The hottest Liberalism Substack posts right now

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The Crisis of Modernity and Liberalism, with the Fourth Political Theory and Eurasianism as the Solution

Glenn’s Substack • 619 implied HN points • 26 Sep 24
📖 Philosophy Liberalism
  1. Modernity and liberalism are criticized for focusing too much on individualism and reason, which Dugin believes disconnects people from their cultural and spiritual roots. He wants to emphasize collective identities, traditions, and faith.
  2. Dugin proposes a 'fourth political theory' as a new way of thinking about politics that values family, religion, and humanity's deeper nature. He argues it's a response to the limitations of existing ideologies like liberalism, fascism, and communism.
  3. Eurasianism is seen as a way for different civilizations to work together while appreciating their unique identities. Dugin believes this approach can create better international relations and is a chance for a new global understanding as Western dominance fades.

2026 Predictions

Freddie deBoer • 4733 implied HN points • 07 Jan 26
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Liberalism
  1. People will insist they’re exhausted by politics and practice a kind of “healthy detachment,” while actually spending more time obsessing over politics than about work, love, or virtue.
  2. Political media will pivot from analysis to emotional soothing, openly validating readers’ anger and prioritizing feeling over explanation, even as that shift remains deeply cynical.
  3. A cultural trend will declare ideology dead but replace it with repackaged ideological projects billed as pragmatism or new brands, and old ideas will resurface under fresh marketing and names.

No I will not take the high road

Disaffected Newsletter • 3816 implied HN points • 23 Jul 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Liberalism
  1. Some people want outspoken others to stay quiet, but those who speak the truth shouldn't feel pressured to do so. It's okay to point out uncomfortable truths.
  2. Many believe that focusing on policies is more important than discussing someone's personal life, but that view can ignore important realities. Voters might care more about the messiness of real life than some think.
  3. People who ask others to stay quiet might not support those who speak up when they see injustice. It's important to recognize those who are truly supportive versus those who just want to avoid confrontation.

The Limits of Reason, Individualism and Secular Morality

Glenn’s Substack • 999 implied HN points • 27 Aug 24
📖 Philosophy Liberalism
  1. Reason and individualism are important, but they need a balance with tradition and community. Without this balance, societies may struggle to maintain cohesion.
  2. The rise of moral relativism challenges the foundations of secular morality, making it hard to find common ground in society. People may disagree on values and laws without shared beliefs.
  3. Liberal democratic values are under threat as moral arguments lack a strong foundation. This may lead to laws that rely more on force than on a shared understanding of right and wrong.

Should Strong Gods Bet On GDP?

Astral Codex Ten • 17413 implied HN points • 05 Aug 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Liberalism
  1. Liberalism can support strong communities, even if it doesn't create them directly. Different groups can build their own communities based on shared values without forcing everyone to conform to one single belief.
  2. Many people in modern society seem unhappy with mainstream culture but rarely choose to form tight-knit communities to escape it. Economics and the need for jobs often hold people back from seeking alternative lifestyles.
  3. Wealth can enhance community building, providing resources and options for people. As society evolves, new economic models might enable more people to create their own ideal communities.
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Liberalism is the rebellion now

Noahpinion • 29882 implied HN points • 15 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Liberalism
  1. Liberalism, which values individual freedom and dignity, is losing its presence in politics today. People are beginning to feel that discussing freedom is not as popular or important as it used to be.
  2. Societal freedoms are decreasing, with fewer leaders advocating for individual rights. Issues like abortion and freedom of speech are increasingly under threat from both political sides.
  3. In today's world, believing in liberal ideals feels like joining a rebellion against powerful authoritarian influences. People who support freedom and dignity are now faced with many challenges and obstacles.

On Liberalism, Cass Sunstein

The Common Reader • 1488 implied HN points • 13 Nov 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Liberalism
  1. Liberalism is about individualism, which means every person matters, and a society is made up of people working together. It supports the idea that everyone should have the freedom to find their own happiness.
  2. Sunstein's book helps clarify modern liberalism and does not push a specific belief system. Instead, it offers a well-rounded view of how liberal thinkers approach different ideas.
  3. Liberalism is hopeful and adaptive, changing as people engage with it every day. It's a flexible idea that grows and evolves with society, unlike rigid belief systems.

Illiberals All the Way Down

Castalia • 479 implied HN points • 06 Aug 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Liberalism
  1. Illiberalism is more than just the opposite of liberalism; it has its own beliefs and influences that shape how people behave in society. Instead of just resisting liberal ideas, it promotes a system focused on individual self-interest.
  2. The rise of illiberalism has changed how many view governance and society. Politicians may act selfishly and prioritize their own gain, appealing to a more primal side of human nature that people relate to.
  3. Liberalism offers a more cooperative and functional way of living together in society. History shows that while illiberalism might seem appealing, long-term survival requires values of collaboration and shared ethics.

