The hottest Political History Substack posts right now

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

The Best Book I Read All Year

Exasperated Infrastructures • 14 implied HN points • 30 Dec 25
💾 History Political History
  1. A largely forgotten inventor built a short pneumatic subway that proved tunneling under Broadway was feasible. He also ran a patent agency and used Scientific American to help launch and protect many other inventions.
  2. A small engineering project reveals how machine politics, media, and powerful figures shaped 1870s New York, with brazen corruption and political maneuvering deciding which projects succeeded or failed.
  3. The story offers modern lessons: new transit ideas need small demonstrators, media smarts, and political buy‑in, and large corruption or systemic failure can be toppled by small, unexpected discoveries or mistakes.

US launched 251 military interventions since 1991, and 469 since 1798

Geopolitical Economy Report • 378 implied HN points • 13 Sep 22
🌍 World Politics Political History
  1. The US conducted 469 military interventions since 1798, with 251 occurring after 1991.
  2. The Congressional Research Service's report classifies only 11 US interventions as formal declarations of war out of the total 469.
  3. The data excludes covert actions, special operations, and domestic deployments, reflecting conservative estimates.

Commentator

Castalia • 179 implied HN points • 13 Aug 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political History
  1. Alexei Navalny's recent writings focus on the mistakes of past democratic reforms in Russia, especially how some liberals supported election fraud in the 1990s, which contributed to the rise of autocracy under Putin.
  2. David Brooks discusses the growing divide between populist democracy and elite technocracy, suggesting that Democrats risk becoming disconnected from regular people by relying too heavily on technocratic solutions.
  3. The recent coup in Niger reflects broader geopolitical shifts, as former colonial powers like France struggle in Africa, while Russia and China are stepping in to fill the void, leading to a complex competition for influence.

Makers of Modern Strategy with Hal Brands

ChinaTalk • 266 implied HN points • 18 Nov 24
💾 History Political History
  1. The _Makers of Modern Strategy_ series is crucial for understanding statecraft and warfare through history. It covers strategies from ancient times to modern conflicts, highlighting key thinkers and ideas.
  2. The 2023 edition includes unique essays on lesser-known figures like Tecumseh and contemporary issues like the Congo wars. These essays challenge traditional views and expand our understanding of strategy.
  3. Hal Brands emphasizes the role of history in shaping effective strategy. Studying past strategies helps inform current decisions and highlights the ongoing importance of strategic thinking in today's world.
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CROSSPOST: ARCHIVES: Franklin Delano Roosevelt at the 1936 New York State Democratic Convention

Brad DeLong's Grasping Reality • 238 implied HN points • 15 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political History
  1. The Republican leaders are more focused on opposing actions than actually getting things done. They claim to support the same goals but resist the efforts to achieve them.
  2. History shows that during tough times, those in power must respond with real solutions. Neglecting issues can lead to greater unrest and challenges to government.
  3. Making promises without a clear plan can be dangerous. It’s important to face the reality of social issues instead of evading them, or we risk repeating past mistakes.

Robert F. Kennedy Jr.: A Kennedy, a Kook...a Candidate?!

Study Marry Kill • 157 implied HN points • 11 Jul 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political History
  1. Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is known for being an heir of liberal icons and for his dangerous anti-vax stance.
  2. Kennedy's candidacy for president raises questions about his controversial past, including drug-related incidents and personal life choices.
  3. While an untraditional candidate for Democrats, Kennedy resonates with the modern Republican party due to his views.

Inside the Catholic State

Wrong Side of History • 280 implied HN points • 27 Oct 24
💾 History Political History
  1. Caravaggio's life and art were heavily influenced by the religious tensions of his time, particularly the struggles between Catholicism, Protestantism, and Islam. This backdrop shaped his perspective and themes in his work.
  2. Milan during the Counter-Reformation was a strict Catholic state, ruled by figures like Carlo Borromeo, who enforced harsh religious laws. People faced severe punishments for crimes seen as against the faith.
  3. The Pope during this time, Pius IV, was known for his intolerance and refusal to consider differing opinions. His death led to violent celebrations, highlighting the public's discontent with oppressive rule.

War and Peace: horse power, progress and prosperity

Razib Khan's Unsupervised Learning • 240 implied HN points • 05 Dec 24
💾 History Political History
  1. Horses played a key role in the success of the Mongolian invasions. Genghis Khan's ability to quickly mobilize large numbers of horses allowed him to surprise and defeat his enemies.
  2. The Mongol strategy relied on their horses for speed and endurance, which made long-distance raids and rapid attacks possible. This mobility changed how wars were fought.
  3. Horseback riding also enabled nomadic societies to effectively gather and transport resources needed for war. It gave them an advantage over foot soldiers in battles.

