The hottest Governance Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
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The Case for Centrism

Castalia • 299 implied HN points • 24 Apr 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Governance
  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.

The Origins of Elite Human Capital Institutions and Communities

Richard Hanania's Newsletter • 1779 implied HN points • 23 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Governance
  1. Elite Human Capital institutions emerge when smart and idealistic people come together, seeking truth and shared values over just making money. These communities form naturally as individuals find others like themselves.
  2. Wealth-maximizers and meaning-maximizers represent two paths that people can take in these communities. While some focus on financial success, others prioritize making meaningful contributions to society.
  3. Authoritarian regimes often suppress elite human capital because educated people pose a threat to their power. When these institutions are stifled, it can hinder a country's overall progress and development.

Ju Jiandong reimagines the Chinese local state: a new blueprint for Chinese modernisation

Pekingnology • 67 implied HN points • 12 Jan 26
🌍 World Politics Governance
  1. Delegate real economic power to counties by turning them into professional "holding companies" with a stable revenue stream (about 6.5% of local GDP from VAT) so they can raise funds on capital markets; shares would sell income rights, not ownership of local assets.
  2. Build a much stronger social safety net by raising basic pensions, creating publicly funded childcare and eldercare, extending compulsory schooling to 12 years, and establishing a university in every county; these measures could be financed with long-term bonds costing roughly 140 billion yuan a year.
  3. Aim to create roughly 2,000 "small Singapores" within a unified national market by 2060, shifting to a knowledge-based economy with community clinics, more teachers and nurses, and pro-child policies (like pension multipliers) that together could generate about 30 million professional jobs.

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
  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.

Best of Can We Still Govern 2025: Readers Picks

Can We Still Govern? • 78 implied HN points • 30 Dec 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Governance
  1. American democracy is under serious threat as a rapid pattern of authoritarian moves targets the bureaucracy, military, courts, civil society, higher education, and election administration, with elections likely the next major focus.
  2. Political actors are weaponizing administrative rules and politicizing scientific agencies, and large numbers of ordinary people are actively pushing back against those changes.
  3. Independent platforms and direct communication matter because they let researchers and citizens share warnings, mobilize responses, and reach people outside traditional media.
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How the government successfully spun the Daily Mail (Odds and Ends #73)

Odds and Ends of History • 536 implied HN points • 30 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Governance
  1. The government managed to turn a tough situation into positive news by influencing the Daily Mail's reporting. It's interesting to see how media can shape public perception.
  2. Creative destruction is important for rebuilding Britain, and it will be key for Starmer's vision. Embracing change can lead to growth and improvement for communities.
  3. There's a fascinating story about a council leader who still lives with his mum, which highlights unique personal circumstances in politics. It's a reminder that leaders are also individuals with their own lives.

Banfield on the Hyperbole of Urban Bankruptcy

Bet On It • 135 implied HN points • 28 Nov 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Governance
  1. Politicians often exaggerate city budget crises to gain credit or shift blame, rather than because the city is truly insolvent.
  2. When leaders claim a city "must" get state or federal aid, it usually means local taxpayers prefer not to pay or hope others will, not that paying would force people into poverty or be impossible.
  3. If people aren't willing to pay to fix a problem, it's probably not truly critical, and governments still have options like austerity or tapping unused tax bases (for example, taxing unimproved land) instead of declaring bankruptcy.

Balaji, the Network State and mark-to-market thinking

Taipology • 91 implied HN points • 12 Dec 25
🔮 Crypto Governance
  1. A small startup community in Forest City is trying out the "network state" idea, blending intentional community life with tech and decentralization experimentation. It works like a real-world lab for new ways people might organize outside traditional nation-states.
  2. The geopolitical view presented is that the United States may be weakening while China grows into a dominant model, and many of those shifts are not yet fully recognized or priced into global thinking. If those trends continue, alliances, economies, and governance could change significantly.
  3. The future is uncertain so we should proceed carefully, learning through patient experimentation rather than rushing to a single outcome. Decentralized technologies and cooperative experiments might offer alternatives to state power, but they need responsible testing and time to prove themselves.

