The hottest Political History Substack posts right now

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

Gramsci and Lenin on transcending “parliamentarianism” and on direct democracy

Global Inequality and More 3.0 • 256 implied HN points • 15 Aug 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political History
  1. Gramsci and Lenin believed that traditional representative democracy often serves the interests of the wealthy rather than the people. They argued for replacing it with a system of direct democracy, where people can take part in decision-making directly through councils.
  2. Both thinkers emphasized the importance of 'workers' councils' as a way to organize not just politics, but also the economy. They thought that workers should manage and run companies instead of just having a boss from outside.
  3. When institutions of democracy break down and people lose faith in elections, alternatives like council democracy can emerge. Although this system isn't perfect and has its risks, it could offer new ways for communities to govern themselves.

To be young, perchance to dream

Global Inequality and More 3.0 • 951 implied HN points • 28 Dec 24
💾 History Political History
  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.

War Deja Vu

The Chris Hedges Report • 378 implied HN points • 19 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political History
  1. The same false claims used to justify the Iraq war are being revived to push for a war with Iran. It's like we're hearing the same story all over again.
  2. Many people ignore important intelligence reports that say Iran isn't a threat, instead believing exaggerated fears pushed by war supporters. These claims have been proved wrong before.
  3. The history of U.S. involvement in Iran has been one of interference and conflict. This history makes it hard for the U.S. to claim it's spreading democracy in Iran.

Some recommended links

In My Tribe • 303 implied HN points • 10 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political History
  1. The economy has many goods and services we can measure, but online activities often lack clear measurements like quantities or prices.
  2. Having a steady job can help support creative pursuits, balancing the need for financial stability with one's passion.
  3. Technology, especially in trucking, can drastically reduce costs and reshape how goods are transported, but it may also lead to job losses in the sector.

Time to talk about the Panama Canal

Material World • 886 implied HN points • 03 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political History
  1. There are long-standing historical tensions regarding control of the Panama Canal. Many believe the U.S. should still control it because of its significant contributions to building it.
  2. The original treaties around the canal were heavily influenced by American power dynamics, resulting in Panama losing much of its sovereignty at the time.
  3. There's ongoing discussion about building a canal in Nicaragua instead. This could solve some current issues with the Panama Canal, like water shortages and size restrictions for ships.
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Fragile

benn.substack • 997 implied HN points • 01 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political History
  1. Voting in America seems meaningless as no single vote has ever made a difference in a presidential election. People understand this but still feel it's important to participate.
  2. Many vote out of a sense of duty or the desire to be part of something bigger, even if they know their individual vote might not matter.
  3. The belief that our vote is important is a hopeful idea we hold onto, and it’s this belief that encourages people to participate in democracy.

The Not-So-Marvelous Mrs. Merkel

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 830 implied HN points • 12 Dec 24
🌍 World Politics Political History
  1. Angela Merkel was once seen as a strong leader for Western democracy, especially during challenging times in 2016.
  2. Despite her efforts to do what she thought was right, Merkel's time in power is now viewed as having many mistakes.
  3. Her memoir reflects on her life and leadership, but she seems to avoid acknowledging her role in the issues that arose during her chancellorship.

The Purge of the Deep State and the Road to Dictatorship

The Chris Hedges Report • 605 implied HN points • 18 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political History
  1. The Trump administration is pushing for a major shift in how the government operates, aiming to replace officials with their loyal supporters. This could lead to a situation where laws are only what the leaders say they are, weakening democracy.
  2. There are concerns about the increasing power of large corporations and technology companies, which could misuse personal data and control more aspects of government. This threatens both people's privacy and their rights.
  3. The rise of authoritarianism in leadership can lead to divisions in society, where dissenters face harsh repression. People are urged to resist this and hold onto their moral values, even if it seems difficult.

The wandering Fulani: children of the Green Sahara

Razib Khan's Unsupervised Learning • 274 implied HN points • 03 Jul 25
💾 History Political History
  1. The Fulani people are a significant ethnic group that spans across many West African countries. They share a common culture, language, and history.
  2. The Sokoto Caliphate, established by the Fulani, played a key role in expanding Islam in West Africa and strengthening Fulani influence over the region.
  3. Recent genetic studies show the Fulani have a unique population history with evidence of Eurasian ancestry, highlighting their distinct place among Sub-Saharan African peoples.

