The hottest Imperialism Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
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Top World Politics Topics

Asking for Big Trouble in Venezuela

John’s Substack • 14 implied HN points • 09 Jan 26
🌍 World Politics Imperialism
  1. The US move in Venezuela isn’t presented as traditional regime change or a push for democracy; it’s about installing a cooperative leadership and using economic pressure to control outcomes.
  2. This represents a form of old‑fashioned imperialism updated for the modern era — aiming to exploit Venezuela’s oil without boots on the ground, which frustrates neoconservatives who want democratization.
  3. The strategy is likely to fail, and the hope is that policymakers will cut their losses and withdraw rather than escalate further.

Venezuela: An Evil Omen

Charles Eisenstein • 15 implied HN points • 04 Jan 26
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Imperialism
  1. Recent US actions toward Venezuela—abduction, killings, and seizures—represent a dangerous rejection of the rule of law, replacing legal norms with raw power.
  2. This trend has roots in decades of bipartisan imperialism and was intensified when leaders chose blunt military force over subtle influence, eroding trust in diplomacy and making negotiation dangerous.
  3. Fixing it requires a new kind of politics that stands for peace and dignity, addresses the conditions that create oppressive leaders, and treats opponents with humanity rather than demonization.

Imperialism and American Privilege, Those Which Must Be Named

Humanities in Revolt • 219 implied HN points • 25 Sep 23
🌍 World Politics Imperialism
  1. The dominant political discourse often ignores the violent aspects of U.S. foreign policy, hiding behind the narrative of American exceptionalism.
  2. American citizens benefit from a cultural privileging of their national-ethnic identity, even if they may face other forms of disadvantage within the country.
  3. Understanding intersecting oppressions through intersectionality helps in recognizing the varying amounts of privilege and penalty individuals derive from multiple systems of oppression.

The US Was Right to Nuke Imperial Japan

American Dreaming • 339 implied HN points • 06 Dec 24
💾 History Imperialism
  1. The use of atomic bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki is often misunderstood. Many see Japan as a victim without considering the violence they inflicted in WWII.
  2. Japan was deeply committed to their imperial ambitions, making surrender unlikely. This created a difficult situation for the US, as any alternative to the bombings could have resulted in far greater loss of life.
  3. Many people are not aware of Japan's brutal wartime actions. Understanding this context can change perceptions about the necessity of the atomic bombings.
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"Shooting an Elephant"

History's Parrot • 98 implied HN points • 26 Jan 24
💾 History Imperialism
  1. George Orwell's quote about the destructive nature of white tyranny is still relevant today
  2. Orwell's experience in Burma influenced his decision to become a writer
  3. Orwell's story shows the internal conflict of upholding imperialist roles

Mistah Kurtz -- he dead. (I)

Life in the 21st Century • 176 implied HN points • 15 Jun 23
📚 Literature Imperialism
  1. Complex systems are not well understood by breaking them down into single components.
  2. Technology simplifies complexity by applying uniform force, reshaping environments.
  3. Understanding and valuing the complexity of nature is crucial in our interactions with technology.

The End We Aren't Ready For

Black Lodges • 98 implied HN points • 15 Jan 24
🌍 World Politics Imperialism
  1. Luxemburg introduced the idea of 'Socialism or Barbarism' as a choice between progress and regression
  2. During crises, people tend to seek unity, but it can mask existing power dynamics and inequalities
  3. Organizing and creating non-transactional mutual aid structures are crucial for the transition to a new system

US gov't body plots to break up Russia in name of 'decolonization'

Geopolitical Economy Report • 358 implied HN points • 25 Jun 22
🌍 World Politics Imperialism
  1. The US government's Helsinki Commission held a Congressional briefing to discuss breaking up Russia in the name of decolonization.
  2. Participants at the briefing proposed supporting separatist movements within Russia and advocated for the independence of regions like Chechnya, Tatarstan, Dagestan, and Circassia.
  3. The briefing reflects a trend of using left-wing rhetoric to advance imperial interests by the US government, similar to other instances where progressive themes have been co-opted for political motives.

Inside Nicaragua's Sandinista Revolution: 43 years resisting imperialism

Geopolitical Economy Report • 279 implied HN points • 23 Jul 22
🌍 World Politics Imperialism
  1. The Sandinista Revolution in Nicaragua emphasizes social programs, popular participation, and anti-imperialism.
  2. There is strong grassroots support for the Sandinista Front in Nicaragua, with President Ortega enjoying high approval ratings.
  3. Nicaragua has built solid infrastructure and provided security and social programs under the Sandinista government, receiving positive feedback from its citizens.

