The hottest Policy Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top U.S. Politics Topics

It's hard to change people

Hypertext • 0 implied HN points • 27 Mar 24
🚌 Education Policy
  1. It's easier to change people's environment than to change people themselves.
  2. Many criminal justice programs aim to change preferences rather than incentives or constraints, leading to challenges in their effectiveness.
  3. Hot-spot policing is an example of an intervention that changes constraints and has shown a significant impact on crime reduction.

The world is hard to change

Hypertext • 0 implied HN points • 27 Mar 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Policy
  1. Social science has its limits when it comes to creating large, lasting changes through evidence-based policymaking.
  2. Social science is about learning from failures and adapting to the challenges of understanding and changing human behavior.
  3. Disappointment in evidence-based policymaking does not justify reverting to ideological assumptions; instead, it highlights the complexity of creating effective social change.

Confronting radical uncertainty

Hypertext • 0 implied HN points • 27 Mar 24
💼 Business Policy
  1. Social science research needs a recalibration with a focus on feedback, reflection, and improvement.
  2. There is a significant amount of uncertainty in understanding how change happens in people's lives, challenging traditional evidence-based policy approaches.
  3. Collaboration, customer feedback, and adaptability are key in creating effective social programs rather than relying solely on evidence-based interventions.

The precautionary principle

Hypertext • 0 implied HN points • 27 Mar 24
🔬 Science Policy
  1. Policy interventions should focus on 'stabilizers' - social forces that are difficult to change, rather than seeking unclear systemic reforms.
  2. Experiments like RCTs in criminal justice can provide meaningful insights, even if their scope is narrow, and they can be scaled with political will.
  3. Not all policy interventions are suitable for RCTs, but evidence from experiments should be considered as incremental tests for replication and scalability.

Incrementalism beats YOLO

Hypertext • 0 implied HN points • 27 Mar 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Policy
  1. Incremental social policies have proven to make the world a better place over time
  2. Narrow, incremental policy changes can have significant positive impacts, like increasing school attendance, boosting earnings, and reducing incarceration rates
  3. Incremental changes informed by high-quality evaluation and research can lead to greater effectiveness over time in various social programs, showing better results than 'you only live once' approaches in policy-making
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The case for optimism

Hypertext • 0 implied HN points • 27 Mar 24
🏥 Health Politics Policy
  1. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) play a crucial role in identifying effective interventions in criminal justice policy.
  2. Collaboration among researchers and practitioners is essential to develop and replicate successful causal research designs.
  3. Causal research has contributed to progress in criminal justice policy and helped identify interventions that work, while also highlighting ones that are ineffective or counterproductive.

Welcome to Oz: A look behind the government curtain

Hypertext • 0 implied HN points • 27 Mar 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Policy
  1. Policy decisions are often not based on evidence but on preordained ideological inclinations, with research used to justify decisions after the fact.
  2. The concept of 'evidence-based practice' is frequently overused without a solid understanding of which interventions truly qualify, and often used against communities of color.
  3. Efforts to influence policy shouldn't rely solely on research but also involve advocacy, systems change, media, and social forces to create meaningful change.

Causal research: More, not less

Hypertext • 0 implied HN points • 27 Mar 24
🚌 Education Policy
  1. Understanding the effects of policies on people's lives is crucial, and causal research can provide valuable information to guide decision-making.
  2. Critiques of causal social science highlight the need for improvement in research publishing practices, such as publishing null studies and ensuring clarity on statistically significant but small results.
  3. Replication studies in policy-making, especially with experimental interventions like RCTs, can offer valuable insights to refine policies before widespread implementation, and continuous use of evidence can help in making incremental progress.

Issue index

Hypertext • 0 implied HN points • 27 Mar 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Policy
  1. The post contains 19 essays focusing on various important topics like research, policy, and social science.
  2. The essays discuss the importance of evidence-based decision-making and the challenges faced in implementing change.
  3. Authors explore subjects such as research integrity, government transparency, and the complexities of driving societal change.

Gambling with House Money

The Radar • 0 implied HN points • 02 May 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Policy
  1. Tactical Air Control Party (TACP) airmen play a critical role in providing air support to ground forces, especially in close-quarters combat situations.
  2. The Air Force's decision to reduce TACP workforce by 44% over three years lacks transparency and may leave a gap in crucial air support during intense combat situations.
  3. The reduction in TACPs could have severe consequences if ground forces find themselves in a conflict without adequate air support, putting lives at risk.

