The hottest Nationalism Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
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Top World Politics Topics

Your year-end China-watching test

Pekingnology • 49 implied HN points • 20 Dec 25
🌍 World Politics Nationalism
  1. Americans are split between two founding stories—1776 (independence and state sovereignty) and 1865 (Civil War, emancipation, and a stronger federal nation)—and that dispute drives a lot of contemporary political identity.
  2. Attempts to build an inclusive national narrative have sometimes sidelined the cultural identity and interests of the majority, producing policies and symbolic changes that many people see as unfair and alienating.
  3. History is a political tool: when alternative views are suppressed and majority grievances are ignored, it can fuel nationalist backlash and deepen social fracture.

Upheaval in Bashkortostan Signals the Beginning of the End of Putin’s Russia

Glen’s Substack • 19 implied HN points • 05 Sep 24
🌍 World Politics Nationalism
  1. The protests in Bashkortostan started over environmental issues but are now pushing for independence. People want their land protected and feel it needs to be part of their national identity.
  2. Ignoring the unrest in Bashkortostan could be a mistake. Just like in Estonia years ago, these movements can lead to significant changes in government power and national independence.
  3. Bashkortostan is in a strategic location with a diverse population, making it a vital area for potential independence movements. If the protests grow stronger, it could inspire other regions in Russia to seek their own freedom.

Unpopular Front on the Ezra Klein Show

Unpopular Front • 67 implied HN points • 14 Nov 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Nationalism
  1. Right-wing antisemitism is linked to nationalist populism and often arises in movements that reject liberal democracy. It tends to target Jews as a way to shift blame from corrupt elites.
  2. Antisemitism can be used as a tactic in political battles, like how some figures in the GOP are using it to challenge mainstream conservative views.
  3. The rise of antisemitism today reflects a broader decline in political discourse and can be used to manipulate public opinion and promote division.

Chartbook 338 You don’t exit the force field, you alter your position within it.

Chartbook • 700 implied HN points • 11 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Nationalism
  1. You can't just leave a difficult situation; you have to find a better way to deal with it. This means finding a new position or approach within the existing challenges.
  2. Different countries react differently to major events, like Brexit or Trump's policies, reflecting their unique economic power roles. For instance, when news breaks, some currencies soar while others crash based on local reactions.
  3. The way countries negotiate and manage their economic rules greatly impacts reform efforts. A left-leaning government in the U.S. or elsewhere would face specific challenges shaped by these dynamics.

The Typology of China Envy

Taipology • 202 implied HN points • 19 Jul 25
🌍 World Politics Nationalism
  1. China has made huge progress, lifting 800 million people out of poverty, and now its economy is too big to ignore. This might change global power dynamics.
  2. Different people have strong and varied opinions about China's growth and political policies, ranging from skeptics to supporters, and these views are shifting as China becomes a more prominent player in the world.
  3. The situation in Taiwan is complex, and while there’s concern about potential conflicts, there’s also hope that China will prioritize peace due to its economic interests.
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Chinese netizens outraged over Apple employee photo

Wenhao’s news blog • 393 implied HN points • 18 Sep 23
🌍 World Politics Nationalism
  1. Chinese netizens accused Apple of discrimination due to a photo of an Asian-looking employee, but it was actually a Native American woman from California.
  2. Online poll results show that a majority found Apple's use of the photo inappropriate, despite the explanation.
  3. There was backlash against Apple in China, amid praise for Huawei, highlighting a contradiction in reactions.

YOUR COUNTRY NEEDS YOU!

Anxiety Addiction & Ascension • 197 implied HN points • 31 Jan 24
🌍 World Politics Nationalism
  1. The post discusses the potential for a call-up to the army in the event of a war with Russia, with emphasis on the controversial and potentially insincere motives behind such actions.
  2. It highlights the concept of nations becoming irrelevant and being manipulated by supranational interests like central banks and arms manufacturers.
  3. The post advocates against getting involved in futile and unwinnable conflicts, criticizes warmongering attitudes, and calls for a revolution against forced financial servitude and military involvement.

Fusions

Outlandish Claims • 39 implied HN points • 29 Jun 24
🌍 World Politics Nationalism
  1. Nationalism and identity are complex, with people often having multiple layers of belonging beyond just their place of birth.
  2. Separatism can be a response to feeling different from others, but ultimately, forgiveness and empathy can lead to healing and peace.
  3. The most stable and inclusive societies are those that embrace pluralism rather than separatism, where diverse nations can coexist and learn from each other.

