The hottest Political Economy Substack posts right now

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

Mamdani won. Now what?

Alex's Personal Blog • 32 implied HN points • 25 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Economy
  1. Xero is buying Melio, a US payment startup, to boost its accounting tools and grow in the payments market. This deal shows Xero's strategy to expand and adapt its offerings.
  2. Mamdani's victory in the NYC mayoral race signals a shift towards leadership less aligned with wealthy interests. This could mean changes in policies that might affect tech elites in the city.
  3. The reaction to Mamdani's win reflects some tech industry's concerns about democracy. Some wealthy figures in tech worry about government decisions that don't align with their interests.

Would America's Wealthy Elite Kill A Couple Of Democrats To Rehab The Democrats? Yes They Would!

C.O.P. Central Organizing Principle. • 30 implied HN points • 17 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Economy
  1. Wealthy elites may manipulate politics to maintain power, even if it means harming political figures. They want to avoid changing tax policies that could hurt their income.
  2. Both Democrats and Republicans are failing to meet the needs of everyday Americans, leading to distrust in elections and the political system. Many people feel left behind and want real change.
  3. To achieve true political reform, it's essential to challenge the current political system. Americans need to push for verified voting methods to ensure their voices are heard.

DRAFT: Five Afterthoughts on "Slouching Towards Utopia": Friedrich von Hayek, Michael Polanyi, & Company...

Brad DeLong's Grasping Reality • 84 implied HN points • 31 Oct 24
📖 Philosophy Political Economy
  1. The work in political economy and moral philosophy from the 1900s often comes from thinkers connected to the Vienna Circle. Their ideas shaped modern views in these fields.
  2. Natural issues like global warming and resource scarcity greatly impacted the economy throughout the 20th century. It's important to consider these environmental factors when studying economic history.
  3. Understanding different authors and theories, especially those related to socialism and welfare states, helps us grasp the changes in economic growth and social democracy since the late 19th century. Their insights remain relevant today.

Liberty and the City

Some Unpleasant Arithmetic • 21 implied HN points • 13 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Economy
  1. Buenos Aires saw a 40% drop in rental prices, but this is misleading. While rents did decrease, it overlooks the complex issues surrounding the housing market and affordability.
  2. Rent control that was in place for years caused past rent increases and a drop in rental supply, leading to informal rental markets. Removing this control helped stabilize the market, but issues of affordability remain due to low wages.
  3. Home buying in Argentina is difficult because mortgages are rare and expensive. The lack of a developed credit system and high inflation means many people can't afford to buy a home, leading to a housing shortage.

On the Election

Philip’s Newsletter • 78 implied HN points • 06 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Economy
  1. Inequality is growing because free markets and low taxes let wealth concentrate in a few hands. Over time, this leads to more people feeling left out and unhappy.
  2. Different countries face a tough choice between low taxes to drive growth or higher taxes to support fairness. These choices impact how people feel about their economic opportunities.
  3. Creating strong local communities where people support each other can help address the issues caused by inequality. Togetherness and compassion will be key to moving forward.
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Subsidies, External Costs, and Deadweight Loss

Knowledge Problem • 39 implied HN points • 27 Jul 23
💼 Business Political Economy
  1. Understanding economic analyses of power markets is crucial for applied economics.
  2. Federal subsidies for wind and solar impact wholesale power markets by creating inefficiencies and distorting outcomes.
  3. Tax credits like the PTC/ITC are costly ways to encourage renewable energy generation, and a carbon tax might be more efficient.

By Toppling The Syria, The US Has Guaranteed The End Of America In The Middle East.

C.O.P. Central Organizing Principle. • 42 implied HN points • 08 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Economy
  1. The U.S. involvement in Syria may lead to negative consequences for America in the Middle East. People there could react strongly against Americans and their presence.
  2. There is a belief that American ignorance about its history and global actions contributes to its problems. Many feel that the U.S. needs to acknowledge its past mistakes and take responsibility.
  3. The current state of America's government and society is seen as corrupt. Some believe that a significant change is needed, potentially putting more power in the hands of indigenous people.