Okta’s Ric Smith: Your AI Agent Is Roaming The Office Hallway. Do You Know What It's Doing?

Big Technology • 125 implied HN points • 25 Nov 25
🕹 Technology Governance
  1. Companies are quickly implementing AI agents but often forget to set rules and limits for them. This can lead to risks in the workplace.
  2. It's important to think about how these digital workers interact with employees and the environment. Proper governance can help keep things under control.
  3. Having clear boundaries for AI agents can help organizations make the most out of these technologies while minimizing potential problems.

The authoritarian political agenda: beyond populism

Wyclif's Dust • 1341 implied HN points • 25 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Governance
  1. Many recent political leaders, like Trump and Modi, seem to share a dislike for traditional institutions. They often challenge or bypass established political systems and laws to push their agendas.
  2. These leaders come from different backgrounds but have gained support by tapping into public dissatisfaction with current systems. They use populism to connect with voters, even if their specific policies vary widely.
  3. The modern economy has shifted towards large-scale operations, which makes nations and big corporations more intertwined. This shift affects how these leaders approach governance and their relationships with businesses.

The Second Desert in Venture Capital

Venture Reflections • 29 implied HN points • 02 Feb 26
💼 Business Governance
  1. The first "desert" (Funds I–III) is about survival: raising initial funds, proving your right to win, and juggling operations, investments, and LP relationships to stay alive.
  2. After you clear that phase you enter a second "desert" where the challenges shift to long-term firm questions like longevity, succession, and whether you’re truly established.
  3. The mid-stage can feel lonely and ambiguous: early peers and mentors thin out, fundraising dynamics change, and you need new advisors and skills to navigate this uncertain transition.

One AGI or many?

AI Supremacy • 609 implied HN points • 15 Jan 24
🕹 Technology Governance
  1. The post discusses the debate on whether there should be one AGI or multiple AGIs.
  2. The publication explores themes like the Future of Work, AGI, and OpenAI's development.
  3. There is an invitation to subscribe for a 7-day free trial to access more content on AI Supremacy.

Martin Gurri: Trump Has a Mandate to Lead. What Comes Next?

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 1395 implied HN points • 19 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Governance
  1. Many people are unhappy with the current system and feel that leaders do not care about them. There is a growing distrust toward institutions that were once respected.
  2. Public dissatisfaction is seen in various movements worldwide, highlighting a desire for change and a disconnect between elites and everyday citizens.
  3. The rise of digital communication has exposed the problems with traditional institutions, making it harder for them to maintain authority without accountability.

Top Links 818 Sun Block: Red State advantage eroding? Why does Israel protect the Druze and Sanssouci in Beijing.

Chartbook • 443 implied HN points • 03 Aug 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Governance
  1. Red states in America may be losing their advantage in cheap housing. This could affect many people's living situations and decisions.
  2. The study by Harvard and Penn researchers highlights important changes in housing markets. It suggests that what was once a benefit for red states might not last.
  3. Israel's protection of the Druze and policies in places like Beijing can prompt questions about political strategies. It's interesting to see how different countries deal with minority groups.

Mamdani’s Clown Show Offers Its Opening Act

QTR’s Fringe Finance • 61 implied HN points • 07 Jan 26
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Governance
  1. He promised big changes on affordability and free transit, but a subway and bus fare increase right after he took office exposed a gap between his slogans and what actually happens.
  2. He focused on high‑profile, symbolic fights like protesting World Cup ticket prices without any real authority or concrete plan, which looks more like showmanship than problem‑solving.
  3. Appointments of housing activists who have criticized private property and a false claim about being "briefed" on a federal operation triggered backlash and suggest he’s prioritizing ideology and image over practical governance.