The anti-European agenda behind Britain's proposed immigration law

Inside-Out, political commentary from Philip Stephens • 373 implied HN points • 12 Mar 23
🌍 World Politics Nationalism
  1. The anti-European agenda is a major driving force behind Britain's proposed immigration law.
  2. The immigration legislation in Britain serves to appeal to certain voters and create divisions for electoral gain.
  3. There are significant implications for Britain's relationship with the European Union and the European Convention on Human Rights.

Hanania is Wrong About Immigration

sebjenseb • 373 implied HN points • 11 Jun 23
🌍 World Politics Nationalism
  1. Hanania supports high levels of immigration despite arguments against it, focusing on individual benefits over national impact.
  2. National IQ and economic growth are linked, but individual contributions and the overall gene pool need to be considered in the immigration debate.
  3. The quality of immigrants, their skills, and impact on the gene pool are crucial factors to consider, rather than solely focusing on average national IQ.

The Vices of Nationalism; America in the Longhouse; Revisiting Chomsky on Cambodia

Unpopular Front • 44 implied HN points • 23 Nov 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Nationalism
  1. Nationalism is often presented as a unifying force, but it can lead to exclusion and conflict. There are many historical examples where nationalism has resulted in violence against minorities.
  2. Some theorists, like Yoram Hazony, argue that nationalism, when done right, can be just and beneficial. However, there are concerns that these ideas can inadvertently support extremist views.
  3. The discussions around the growing popularity of nationalist ideas often ignore real-world implications. It's easy to talk about nationalism in theory, but it can have serious consequences in practice.

J.D. Vance's Anti-Declaration

Unpopular Front • 174 implied HN points • 09 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Nationalism
  1. J.D. Vance's speech promotes a view of American citizenship based on ancestry rather than shared ideals. This could lead to excluding many who don't fit this ancestry-based definition.
  2. Vance's ideas challenge the core principle of equality in the Declaration of Independence. He seems to want to redefine what it means to be an American by focusing on bloodlines rather than beliefs.
  3. His speech is seen as a direct attack on the legacy of Abraham Lincoln and the values he stood for, which aimed to unite all people under the idea of equality, regardless of their background.

From street strategists to establishment pundits

Pekingnology • 33 implied HN points • 18 Dec 25
🌍 World Politics Nationalism
  1. Both lowbrow "street strategists" and polished establishment pundits sell the same simplified, conspiratorial view of geopolitics—one shouts for mass audiences while the other dresses the same instincts in elite language.
  2. Attention-driven platforms, limited public access to deep knowledge, and selective moderation create a self-reinforcing feedback loop that rewards sensational, easy-to-digest narratives and builds closed communities.
  3. Banning a single influencer won’t fix the problem: demand and the ecosystem produce replacements, and over time these simplified narratives can reshape mainstream opinion and nudge policy.

Saturday Commentary and Review #191

Fisted by Foucault • 148 implied HN points • 27 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Nationalism
  1. There's a belief among some Marxists that capitalism will soon collapse due to its problems. They talk confidently about this, even when history shows capitalism has kept going strong.
  2. When discussing identity in America, some people think only those with deep family roots in the country are 'real Americans'. This view can create divisions and ignores the diverse history of immigration in the U.S.
  3. The idea of 'degrowth' is gaining traction among some thinkers who believe we should stop focusing on constant economic growth to save the planet. However, many people argue that growth can help reduce poverty and improve lives.

The Gift of Defeat

The Cosmopolitan Globalist • 29 implied HN points • 11 Dec 25
🌍 World Politics Nationalism
  1. Russia’s problem is structural, not just one leader. Its state is built like an empire that legitimizes itself through conquest and then denies responsibility.
  2. The Federation rules by coercion: it erases cultures, disproportionately conscripts people from ethnic regions, and uses force to keep internal colonies weak. Imperial tools like forced resettlement and mass mobilization dissolve minority communities.
  3. The Free World should back a clear Ukrainian victory aimed at destroying Russia’s imperial capacity, not merely humbling a leader. Only defeat that ends occupation and forces a reckoning can create space for security, freedom for neighbors, and possible moral and political renewal inside Russia.

Letters to the Editor: AI Might Be Good for Elites, but What About the Rest of Us?