January 14, 2026

Letters from an American • 24 implied HN points • 15 Jan 26
💾 History Political History
  1. On January 14, 1784, the Confederation Congress finally ratified the Treaty of Paris, formally securing American independence after long, difficult negotiations.
  2. American negotiators exploited rivalries among European powers and negotiated terms that set the Mississippi as the western boundary, secured valuable fishing rights, and required prisoner repatriation and restitution promises.
  3. The ratification showed how weak the national government under the Articles of Confederation was, and true nation-building did not begin until the stronger federal system created by the 1788 Constitution.

January 1, 2026

Letters from an American • 29 implied HN points • 02 Jan 26
💾 History Political History
  1. The federal government took over immigration processing in the late 19th century, replacing state-run sites like Castle Garden with Ellis Island as the main entry point for millions of newcomers.
  2. U.S. policy swung between encouraging immigrants for labor (for example the 1864 Contract Labor Law) and imposing exclusions (like the Page Act and the 1882 Chinese Exclusion and Immigration Acts), showing a tension between economic needs and nativist pressures.
  3. Ellis Island used quick medical and legal inspections that detained a minority and denied even fewer, and it became closely linked with the Statue of Liberty as a powerful symbol of arrival for many immigrants.

The New Nobility: Putin and the State Security regime

kamilkazani • 432 implied HN points • 25 Jul 23
🌍 World Politics Political History
  1. Under Putin's regime, State Security has become the dominant institution, unlike in the USSR where the Party held supremacy.
  2. In the USSR, the KGB was overseen by the Party, with all KGB chiefs being political appointees.
  3. The Party held control over state institutions in the USSR, making it a model Party state.
  4. The Ottoman Empire's regime from 1908-1913 provides a historical precedent for the idea of a Party-led state.

December 6, 2025

Letters from an American • 46 implied HN points • 07 Dec 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political History
  1. World War II was fought to defend democracy against fascism, and Americans of many races and backgrounds joined the fight to protect the idea that all people are equal.
  2. Fascism rejects equality, concentrates power in dictators, and keeps control by demonizing and excluding people labeled as 'others.'
  3. Today, some leaders are eroding democratic norms and equality, but democracy still gives ordinary people the power to stand up and defend equal rights.

The Manhattan Project through the eyes of Fermi

Trevor Klee’s Newsletter • 671 implied HN points • 04 Dec 24
💾 History Political History
  1. The Manhattan Project was a huge scientific effort that led to the creation of the atomic bomb during World War II. It was a mix of exciting science and a race against time, shaped by the threat of fascism.
  2. Enrico Fermi, a key figure in this project, was a brilliant yet relatable scientist. He moved from Italy to the U.S. and played a major role in nuclear research while dealing with serious issues like escaping fascism.
  3. Fermi's work led to the first successful nuclear reactor in Chicago. He showed how smart and focused scientists could change the course of history, but his story also cautions us to think about the impact of scientific advancements.

Odds and Ends #45: Deliverism, blasphemy and selfies from space

Odds and Ends of History • 670 implied HN points • 02 Dec 24
💾 History Political History
  1. There are interesting discussions happening around transport and how it might change in the future. A live event is planned to dive deeper into this topic with an expert.
  2. Digital transformation in government is a big challenge, but there are ways to make it work better. A new newsletter is launching to explore these issues and share helpful insights.
  3. Exploring new places can be fun, and getting travel tips for nerdy activities in New Zealand is a great way to prepare. Sharing suggestions can help make the trip more exciting.

On Enjoying Election Year Halloween

Richard Hanania's Newsletter • 755 implied HN points • 31 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political History
  1. Halloween is often overlooked during election years, and it's important to still enjoy it. Taking a break from serious politics can help people relax and have fun.
  2. Political discussions can sometimes be intense and stressful, but it's good to remember that elections are just one part of the bigger picture. People should engage in debates but not take everything so seriously.
  3. There's a noticeable audience demographic that engages with politicians differently, often balancing mainstream views with personal desires. This group can significantly influence future political trends.