The Dying Animal

Political Currents by Ross Barkan • 36 implied HN points • 27 Jan 26
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Governance
  1. The MAGA movement is both powerful and increasingly violent, but its aggressive overreach is alienating voters and creating political backlash that could cost the party in elections.
  2. Trump’s presidency has damaged America’s global reputation and shifted the GOP away from traditional conservative internationalism, yet much of this era’s political identity is tied to one man and may not survive him intact.
  3. Harsh domestic actions and nativist policies are causing real harm and weakening institutions, and while full authoritarianism seems unlikely in a large country, the damage and chaos could linger for years.

Best of Can We Still Govern 2025: Personal Favorites

Can We Still Govern? • 66 implied HN points • 31 Dec 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Governance
  1. A presidency built around personal loyalty is eroding democratic norms and has enabled the use of armed federal forces and legal changes to target political opponents.
  2. Policy decisions like cutting foreign aid and imposing new work requirements on safety‑net programs can cause widespread human suffering and will affect millions of people.
  3. Scholarly critique, mentorship, thoughtful reporting, guest research, and direct giving matter — they shape understanding, push back on harmful policies, and provide tangible help to those in need.

MAGA Meltdown?

Comment is Freed • 132 implied HN points • 25 Nov 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Governance
  1. The president’s second term is failing on the economy and governance, with rising inflation, weaker growth, and unpopular policies that have driven approval ratings very low across many states.
  2. Young people and minority voters have swung back toward Democrats, and economic frustration helped Democrats win big statewide races, showing a clear electoral backlash.
  3. Most Republicans have tied themselves closely to the president out of fear of retribution, but growing defections and public frustration are creating dangerous faultlines in the party ahead of the midterms.

Denouncing Depravity

A Biologist's Guide to Life • 29 implied HN points • 01 Feb 26
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Governance
  1. Personhood matters more than personal brand; people with platforms should choose doing the right thing over protecting followers or income.
  2. The Epstein files and the behavior of some ultra-wealthy people reveal deep corruption and potential national-security risks that demand accountability and legal investigation.
  3. We all have a moral duty to speak up and act instead of being bystanders, even if it costs followers, money, or reputation, because silence enables further abuse.

Top Links 823 Abusing Powell. Greenhushing. Global Forest Watch, Vegemite in space.

Chartbook • 400 implied HN points • 08 Aug 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Governance
  1. Trump is publicly criticizing Powell more than ever. This has raised concerns about the impact of such attacks on economic policies.
  2. Greenhushing is a term that describes the trend of companies avoiding strong sustainability claims to prevent backlash. It's an interesting shift in how businesses approach environmental issues.
  3. Global Forest Watch offers important information about forest health worldwide. This tool helps us understand environmental challenges better and encourages action to protect forests.

Secession Is a Good Idea

Points And Figures • 1199 implied HN points • 09 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Governance
  1. Counties should have the option to secede if they want to join a neighboring state. This can help people live under laws and tax systems that better match their beliefs.
  2. Secession could create competition between states, encouraging them to improve their policies. If people can move to a state with lower taxes and better regulations, states might change to keep their residents.
  3. Allowing counties to secede could disrupt how political parties gerrymander districts. If counties leave, it could change which party has more influence in elections.

Live Video with Dr. Amy Acton

Thinking about... • 118 implied HN points • 20 Nov 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Governance
  1. Dr. Amy Acton is running for governor of Ohio and has a strong background in public health. She's recognized for her calm leadership during the COVID-19 pandemic.
  2. The upcoming live video on November 20 will be an informal chat about Ohio's issues and potential solutions.
  3. Timothy Snyder encourages viewers to join the live conversation through the Substack app and share it with others interested in the discussion.