Shattering the Social Contract

History's Parrot • 58 implied HN points • 01 Feb 24
🌍 World Politics Imperialism
  1. The intransigence of failed leadership is a threat to America and the world.
  2. Breaking the social contract can happen when a government takes power away from the people.
  3. Understanding the insights of Hannah Arendt, particularly in 'The Origins of Totalitarianism,' is crucial for comprehending modern times.

The Reeds and the Silt

Justin E. H. Smith's Hinternet • 362 implied HN points • 17 Mar 24
🌍 World Politics Imperialism
  1. The article discusses the Siberian Battalion, a group of fighters from various Turkic and Mongolic ethnic groups in Russia fighting against their own country, with a focus on a soldier named Vargan.
  2. The text delves into the historical and cultural significance of the mouth harp, known as the 'Vargan', connecting it to traditional Sakha culture and the broader history of musical instruments.
  3. Kant's writings on Laplanders and Yakuts highlight his observations on ecosystemic balance and the interconnection between relative and absolute ends in nature, showing his perspective on northern cultures and regions.

The Last Drought in Africa

Pen>Sword • 159 implied HN points • 12 Dec 22
🎾 Sports Imperialism
  1. Morocco made history by becoming the first African nation to reach the World Cup semifinal, challenging the long-standing dominance of European teams.
  2. Football is interconnected with political and historical narratives, especially in the context of African nations competing against former colonial powers.
  3. The victory of Morocco symbolized unity and pride for the entire African continent, breaking the cycle of football drought and inspiring a sense of possibility and togetherness.

A Rogue Reporter vs. The American Empire (w/ Matt Kennard) | The Chris Hedges Report

The Chris Hedges Report • 151 implied HN points • 05 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Imperialism
  1. The U.S. plays a large role in influencing foreign elections and governments, often undermining leaders who promote democratic socialism in favor of its own corporate interests. This has been seen in places like Bolivia.
  2. The media often fails to expose the darker side of U.S. foreign policies. Instead of revealing the truths about interventions and human rights violations, they uphold narratives that support the idea of the U.S. as a benevolent force.
  3. Zionism and the Israel lobby heavily influence political discourse, particularly around Palestine. Criticism of this influence has increased, leading many to reconsider their views on colonialism and imperialism.

Why Does Trump Like William McKinley So Much?

Michael Tracey • 111 implied HN points • 31 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Imperialism
  1. Donald Trump praised William McKinley during his inauguration, highlighting McKinley's leadership in the Spanish-American War and economic growth. This shows how Trump may want to connect his presidency with historical figures who embraced expansionism.
  2. McKinley's decision to conquer the Philippines went against previous U.S. foreign policy, leading to a controversial war. The conflict raised questions about America's role in imperialism and its impact on other nations.
  3. Trump's reinstatement of the name 'Mount McKinley' reflects his administration's desire to signal a certain policy direction, often aligning with expansionist historical figures, despite local opposition in Alaska.

Biden says Latin America is US 'front yard,' Trump says 'backyard' - Pick your flavor of neocolonialism

Geopolitical Economy Report • 318 implied HN points • 20 Jan 22
🌍 World Politics Imperialism
  1. Republicans and Democrats are nearly identical, both serving the same capitalist interests.
  2. Biden and Trump have similar warmongering policies, with minor differences in their approach to Latin America.
  3. The US government's undemocratic nature prioritizes capital over people and perpetuates imperialist aggression.

The Very Flowers of Imperialism

To Asra • 78 implied HN points • 04 Apr 23
📚 Literature Imperialism
  1. Romantic poets like Wordsworth explored imperial themes in response to political events and societal changes.
  2. Wilde's work reflected the Victorian era's pinnacle of British imperial power and the strain of sustaining it.
  3. The shift from nature-based Romanticism to artificiality in literature symbolized the decline of humanity's connection to the natural world.

A Journey from Trans-Baikal to the Amur Through Manchuria - Peter Kropotkin, 1865 (1/4)

The Library of Alexandria Ultima • 6 implied HN points • 11 Dec 25
💾 History Imperialism
  1. Russia sought a much shorter overland route across Manchuria to connect Trans‑Baikal with Blagoveshchensk because the Amur and Argun form a long arc that made travel far longer. A direct route promised faster transport and would keep trade and silver under Russian control.
  2. A small caravan of Cossack hunters was sent to scout that straight route, carrying limited goods, forty horses, four carts, and about a month’s supplies to test markets and seek furs. The mission combined reconnaissance with trade and hunting to see if the route was practical and profitable.
  3. Russia’s mid‑19th‑century acquisition of the Amur and Ussuri regions and the later building of the Chinese Eastern Railway reshaped the frontier, shortened routes, and spurred colonization and new cities. Those strategic gains and the railway zone were later contested and changed hands after the Russian Revolution.

