The hottest Governance Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top Technology Topics

The Ethics of Business with Niklas Anziger

Bet On It ā€¢ 35 implied HN points ā€¢ 14 Jan 26
šŸ’¼ Business Governance
  1. Niklas Anziger discusses the ethics of business and how moral questions affect real-world commercial choices.
  2. The conversation emphasizes a pro-market, pro-business perspective, arguing that freer markets can lead to better outcomes.
  3. Prospera is used as a real-world example of experimenting with freer markets to illustrate how ethical business practices play out.

So, is Mexico a Narco State?

CrashOut by Ioan Grillo ā€¢ 766 implied HN points ā€¢ 21 Feb 23
šŸŒ World Politics Governance
  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.

The German Establishmentā€™s Last Chance

Common Sense with Bari Weiss ā€¢ 871 implied HN points ā€¢ 24 Feb 25
šŸ‡ŗšŸ‡ø U.S. Politics Governance
  1. A lot of Germans voted recently, and the focus was mainly on immigration issues. This shows how important the topic is for many people right now.
  2. The Alternative for Germany, or AfD, gained a lot of support, highlighting their strong stance on immigration. This raised concerns about how mainstream parties might respond to such a shift in voter priorities.
  3. Friedrich Merz's Christian Democrats won the election but didn't get as many votes as expected. This could mean challenges ahead for them in addressing the rising support for the AfD.

Why Americaā€™s Two-Party System Will Never Threaten the True Political Elites

QTRā€™s Fringe Finance ā€¢ 19 implied HN points ā€¢ 06 Feb 26
šŸ‡ŗšŸ‡ø U.S. Politics Governance
  1. Elections mainly swap the visible politicians while the real governing elite and its power networks stay in place.
  2. Political parties function as gatekeepers that allow only eliteā€‘approved candidates into meaningful office and keep uncompromising counterā€‘elites out.
  3. Key policy areas like foreign policy, central banking, and major welfare programs are insulated from change because they sustain patronage networks that benefit the ruling elite.

Futarchy, Distortions from Hedging, and Other Thoughts

Something to Consider ā€¢ 79 implied HN points ā€¢ 28 Jun 24
šŸ‡ŗšŸ‡ø U.S. Politics Governance
  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. Itā€™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.
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Regulatory capture is real

Klement on Investing ā€¢ 3 implied HN points ā€¢ 02 Mar 26
šŸ’° Finance Governance
  1. Strong regulation tends to lower company valuations because it raises costs, limits growth, and shields stakeholders other than shareholders.
  2. When companies influence regulators or use the revolving door to place insiders in regulatory roles, they can turn regulation into a barrier to entry that boosts incumbentsā€™ margins and valuations.
  3. Lack of regulation can spur rapid growth but also enables widespread fraud and abuse, highlighting the trade-off between fast innovation and consumer protection.

The Conservative Worry

In My Tribe ā€¢ 1184 implied HN points ā€¢ 23 Nov 24
šŸ‡ŗšŸ‡ø U.S. Politics Governance
  1. There's a concern that Trumpā€™s style is more about radical changes than traditional conservatism. This could lead to extreme actions rather than stable governance.
  2. People in leadership roles, like running the Defense Department, need to have experience managing other managers. Without this experience, they might struggle to lead effectively.
  3. The new appointments might focus on what they want to change, but managing large organizations is hard, and mistakes could happen if they move too quickly.

Levelling up my MMT (Part 1)

Altered States of Monetary Consciousness ā€¢ 99 implied HN points ā€¢ 18 Nov 25
šŸ’° Finance Governance
  1. The piece emphasizes deepening practical and conceptual understanding of Modern Monetary Theory (MMT) to 'level up' how the idea is used.
  2. It reflects on the tension between technocratic, expert-driven knowledge and democratic, public-facing uses of knowledge, and why that difference matters for policy.
  3. The write-up is presented as the first part of a paid, subscriber-focused series, signalling an ongoing, deliberate exploration rather than a one-off note.

What Healthy Boards Look Like

DruGroup ā€¢ 159 implied HN points ā€¢ 07 May 24
šŸ’¼ Business Governance
  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.

Top Links 753 Front-running European exports. The American transfer state. Troll farm hierarchy & the economics of motor-racing.