HOISTED FROM THE ARCHIVES: Why There Are No Enduring Relevant Attractive Conservatives

Brad DeLong's Grasping Reality • 15 implied HN points • 08 Dec 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political History
  1. Conservative ideas often fail to remain broadly attractive and relevant over time.
  2. Socially conservative writers who take anti-LGBTQ positions struggle to get younger people to listen, which weakens their influence.
  3. Predictions that such conservative thinkers would lose traction have been borne out as audience attitudes changed.

Self Re-Introduction – 2024 Edition

Interconnected • 231 implied HN points • 11 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political History
  1. The writer has changed careers multiple times, starting in politics and then moving to tech and investing. This shows that it's possible to reinvent yourself and follow new passions.
  2. The newsletter covers important topics where technology, business, and geopolitics meet. It's a space for learning about how these areas influence each other.
  3. Becoming a premium member of the newsletter provides extra benefits, like in-depth investment analysis and personalized discussions. This can help readers gain more insights and connect with the writer.

Updating the Constitution

God's Spies by Thomas Neuburger • 110 implied HN points • 20 May 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political History
  1. The U.S. Constitution has flaws that let a small number of people hold a lot of power. This can affect how fair and representative the government is for everyone.
  2. Various groups have changed the Constitution over the years, impacting democracy and people's rights. This includes influences from security measures, economic policies, and executive powers.
  3. There’s a push to make the unofficial changes to the Constitution official. This could lead to big shifts in how laws are applied or understood in the country.

How Closely Does the Classical Populism of the Tyrannoi Rhyme with Contemporary Populist "Demagoguery" Anyway?

Brad DeLong's Grasping Reality • 253 implied HN points • 03 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political History
  1. Populism has a history of connecting leaders with the people's needs. Unlike some modern populists, historical figures often focused on clear policy goals that aimed to help the public.
  2. Modern political movements sometimes rely more on fear and division rather than serving the public's needs. This shift can lead to leaders who promise protection without actual improvement in people's lives.
  3. The way people view historical figures like Andrew Jackson can change based on the context of their actions, showing that understanding history requires looking at both policies and motivations.

The Zohran Mamdani Machine

Political Currents by Ross Barkan • 13 implied HN points • 16 Dec 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political History
  1. Huey Long shows how a charismatic, mid-30s populist can overthrow entrenched elites and quickly deliver massive public works, schools, hospitals, and programs for the poor. He combined mass popularity with savvy use of media, patronage, and state power to get things done.
  2. Long’s record mixes real material gains with strongman tactics — intimidation, control of the press, patronage, and alleged fraud — which is why historians warn about demagoguery even as they acknowledge his achievements.
  3. Zohran Mamdani arrives with a rare mass base and has tried a coalition-building, accommodationist approach with elites, but to realize big social-democratic reforms he may eventually need to wield both carrots and sticks while operating within the limits of mayoral and state power.

When the Clock Broke

Comment is Freed • 85 implied HN points • 09 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political History
  1. The 1992 election marked a turning point in American politics, showing early signs of the divisive tactics that would become prominent in later years, especially under Trump. Candidates like Pat Buchanan and Ross Perot tapped into a combo of anti-establishment sentiment and hard-right ideas.
  2. There are intriguing connections between past political figures like Ross Perot and current players like Elon Musk, especially in how they portray themselves as outsiders while being reliant on state support. Their approach tends to overlook traditional political structures.
  3. To move forward, political leaders need to craft new solutions that resonate with the public. The focus should be on building a more inclusive political vision, rather than just responding to crises and defending the status quo.

The Modernity Machine

Breaking Smart • 161 implied HN points • 26 Jan 25
💾 History Political History
  1. Modernity may have started in the 13th century instead of the 16th, linked to global shifts in culture and politics rather than just Western advances.
  2. Technological changes affected societies worldwide, creating different modern experiences that aren't just Western but globally diverse.
  3. The relationships between classes, like monarchs and workers, have changed over centuries toward more equality, suggesting that trends towards decentralization and empowerment will continue.