How China and its anti-neoliberal globalization challenges US-led imperialism and its Monroe Doctrine

Geopolitical Economy Report • 99 implied HN points • 30 Aug 22
🌍 World Politics Imperialism
  1. The rise of China and its anti-neoliberal globalization offers Latin America an opportunity to challenge neocolonialism.
  2. The presence of China and its productive, anti-neoliberal globalization is historically significant.
  3. The productive globalization led by China marks a transition from capitalism to socialism, which Latin America must understand and embrace.

Schindler's Fate Revisited

20th Century Musings in the 21st Century • 99 implied HN points • 27 Mar 23
🌍 World Politics Imperialism
  1. Over three million ethnic Germans were expelled from Czechoslovakia, leading to at least one million civilian deaths from 1941-1948.
  2. Ethnic cleansing of ethnic Germans in various countries occurred before National Socialist death camps were established.
  3. A moral framework justifying Allied crimes by referencing the Holocaust led to continued violence post-WWII and a lack of accountability for atrocities.

A Journey from Trans-Baikal to the Amur Through Manchuria - Peter Kropotkin, 1865 (2/4)

The Library of Alexandria Ultima • 3 implied HN points • 30 Dec 25
💾 History Imperialism
  1. A translated 19th-century reconnaissance describes crossing the Greater Khingan Mountains while scouting a direct route between Russia’s Trans‑Baikal frontier and Blagoveshchensk on the Amur River.
  2. This is part two of a four‑part translation and includes a translator’s introduction and a link to the original source; the first part contains an introductory note and biographical material.
  3. The post features landscape photos of the Greater Khingan (Daxinganling) and is hosted on Substack, with most content behind a paywall but a free excerpt available.

Britain admitted US/UK-backed Afghan Mujahideen were 'reactionary feudalists' driven primarily by class, not religion

Geopolitical Economy Report • 199 implied HN points • 04 Sep 21
🌍 World Politics Imperialism
  1. British and US backed Afghan Mujahideen were motivated by class issues, not religion, as they resisted socialist reforms in Afghanistan.
  2. The US and UK orchestrated a strategy, starting in the 1970s, to draw the Soviet Union into the 'Afghan trap' by supporting far-right Islamist elements.
  3. Britain acknowledged in 1980 that Afghan Mujahideen fought against land reforms and wealth redistribution policies, revealing the conflict's class nature rather than purely religious.

Venezuela at UN: We must build 'new world without imperialism'

Geopolitical Economy Report • 159 implied HN points • 22 Sep 21
🌍 World Politics Imperialism
  1. Venezuela's President Maduro calls for a new world without imperialism, advocating for a multipolar system based on peace and cooperation.
  2. Maduro denounces the US and EU for imposing blockades and sanctions on Venezuela, affecting the country's economic freedom and rights.
  3. Despite challenges and sanctions, Venezuela strives to increase production and overcome obstacles, calling for the removal of all criminal sanctions imposed by the US and EU.

Biden dice que Latinoamérica es el 'patio delantero' de EEUU, Trump dice 'patio trasero' - Escoge tu sabor de neocolonialismo

Geopolitical Economy Report • 99 implied HN points • 20 Jan 22
🌍 World Politics Imperialism
  1. Democrats and Republicans share about 95% of the same imperialist and capitalist policies, despite contrasting rhetoric.
  2. Biden's presidency has not significantly diverged from Trump's policies, maintaining actions like sanctions on Cuba and war in Yemen.
  3. The US government, under both Democratic and Republican leadership, prioritizes corporate interests over public well-being, leading to a dysfunctional regime.

Nicaragua at UN: Pandemic exposes 'irrational, oppressive capitalist system,' US/EU sanctions are 'savage' crime against humanity

Geopolitical Economy Report • 119 implied HN points • 28 Sep 21
🌍 World Politics Imperialism
  1. Nicaragua's government at the UN condemned the global capitalist system and called for a new international economic model based on equality and justice.
  2. They highlighted the unjust hoarding of Covid-19 vaccines by wealthy countries and criticized the continuous modernization of weapons during the pandemic.
  3. Nicaragua strongly opposed US and EU sanctions, labeling them a crime against humanity, and advocated for reparations from developed countries to combat climate change.