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 153 implied HN points • 15 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Nationalism
  1. AI may benefit wealthy elites, but it raises concerns for average people. It's important to think about how technology impacts everyone, not just the privileged.
  2. Nationalism can be problematic if it undermines important legal and moral structures. It's crucial to recognize that strong institutions are key for society to thrive.
  3. The US's historical role in promoting liberal democracy is complex and sometimes misunderstood. Engaging with global issues requires a balance between local interests and broader humanitarian goals.

What’s Really Wrong With Anti-Immigrants

Bet On It • 322 implied HN points • 17 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Nationalism
  1. A lot of anti-immigration feelings come from xenophobia, which is a fear or dislike of foreigners. Many people seem to think negatively about immigrants without clear reasons.
  2. Another factor in anti-immigrant sentiment is misanthropy, or a general dislike of humanity. Some people view most humans as not worth having around, which colors their views on immigrants.
  3. Racism plays a smaller role than often believed. Many anti-immigrants don’t express clear racial biases, and their opposition is more about a negative view of people in general than about race.

Zombie Nationalism

Reactionary Feminist • 23 implied HN points • 13 Dec 25
🌍 World Politics Nationalism
  1. Western countries have largely lost the industrial capacity, skills, and social cohesion that once made mass wartime mobilisation possible, so calls to prepare for large-scale war face real material limits.
  2. Modern nationalism grew out of print-based, industrial-era societies that produced a shared, geographically rooted sense of belonging and made state-led mobilisation feasible, but that model has largely broken down.
  3. Digital media now create language-bound, transnational filter bubbles that decouple people from their geographic national interests, so institutions can demand readiness yet meet public indifference and limited practical ability to follow through.

Three steps to freedom

Global Inequality and More 3.0 • 860 implied HN points • 15 Feb 24
🌍 World Politics Nationalism
  1. The process of secession in Communist federations typically involves three steps: building a sentiment of national grievances, gaining acceptance from the communist party leadership, and making a decisive break from federal control.
  2. Nationalist movements in the Soviet and Yugoslav republics followed a similar playbook of exploiting perceived grievances like economic exploitation or cultural rights violations to justify secession.
  3. The unraveling of Communist federations into independent republics often led to territorial disputes and conflicts, overshadowing democratic principles with movements for self-determination.

02/02/24 - FAQ Answered!

Moly’s Substack • 117 implied HN points • 03 Feb 24
🌍 World Politics Nationalism
  1. In China, 'aunties' and 'uncles' refer to middle-aged individuals with specific stereotypes.
  2. PUA in China refers to tactics used beyond just pick-up artistry, expanding to various relationships.
  3. Chinese people have strong opinions on various topics like western food and anti-Japanese sentiments.

On the Tory Cult of Personality and its Consequences

Wrong Side of History • 322 implied HN points • 06 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Nationalism
  1. The UK implemented open borders, which some believe was planned rather than accidental. Brexit provided a reason to change immigration policies.
  2. The previous government's approach to immigration seemed to be based on short-term goals and a belief that immigration was positive.
  3. Boris Johnson's leadership style appeared to be influenced by a desire for approval from elite groups, rather than focusing on nationalist policies.

Leaving behind the history written in letters of blood

Wrong Side of History • 275 implied HN points • 23 Dec 24
💾 History Nationalism
  1. European society changed a lot after World War II, and old ideas of guilt and hospitality mixed with a new horror from the war. This shift influenced how people thought about nationalism and morality.
  2. People became very afraid of nationalism after the war, often going too far in pushing it away, which made them overlook other important values like order and liberty.
  3. There is a strong belief among European elites that immigration is always a good thing, even if the reasons they give can be confusing. This ideology has become common in their discussions.

America Isn't a Heritage

KERFUFFLE • 85 implied HN points • 18 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Nationalism
  1. America was founded by people wanting to escape old traditions like bloodlines and aristocracy. The idea was to create a society where anyone could succeed through hard work, not just because of their ancestry.
  2. The term 'Heritage Americans' suggests some people are more American than others based on their lineage. This idea ignores the diverse history and cultures that have always been part of America.
  3. Throughout its history, America has been a mix of different cultures and backgrounds. The unity of the nation comes from overcoming differences and working together, not from sharing the same bloodline.

Global Civil War

Dana Blankenhorn: Facing the Future • 119 implied HN points • 08 Dec 23
🌍 World Politics Nationalism
  1. The world is currently in a Global Civil War with conflicts between democracy, capitalism, and enforced unity.
  2. Despite economic prosperity, the pressure is on balancing between democratic pluralism and enforced conformity.
  3. The hope for 2024 lies in the economic forces favoring pluralism, despite the challenges posed by autocrats and fascist tendencies.