MAGA has Built a Castle of Lies, But it is Grounded on Two Truths

Phillips’s Newsletter • 170 implied HN points • 08 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political History
  1. Presidents in the US have been increasingly cashing in on their positions over the last 50 years. It's become normal for them to make money after leaving office.
  2. Both major political parties have shared a troubling trend where past presidents and their families make large sums of money, often without clear expertise.
  3. Trump's approach amplifies and exaggerates a long-standing issue in politics, not something entirely new. It's about making an existing problem much more visible and lucrative.

CROSSPOST: BRET DEVEREAUX: Once You Imagine Aleksander the Great’s Victims as People…

Brad DeLong's Grasping Reality • 7 implied HN points • 02 Jan 26
💾 History Political History
  1. If you imagine Alexander’s victims as real people, it becomes much harder to call him 'great' because modern historians emphasize his unprovoked wars, massacres, and the human cost of conquest.
  2. There’s a heated debate about teaching 'Western civilization' today: some defend a traditional canon while others say the term is outdated and often used by white supremacists, so alternatives like the 'Dover Circle' are proposed.
  3. Praise for ancient conquerors has political consequences now, with some right-wing figures celebrating them and critics warning that such endorsements can feed neofascist or extremist appropriations of classical history.

'The Most Disgraceful Campaign in American History'

Nonzero Newsletter • 225 implied HN points • 08 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political History
  1. The time machine feature looks back at past conversations to provide insight into American culture and politics. It's a fun way to connect the past with today's issues.
  2. The discussion highlights how ideas of what is 'disgraceful' in politics have changed over time. What was seen as bad behavior in the past might not seem as shocking now.
  3. McCain's 2008 campaign faced backlash for misleading ads, showing how important honesty is in politics. The criticism he faced then is part of why we expect more transparency from politicians today.

In latest effort to keep AfD out of government and save German democracy, ex-Stasi officer is appointed to a cabinet minister post in Thüringen

eugyppius: a plague chronicle • 170 implied HN points • 17 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political History
  1. A new government in Thüringen called the 'blackberry coalition' was formed to keep the AfD party out of power. This coalition includes very different parties working together for a common goal.
  2. The appointment of Tilo Kummer, a former Stasi officer, as a cabinet minister is a notable change. This is the first time a person with such a background has held a government position in Germany.
  3. The political situation is tense, with many people raising concerns about the compromises made to prevent the AfD from ruling, even if it means working with parties they previously disagreed with.

Random Musings

Fisted by Foucault • 180 implied HN points • 28 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political History
  1. Communism and fascism aren't real threats in the West today. The political landscape has changed so much that old labels don't fit anymore.
  2. People in the West still strongly value individual rights and liberalism, regardless of what they call their political beliefs. This makes extreme movements less likely to gain ground.
  3. European bureaucracy is stifling innovation and could lead to economic decline. There's a concern that Europe might stagnate if things don't change.

The Jerk Store Called...

Unpopular Front • 146 implied HN points • 10 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political History
  1. The writer feels that the other person's critiques show a consistent pattern of viewing the world in terms of superficial character judgments. They argue this perspective is overly harsh and lacking depth.
  2. There is a belief that John’s January 6th piece was not his best work, and while he acknowledges that criticism is valid, he insists that its serious implications are often overlooked.
  3. The writer expresses disappointment in the response to January 6th, feeling there was a missed opportunity for a strong public defense of democracy that could have led to meaningful reforms.

Life in The Age of Moral Panics

OK Doomer • 129 implied HN points • 12 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political History
  1. Moral panics often happen in society, where people blame others for their problems. This can lead to targeting vulnerable groups instead of addressing real issues.
  2. History shows that powerful people use scapegoats to distract the public from bigger problems. This tactic has been around for a long time, similar to the witch hunts in the past.
  3. The patterns of moral panic are still present today, and they show that society hasn't really changed. Instead of learning from history, we seem to repeat the same mistakes.

Allied Scale and the Future of the West

European Straits • 14 implied HN points • 16 Nov 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political History
  1. The West needs better coordination between the US and Europe to strengthen their combined power. It's not just about having resources; it's about how well they work together.
  2. The Russia-Ukraine war shows that winning wars relies on strong alliances and manufacturing capacity. Good partnerships can help endure longer conflicts more effectively.
  3. After World War II, NATO and the European project helped turn Europe's available resources into real power. They fostered cooperation and stability that made the region stronger.

Alexander Hamilton Did too Believe in "Industrial Policy"!!