The Pardons

Points And Figures • 1279 implied HN points • 20 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Governance
  1. Biden's recent pardons can help Trump focus on positive actions instead of seeking revenge. This means Trump can start building things up rather than getting caught up in past issues.
  2. The pardons may lead to less media attention on major stories, allowing gossip and rumors to take the spotlight. It's a shift similar to what happened when Nixon was pardoned, making it easier for Trump to move forward.
  3. Trump could gain ground by being extremely open about past documents and issues. By releasing more information on various controversies, he could reshape public perception and show his commitment to transparency.

Friday Funnies: CPR Alert

Who is Robert Malone • 36 implied HN points • 23 Jan 26
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Governance
  1. Federal civil servants in Northern Virginia are blamed for swinging the state to Democrats, and two remedies are proposed: cut federal jobs or relocate federal agencies around the country to break that concentration of influence.
  2. A severe multi-stage winter storm is expected, so people are urged to winterize farms and homes — fill tanks, set up heaters, stock water, food, fuel, batteries, and protect animals and vehicles.
  3. Recent Democratic policies are portrayed as harmful to the state, with concerns about higher taxes, weakened gun rights, permissive immigration and youth medical policies, and a cultural shift dubbed 'Californication' or 'Marxist' influence.

Our Picks of the Week: War, Peace, and TikTok Jacobins

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 533 implied HN points • 27 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Governance
  1. Recent U.S. and Israeli military actions have raised questions about the effectiveness of striking Iran's nuclear program, suggesting that damage might only delay their progress for a short while.
  2. A Democratic socialist candidate, Zohran Mamdani, won the New York City mayoral primary by connecting with voters looking for change, demonstrating the growing appeal of progressive ideas.
  3. Daniel Lurie, a new mayor in San Francisco, aims to undo policies that have led to city problems, focusing on practical solutions rather than ideology to address major issues.

Here’s What I Know About Jeffrey Epstein

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 463 implied HN points • 17 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Governance
  1. Jeffrey Epstein was a manipulative criminal who preyed on powerful people, but there is no solid evidence to prove he was a spy.
  2. Some people believe Epstein was working for a foreign government, which has become a controversial topic within certain political circles.
  3. The author emphasizes that their information about Epstein comes from thorough reporting, not just rumors or gossip.

China’s Rural Reform: A History Not Designed but Discovered

Pekingnology • 113 implied HN points • 03 Dec 25
🌍 World Politics Governance
  1. China's rural reform was not planned but happened by chance. Farmers' actions led to changes that officials didn't expect.
  2. The reforms showed that farmers were the real drivers of change, as they started using new methods and stood up against outdated rules.
  3. Policymaking during this time was reactive and focused on listening to farmers instead of following strict plans. This helped create a more flexible and innovative agricultural system.

When power is very personal (part 1)

Brain Pizza • 1125 implied HN points • 28 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Governance
  1. Narcissism can be both good and bad for leaders. It helps them be confident and make big decisions, but it can also lead to corruption and poor ethics.
  2. Grandiose narcissism makes leaders more persuasive and able to handle crises, but it can also create instability and ethical issues in government.
  3. There's a difference between grandiose and vulnerable narcissism. Grandiose narcissists are more outgoing and confident, while vulnerable ones are more sensitive and insecure.

Analyst reactions: How AI is reshaping engineering organizations

Engineering Enablement • 11 implied HN points • 18 Feb 26
🕹 Technology Governance
  1. Hiring is shifting toward AI‑fluent roles like “AI Engineer,” and companies are putting much more emphasis on code quality because AI makes writing code easier but often produces sloppy output that reviewers must catch.
  2. Early, fragmented AI experiments are being centralized into platform-level models (AI Centers of Excellence or hub-and-spoke), so platform teams now own governance, orchestration, and making AI a standard developer tool.
  3. A new operational layer—LLMOps—is emerging to run models, ship integrations, and create reusable prompts, while human challenges like security training, unclear ROI, and uncontrolled developer experimentation remain the biggest risks.

sunday solutionpool

bad cattitude • 92 implied HN points • 30 Nov 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Governance
  1. Many people think global issues are really complex, but they often aren't as hard as they seem.
  2. It's easy to get overwhelmed by problems but breaking them down can make them manageable.
  3. Finding simple solutions can be more effective than complicating things further.

