The hottest Nationalism Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
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Top World Politics Topics

Nationalists Already Have the World They Want but Need to Pretend Otherwise

Richard Hanania's Newsletter • 3706 implied HN points • 07 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Nationalism
  1. Nationalists often claim that the U.S. government prioritizes foreigners over citizens, but the reality shows that a tiny percentage of the federal budget actually goes to foreign aid. Most funds are directed towards helping American citizens.
  2. Even though nationalists argue for policies that benefit Americans, they often ignore facts about how much the government already does for its own people. This leads to misconceptions about foreign aid and immigration.
  3. The nationalist mindset may come from a tribal instinct, where they feel the need to show loyalty to their group. However, this can make them overlook the good that comes from global connections and shared interests.

Defeat Racism by Heightening the Contradictions

Richard Hanania's Newsletter • 3706 implied HN points • 17 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Nationalism
  1. There are two types of people in white nationalist groups: some are smarter and focus on ideas, while others are just angry and uneducated. This creates a conflict in their beliefs.
  2. A lot of the smart people might avoid extremist groups because they don’t want to associate with those who have more basic racist views. They care about progress and quality.
  3. Talking about these contradictions can help people see that there are better ideas out there. Engaging with their views might not win over everyone, but it can show some there's no future in extreme identity politics.

This is Zion

Freddie deBoer • 8663 implied HN points • 23 Feb 24
🌍 World Politics Nationalism
  1. The United States is considered a place of safety and prosperity for Jews, and some argue that it could be a better home for them than Israel.
  2. Critics of Jewish nationalism suggest that Israel's reliance on American support raises questions about its long-term viability.
  3. Encouraging Jewish immigration to the United States as an alternative to Israel is proposed as a solution for Jewish safety and success.

February 15, 2026

Letters from an American • 33 implied HN points • 16 Feb 26
🌍 World Politics Nationalism
  1. The Trump administration is pushing to dismantle the post–World War II international order and replace it with a great‑power, transactional system that privileges elites over multilateral cooperation.
  2. Senior administration officials have amplified Great Replacement and anti‑immigrant rhetoric and attacked trade, international institutions, and climate policy while cozying up to autocrats like Orbán and Putin.
  3. European leaders and U.S. Democrats strongly pushed back at Munich, defending democracy, multilateral trade and climate cooperation, and urging a foreign policy that delivers economic benefits for working‑class people.

Trump persuades British Tories to betray their country

Writing from London • 1179 implied HN points • 27 Jan 24
🌍 World Politics Nationalism
  1. Donald Trump is seen as a threat to European security by some, especially due to his influence on Republicans' actions related to aid to Ukraine
  2. Some British Conservatives are prioritizing their hatred of progressives over national security concerns, leading to support for Trump
  3. There is concern that the right-wing betrayal and alignment with Trump may lead to consequences similar to the left's fate in the 1980s regarding national security
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The Democrats have a flag problem

The Rubesletter by Matt Ruby (of Vooza) | Sent every Tuesday • 1354 implied HN points • 10 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Nationalism
  1. The left should embrace American patriotism instead of distancing itself from it. Showing support for America can help gain more allies in their cause.
  2. It's important for the left to focus on winning and stop acting like victims. Being more positive can attract voters.
  3. The left needs strong, confident leaders who can communicate their values effectively. Having a bold presence can resonate with people and gather support.

What Happened to the Black-Jewish Alliance?

Glenn Loury • 1666 implied HN points • 17 Dec 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Nationalism
  1. Black-Jewish alliance started strong but faced challenges over time, especially with disagreements over issues like affirmative action and Israel-Palestine.
  2. Historical tensions between Blacks and Jews stemmed from economic factors and differences in experiences of discrimination.
  3. Racially preferential policies, like affirmative action, deepened enmity between Black and Jewish communities by bringing to light symbolic and ideological differences.

Yeah, what is 'Post-Liberalism' anyway?

Unpopular Front • 207 implied HN points • 02 Dec 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Nationalism
  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.

“To the Finland Station”

Global Inequality and More 3.0 • 2627 implied HN points • 07 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Nationalism
  1. The post suggests that Trump represents a shift away from global neoliberalism, which dominated since the 1980s. It argues that this new ideology is still taking shape and its full impact won't be clear for years.
  2. Neoliberalism is criticized for creating wealth inequality and pretending to support equality while actually benefiting a ruling class. It is seen as a false promise that is now coming to an end.
  3. The new political landscape might resemble 'global Caesarism,' which may keep lower classes content with limited political participation while benefiting elites. This approach is different from traditional political parties and appears to offer fresh cynicism.

What the Right Kind of Nationalism Sounds Like.