Brad DeLong's Grasping Reality • 176 implied HN points • 06 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political History
  1. Alexander Hamilton supported the idea of using government policies to help grow local industries. He believed that controlling foreign competition can actually help American goods become cheaper over time.
  2. Hamilton thought that while tariffs might raise prices temporarily, they could lead to long-term benefits for domestic manufacturers and even help farmers by making goods more affordable.
  3. Critics of Hamilton miss the point that he advocated for state involvement in the economy to promote national growth, which is a form of planned economic strategy.

Who is Sovereignty For?

I Might Be Wrong • 5 implied HN points • 14 Jan 26
🌍 World Politics Political History
  1. Sovereignty means each state controls its own affairs and outsiders are expected not to interfere. That idea helped stop religious wars by allowing different beliefs to coexist under their own rules.
  2. Sovereignty can shield authoritarian rulers from outside intervention, creating a dilemma when citizens try to overthrow abusive regimes. Recent uprisings highlight the tension between popular demands for change and the norm of noninterference.
  3. Making sovereignty absolute reduced religiously motivated massacres but shifted conflict toward competition over territory and resources. In short, sovereignty brings order but can also legitimize bad governments and new forms of violence.

"Civic Friendship": The Baseline Requirement for Democracy, & Incompatible with the Financial Flows Underpinning the Republican Ecology

Brad DeLong's Grasping Reality • 484 implied HN points • 25 Sep 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political History
  1. Democracies survive with civic friendship, treating each other as companions and helpers.
  2. Republicans have followed a path of arousing fear and scorn to win, breaking the civic bargain.
  3. Neoliberal policies following the Reagan Revolution failed, leading to societal and economic decline.

The Counterrevolution

KERFUFFLE • 155 implied HN points • 07 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political History
  1. The American left has weakened significantly over the years, losing its voice and influence in politics. This has left many people without a true leftist movement to turn to.
  2. The rise of the so-called 'woke left' focused more on identity issues rather than traditional class politics, which diluted the message of the left and was supported by the Democratic Party.
  3. The terms 'left' and 'right' in politics no longer make sense and can confuse discussions about current issues. There's a call for new ways to think about politics beyond these outdated labels.

Why Does Trump Like William McKinley So Much?

Michael Tracey • 111 implied HN points • 31 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political History
  1. Donald Trump praised William McKinley during his inauguration, highlighting McKinley's leadership in the Spanish-American War and economic growth. This shows how Trump may want to connect his presidency with historical figures who embraced expansionism.
  2. McKinley's decision to conquer the Philippines went against previous U.S. foreign policy, leading to a controversial war. The conflict raised questions about America's role in imperialism and its impact on other nations.
  3. Trump's reinstatement of the name 'Mount McKinley' reflects his administration's desire to signal a certain policy direction, often aligning with expansionist historical figures, despite local opposition in Alaska.

The great RFK Jr. bamboozle of 2024: a brief history

Michael Tracey • 164 implied HN points • 20 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political History
  1. RFK Jr. initially launched an Independent campaign to challenge the two-party system, gaining significant public support. But he later endorsed Trump, which confused many supporters who thought he was against that very system.
  2. His withdrawal from the race and endorsement of Trump hurt the minor parties that had backed him, with some feeling they had been misled. They believed he would empower Third Parties, but his actions ended up weakening them.
  3. Despite claiming to stand against the political establishment, RFK Jr.'s actions seemed to reinforce the existing power dynamics instead. Many critics feel he used his famous name for personal gain rather than genuine political change.

Requiem For The West

The Weekly Dish • 93 implied HN points • 21 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political History
  1. Trump and Vance have a significant impact on global freedom. Their actions may threaten democratic values.
  2. The discussion reflects concerns about the direction of Western policies and leadership. Many people are worried about the stability of these values.
  3. The piece suggests that current events could lead to a decline in the West's influence in the world. There's a feeling that this could be a turning point.

Returning to Origins

Unpopular Front • 103 implied HN points • 23 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political History
  1. The idea of endless expansion is central to certain political and economic beliefs. It suggests that growth is the ultimate goal, often seen in capitalist thinking.
  2. Many thinkers, like Arendt, have been quoted and referenced without fully understanding their ideas. This results in misinterpretations of their work and less meaningful conversations about important issues.
  3. The current alliance between different societal groups, like tech-oligarchs and the mob, shows a shared mindset that prioritizes power and accumulation, often at the expense of ethical considerations.