History, Institutions and Economics

David Friedman’s Substack • 206 implied HN points • 17 Jul 25
💾 History Political History
  1. The British navy was very successful during the Napoleonic Wars because of its unique way of rewarding officers, like giving them prize money for capturing enemy ships. This made them motivated to take risks and perform well.
  2. Promotion in the navy was not just about being good at your job; it also depended on seniority and connections. An officer's family ties could significantly influence their career path more than their skills could.
  3. Systems of patronage in the premodern era helped control military and civil positions, but they relied heavily on trust. This meant that if an appointed officer didn't perform well, it could cost them their position, reflecting a mix of personal bonds and professional responsibilities.

Battle of the Bulge Episode 6: Patton’s Army on the Move

Letters from an American • 6 implied HN points • 15 Feb 26
💾 History Political History
  1. Personal family connections to soldiers in Patton’s Third Army make the Battle of the Bulge feel immediate, and revisiting the story helps the pieces of the history fall into place.
  2. Patton’s Third Army was a decisive, mobile force whose movements around Bastogne helped shift the momentum of the Battle of the Bulge.
  3. There is real concern that recent political stances at international forums could undermine the post–World War II alliances and the safeguards meant to prevent a return to such large-scale conflicts.

Trumpomuskovia

Thinking about... • 608 implied HN points • 30 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political History
  1. History can show us patterns that help us understand our current problems. It's not about predicting the future, but recognizing familiar issues we can learn from.
  2. Four possible scenarios for America's future highlight risks like secession, increasing authoritarianism, and the influence of oligarchs. Each scenario shows how history might repeat itself in troubling ways.
  3. Inequality is a key theme in these scenarios. Any hope for improving America's situation will have to tackle issues of wealth and power differences in society.

What is Modern Scandinavian Socialism in 2025?

Erik Examines • 223 implied HN points • 25 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political History
  1. Scandinavian countries practice mixed economies, combining elements of capitalism with significant public ownership and high taxes. This means they are not purely socialist or capitalist, but something in between.
  2. Modern socialists in Scandinavia don't aim for complete government control or the end of private property. They mostly want to increase worker participation in businesses and ensure that essential services, like healthcare and education, are publicly owned.
  3. Socialism in Scandinavia isn't about making everyone earn the same, but rather reducing extreme inequality. Policies focus on fair wages and strong unions to empower workers and create a more balanced society.

Don't Deify Jimmy Carter

The Chris Hedges Report • 493 implied HN points • 30 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political History
  1. Jimmy Carter did some good work after being president, like speaking out for human rights, but during his presidency, he made many poor decisions.
  2. He supported actions that led to problems in places like Iran, Nicaragua, and Afghanistan, impacting many lives negatively.
  3. While he cared about human rights, many of his actions as president showed a lack of understanding of international issues, leading to a complicated legacy.

Poof! Trump Is Bush! Just a thief in the night.

C.O.P. Central Organizing Principle. • 18 implied HN points • 03 Jan 26
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political History
  1. US leaders are using a Bush-era 'kidnap the leader' playbook to try to remove Venezuela's president, pushing risky regime-change tactics despite broad public opposition.
  2. The United States faces serious economic and military limits — collapsing recruitment and unsustainably high borrowing costs — that make a prolonged ground invasion or occupation economically and politically ruinous.
  3. Venezuelan officials and the military still control the country’s land and air, so the U.S. move looks like a failed nighttime grab rather than a successful takeover.

28 Years Later (Odds and Ends #69)

Odds and Ends of History • 201 implied HN points • 26 Jun 25
💾 History Political History
  1. The lack of investment in energy in Britain is causing serious problems. This means that there are unexpected issues popping up all the time.
  2. Mainstream politicians in Britain are using a troubling term, 'White British,' which is raising concerns about hidden messages in their words.
  3. There are suggestions on how to improve the film '28 Years Later' and also complaints about how slowly Britain handles election paperwork.