Bella Kozyreva: America's Uncanny Valley

Do Not Research • 0 implied HN points • 21 Jun 21
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Policy
  1. Mori's concept of the uncanny valley explains how we feel repulsed when robots resemble humans closely but not perfectly. This theory also applies to our interactions with realistic humanoid robots and AI assistants.
  2. The current political landscape, from the Trump presidency to the Biden administration, can be likened to moving through an uncanny valley. Each administration represents a shift between familiarity and unsettling foreignness in governance.
  3. The eerie and weird, described by scholars like Fisher, offer insights into the disquieting feelings of our current uncertain times. To move forward, we must embrace the 'weird' by challenging existing political norms and demanding new, transformative policies.

Jak Ritger: The MLM Project Log 1: What is Multi-level Marketing?

Do Not Research • 0 implied HN points • 19 Mar 21
💼 Business Policy
  1. Multi-level Marketing (MLM) relies on a non-salaried workforce to sell products and often results in financial troubles for participants.
  2. Studying MLMs can help critique capitalist structures and push for anti-capitalist actions beyond elitist perspectives.
  3. The aim is to create an off-ramp from MLMs and work towards abolishing this pyramid-shaped industry.

12/14 Tech Buzz China Insider Digest

Tech Buzz China Insider • 0 implied HN points • 15 Dec 21
💼 Business Policy
  1. Alibaba underwent a significant reorganization with key executives leading four large business units, reshaping the company's structure.
  2. The Central Economic Work Conference in China emphasized the importance of stable growth, especially in financial and banking sectors, setting the national economic agenda.
  3. China's tech VC landscape is evolving, with a shift towards more state capital participation in manufacturing sectors and companies outside the internet industry gaining prominence.

7/29 TBC Insider Digest

Tech Buzz China Insider • 0 implied HN points • 30 Jul 21
🕹 Technology Policy
  1. China is focusing on policies related to education, delivery workers, link blocking, and manufacturing upgrades
  2. There is uncertainty on the impact of new gig worker economy guidance on companies like Meituan
  3. The national strategy in China emphasizes manufacturing over financialization as a crucial part of the economy

Why Rik left the Neighbourhood Renewal Unit

Rik’s Sparky Little Substack Space • 0 implied HN points • 24 May 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Policy
  1. Success in a job can sometimes lead to unexpected consequences, like the disbanding of a strong team. Standing out too much might not always be a good thing.
  2. Navigating office politics and understanding the dynamics within an organization are crucial for a successful career, especially in the civil service.
  3. Recognizing signs of change and having the ability to adapt to new opportunities can lead to growth and progress in one's professional journey, even if it means making tough decisions.

New Questions One Year After Covenant School shooting in Nashville

School Shooting Data Analysis and Reports • 0 implied HN points • 28 Mar 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Policy
  1. New details have emerged about the police response to the Covenant School shooting in Nashville, prompting further questions and scrutiny
  2. The revised timeline reveals a detective was first to enter the school, raising concerns about the timing and equipment of responding officers
  3. The 14-minute delay in locating and neutralizing the shooter raises important questions about lockdown procedures and response speed

Mass Shootings: Entered the Postmodern Era

School Shooting Data Analysis and Reports • 0 implied HN points • 09 Nov 18
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Policy
  1. Postmodernism reflects a genre so well-understood that a creative commentary space emerges around it, like in art, film, or architecture.
  2. Postmodernism extends beyond art into societal norms and genres once they are firmly established.
  3. Mass shootings have become so familiar that they fit into a known genre with expected responses, creating a postmodern cycle.

Popular Nonsense: Armed Vets in Schools

School Shooting Data Analysis and Reports • 0 implied HN points • 16 Feb 18
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Policy
  1. Suggesting armed veterans as a solution to prevent school violence may seem simple, but it's actually a complex and expensive proposal.
  2. Putting armed veterans in schools would cost billions of dollars annually, larger than many government program budgets, and may not make schools much safer due to their size and layout.
  3. Although many veterans are honorable, statistically, some have been involved in mass shootings, highlighting the potential risks of having armed veterans in schools.

United Healthcare Ransomware, Secured Infrastrure, Dropbox Sign, AI security center and CYBERSECEVAL 2

Secure GenAI • 0 implied HN points • 06 May 24
🕹 Technology Policy
  1. The healthcare sector needs stronger cybersecurity measures to protect against cyberattacks and safeguard patient data.
  2. Large healthcare companies like UnitedHealth Group have a responsibility to ensure the resilience of critical healthcare infrastructure and protect patient information.
  3. The Change Healthcare cyberattack highlighted vulnerabilities and emphasized the importance of addressing cybersecurity risks and enforcing standards in the healthcare industry.