Universal Civilisation or Cultural Decadence?

Glenn’s Substack • 559 implied HN points • 27 Jul 24
🎭️ Culture Liberalism
  1. Culture plays a big role in international politics, and France has a strong history of embracing cosmopolitanism.
  2. The opening ceremony of the Olympics may be seen as a show of tolerance, but it also has contradictions regarding accepting criticism.
  3. Liberal societies often struggle with tolerance for different opinions, especially about issues like immigration and gender, which can create cultural pressure to conform.

If I Taught Conservative Thought

In My Tribe • 850 implied HN points • 05 Dec 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Liberalism
  1. Conservative thinkers often support liberal causes for reasons that align with their values, showing that conservatism can adapt to changing times.
  2. A strong reading list can help people appreciate conservative ideas, and exploring these works might lead to more respect for conservative views.
  3. Engaging with diverse perspectives, especially in today's polarized climate, is important for fostering understanding and dialogue.

After Liberal Cultural Hegemony

Freddie deBoer • 10365 implied HN points • 24 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture Liberalism
  1. Many people got really upset about certain books in the past, often without reading them, which made it hard for authors. This created a strange situation where publishers would listen to loud complaints instead of just letting books be published.
  2. Right now, there's a bit of a backlash against that intense focus on social justice, but the effects of that period are still lingering in society. Some people are still trying to cancel things they don’t like, and that behavior continues in various forms.
  3. The way liberals approach politics often revolves around judgment and pointing out failures, which some see as limiting. There’s a question of what kind of politics will emerge in the future and if it will be different from how things have been.

Doing This Again Makes Me Hate Myself and Hate You, But Yes, Something Happened to Liberalism in the 2010s, and Sometimes That Thing is Called "Woke"

Freddie deBoer • 8168 implied HN points • 14 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Liberalism
  1. American liberalism changed a lot during the 2010s. People who consider themselves liberals in 2020 are not the same as those from 2010.
  2. Some people deny that these changes happened, which seems dishonest. It's clear that the ideas and focus of liberalism evolved, especially around issues like race and gender.
  3. Despite personal opinions on whether these changes were good or bad, it's strange to argue that liberalism has always been the same when the evidence of change is so obvious.

What makes you a classical liberal?

The Common Reader • 2622 implied HN points • 12 Jul 25
📖 Philosophy Liberalism
  1. Classical liberalism values individual freedom and equality for all people. It believes that everyone should be treated with respect and have the freedom to express themselves.
  2. A solid understanding of history is important for classical liberals. Knowing how past events shape our freedoms can help us appreciate and protect them today.
  3. For liberalism to thrive, society needs a supportive government and laws. Without proper legal frameworks, the ideals of freedom and equality can't be fully realized.

Is the age of liberalism coming to an end?

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

Conservatism’s Path Not Taken

Persuasion • 2731 implied HN points • 10 Jan 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Liberalism
  1. Conservatism has two main competing ideologies: Fusionism and National Conservatism.
  2. National Conservatives risk bureaucratic tyranny and extremism, while Fusionists have economic successes but cause societal divisions.
  3. Humanist Conservatism offers a moderate, inclusive, and community-focused alternative to the existing conservative schools.

How the New Left Damaged Democrats in the 1960s and 1970s

The Liberal Patriot • 1945 implied HN points • 05 Feb 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Liberalism
  1. History provides lessons for today's political challenges, such as the impact of the New Left on Democrats in the past.
  2. There are similarities between the New Left of the 1960s and the new-New Left today, raising concerns for the anti-Trump coalition.
  3. Mainstream Democrats need to navigate ideological battles and focus on building a new Vital Center to preserve democracy and the American mission.

Great Liberal Ideas This Week!

Unsafe • 1690 implied HN points • 05 Feb 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Liberalism
  1. Government scaring kids with active shooter drills is causing trauma and harm.
  2. Woke Kindergarten in one district led to lower test scores and controversy over curriculum.
  3. A liberal town faced backlash for stocking a book that questioned transgender issues, showing diverse opinions on what should be allowed in libraries.

Bari Weiss: The Comprehensive Failure of Justin Trudeau

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 4437 implied HN points • 07 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Liberalism
  1. Justin Trudeau was seen as a hero for liberalism but many of his actions were against liberal values and didn't resonate with people.
  2. His resignation came after a series of internal issues in his government, which he blamed, but the root problems were his poor ideas.
  3. The challenges he faced were not just personal but stemmed from unpopular policies and decisions that did not reflect public sentiment.

A Depoliticized Future

The J. Burden Show • 738 implied HN points • 26 Apr 24
📖 Philosophy Liberalism
  1. Liberalism aimed to depoliticize society but failed as politics is inherent to human nature and essential for societal order.
  2. Liberalism's attempt to distribute power widely actually increased the power of the state and led to bloodier conflicts.
  3. A well-functioning society needs a level of internal politics, but striving for a society with external politics, where enemies are outside of society, might lead to greater societal harmony.