Breaking the News • 2206 implied HN points • 02 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Nationalism
  1. Leadership requires addressing national interests clearly and passionately. Trudeau spoke strongly about the importance of Canada and the negative effects of trade wars.
  2. Effective communication is about explaining complex issues without being rude. Trudeau made sure his American audience understood the consequences of tariffs without sounding threatening.
  3. National pride can be expressed in a respectful way. Trudeau delivered a firm message about Canada’s values and partnerships while emphasizing that the country would stand up for itself.

To J.D. Vance, His Family, & His Staff, Hannukah Is a Subset of Christmas

Brad DeLong's Grasping Reality • 184 implied HN points • 06 Dec 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Nationalism
  1. Some political leaders treat Hanukkah as a subset of Christmas and promote a public identity centered on Christianity rather than equal recognition of Jewish traditions.
  2. U.S. civil religion has long swung between broader "Abrahamic" or "Judeo-Christian" frames, and some actors are now trying to narrow it further toward ethnic or Christian nationalism.
  3. A more inclusive civic celebration would recognize many winter festivals from different cultures instead of reducing diverse traditions to a single Christian narrative.

Creating insular information bubbles

Not On Your Team, But Always Fair • 943 implied HN points • 07 Jan 24
🌍 World Politics Nationalism
  1. Narratives are about making meaning, not just facts, and protecting them from facts is crucial for them to continue to make meaning.
  2. Dysfunctional policy responses can suppress feedback and drive mainstream media narratives that may lack accountability.
  3. Internationalisation can reduce accountability in policy-making and contribute to undermining democratic systems across large populations.

No Winter is Insuperable - A New Year's Message

Pekingnology • 113 implied HN points • 31 Dec 25
🌍 World Politics Nationalism
  1. Hard times can be overcome when people hold on to conviction, offer even a small light, and keep moving together.
  2. Ordinary citizens are the backbone of society and must take responsibility to seek truth, demand fairness, and push for reform.
  3. Patriotism should be constructive: love for the country includes praising progress and criticizing flaws so we can build a better future for the next generation.

Does The West Rule?

Some Unpleasant Arithmetic • 25 implied HN points • 03 Feb 26
🌍 World Politics Nationalism
  1. Many people and parties loudly claim to defend "Western values" while actually embracing authoritarianism, ethnonationalism, and policies that contradict pluralism and the rule of law.
  2. Western dominance grew from a mix of institutions (like rule of law and inclusive markets), historical contingencies (colonial wealth, geography), and cultural ideas, not from any innate moral superiority.
  3. Globalization, transnational elites, and new media have hollowed out nation-based rules and legitimacy, creating a rupture in the rules-based international order and enabling cross-border anti-democratic alliances.

The Iran Strikes and the Trump Doctrine

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 797 implied HN points • 01 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Nationalism
  1. The U.S. conducted a successful strike on Iran's nuclear program, achieving its goals quickly with minimal prolonged conflict.
  2. President Trump and his administration uphold a nationalist approach to foreign policy, rejecting the typical labels of neoconservatism or isolationism.
  3. This action may spark more serious discussions about U.S. foreign policy, moving beyond the usual media narratives.

Catholic Integralists Versus America

Richard Hanania's Newsletter • 2608 implied HN points • 21 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Nationalism
  1. America was founded on Enlightenment values that emphasized individual liberty and the separation of church and state, rather than being strictly a Christian nation, especially not a Catholic one.
  2. Recent Catholic nationalism contrasts sharply with historical American anti-Catholic sentiment, as many of today’s Catholic conservatives prioritize state intervention over individual freedoms.
  3. The rise of Catholic integralists in modern conservatism reflects a shift towards collectivist ideas that some believe could threaten the core values of American society.

Colonization, Replaceable Man, and Love of One’s Own

The Upheaval • 1852 implied HN points • 11 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Nationalism
  1. Colonization changes how people see themselves and their culture. It often leads to a loss of national identity and local traditions.
  2. Modern society is experiencing a kind of self-colonization driven by globalization. People and cultures are treated more like replaceable cogs than unique communities.
  3. Nationalism is rising as people respond to the loss of their identity. Many are now striving to take pride in their own culture and seek to protect it.

The myth of the Jewish Lobby

Yasha Levine • 668 implied HN points • 24 Jan 24
🌍 World Politics Nationalism
  1. The United States has historically supported specific ethnic and cultural groups to project its power abroad.
  2. The American Empire weaponized immigrant populations, using their nationalist identities to destabilize enemy states.
  3. Support for Israel is not solely due to the Jewish Lobby, but aligns with the interests of the imperial consensus.