Belarus at UN: Nazi-esque US/EU waging 'economic terrorism' and hybrid war for 'color revolution'

Geopolitical Economy Report • 99 implied HN points • 27 Sep 21
🌍 World Politics Imperialism
  1. Belarus condemns US and EU sanctions as 'economic terrorism' and denounces large-scale hybrid war against it.
  2. Belarus warns about the use of fake news and communication technologies as tools of Western hybrid warfare.
  3. Belarus criticizes EU for hypocrisy on immigrants and refugees, highlighting the mistreatment and violence faced by refugees attempting to enter European countries.

On Imperialism

Nathan’s Substack • 19 implied HN points • 06 Sep 23
🌍 World Politics Imperialism
  1. Empires often make enemies without realizing it, despite thinking they have many friends.
  2. Economic sanctions by one country can lead to unexpected consequences, pushing other nations to protect or distance themselves from the imposing nation's financial systems.
  3. Nations should be cautious in imposing their values on others, as historical empires have unintentionally faced negative outcomes by doing so.

Australia: Sub-Imperial Power

Kvetch • 50 implied HN points • 11 Feb 24
🌍 World Politics Imperialism
  1. Australia is considered a sub-imperial power, closely aligned with US leadership in an imperial order, rather than an exploited colony.
  2. The 'rules-based international order' post-WWII primarily serves US power abroad and manages public opinion, rather than benefiting humanity as a whole.
  3. Australia's defense and foreign policy operates under secrecy to maintain its role as a US sub-imperial power, putting US expectations above the interests of its own citizens.

Colin Powell: ‘Human rights’ NGOs are ‘force multipliers’ for US military, part of ‘combat team’

Geopolitical Economy Report • 119 implied HN points • 26 May 20
🌍 World Politics Imperialism
  1. Colin Powell acknowledged that 'human rights' NGOs are seen as aiding US military efforts and are considered part of the 'combat team'
  2. NGOs are viewed as playing a vital role in furthering US imperial interests, rather than just working for general 'human rights'
  3. Powell's statements emphasize the importance of NGOs' supposed independence to the US government, even while acknowledging their value in advancing American military goals

What Makes Something Progressive?

Gideon's Substack • 31 implied HN points • 11 Mar 24
🌍 World Politics Imperialism
  1. The term 'progressive' is often misunderstood and used as a catch-all for right-thinking attitudes about social causes, but the determination of these attitudes is crucial.
  2. Progressivism is centered around history and the belief that it has a discernible direction, influencing one's stance on various issues based on which 'side' of history they are on.
  3. The idea that history has a definite direction and a global left is debated, with a call to question preconceived notions and the importance of understanding the complexity and nuance of world politics.

Graham Hancock's Ancient Apocalypse Theories Are Racist At Their Core.

C.O.P. Central Organizing Principle. • 12 implied HN points • 18 Dec 24
🎭️ Culture Imperialism
  1. Ancient civilizations, like those that built the pyramids, were made by Black Africans, not aliens or lost technologies. The idea that they needed slaves to build these wonders is a false narrative.
  2. Throughout history, powerful empires, like Rome, often erased or altered histories to control narratives and maintain their power. This has led to misunderstandings about ancient technologies and cultures.
  3. Nuclear testing and environmental destruction have played big roles in climate change and could potentially trigger future ice ages. Humanity often learns through harsh consequences from past actions.

Nationalism Revisited

Who is Robert Malone • 11 implied HN points • 17 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Imperialism
  1. Nationalism prioritizes the interests of a nation above individual or group interests. It means people feel a strong loyalty to their country and want to protect its culture and values.
  2. Fascism is a political system where the state and corporations work closely together, often controlling many aspects of life. It's different from traditional ideas of conservatism or liberalism.
  3. Globalism involves countries working together across borders for common goals, like trade and climate change, but it can sometimes clash with nationalist feelings that prioritize local needs.

Postmodern philosopher Judith Butler repeatedly donated to ‘top cop’ Kamala Harris

Geopolitical Economy Report • 59 implied HN points • 18 Dec 19
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Imperialism
  1. Renowned philosopher Judith Butler donated to Kamala Harris' political campaigns, despite Harris' tough stance on crime that targeted poor people of color.
  2. Butler's campaign contributions to Harris totaled at least $1,050, supporting both her Senate and presidential campaigns.
  3. Butler's involvement in donating to Kamala Harris sheds light on the connections between academia, politics, and the criticisms of postmodernism and imperialism.