Out Of Control.

Trying to Understand the World • 10 implied HN points • 18 Feb 26
🌍 World Politics Governance
  1. The professional-managerial class that once prospered under neoliberal rules is now seeing its living standards, public services and children’s prospects erode, and their growing alienation could become a major political force.
  2. Decades of privatization, deregulation, globalization and rapid tech adoption have produced tightly linked, chaotic systems whose unintended interactions are widely damaging public services, markets and communities.
  3. Short-term incentives, complex ownership and weak public control mean there are no easy fixes; the system is fragile and may break suddenly, producing sharp social and political upheaval.

Israel, Ukraine Support

Diane Francis • 759 implied HN points • 30 Oct 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Governance
  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.

Donald Trump and The End of Power

The Ruffian • 473 implied HN points • 28 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Governance
  1. Trump's ability to exert real power is limited by his popularity, which is lower than that of past leaders. To maintain authority, a leader needs public support.
  2. In today's political environment, it's harder for leaders to push through changes because of fragmented party loyalty and increased public dissent. Many people focus more on opposing change than supporting it.
  3. The general trend has shifted towards the end of effective power, especially in democracies. Leaders face more challenges in making impactful decisions due to weakened institutions and lack of public trust.

Top Links 764 The assault on foreign students in the US. The Palantir bubble & the Norman Conquest.

Chartbook • 500 implied HN points • 09 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Governance
  1. Foreign students are facing challenges in the US, which could impact a major part of the economy. This could change how international education works.
  2. There is a mention of the 'Palantir bubble', suggesting concerns about overvalued tech companies. It's a warning about the risks in the tech market.
  3. The reference to the 'Norman Conquest' might draw parallels between past events and current issues, hinting at significant social or political shifts.

Simon Sebag Montefiore: After Assad

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 1247 implied HN points • 09 Dec 24
🌍 World Politics Governance
  1. The Assad dynasty ruled Syria for 53 years with extreme violence and family power struggles, resembling a mix of Mafia operations and royal court intrigue. This brutal regime led to significant suffering and loss of life in the country.
  2. Bashar al-Assad's regime faced major uprisings during the Arab Spring, resulting in a horrific and bloody response that left around 600,000 Syrians dead. The backing of allies like Iran and Russia helped him maintain power amidst chaos.
  3. Recent events show a dramatic change as statues of Assad are toppled, prisons are opened, and many oppressors are fleeing. However, while this moment brings hope, the uncertainty of the future still looms large in the Middle East.

December 31, 2025

Letters from an American • 53 implied HN points • 01 Jan 26
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Governance
  1. Deep gratitude for community support after a difficult year, and recognition that this support enabled continued work.
  2. A call for people to share how they helped preserve American democracy and what they hope for in 2026, urging everyone to keep building momentum.
  3. A tone of tiredness mixed with hope and confidence that the American people can build a better future, plus warm new-year wishes.

Three Billion Africans

An Africanist Perspective • 850 implied HN points • 10 Feb 23
🌍 World Politics Governance
  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.

The fabric of society

The Bellows • 4 implied HN points • 05 Mar 26
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Governance
  1. Society works like a network of social connections and information flows, so understanding those networks matters more than treating people as isolated, utility-maximizing individuals.
  2. Modern habits and technology that let people cocoon, curate interactions, and avoid everyday social responsibilities have eroded norms and made many people feel disoriented, which weakens democratic life.
  3. Strong local solidarity—looking out for your neighbors and reinforcing shared values—is what sustains democracy and defends rights, so that uneasy, warning feeling should push us to rebuild those community ties.