An uncivil civil war

Wood From Eden • 2016 implied HN points • 04 Nov 24
💾 History Nationalism
  1. Civil wars often have deep political or ideological divides. In Finland's case, it was the working class versus the upper class, which led to a very intense conflict over power.
  2. The formation of armed groups was crucial in the lead-up to the Finnish Civil War. Both the workers and the upper class created their own forces, which escalated tensions.
  3. Post-war, Finland struggled with the aftermath of the violence but eventually unified. A process of reflection and an amnesty helped rebuild society despite longstanding divisions.

Trumpxit & the Likely Undoing of American Exceptionalism

Brad DeLong's Grasping Reality • 584 implied HN points • 05 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Nationalism
  1. The U.S. economy is facing serious challenges due to unpredictable trade policies, which could weaken its global leadership. If companies can't trust the rules, they might look for safer markets to invest in.
  2. America's true strength comes from its ability to share ideas and talent globally. By reducing that openness, it risks losing innovation and competitiveness over time.
  3. History shows that nations that close themselves off not only harm their economies but also lose influence in the world. It's essential to stay integrated and foster connections with others.

Jews for killers of Jews...and other thoughts on post-Soviet nationalism

Yasha Levine • 1061 implied HN points • 25 Sep 23
🌍 World Politics Nationalism
  1. Recent events in Canada brought attention to Ukrainian nationalist controversies involving Nazi symbolism and history.
  2. The adoption of nationalist symbols in Ukraine stems from an identity vacuum post-Soviet collapse, with a rebranding to align with modern values.
  3. Nationalism remains a dominant organizing principle for countries post-monarchies, shaping identities and symbols to reflect specific historical narratives.

Trumpers Are Not Entitled to Respect

Erik Examines • 1209 implied HN points • 14 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Nationalism
  1. Respect has to be earned, and many MAGA supporters haven't done that. They often act disrespectfully towards others but expect respect in return.
  2. There is a double standard where MAGA supporters don't recognize their own harmful statements. They can insult others but get upset when the same is done to them.
  3. Freedom is often misinterpreted. For some, it means the freedom to dominate others instead of true liberty for everyone.

Will the radical right take over the Tories?

Writing from London • 569 implied HN points • 08 Jan 24
🌍 World Politics Nationalism
  1. Radical right Reform party and Nigel Farage may pose a threat to UK Conservative party in 2024 election.
  2. Though Conservatives are already right-wing, there is concern about the rise of even more radical right ideologies within the party.
  3. The distinction between radical right and far right movements is important in understanding the shift in conservative politics.

Diversity and the nation

Archedelia • 904 implied HN points • 19 Aug 23
📖 Philosophy Nationalism
  1. Part One of the series discussed the relationship between political representation, statistical representation, and visual representations of under-represented groups.
  2. Diversity as an ideal impacts the imaginative basis of democracy and social survey research forms imagined communities rivaling the national community.
  3. The birth of the modern nation-state emphasized a uniform 'national' consciousness for self-government and the formation of an 'imagined community' based on common identity.

My Greatest Fear

Daniel Pinchbeck’s Newsletter • 14 implied HN points • 10 Feb 26
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Nationalism
  1. Signs like racist propaganda, violent incidents, and policy moves are normalizing dehumanization and could be preparing society for harsher, more organized repression.
  2. A small but powerful class of wealthy, amoral elites is manipulating institutions and media while revelations expose deep corruption, making authoritarian strategies more feasible.
  3. Humanity faces ecological overshoot and must choose between chaotic collapse, a cooperative managed descent, or a violent techno‑fascist response, and current trends raise the risk of the worst path emerging.

Burkina Faso's new president condemns imperialism, quotes Che Guevara, allies with Nicaragua, Venezuela, Cuba

Geopolitical Economy Report • 857 implied HN points • 03 Aug 23
🌍 World Politics Nationalism
  1. Burkina Faso's President Ibrahim Traoré takes a strong stand against imperialism and neocolonialism, inspired by revolutionary leaders like Thomas Sankara and Che Guevara.
  2. The new government in Burkina Faso has forged alliances with countries like Nicaragua, Venezuela, and Cuba, aiming to break free from Western dominance and historical colonial ties.
  3. Prime Minister Tambèla's visits to Venezuela and Nicaragua showcase Burkina Faso's efforts to strengthen ties with Latin American revolutionary movements, building on historical solidarity and shared struggles.