Chartbook ā€¢ 472 implied HN points ā€¢ 29 May 25
šŸ‡ŗšŸ‡ø U.S. Politics Governance
  1. European exports are being closely watched, possibly for trends or economic implications. It's important to stay updated on how they impact global trade.
  2. The idea of an American transfer state likely refers to the financial support systems in place within the U.S. Understanding this can help in grasping economic dynamics.
  3. There's a mention of troll farms and their organizational structure, highlighting the complexities of online information and influence. This can affect how we view digital communication.

Kemi Badenoch: How Liberalism Got Hacked

Common Sense with Bari Weiss ā€¢ 1085 implied HN points ā€¢ 12 Dec 24
šŸ‡ŗšŸ‡ø U.S. Politics Governance
  1. Liberalism is in danger due to the rise of authoritarian ideologies. It's important to protect classic liberal values like free speech and free markets.
  2. Personal experiences with poverty can highlight the importance of freedom and choice in society. Witnessing life under oppressive government helps people appreciate these values.
  3. Classic liberal principles such as equality under the law and the presumption of innocence are essential for a healthy society. These principles are currently being threatened.

We have had five years of nonstop political panic in Germany ā€“ over Covid, Russia and now Alternative fĆ¼r Deutschland. What will we panic over next?

eugyppius: a plague chronicle ā€¢ 112 implied HN points ā€¢ 13 Nov 25
šŸ‡ŗšŸ‡ø U.S. Politics Governance
  1. Germany has experienced constant political panic since 2020, starting with Covid and continuing through various crises. It feels like there's always a new issue replacing the last one.
  2. Before 2020, the German government focused on stability and routine, but now panic seems to have become a normal part of politics. It's unclear why this shift happened.
  3. These panics have specific patterns that are important to understand, as knowing how they worked in the past can help predict future political anxieties.

Gramsci and Lenin on transcending ā€œparliamentarianismā€ and on direct democracy

Global Inequality and More 3.0 ā€¢ 256 implied HN points ā€¢ 15 Aug 25
šŸ‡ŗšŸ‡ø U.S. Politics Governance
  1. Gramsci and Lenin believed that traditional representative democracy often serves the interests of the wealthy rather than the people. They argued for replacing it with a system of direct democracy, where people can take part in decision-making directly through councils.
  2. Both thinkers emphasized the importance of 'workers' councils' as a way to organize not just politics, but also the economy. They thought that workers should manage and run companies instead of just having a boss from outside.
  3. When institutions of democracy break down and people lose faith in elections, alternatives like council democracy can emerge. Although this system isn't perfect and has its risks, it could offer new ways for communities to govern themselves.

Zohran Mamdani will fail, utterly and completely, as mayor of New York City

Demodexio ā€¢ 396 implied HN points ā€¢ 28 Jun 25
šŸ‡ŗšŸ‡ø U.S. Politics Governance
  1. Zohran Mamdani has some good ideas, like baby baskets for new parents and raising the minimum wage to $30 by 2030. However, there's a worry about how he plans to actually put these ideas into action.
  2. While he aims to help small businesses by cutting regulations, itā€™s important to also address things like high commercial rents. Just making it easier to start a business may not be enough if costs remain high.
  3. Many of Mamdani's proposals lack clear implementation plans, which raises concerns about his ability to succeed as mayor. Without a solid plan, even good ideas might not happen.

New Episode! #24 - Samo Burja - How to Prevent Civilizational Collapse

Win-Win ā€¢ 79 implied HN points ā€¢ 21 Jun 24
šŸŽ™ Podcasts Governance
  1. Bureaucratic growth can weaken institutions and slow down decision-making. It's important to streamline and maintain efficiency in governance.
  2. Understanding the difference between tacit (unspoken) and explicit (clearly defined) knowledge is crucial for effective organization and leadership.
  3. Different systems of governance, like democracy and monarchy, have their own strengths and weaknesses that can impact how societies function.

Keir Starmer needs to prepare for a world without America

Odds and Ends of History ā€¢ 1206 implied HN points ā€¢ 07 Nov 24
šŸ‡ŗšŸ‡ø U.S. Politics Governance
  1. America's political situation is very unstable, and this could lead to problems for the rest of the world. If the U.S. struggles to maintain its role as a superpower, it could change global security and trade.
  2. Without strong American support, countries like Russia and China may act more aggressively. This could result in more conflict, especially in places like Taiwan and the South China Sea.
  3. Countries that share democratic values, like those in Europe, should work together more closely. For Britain, reconnecting with Europe may be necessary to ensure security and stability in an uncertain global environment.