Trump v Powell: The Credibility Cost of Politicized Monetary Policy

QTR’s Fringe Finance • 12 implied HN points • 03 Jul 25
💰 Finance Political Economy
  1. Trump wants lower interest rates, but if the Fed lowers them while inflation is still high, it could lead to bigger problems like stagflation. This may feel good short-term but is risky long-term.
  2. Political pressure on the Fed can hurt its independence and credibility. If the public thinks the Fed is making decisions based on politics, it could lead to higher inflation expectations.
  3. Comparing US interest rates with other countries without considering their unique situations is misleading. Monetary policy should be based on domestic economic conditions, not just foreign examples.

What To Do About the Dependence of the Form Progress Takes on Power?: Quick Takes on Acemoglu & Johnson's "Power & Progress"

Brad DeLong's Grasping Reality • 76 implied HN points • 29 Feb 24
🚌 Education Political Economy
  1. The distribution of technological progress can be influenced by the balance of power in both markets and politics.
  2. Technologies can have both positive and negative impacts on society, so it's important to consider the distributional effects.
  3. Diverse perspectives and opinions are crucial in shaping better and more equitable technological trajectories.

What Josh Hawley gets wrong about me

Of Boys and Men • 131 implied HN points • 23 May 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Economy
  1. More men should be encouraged to work in HEAL professions like healthcare and education for a variety of reasons.
  2. It's important to address the gender disparities in occupations like health care and education to better serve clients and address labor shortages.
  3. Supporting opportunities for men in both blue-collar jobs and growing HEAL sectors is vital for a balanced workforce.

From Click to Boom: The Political Economy of E-Commerce in China (book excerpt)

Pekingnology • 26 implied HN points • 12 Nov 24
💼 Business Political Economy
  1. China's e-commerce market grew rapidly even without strong laws and regulations in place. This shows that sometimes markets can develop in unexpected ways, relying on private platforms to fill the gap left by the government.
  2. The rise of online shopping has changed many aspects of life in China. It has led to a cashless society where even beggars use QR codes to receive donations, showing how deeply e-commerce has integrated into everyday life.
  3. China's unique approach of allowing e-commerce to flourish has led to innovative technologies like mobile payments and AI-driven logistics. This shows that government regulations can sometimes help or hurt the growth of industries.

🚨 SALE!!!! SALE!!! SALE!! ‼️

The Cosmopolitan Globalist • 6 implied HN points • 03 Aug 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Economy
  1. The writer values their job and enjoys sharing complex information in a clear way. They want more people to understand important global issues.
  2. They feel uncomfortable asking for money because they think many readers have bigger needs than theirs. They emphasize that supporting their work might not have the most impact.
  3. Despite their hesitations about promoting subscriptions, they are offering a half-price sale to encourage more readers to support their content. They appreciate when people value their work enough to pay for it.

November 14, 2024

Letters from an American • 22 implied HN points • 15 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Economy
  1. The Biden-Harris administration has seen a huge increase in small business applications, with more than 20 million filed in four years. This growth helps create jobs and supports a stronger economy.
  2. Biden's policies aim to reduce wealth inequality by investing in the middle class and promoting government regulations, moving away from the neoliberal strategies of the past that favored the rich.
  3. There's a growing concern about the future under a possible Trump administration, where proposed cuts to government spending could harm many Americans and return to a system that favors the wealthy.

Amazingly Wonderful or Atrociously Bad?

Daniel Pinchbeck’s Newsletter • 15 implied HN points • 12 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Economy
  1. We are at a crossroads between a future of control by a wealthy few or a harmonious society where everyone can thrive. It's essential to choose a path that empowers people and promotes cooperation.
  2. Our current way of living, driven by individualism and consumerism, isn't sustainable. We need to shift towards a society based on shared resources and community participation.
  3. Transforming our consciousness and understanding of the world is key. By recognizing our interconnectedness, we can encourage positive change and foster a more compassionate society.

Governance matters

Klement on Investing • 1 implied HN point • 15 Dec 25
🌍 World Politics Political Economy
  1. Better governance meaningfully boosts regional prosperity; a one‑point improvement in governance raises GDP per person by roughly 3.8% within four years.
  2. Poorer regions gain the most from governance improvements, where the same one‑point increase is associated with about a 6.1% rise in GDP per person.
  3. Weak governance greatly increases the risk of severe economic decline — well‑governed regions face only about a 2.5% chance of a big drop, while the worst‑governed see nearly a 20% chance.