Podcast: Six Megatrends in Society

Japan Economy Watch • 0 implied HN points • 10 Nov 21
🎙 Podcasts Policy
  1. Six major trends in Japanese society offer potential economic revitalization if nurtured by policymakers.
  2. The trends include shifts in technology, generational attitudes, gender relations, demographics, growth, and globalization. These trends need to be amplified.
  3. Some trends like demography have both positive and negative impacts on economic revival prospects.

Japan as 196th

Japan Economy Watch • 0 implied HN points • 13 Oct 21
💼 Business Policy
  1. Japan ranks 196th out of 196 countries in inward foreign direct investment (FDI) as a share of GDP, trailing North Korea, highlighting a significant issue for the country's economy.
  2. The low level of FDI in Japan is hindering the economy and has been a longstanding challenge, with only 14% of inward FDI taking the form of mergers and acquisitions compared to the typical 80% in other rich countries.
  3. For Japan to improve its inward FDI situation and boost its economy, there is a need for a collaborative effort between government and business leaders to address the barriers and drive progress.

Nurturing Entrepreneurs

Japan Economy Watch • 0 implied HN points • 08 Oct 16
💼 Business Policy
  1. Revitalizing Japan's economy requires nurturing a new generation of young, innovative firms.
  2. Japan needs to embrace 'creative destruction' seen in North America and Europe, where dynamic newer companies replace old ones for economic growth.
  3. Policymakers must support shifts in civil society, technology, and attitudes to address Japan's economic challenges.

Voodoo Abenomics

Japan Economy Watch • 0 implied HN points • 28 Jul 14
💼 Business Policy
  1. The plan called Abenomics aimed to revive Japan's economy, focusing on monetary stimulus, fiscal stimulus, and structural reforms.
  2. Abenomics failed because the three arrows of the plan did not work together as intended, with Abe mainly focusing on monetary stimulus.
  3. Politically, Abenomics was a success as it made Abe the longest-serving Prime Minister in Japanese history, despite its economic shortcomings.

Section 230: the sword and armor of the Internet

Thái | Hacker | Kỹ sư tin tặc • 0 implied HN points • 27 Aug 20
🕹 Technology Policy
  1. The Internet, especially through Section 230 in the US, has enabled freedom of expression, diverse perspectives, and economic growth in the online world.
  2. Section 230 of the US Communication Decency Act provides a legal foundation for Internet companies to thrive by allowing them not to be held liable for content posted by users, while still enabling content moderation.
  3. Vietnam's approach to Internet regulation differs significantly from the US, and studying the principles behind Section 230 could potentially benefit the country's digital industry by empowering businesses and markets.

Chào Thủ tướng!

Thái | Hacker | Kỹ sư tin tặc • 0 implied HN points • 19 Jan 19
🌍 World Politics Policy
  1. Questioning the necessity of laws mandating companies to open offices in Vietnam, citing examples of countries where companies voluntarily establish headquarters without legal requirements.
  2. The importance of Vietnam's policies and laws in attracting investment from leading global technology corporations for the country's aspiration to become a tech hub like Silicon Valley.
  3. Highlighting the concern that Vietnamese startups feel the need to establish businesses in Singapore due to perceived challenges in Vietnam's legal and policy environment for entrepreneurship.

Proof the Greens put ideology over facts in the "Atomausstieg"

aukehoekstra • 0 implied HN points • 26 Apr 24
🌍 World Politics Policy
  1. The nuclear power debate in Germany is politically charged comparable to significant topics like abortion in the US or Brexit in the UK.
  2. Existing nuclear power plants are viewed as safe and environmentally friendly, with calls to keep them open until coal plants are phased out to avoid worsening climate change.
  3. Politicians, like Habeck, should prioritize facts over ideology and avoid distorting the truth for political reasons, as seen in the 'Atomausstieg' situation.

Prof. Warren was right, mostly

Logos and Liberty • 0 implied HN points • 04 May 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Policy
  1. In the US, the shift from single incomes to dual incomes has made families less financially secure mainly due to increased housing costs, healthcare expenses, and predatory lending.
  2. Two-income families lack the safety net that one-income families used to have; this can lead to financial strain and difficult decisions in times of crisis.
  3. Elizabeth Warren's book suggests undoing banking deregulation, decoupling access to education from location, and freezing college tuition as policy responses to help middle-class families with their financial struggles.

