Africa's population presents both challenges and opportunities. Rather than focusing on limiting population growth, empowering women, enhancing education, and investing in agriculture can drive economic growth.
  3. For Africa's economic takeoff, a focus on boosting agricultural productivity, urbanization, and intra-Africa trade is crucial. These areas have the potential to support the growing population and lead to sustainable economic development.

So, is Mexico a Narco State?

CrashOut by Ioan Grillo • 766 implied HN points • 21 Feb 23
🌍 World Politics Drug Trafficking Corruption Governance Mexico Cartels
  1. Witnesses in a trial revealed deep connections between Mexican authorities and drug cartels, raising questions about government integrity.
  2. The term 'narco state' is used to describe a government infiltrated by drug cartels, a label that has been applied to Mexico.
  3. Despite the challenges, there are still functioning and legitimate institutions within Mexico that provide essential services to its people.

Futarchy, Distortions from Hedging, and Other Thoughts

Something to Consider • 79 implied HN points • 28 Jun 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Governance Prediction Markets Economic Policy Risk management Voting Systems
  1. Futarchy is a new way to make decisions where people vote on what they want to achieve, but experts decide the best way to get there using prediction markets. This means we focus on outcomes instead of specific policies.
  2. When people are risk-averse, they might prefer safer options, and this can affect the choices made in a futarchy setup. It’s important to balance between achieving high goals and taking on too much risk.
  3. Even though prediction markets are useful, they can be skewed by people's efforts to hedge against risks. This means prices might not always reflect the true chances of outcomes, but they can still provide valuable information.

What Healthy Boards Look Like

DruGroup • 159 implied HN points • 07 May 24
💼 Business Governance Management Strategy Decision-making Policy
  1. Healthy boards focus on governance, avoiding micromanagement. They concentrate on big-picture decisions rather than getting caught up in daily operations.
  2. Good boards prioritize setting strategic direction over just directing actions. They work on long-term goals instead of getting bogged down in immediate tasks.
  3. Instead of panicking during crises, successful boards take time to think things through. They focus on understanding the situation for lasting solutions rather than quick fixes.

Open Thread, and also: The Dumbest Knife Law of All Time

eugyppius: a plague chronicle • 126 implied HN points • 16 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Legislation Security Immigration Governance Public Safety
  1. Germany is trying to pass a new knife law, which may not actually make anyone safer. It includes strict rules but has lots of exceptions that make it confusing.
  2. The proposed law suggests no knives at public events, but then lists many situations where knives are still allowed. This makes it seem like there's no real restriction at all!
  3. Although the government is making changes, it might still not stop the real issues, like violence. It's more about giving the appearance of action rather than truly improving safety.

Links to Consider, 11/10/2024

In My Tribe • 273 implied HN points • 10 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Governance Media Economics Civic engagement
  1. The connection between the government and society has grown stronger over the last 30 years, changing how power is used and its effects on freedom.
  2. There is a growing concern that the people in charge of local businesses no longer represent the interests of their communities, leading to a disconnect in local governance.
  3. Technology may challenge our ability to grasp complex issues, which makes the idea of limited government even more important to protect individual freedoms.