Nyhetsbrev steigan.no 05.08.2025

steigan.no • 5 implied HN points • 05 Aug 25
🌍 World Politics Political Economy
  1. Palantir has secured a significant contract with the US Army worth up to $10 billion, consolidating various military tech services under one agreement. This shows their growing influence in defense and government sectors.
  2. Ukraine faces financial struggles, with a serious debt problem to private creditors like hedge funds. This situation complicates its recovery prospects and raises concerns about the impacts of foreign investments in its economy.
  3. The European Union is experiencing diplomatic tensions, with notable failures in negotiations with countries like China and Qatar, suggesting challenges in maintaining strategic relationships and unity among its members.

Trump's William McKinley Fetish is a Real Curveball

I Might Be Wrong • 12 implied HN points • 23 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Economy
  1. Trump has shown an unusual admiration for President William McKinley, frequently mentioning him in speeches and calling him underrated. This is surprising because McKinley is not a common figure of praise among modern politicians.
  2. Trump believes that McKinley's tariffs significantly contributed to America's wealth, but many experts think this is a misunderstanding. Economic growth during that time was influenced by several factors, not just tariffs.
  3. McKinley's views on tariffs changed while he was in office, suggesting that his original ideas might not have been as set in stone as Trump claims. This highlights how historical interpretations can vary over time.

Nyhetsbrev steigan.no 04.07.2025

steigan.no • 5 implied HN points • 04 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Economy
  1. The U.S. Department of Justice is taking action against healthcare fraud, charging over 300 individuals in connection with schemes totaling $14.6 billion.
  2. Azerbaijan's president, Ilham Aliyev, is stirring up tensions with Russia to gain influence and potentially become a leader among Central Asian states.
  3. Israel is facing a backlash over its military operations in Gaza, having inflicted significant civilian casualties, raising questions about its long-term security goals.

Nyhetsbrev steigan.no 02.08.2025

steigan.no • 4 implied HN points • 02 Aug 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Economy
  1. BRICS countries are increasingly using their own currencies for trade, reducing reliance on the US dollar. This shift has been sped up by aggressive US sanctions on countries like Russia.
  2. Norway's shift from a peaceful nation to a participant in global conflicts raises questions about its integrity and foreign policy. Many believe it's hypocritical to claim support for peace while engaging in actions that harm others.
  3. Frequent societal changes and reforms often seem to lead to confusion and discontent among the public, as they can create barriers to understanding and participation in the decision-making process.

Nyhetsbrev steigan.no 08.10.2024

steigan.no • 7 implied HN points • 08 Oct 24
🌍 World Politics Political Economy
  1. There was a terrorist attack in Pakistan that killed two Chinese workers. A group claiming responsibility for the attack wants independence for a region in Pakistan.
  2. The Swedish battery company Northvolt is facing bankruptcy. They need to pay a significant amount in taxes soon or risk financial collapse.
  3. Israel has provided Ukraine with a missile warning system to boost its defense capabilities. This support comes amid increased military tensions in the region.

Philosophical economics: Status anxiety

Klement on Investing • 4 implied HN points • 09 Jan 25
📖 Philosophy Political Economy
  1. Status anxiety makes people feel like they are doing worse than their peers, leading them to take bigger risks in their investments or choices. This could mean putting themselves in tough situations just to feel they might catch up.
  2. Recent events like Brexit and the election of Donald Trump can be seen as responses to this anxiety. People felt left behind, and their desire to disrupt the system was a way to express their frustration.
  3. Economic changes, like slower growth and higher taxes, can worsen the feelings of anxiety among the less well-off. When people feel they have no control, they often react in ways that can hurt the economy instead of helping it.

The Billionaire Tax: The Worst Tax Idea Ever?

Musings on Markets • 19 implied HN points • 25 Oct 21
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Economy
  1. The billionaire tax targets a very small number of rich people, but taxing such a small group can lead to unpredictable results and lower revenue. It's better to have broader taxes that apply to more people.
  2. This tax includes taxing unrealized capital gains, which means taxing increases in asset value that people haven't actually sold for cash. This creates challenges, as people need cash to pay taxes even if they haven't sold anything.
  3. The new tax may inadvertently affect other areas, like estate taxes, because it changes how asset values are assessed. This could lead to less tax revenue in the future instead of more.