Curb Your Enthusiasm Liberalism

Richard Hanania's Newsletter • 1462 implied HN points • 15 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Liberalism
  1. California's new housing reforms are a big win for the YIMBY movement, which wants more development and less environmental restriction. This change shows a shift in liberal ideas and how power is used in politics.
  2. There's a divide in liberalism between those who push for new ideas and those who cling to old ways. The older activists focus too much on local control instead of broader housing needs.
  3. It's easier to understand conservative politics because it's often led by one strong figure. Liberalism, on the other hand, is more complex and diverse, making it harder to pinpoint who truly influences their direction.

On Millennial Snot

The Upheaval • 5276 implied HN points • 09 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Liberalism
  1. Millennial Snot describes the trendy, snarky way that some elites talk today, making serious topics feel unserious. It's like a mix of teen slang and sarcasm that feels immature.
  2. This speech style reflects the struggles of millennials to balance their youthful identity with adult responsibilities. They often use this casual tone to cope with feelings of inadequacy and a desire to stay 'cool.'
  3. Millennial Snot may be fading as younger generations like Gen Z start to find it cringe-worthy. There’s a shift back toward sincerity and real communication as a response to the overly snarky discourse.

J.S. Mill vs the Post-Liberals

Persuasion • 2378 implied HN points • 24 May 23
📖 Philosophy Liberalism
  1. John Stuart Mill was an activist as much as an academic, fighting for women's rights and free speech.
  2. Mill believed in the importance of free speech for pursuing truth and combining conflicting ideas.
  3. Post-liberals criticize Mill, but misrepresent his views on liberalism, tradition, and custom.

Yeah, what is 'Post-Liberalism' anyway?

Unpopular Front • 207 implied HN points • 02 Dec 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Liberalism
  1. Post-liberalism is a movement that believes liberalism is harmful and wants to replace it with a focus on the 'common good' through conservative ideas.
  2. Critics argue that post-liberals contribute to the rise of bigotry and fascism by abandoning decent political practices and normalizing harmful behavior.
  3. There is a concern that abstract ideas like post-liberalism can excuse real-world tyranny, and it's important to face the moral issues in today's political context without avoiding responsibility.

Why Americans Should Die for Ukraine

Richard Hanania's Newsletter • 3876 implied HN points • 14 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Liberalism
  1. People often look for simple stories in politics that have clear heroes and villains. This need for an enemy helps people feel motivated and gives their beliefs more meaning.
  2. Many popular political narratives are misleading or even completely wrong. Instead of focusing on the truth, these narratives promote false ideas that can create division and conflict.
  3. To feel fulfilled, people need meaningful narratives that often include a common enemy. Focusing on foreign threats can unify people at home and help them find purpose beyond internal conflicts.

Liberals Hate Socialists Because Socialists Are The Real Thing

Caitlin’s Newsletter • 1834 implied HN points • 20 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Liberalism
  1. Socialists and liberals often clash because socialists expose the realities that liberals might prefer to ignore. This makes it uncomfortable for liberals who want to believe in their ideals.
  2. Supporters of Israel can be divided into two groups: those who accept the harsh realities and those who deceive themselves about the situation. Both groups ultimately support the same actions, just with different attitudes.
  3. Believing that capitalism can solve environmental problems is like having blind faith. Many think technology will save us while ignoring that continued profit pursuit harms our planet.

Orwell Was Way Ahead of You

Life Since the Baby Boom • 2075 implied HN points • 19 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Liberalism
  1. Censorship has existed for a long time. In the past, it was about avoiding upsets with powerful figures like Stalin, and today it can involve platforms suppressing certain views to not offend certain groups.
  2. George Orwell's work, like 'Animal Farm', still applies today. His message about free speech and censorship resonates with ongoing debates about what opinions are allowed in society.
  3. There are parallels between past and present politics. Just like Orwell faced backlash for criticizing the USSR, current tech leaders can face criticism for their decisions that some see as siding with extreme viewpoints.

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

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

NPR hasn't gotten more liberal. It's become more capital-D Democratic

White Hot Harlots • 239 implied HN points • 22 Apr 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Liberalism
  1. NPR has shifted towards being more aligned with the Democratic party rather than being more traditionally liberal in its coverage.
  2. Commercial networks may avoid certain topics due to financial interests, whereas NPR's funding model allows it to cover a wider range of issues without worrying about ratings.
  3. The dynamics and messaging within the Democratic party have changed, leading to NPR reflecting this shift by emphasizing identity issues and being less critical of establishment Democrats.