The Permanent Stain

The Weekly Dish ā€¢ 263 implied HN points ā€¢ 08 Aug 25
šŸ‡ŗšŸ‡ø U.S. Politics Governance
  1. The first year of Trump's presidency has been a win for autocratic governance in the U.S. It suggests a shift towards less democratic norms.
  2. The impact of these changes may last for a long time. Once certain political standards are broken, they can be hard to restore.
  3. People are concerned about the future of democracy in America. Many feel that the current political landscape is deteriorating.

Tokens vs. Equity

DeFi Education ā€¢ 619 implied HN points ā€¢ 18 Oct 23
šŸ”® Crypto Governance
  1. Uniswap is now charging a fee on some transactions, which goes to Uniswap Labs and not to token holders. This has caused a drop in the UNI token's value.
  2. There can be conflicts between token holders and equity holders in crypto, as they may have different goals and priorities. Token holders often want short-term gains, while equity holders may focus on long-term success.
  3. Uniswap Labs needs to show that it is acting in good faith for both the protocol and the token holders, or else the value of holding the UNI token is questionable.

The Weak Strongman

Thinking about... ā€¢ 731 implied HN points ā€¢ 13 Feb 25
šŸ‡ŗšŸ‡ø U.S. Politics Governance
  1. Trump's style of leadership can seem strong, but it's actually making America weaker on the world stage. His actions are damaging key government institutions and alliances.
  2. While many Americans fear Trump's behavior, he doesnā€™t inspire the same fear abroad. Instead, other countries see his actions as a chance to gain more power without concern for his threats.
  3. Trump's government strategy relies on chaos and destruction rather than solid policies. This creates a situation where adversaries like Russia and China can take advantage of America's declining strength.

Michael Jordan Hired The Best Sports Lawyer In The Country To Go After NASCAR

Huddle Up ā€¢ 61 implied HN points ā€¢ 10 Dec 25
šŸŽ¾ Sports Governance
  1. Michael Jordan and two NASCAR teams are suing NASCAR for alleged monopolistic and anticompetitive practices, a case that could expose huge damages.
  2. The trial has exposed detailed financials ā€” team investments and losses, NASCARā€™s event losses, and internal emails. Those documents suggest NASCAR moved revenue and used rules like the charter system to limit teams' income.
  3. Jordanā€™s wealth, racing passion, and lack of dependence on NASCAR made him willing to lead a fight others avoided. Many smaller owners fear retaliation and the massive costs of a legal battle.

DC home rule, madhouses, and choices

bad cattitude ā€¢ 230 implied HN points ā€¢ 15 Aug 25
šŸ‡ŗšŸ‡ø U.S. Politics Governance
  1. Many people in DC believe the city is safe, despite rising crime. It's surprising how different opinions can be about safety when faced with real issues.
  2. Crime stats can be misleading, and people feel there is a lack of accountability in law enforcement. It's crucial to address these problems to ensure community safety.
  3. People believe that open communication about differing opinions is important. When everyone feels they can speak up, it helps create a stronger community and challenges misleading narratives.

šŸ¾ A social network taxonomy.

New_ Public ā€¢ 589 implied HN points ā€¢ 19 Feb 23
šŸ•¹ Technology Governance
  1. Social networks can be classified based on governance models and ownership structures.
  2. Different governance models include big room networks, group-hosting networks, the Fediverse, and very small online platforms.
  3. Advocating for a pluriverse, where diverse social network models coexist, allowing users to choose based on community needs.

the fall of rome 2.0

bad cattitude ā€¢ 223 implied HN points ā€¢ 12 Aug 25
šŸ‡ŗšŸ‡ø U.S. Politics Governance
  1. Western Europe is experiencing economic stagnation, while Eastern Europe is seeing growth. This might result in a significant shift in power and prosperity within the continent.
  2. There's concern that Europeā€™s reliance on low-trust cultures and high welfare systems is leading to social and cultural decline. People fear for the future as crime and instability rise.
  3. The idea of welcoming migrants to bolster declining populations may backfire, as it could threaten the very culture and structure of European societies. There's a risk of losing what makes these societies thrive.