India’s economic pivot from rules-based reform to deals-based tinkering

Get Down and Shruti • 5 implied HN points • 07 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Economy
  1. India's economic focus has shifted from broad reforms that help all businesses to a system where a few large companies get special deals. This switch encourages favoritism and makes things harder for smaller companies.
  2. The Goods and Services Tax (GST) is a key example of this change. Instead of simplifying taxes, it's become complicated, leading to confusion and more lobbying by big companies to get favorable treatment.
  3. The government's support for specific big firms has created an uneven playing field. This setup harms innovation and investment because businesses need connections to succeed rather than competitive practices.

In Search of Effective Activism Part 2: "These Streets Should Be Paved with Gold"

As If We Were Staying • 3 implied HN points • 08 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Economy
  1. Communities often end up missing out on wealth created in their area because big companies take profits away. People need to recognize this and push for change to keep more benefits local.
  2. Effective activism involves directly addressing the systems and industries that drain wealth from communities. This means fighting for better local governance and working together to build stronger, more resilient areas.
  3. Individuals can find ways to make a difference by focusing on their strengths and interests. Whether it's through education, environmental efforts, or community organization, everyone can contribute to creating a fairer system.

Economics, Politics, and Institutions

Economic Forces • 3 implied HN points • 07 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Economy
  1. Economists often view politics as a type of exchange, similar to market transactions. This means they see politicians as motivated by personal interests, like getting re-elected, but also recognize that politicians can care about the common good too.
  2. Jack Hirshleifer's insights emphasize that the rules of the game, like laws and property rights, shape how economics and politics function. We need to pay more attention to how these rules change over time.
  3. Applying economic thinking to political behavior can reveal new insights. Understanding how people make decisions outside of markets can enhance our grasp of human behavior overall.

Macro Thinker: Lawrence Summers on Trump and The Fed

The Octavian Report • 0 implied HN points • 23 Dec 25
💰 Finance Political Economy
  1. The Fed is tightening too much too quickly; policymakers should allow a mild overshoot of the 2% inflation target and seriously consider new frameworks like a higher inflation target or nominal GDP targeting.
  2. The biggest macro risk is a coming recession when monetary policy may have little room to cut rates and fiscal authorities might be unwilling to act, so governments and central banks should prepare now.
  3. Crises often require government-led spending and borrowing to restore confidence, and at the same time waning trust in experts and growing speech intolerance on campuses threaten open debate and sound policymaking.

Country Risk: A Mid-year 2019 Update

Musings on Markets • 0 implied HN points • 13 Aug 19
💰 Finance Political Economy
  1. When companies invest abroad, they face risks from changing currency values and unstable economies and politics. It's important to balance the potential for growth with these risks.
  2. Different countries have varying levels of risk based on their political stability, legal systems, and economic diversity. Emerging markets often have higher risks compared to developed ones.
  3. Understanding country risk is crucial for investors and businesses. It's not just about where a company is based but also where it operates and earns revenue.

On Market Reactions to Politics

Matt’s Five Points • 0 implied HN points • 24 Jul 11
💰 Finance Political Economy
  1. Market prices can drop significantly during political turmoil, even if the long-term company value remains stable. It's important to spot these opportunities to invest wisely.
  2. There are two main views on raising the debt ceiling: one prioritizes immediate economic stability, the other focuses on long-term debt control. Both need serious action to back up the talk.
  3. Currently, the market shows increased volatility, meaning potential big shifts up or down. Smart investors might find good deals in stocks if there's a chance of a debt deal soon.

FIRST DRAFT: Reviewing John Cassidy, "Capitalism & Its Critics"

Brad DeLong's Grasping Reality • 0 implied HN points • 08 Jul 25
💼 Business Political Economy
  1. Capitalism has many critics, and while they don't always agree, their voices are important. They highlight issues like exploitation and inequality in the system.
  2. Many people feel that capitalism is facing serious problems today, but history shows that capitalism has transformed and adapted before. It's possible that we are not witnessing its end.
  3. Capitalism changes form over time, and no single political system can manage it forever. Understanding its various stages helps us see that it's a complex and evolving system.