On Andrew Cuomo's final humiliation

Unreported Truths • 48 implied HN points • 25 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political History
  1. Andrew Cuomo, once celebrated for his leadership during the COVID pandemic, faced a humiliating political defeat. He lost the Democratic primary for mayor of New York City after a series of scandals.
  2. Cuomo's behavior while in office, including allegations of harassment, tarnished his reputation. What once made him a hero turned him into just another questionable politician in the eyes of voters.
  3. The recent election results suggest that voters want to move on from the COVID panic and the decisions made during that time. Cuomo's loss indicates a shift in how people view leaders and their actions during the pandemic.

"Jimmy Carter's Jewish Problem"

Michael Tracey • 106 implied HN points • 15 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political History
  1. Jimmy Carter faced backlash for his book 'Palestine: Peace Not Apartheid,' with critics accusing him of anti-Semitism without strong evidence from the book itself. Many of his statements seem more accepted today than they were in 2006.
  2. Carter's presidency was marked by efforts to achieve peace between Israel and Egypt, but many felt he didn't do enough for Palestinian self-determination during his time in office.
  3. After leaving office, Carter engaged in significant diplomatic work in the Israel-Palestine conflict, often acting as a mediator and seeking peace, which contrasted with some aspects of his presidency.

Klu Klux Kountry

Diane Francis • 519 implied HN points • 09 Sep 21
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political History
  1. America has a complicated history that includes elements of racism and authoritarianism. This has been part of the country's identity since its founding and continues to influence politics today.
  2. The Republican Party has shifted away from its original values and now carries ideas similar to those of the Klu Klux Klan. This includes promoting a culture of discrimination and a longing for a past that favored their interests.
  3. There is a growing concern that democracy in America is under threat from factions that are using distorted political practices. Many believe that if these groups gain more power, they could dismantle important rights and freedoms.

August 23, 2025

Letters from an American • 26 implied HN points • 24 Aug 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political History
  1. The Republican Party has shifted from supporting free market principles to endorsing government control over businesses, as seen in the recent takeover of a portion of Intel.
  2. The rise of Movement Conservatism has transformed the party, with a focus on dismantling government regulations and promoting a racially and socially divisive agenda.
  3. Trump's actions reflect a departure from traditional conservatism, leveraging state power in ways that some liken to fascism, abandoning earlier principles in favor of authoritarian tactics.

It's not easy from here

Gray Mirror • 112 implied HN points • 02 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political History
  1. Focusing on the wrong targets can lead to wasted effort. It's important to identify and direct energy towards the right problems instead of getting distracted by less significant issues.
  2. Political systems can change, but restoring the past often ignores the unique challenges of today. Acknowledging how history shapes our current situation is key to moving forward.
  3. There's a need to rethink how power is used in government. Rather than trying to go back to what worked before, it might be better to find new solutions that fit our current realities.

August 20, 2025

Letters from an American • 26 implied HN points • 21 Aug 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political History
  1. The opposition to Black voting after the Civil War came from those who wanted to maintain control and power over the government, pushing back against federal laws protecting voting rights.
  2. The narrative from some Republicans has shifted over the years from just opposing Democrats' policies to claiming that Democrats are socialists who shouldn't be allowed to govern, leading to tactics that undermine democracy.
  3. Trump's rhetoric minimizes the history of slavery and promotes a system where the voices of women and minorities are diminished, echoing past arguments against Black voting during Reconstruction.

Who agrees with Liz Cheney?

Michael Tracey • 120 implied HN points • 31 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political History
  1. Kamala Harris and Liz Cheney are aligning their political views, suggesting they share common ground on some issues, particularly regarding foreign policy. This connection raises questions about their past political differences.
  2. Liz Cheney's history shows that she was supportive of many Trump policies while in Congress, especially regarding foreign affairs. This past support contrasts sharply with her current criticism of him.
  3. Despite their disagreements, Trump and Cheney may both favor keeping a strong military presence in Afghanistan, indicating a surprising overlap in their views during the 2024 campaign.

WEEKLY BRIEFLY NOTED for 2024-11-02 Sa

Brad DeLong's Grasping Reality • 115 implied HN points • 02 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political History
  1. Global warming is a serious threat, especially for poorer countries like those in sub-Saharan Africa that lack resources to adapt.
  2. Decarbonization efforts in the Global North have been noticeable over the past generation, helping to address climate change.
  3. Passive investing might seem easy, but it actually leads to big market shifts as people try to track indexes, which can complicate real price discovery.