Make America a Continent Again

Atlas of Wonders and Monsters ā€¢ 729 implied HN points ā€¢ 26 Jan 25
šŸ‡ŗšŸ‡ø U.S. Politics Governance
  1. The word 'America' means different things to different people. In many Spanish-speaking countries, it refers to the whole continent, not just the United States.
  2. Donald Trump's actions and statements about territories like Greenland and the Gulf of Mexico may upset international relationships and suggest a more aggressive stance.
  3. The strong American influence on the continent comes with a responsibility to act as a stabilizing power. If Trump fails to do so, it could affect how Americans are viewed in the rest of the Americas.

December 15, 2025

Letters from an American ā€¢ 51 implied HN points ā€¢ 16 Dec 25
šŸ‡ŗšŸ‡ø U.S. Politics Governance
  1. Being president is mostly about character. The job calls for real integrity and moral courage.
  2. True patriotism means defending everyoneā€™s rights, even speech you hate. America requires active citizenship that protects free speech and the right to protest.
  3. Some politicians win by stoking fear and blaming others instead of solving problems. We need serious leaders who focus on fixing issues, not on cheap attacks.

On ā€œPublic-Private Partnershipā€

The Upheaval ā€¢ 1065 implied HN points ā€¢ 16 Oct 24
šŸ‡ŗšŸ‡ø U.S. Politics Governance
  1. Public-private partnerships can help achieve goals, especially in global competition, but they also have risks. It's important to weigh these risks, as they can lead to significant problems in governance and society.
  2. A major concern with public-private partnerships is that they often leave out the public's voice. Decisions may be made without consulting the people affected, which can lead to widespread dissatisfaction and lack of trust in the government.
  3. While some level of cooperation between the government and corporations can be necessary, it's crucial to prioritize the nation's interests and ensure transparency. Keeping the public informed can help prevent misuses of power and maintain democratic accountability.

Advanced Prompting Guide for AI Engineering

Engineering Enablement ā€¢ 13 implied HN points ā€¢ 04 Feb 26
šŸ•¹ Technology Governance
  1. Structured prompting is required for complex, highā€‘risk engineering work; techniques like graphā€‘based prompts help reveal hidden dependencies, prioritize rules, and manage changing state.
  2. Use controlled validation loops and dualā€‘implementation strategies to improve governance and reduce risk, and apply diffā€‘only refactoring to make large code changes less invasive and more tokenā€‘efficient.
  3. The guide is vendorā€‘agnostic and practical, with Do/Don't scenarios and full prompt/code examples, and itā€™s useful to engineers and nonā€‘engineers working with coding assistants, agents, or specā€‘driven workflows.

Shared governance is dead in Florida

Science Forever ā€¢ 537 implied HN points ā€¢ 28 Apr 23
šŸ‡ŗšŸ‡ø U.S. Politics Governance
  1. Shared governance in Florida higher education is facing challenges, with Governor DeSantis asserting significant control.
  2. There's a misunderstanding of shared governance, with some trustees using it as a reason to micromanage instead of collaborating with campus experts.
  3. DeSantis' office claims he holds all decision-making power over universities in Florida, jeopardizing academic freedom and the roles of faculty senate and student government.

Weekend Listening: The Right Way to Fight Illiberalism

Common Sense with Bari Weiss ā€¢ 2119 implied HN points ā€¢ 27 Jan 24
šŸ‡ŗšŸ‡ø U.S. Politics 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.

The State of Play

Points And Figures ā€¢ 985 implied HN points ā€¢ 25 Oct 24
šŸ‡ŗšŸ‡ø U.S. Politics Governance
  1. Many people feel that the election process is unfair and that institutions lie to the public. This has led to a loss of trust in political leaders and the media.
  2. Voter sentiment has shifted, with issues like lockdown policies, economic struggles, and social issues influencing people to lean more towards Republican perspectives.
  3. The debates around social issues, like gender identity in sports, may be turning some voters away from the Democrats, especially among suburban women who value traditional rights.

The Pace of Change Depends on Your Gaze

Cybernetic Forests ā€¢ 179 implied HN points ā€¢ 24 Mar 24
šŸ•¹ Technology Governance
  1. The speed of technological change is determined by where we focus our attention. Slowing down to understand the structures in place is key.
  2. AI hype often moves at the pace of fashion, while AI infrastructure evolves slowly. It's important to differentiate between new trends and substantial advancements.
  3. Governance, infrastructure, and culture play crucial roles in shaping AI's future. Participating in shaping these aspects can have a significant impact on the development and use of AI.

Confucius Says ā€œlol, lmaoā€

The Upheaval ā€¢ 2026 implied HN points ā€¢ 15 Feb 24
šŸ“– Philosophy Governance
  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.