Journey to American Democracy: The Battle of the Bulge

Letters from an American • 17 implied HN points • 10 Jan 26
💾 History Political History
  1. The head of the Eisenhower Library was forced to resign after refusing to hand over Eisenhower’s sword to President Trump, even after offering a replica.
  2. His departure led to him joining a new video series about the Battle of the Bulge, bringing military history into a project about defending democracy.
  3. The series is framed as a timely warning, linking WWII’s fight against fascism to troubling actions by the Trump administration, and aims to remind people that Americans won that fight to defend democracy.

Poland's Moral Leadership

Diane Francis • 699 implied HN points • 26 Jan 23
🌍 World Politics Political History
  1. Poland has shown strong leadership in Europe, especially in helping Ukraine against Russia. They have taken in millions of Ukrainian refugees and provided military aid.
  2. Germany and other major European countries have lagged in their response to Russian aggression, while Poland has been vocal and proactive. Poland has encouraged other nations to provide more support to Ukraine.
  3. Poland's commitment to helping Ukraine highlights a shift in moral leadership in Europe, moving from traditional powers to smaller nations like Poland and Ukraine.

The Economist on Mao

David Friedman’s Substack • 476 implied HN points • 07 Dec 24
💾 History Political History
  1. Mao Zedong is often credited for significant changes in China, but his policies caused massive suffering, including a severe famine that killed millions. It's important to look at the real consequences of his leadership, not just the positive narratives.
  2. There was a strong bias among Western intellectuals towards communism, which led to overlooking the negative impacts of Mao's rule. This shows how personal beliefs can cloud judgment about political regimes.
  3. Even reputable publications like The Economist can misjudge historical figures due to a lack of direct information. It's crucial for media to be critical and accurate, especially concerning totalitarian states.

What’s hiding in the AI doomers’ satchels?

Sex and the State • 27 implied HN points • 10 Dec 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political History
  1. People often use popular causes as cover for other goals, so fighting a big threat can be turned into an excuse for unrelated repression or power grabs.
  2. AI safety is a legitimate concern but can be treated as a ‘satchel’ for other agendas, so it’s important to check who’s promoting it and what else they want before accepting urgent policy demands.
  3. Learn the history and ask questions: understanding past misuses of popular causes and sharing what you learn helps you spot hidden motives and avoid repeating mistakes.

December 12, 2025

Letters from an American • 27 implied HN points • 13 Dec 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political History
  1. Doug Jones has launched a run for Alabama governor, leaning on his 2017 upset and his record prosecuting KKK members while stressing dignity, the rule of law, and traditional Alabama values.
  2. Tommy Tuberville and the MAGA-aligned faction promote a protectionist, white Christian "Western" identity and use harsh anti-immigrant and anti-Muslim rhetoric that traces back to long-standing racist theories.
  3. Jones ties his campaign to concrete economic and democratic concerns—farmers losing markets, rising energy costs, shrinking healthcare access, and a lack of good-paying jobs—and calls for unity beyond partisan divides to protect opportunity and democracy.

Your favourite half-British president

Wrong Side of History • 441 implied HN points • 09 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political History
  1. Donald Trump has a unique connection to Britain through his mother, making him the first president with a British parent in a long time. This connection could be beneficial for both countries.
  2. Trump has expressed admiration for British culture and history, which shows his sentimental side towards the UK. This could be a useful asset in building good diplomatic relations.
  3. His love for British sports, especially golf and football, highlights his connection to the culture. This shared interest could help strengthen ties between the US and the UK.

The 'October Surprise': Inside Carter's Grueling 1980 Iran Hostage Crisis

OLD GOATS with Jonathan Alter • 255 implied HN points • 19 Mar 23
💾 History Political History
  1. The 'October Surprise' in 1980 involved efforts by Ronald Reagan's campaign manager to delay the release of American hostages until after the election.
  2. Despite the alleged interference, the hostages were eventually negotiated for release by Jimmy Carter in late 1980 and early 1981.
  3. The October Surprise theories extended to later scandals like Iran-Contra and involved complex international dealings that were closely intertwined.