The banality of paranoia

White Hot Harlots • 219 implied HN points • 16 Apr 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Liberalism
  1. The article discusses how incoherent paranoia is not exclusive to conservatives, and how left-wing ideologies have also been associated with similar beliefs in the past.
  2. The text explores the evolving perceptions of masculinity and how cultural shifts have impacted ideologies over time.
  3. It highlights the universal trend of increasing distrust in established systems of power among conservatives and liberals, leading to a loss of faith in electoral politics and expert narratives.

What If Liberals Have Agency?

Singal-Minded • 1184 implied HN points • 02 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Liberalism
  1. Liberals often think they are just trying to make the world better, but they also have power and responsibility in how they run institutions. It's important for them to recognize their agency.
  2. The backlash against liberal policies often comes not just from conservative anger, but from real issues within liberal organizations. Ignoring these internal problems can lead to further dysfunction.
  3. In education, the push for diversity and political views can overshadow traditional values and fairness. This has led to growing public dissatisfaction with institutions like universities.

Liberalism Is Easy to Abandon; Wokeism Difficult to Resist

Hold That Thought by Sarah Haider • 687 implied HN points • 29 May 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Liberalism
  1. Wokeism relies on tactics like cancel culture and language obscurity to shut down rational debate.
  2. Wokeism lacks a clear ideology but seeks power through destruction, making it dangerous.
  3. Liberalism's values may be good, but they can feel counterintuitive, making them vulnerable to abandonment, especially in the face of authoritarian challenges.

Liberals v. Progressives

Castalia • 599 implied HN points • 31 Oct 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Liberalism
  1. Liberals believe the world has room for improvement but is mostly okay, while progressives feel everything is terrible and getting worse.
  2. Liberals see violence as an anomaly to be handled through legal systems, while progressives view it as a result of power imbalances that need moral commitment to fix.
  3. Liberals think progress is slow but happening, while progressives focus solely on social justice and need major changes to address past wrongs.

🗽 The legacy and future of liberalism: A Quick Q&A with … economist Deirdre McCloskey

Faster, Please! • 365 implied HN points • 19 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Liberalism
  1. Liberalism is about promoting individual freedom and innovation, not just a political label. It helps create a better future by focusing on people's rights and opportunities.
  2. The meaning of liberalism can change depending on where you are. In the U.S., it often leans toward social democracy, while in places like Latin America, it can mean supporting wealthy people's interests.
  3. Liberalism reflects a natural human desire for freedom and connection. Many believe it's key for a hopeful future, moving away from oppression or control.

The Post-Cold War Apotheosis of Liberal Managerialism

The Upheaval • 1065 implied HN points • 23 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Liberalism
  1. There's been a big shift where the lines between government power and everyday life have blurred. This change makes it easier for the state to control personal freedoms and decisions.
  2. The rise of global governance has been fueled by a blend of neoliberal and neoconservative ideologies. This partnership pushes for more control over international finance and politics to achieve a unified agenda.
  3. Managerialism has taken over many aspects of society, promoting the idea that experts can and should manage every part of life. This creates a system where individual freedoms may be sacrificed for the sake of efficiency and control.

Irrepressible liberalism: the philosophy of Gerald Gaus

Hypertext • 159 implied HN points • 29 Feb 24
📖 Philosophy Liberalism
  1. Gerald Gaus emphasized the importance of optimism and confidence in defending liberalism, even in challenging times with populist threats.
  2. Gaus's philosophy focused on bottom-up moral reasoning and the idea that a diverse society can find common ground through emergent order.
  3. He advocated for extensive individual freedom as essential for the survival of an open society, and highlighted the significance of incrementalism and learning-based governance in policymaking.

Gender trouble

The Path Not Taken • 198 implied HN points • 10 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Liberalism
  1. Young women today are showing more left-liberal political views compared to young men, which is a shift from past trends where women were typically more conservative.
  2. Even though young women lean more towards left-liberalism, they still hold some conservative values, like the importance of tradition, indicating a mix of beliefs.
  3. Changes in society, such as women's education and roles, are likely influencing these shifts in political values, but it's uncertain how these trends will evolve in the future.

Curator

Castalia • 359 implied HN points • 07 Oct 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Liberalism
  1. Ibram X. Kendi's antiracism center faced serious management issues and the fall of his reputation raises questions about the integrity of institutions that supported him. Some people feel a sense of schadenfreude, while others see it as a sign that these institutions failed to critically assess what they were promoting.
  2. Critics argue that a central problem is the way ideas about racism and anti-racism have been oversimplified and sensationalized, leading to a pessimistic view of progress in America. This shift has made discussing genuine progress much harder, as some now view racism as an inescapable reality.
  3. The conversation about marriage's role in happiness sparks tension, as some view the emphasis on marriage as a right-wing distraction. However, data suggests that married people report higher satisfaction, indicating that the benefits of marriage should not be easily dismissed in debates about family and societal values.