Dispatches from the Group Chats, Vol 4

Erik Torenberg's Thoughts • 195 implied HN points • 30 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Nationalism
  1. There's a growing divide between tech supporters and nationalists regarding immigration. Some want to reform H1B visas while others feel the whole system is unfair.
  2. Many believe America is defined by its people and shared history, not just by ideas. This leads to different views on who should be considered 'American'.
  3. The pressures of culture and values clash here, showing that while some want a welcoming environment for immigrants, others feel it complicates their own identity and opportunities.

Rallies at Madison Square Garden

Thinking about... • 226 implied HN points • 01 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Nationalism
  1. Rallies at Madison Square Garden connect different historical moments and speeches, showing how certain themes persist over time. It's interesting to see how language and sentiments can echo across different eras.
  2. Some rhetoric from rallies today closely resembles that used in the past, especially concerning race and identity. This highlights ongoing divisions and fears within society.
  3. The content shared reflects deep-seated beliefs and attitudes that can be divisive and harmful. It's crucial to be aware of such narratives as they can influence public opinion and politics.

Letter to Young Americans

American Dreaming • 555 implied HN points • 24 Nov 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Nationalism
  1. Young Americans are expressing disillusionment and cynicism towards the US and the West.
  2. These attitudes are linked to a school of thought called postcolonialism, which can lead to left-wing fascism under the guise of social justice.
  3. The author urges young Americans to reevaluate their views and emphasizes the value of freedom of speech in America.

Right-wing anti-Zionism is on the rise in America

Karlstack • 216 implied HN points • 24 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Nationalism
  1. Right-wing anti-Zionism is growing in the U.S., which is surprising to many who only see it on the left. Some conservatives are starting to criticize Israel more openly.
  2. Different groups within the American Right, like paleoconservatives, have always questioned Israel’s influence on U.S. foreign policy. They feel that supporting Israel harms America's interests.
  3. Recent events, especially conflicts in the Middle East, have intensified debates on Israel within the conservative movement, creating divisions between traditional pro-Israel conservatives and those who adopt a more isolationist perspective.

What just happened on Jerusalem's Aqsa Mosque?

Matthew's Notebook • 117 implied HN points • 06 Apr 23
🌍 World Politics Nationalism
  1. Violence at the Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem is not just a result of religious conflict, but a fight over sovereignty involving modern institutions and factions.
  2. The Temple Mount, previously a Jewish temple, now houses the Aqsa Mosque and is a focal point for religious and nationalist tensions.
  3. The clashes over control and use of the Temple Mount highlight the complex historical and contemporary significance of the site for Jewish, Muslim, and Christian communities.

Would Zanzibar have fared better (politically) as an independent state?

An Africanist Perspective • 138 implied HN points • 12 Jan 23
🌍 World Politics Nationalism
  1. Historical counterfactuals are hard to pinpoint, but there are reasons to believe Zanzibar benefited from union with Tanganyika.
  2. The political advantages of the union include political stability, avoiding Cold War meddling, and sidestepping potential brutal counter-revolution.
  3. The ongoing challenges within the Zanzibar-Tanganyika union suggest the 1964 revolution's effects are still being felt today.

The Reeds and the Silt

Justin E. H. Smith's Hinternet • 362 implied HN points • 17 Mar 24
🌍 World Politics Nationalism
  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 Wisdom of Yoram Hazony

Kvetch • 45 implied HN points • 03 Aug 25
📖 Philosophy Nationalism
  1. Yoram Hazony emphasizes the importance of family and God in shaping a strong community. He believes that our obligations to these entities form the core of social and political life.
  2. He argues against the idea that society can be neutral or that we can choose our loyalties freely. According to Hazony, many of our commitments, like family and nation, are inherited and essential for a stable society.
  3. Hazony highlights that politics can be messy and sometimes requires difficult choices, including violence, to protect a community. He believes having a shared moral compass rooted in faith is crucial for guiding these tough decisions.

Reflections on Scotland's Political Culture(2/4)

The Joyous Struggle • 98 implied HN points • 10 Mar 23
🌍 World Politics Nationalism
  1. Scotland's political landscape is experiencing a period of transition and uncertainty after Nicola Sturgeon's resignation.
  2. Nationalism reflects the belief that nations exist and should govern themselves, playing a significant role in shaping political identities.
  3. The author discusses the complexities of British and Scottish cultural identities, questioning the future of the UK and advocating for a healthier connection between culture and politics.