On Red-Pilling

Castalia • 279 implied HN points • 02 Aug 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political History
  1. The 'red pill' concept represents a harsh truth about power structures. It shows how governments often act in their own interest, making it hard for everyday people to see what's really happening.
  2. People debate whether human behavior is shaped more by biology or environment. This affects how we understand social interactions and the so-called 'sexual marketplace.'
  3. There's a feeling that society is struggling between old values and modern realities. We need to recognize harsh truths but also focus on being the best versions of ourselves.

Welcome to Vichy America

Unpopular Front • 313 implied HN points • 21 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political History
  1. The current state of America is compared to a Vichy regime, which is partly fascist and reflects a sense of defeat and exhaustion in democracy.
  2. This regime attracts a mix of different groups who may hide their true intentions while claiming to act in the nation's best interest.
  3. People might soon regret their support for leaders like Trump, realizing that their political choices have long-term consequences.

Is America about to fall? Or flourish?

The Novelleist • 412 implied HN points • 04 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political History
  1. Humanism focuses on logic and making gradual improvements for society, aiming for better jobs and life for everyone. It's about working together and using reason to solve problems when times are stable.
  2. Anti-humanism arises from feelings of personal instability and distrust in political systems. It leads people to prioritize their own needs over the community and seek radical changes when they feel ignored or threatened.
  3. Currently, society is leaning towards anti-humanism due to real grievances, and while logic has helped progress in the past, emotional responses are becoming more common as people seek immediate solutions.

November 25, 2025

Letters from an American • 29 implied HN points • 26 Nov 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political History
  1. Many shoppers now use boycotts and cancellations to punish companies for political moves, as seen with Tesla and Disney, turning purchases into political power.
  2. In the 1890s, educated middle‑class women leveraged their roles as consumers to push social reforms — founding settlement houses and the National Consumers League to fight child labor, unsafe food, and poor working conditions.
  3. Modern campaigns like “We Ain’t Buying It” echo that history by organizing consumers to support businesses that respect communities, immigrants, and voting rights and to pressure those that don’t.

November 26, 2025

Letters from an American • 28 implied HN points • 27 Nov 25
💾 History Political History
  1. Thanksgiving began with a 1621 harvest shared by Pilgrims and Wampanoag people, and that story was later revived in the 1800s to promote national unity.
  2. During the Civil War the holiday’s meaning shifted to acknowledge sacrifice and boost morale, with leaders and Lincoln declaring national days of Thanksgiving after key Union victories like Gettysburg and Vicksburg.
  3. Lincoln framed Thanksgiving around the nation’s founding ideals and the end of slavery, calling for a "new birth of freedom" and using the holiday to celebrate the preservation of the Union and emancipation.

America is Deeply Invested in Israel’s Success

OpenTheBooks Substack • 132 implied HN points • 18 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political History
  1. The U.S. has supported Israel with over $305 billion since 1951, mainly for defense. This shows Israel is a key ally, and this support is backed by both Republican and Democratic administrations.
  2. Most of the aid is spent on American military goods, meaning it helps the U.S. economy too. This funding is not just charity; it's strategic for both countries.
  3. There is ongoing debate about U.S. involvement in Israel and Iran, with mixed opinions on whether it leads to more conflict. It highlights the different views on American foreign policy across the political spectrum.

Managing The Powerful.

Trying to Understand the World • 6 implied HN points • 28 Jan 26
🌍 World Politics Political History
  1. A country needs a professional, independent administrative service and experienced advisers to turn leaders' decisions into reality; without that backbone, even capable leaders fail.
  2. Modern politics tends to select for ambitious, careerist, and sycophantic actors rather than people with real managerial or policy skills, which produces poor judgement, delay, and short-term thinking.
  3. The rise of TV, the internet, social media, and personalised political staffs has weakened institutions and pushed governments back toward rule by favourites and amateurs, making states less capable and more erratic.

Searching Under the Street Lamp

David Friedman’s Substack • 260 implied HN points • 27 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political History
  1. The public debates around political nominations often focus on personal scandals like drinking or infidelity, which distracts from more important issues like competence and policy.
  2. People tend to engage more with sensational stories rather than complex issues, making it hard for meaningful discussions to happen.
  3. Past controversies show a pattern where personal allegations overshadow qualifications, leading to decisions that might not truly reflect a candidate's ability to perform their job.