Russia will collapse

Diane Francis • 1139 implied HN points • 15 Jun 23
🌍 World Politics Nationalism
  1. Russia is facing a financial crisis and military decline, which could lead to its collapse, similar to the Soviet Union's breakup in 1991.
  2. Various regions in Russia are seeking more independence or outright separation, especially those closer to Europe, making a breakup seem increasingly likely.
  3. If Russia does break apart, it could create numerous new nations, but the West needs to prepare for this possibility and support those regions in establishing their independence.

Revealed: the answer key to your year-end China-watching test

Pekingnology • 67 implied HN points • 26 Dec 25
💾 History Nationalism
  1. The official "unity-first" reading of the Ming–Qing transition recasts conquest and violence as internal family friction, which smooths over real historical and ethnic fractures.
  2. Differential policies that favour minorities—like education points, legal leniency, or protected cultural practices—are widely perceived by many Han as unfair sacrifices, and those grievances are helping fuel a rising Han-centred nationalism.
  3. Trying to manage unity by silencing debate or weaponising nationalism is risky, because nationalism can escape control; openly addressing underlying inequalities is necessary to prevent deeper social division.

The U.S. loves nationalism

Yasha Levine • 746 implied HN points • 05 Oct 23
🌍 World Politics Nationalism
  1. The U.S. utilizes nationalism to advance imperial aims globally.
  2. Support for nationalist movements is selective and based on strategic interests.
  3. Historical backing of certain nationalistic ideologies can lead to unintended consequences and blowback.

To be young, perchance to dream

Global Inequality and More 3.0 • 951 implied HN points • 28 Dec 24
💾 History Nationalism
  1. The historical view of the assassination in Sarajevo changed over time depending on political climates. Initially, it was seen as justified but later viewed negatively as political perspectives shifted.
  2. The Young Bosnia movement was driven by a mix of national unity desires and social injustices. Many members came from impoverished backgrounds and sought change, inspired by various revolutionary ideas.
  3. Literature and poetry significantly influenced the Young Bosnia activists. They saw themselves as heroes and believed in dramatic actions because they felt the political system was against them.

HOISTED FROM THE ARCHIVES: Trump Does Not Have the Cognitive Competence to Do the Job

Brad DeLong's Grasping Reality • 253 implied HN points • 16 Aug 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Nationalism
  1. There are concerns about the cognitive abilities of political leaders, particularly in high positions like the presidency. Many believe that those in power need clear thinking to make important decisions.
  2. Some people are shocked by the extreme views and behaviors of certain politicians and their supporters. They wonder how far some individuals are willing to go in supporting these leaders.
  3. Media portrayal of political figures can often normalize their actions, which might mislead the public. It's important to critically analyze how news is presented.

The New York Times simps for nationalism abroad

Yasha Levine • 648 implied HN points • 21 Feb 23
🌍 World Politics Nationalism
  1. The New York Times is accused of projecting nationalist ideas onto foreign countries while not supporting nationalism domestically.
  2. The writer critiques the idea that Russia needs to be broken up for democracy to flourish, highlighting the implication that a multi-ethnic country is seen as illegitimate.
  3. The essay discusses the importance of homogeneity in a nation-state, contrasting it with the diversity of multi-ethnic societies.

The technology of nationalism

Yasha Levine • 589 implied HN points • 17 Feb 23
🕹 Technology Nationalism
  1. The concept of nationalism is tied to the emergence of mass media technology like the printing press.
  2. Print technology created national identities by standardizing languages and expanding cultural identity beyond local communities.
  3. The Internet may not be creating new ideologies, but rather reproducing existing nationalist ideals from before.

Introduction to The Soviet Jew

Yasha Levine • 589 implied HN points • 28 May 23
💾 History Nationalism
  1. The Soviet Jew memoir is being restarted and will be released in installments for paid subscribers.
  2. The Victims of Communism Foundation focuses on educating about the evils of communism and collaborating with various anti-communist figures and activists.
  3. The author realized the personal connection of his family's immigration from the Soviet Union to the broader theme of America weaponizing nationalist diasporas.

The MAGA-Tech Partnership Was Never Meant to Last

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 357 implied HN points • 16 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Nationalism
  1. The partnership between Trump's populism and tech libertarianism was never stable and is showing signs of breaking down.
  2. Tech leaders tend to look for a future driven by innovation and technology, while Trump's movement focuses on past ideals, causing friction.
  3. Trust between figures like Elon Musk and Donald Trump has weakened, and deeper policy disagreements are likely to increase.

On Hindutva

Murtaza Hussain • 569 implied HN points • 26 Apr 23
🌍 World Politics Nationalism
  1. Immigration can bring the religious conflicts of homelands to Western cities.
  2. Hindutva movement in India is growing, fueled by historical grievances against Muslims.
  3. Hindutva's rise in India and its impact on foreign relations may lead to potential conflicts and complications.