Why America doesn't build things

America in Crisis • 0 implied HN points • 05 Mar 23
💼 Business Policy
  1. Economic policy changes in the 1970s and 1980s have shifted business culture, discouraging investment in real projects.
  2. NIMBY opposition to development is a significant obstacle to building urgently needed infrastructure in the US.
  3. We need to restore a culture focused on accumulating 'real' capital to encourage building and infrastructure development.

Semiconductor Dreams Shattered

Sector 6 | The Newsletter of AIM • 0 implied HN points • 01 Jun 23
🕹 Technology Policy
  1. India's plan to build a semiconductor plant has faced major challenges and has ultimately failed.
  2. Vedanta, the company leading the project, struggled to secure the needed money to start manufacturing chips.
  3. Now, the Indian government is looking for other private companies to take on the semiconductor project instead.

We Should Test Programs

Something to Consider • 0 implied HN points • 10 Jul 22
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Policy
  1. We often assume government programs work well without checking. It’s important to test these programs to see if they truly have the intended benefits.
  2. Many times, the results of these tests show that some programs can even make situations worse. For example, some early education programs that seemed good have led to poorer outcomes for kids by third grade.
  3. We should consider making laws that require testing before funding new programs. This way, we can get rid of ones that don't work and focus on what really helps.

Economics of Immigration

Moral Mayhem Podcast • 0 implied HN points • 13 Mar 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Policy
  1. Understanding the factors that make immigration beneficial for a host country is important.
  2. Policies should be shaped to enhance the well-being of both immigrants and the local population.
  3. Research and data can help inform better decisions regarding immigration.

Negative Agenda Setting Rules Us All

Matt’s Five Points • 0 implied HN points • 28 Dec 18
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Policy
  1. Negative agenda setting is when lawmakers don't bring up popular bills for a vote, even if they would pass. This can keep issues that many people support off the table.
  2. The current government shutdown highlights a lack of urgency to resolve issues, with party leaders using their power to control what gets voted on, leading to inaction.
  3. On the first day of Congress, changes might happen in leadership roles and rules, as well as efforts to address the ongoing government shutdown, showing how politics continuously evolves.

FIVE POINTS: Popular does not equal good

Matt’s Five Points • 0 implied HN points • 20 Oct 17
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Policy
  1. Just because something is popular doesn't mean it's actually good. Many people like things for different reasons that don't reflect their quality.
  2. When Congress gets less input from members, it can lead to poor laws and less effective work. It's important for everyone to have a say in making rules.
  3. With a closely divided House, leaders might struggle to maintain control and this could cause problems for passing laws. Smaller groups can create a lot of challenges.

Required Reading

Matt’s Five Points • 0 implied HN points • 01 Feb 12
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Policy
  1. Members of Congress sometimes don't know what's in the bills they vote on. This concern has led to proposals for them to certify that they've read the bills.
  2. Legislation is often complex and requires precise language, which makes it hard to understand without help. That's why bills usually come with committee reports explaining them in simpler terms.
  3. Many bills reference existing laws to make their intentions clear. This can create a complicated web of legal references that makes understanding the new law difficult.

Capitol South, Station Domination, and Lobbying Effectiveness

Matt’s Five Points • 0 implied HN points • 17 Jan 12
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Policy
  1. Capitol South is a very popular place for protests and lobbying because it's close to important government buildings. Lots of staff and tourists pass through there, making it a prime spot to get attention.
  2. Protesters and lobbyists often believe their efforts at Capitol South are effective. They try to get their messages directly in front of decision-makers rather than relying on media coverage.
  3. Advertising costs at Capitol South are significantly higher compared to other metro stations. This shows that advertisers think they can reach influential people there, highlighting the importance of the location for political messaging.

Thanksgiving Briefing Book, Part III: Strategies

Matt’s Five Points • 0 implied HN points • 23 Nov 11
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Policy
  1. Have a plan for Thanksgiving to make the day go smoothly. Being organized helps everyone enjoy the time together.
  2. Communicate with family and friends about what they can bring or contribute. This makes everyone feel involved and happy.
  3. Be flexible and ready to adapt if things don't go as planned. Sometimes, unexpected moments can make the day more special.

Thanksgiving Briefing Book, Part I: The Outlook

Matt’s Five Points • 0 implied HN points • 21 Nov 11
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Policy
  1. Part I of the Thanksgiving Briefing Book gives an overview of current trends and issues. It's important to stay informed about what's going on right now.
  2. Readers can expect more detailed insights in the upcoming parts of the briefing. It's a series that builds on each section for a complete understanding.
  3. Sharing this information with others can help spread awareness of the topics discussed. Engaging with the material makes it more impactful.