AI Agents are here. Security isnā€™t ready.

Brick by Brick ā€¢ 18 implied HN points ā€¢ 20 Jan 26
šŸ•¹ Technology Governance
  1. AI agents are becoming autonomous actors that plan, execute, and adapt across systems. Adoption is accelerating even though security practices are not yet ready.
  2. You canā€™t secure what you canā€™t find, so teams need new discovery and observability that capture reasoning traces, tool calls, and decision pathsā€”not just inputs and outputs.
  3. Control depends on giving agents first-class identities and enforcing continuous, context-aware authorization so actions can be audited, constrained, and revoked without killing their autonomy.

God Bless the Gipper

Who is Robert Malone ā€¢ 22 implied HN points ā€¢ 19 Jan 26
šŸ‡ŗšŸ‡ø U.S. Politics Governance
  1. A strong society is built from the bottom up through volunteerism and personal responsibility, with people, churches, and local groups stepping in to help one another.
  2. Governmentā€™s main job is to create freedom and economic opportunity, not to run every social program; excessive spending and top-down welfare can foster dependency and threaten liberty.
  3. Good leadership is about guiding and earning trust (think horsemanship), and a shared moral framework helps keep communities resilient and free.

SBSQ #17: How should you prepare for an AI future?

Silver Bulletin ā€¢ 627 implied HN points ā€¢ 31 Jan 25
šŸ‡ŗšŸ‡ø U.S. Politics Governance
  1. To prepare for an AI-driven future, it's important to start using AI tools now. This will help boost your productivity and give you a better understanding of how AI can be applied in your work.
  2. Stay informed about technology and finance news to understand the evolving job market. This knowledge can help you make smart investment decisions and navigate your career path more effectively.
  3. Focus on developing a mix of skills that includes analytical thinking, domain knowledge, and personal skills. Being well-rounded in these areas can make you more valuable in a competitive job environment impacted by AI.

Why MAGA Broke With Trump On Epstein

Public ā€¢ 252 implied HN points ā€¢ 14 Jul 25
šŸ‡ŗšŸ‡ø U.S. Politics Governance
  1. Some supporters of Trump are upset because they believe he is involved in a serious issue related to sexual abuse and blackmail. They feel that this is part of a larger moral problem with some elites and the intelligence community.
  2. The MAGA movement is now questioning Trump more than before, showing that it's not just a blind loyalty. People are starting to think critically about his actions and choices.
  3. This change in attitude from his supporters reflects a growing anger towards the corruption they see in politics. They want leaders who are genuinely committed to values and ethics.

"Israel is heading towards street battles between the far right and families of hostages"

Informer ā€¢ 235 implied HN points ā€¢ 05 Feb 24
šŸŒ World Politics Governance
  1. Israel's political class is preparing for early elections as unity in politics fades.
  2. The tension in Israel is escalating as families of hostages demand their return over the war objective of 'destroying Hamas'.
  3. Recent incidents and realizations are exposing the truth behind the war in Israel, leading to potential street battles and difficult political decisions.

The Brokenism Axis

In My Tribe ā€¢ 683 implied HN points ā€¢ 19 Dec 24
šŸ‡ŗšŸ‡ø U.S. Politics Governance
  1. The political scene is shifting from traditional left-right divides to a new battle between those wanting to reform current institutions and those pushing for radical changes.
  2. There are two types of people in both political camps: institutionalists who want to improve systems like government and media, and brokenists who think those systems need to be completely replaced.
  3. Silicon Valley influences and views on politics are changing, with some tech leaders now aligned with radical right ideas, moving away from their previous more progressive views.

January 6, 2026

Letters from an American ā€¢ 27 implied HN points ā€¢ 07 Jan 26
šŸ‡ŗšŸ‡ø U.S. Politics Governance
  1. MAGA rhetoric treats democratic defeats as illegitimate and encourages silencing opponents, erasing opposing policies, and rewriting events like the January 6 attack.
  2. Recent Democratic policies delivered measurable domestic improvementsā€”more jobs, falling inflation, rising wages, and lower violenceā€”but the current administration is dismantling those gains and reversing that progress.
  3. The administrationā€™s foreign policy breaks with the postā€‘WWII rulesā€‘based order by threatening allies, using military force, and seeking control over other countriesā€™ resources, which is provoking international alarm and instability.