The hottest Political theory Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
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Top Philosophy Topics

Important Announcements

The Upheaval • 1952 implied HN points • 14 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government Policy International relations Political theory Public Administration
  1. A book titled 'Control: The Global Rise and Coming Fall of Managerial Tyranny' is coming soon. It will be an expanded version of previous work on managerialism.
  2. The Substack will be paused indefinitely while the author takes a senior policy role at the State Department. Subscription payments are frozen, but the content will remain accessible.
  3. The author feels it's important to take action in today's world rather than just discuss issues. They hope to return to writing in the future.

Very Weird Ideas About What It Means to Respect Someone's Political Project

Freddie deBoer • 5754 implied HN points • 24 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Social justice Identity politics Political theory Activism Cultural Commentary
  1. The term 'woke' often means caring about other people, but some feel this definition flattens complex ideas about social justice. It can sound condescending when simplified.
  2. Many people work hard to understand and advocate for social justice, and their efforts deserve more respect than just being labeled as 'nice.'
  3. Using praise that oversimplifies someone's political values can be frustrating for those deeply invested in their beliefs, making it feel dismissive rather than supportive.

‘Listen to the Science’: A 75-Year-Old Warning About the Phrase

The Take (by Jon Miltimore) • 138 implied HN points • 02 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political theory Public Policy Environmental Policy Ethics Health Policy
  1. When people say 'listen to the science,' they often mean 'listen to our plans.' Science can inform us, but it doesn't dictate what we should do.
  2. The economist Ludwig von Mises pointed out that science can't tell us what actions to take; it can only explain what is happening.
  3. Many debates around issues like climate change and COVID-19 are less about science and more about ethical choices, showing that not every problem has a simple scientific solution.

What I'm Reading

In My Tribe • 531 implied HN points • 16 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political theory Conservatism Literature Trumpism
  1. The book 'Furious Minds' explores the MAGA New Right and profiles various scholars who support Donald Trump. It highlights how these figures have gained influence in conservative circles.
  2. The author categorizes these scholars into three groups: Postliberals, Claremonters, and National Conservatives, each with unique reasons for supporting Trump. They have different views on markets and governance.
  3. There's a noticeable lack of prominent conservative voices in academia outside of specific institutions, which may make the conservative community appear more like a tight-knit group. This raises challenges for conservative thinkers.

Trump’s Foreign Policy Revolution

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 885 implied HN points • 24 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy Government Elections International relations Political theory
  1. Trump's foreign policy is focused on protecting American interests first, breaking from past approaches. This means less commitment to global issues that don't directly benefit the U.S.
  2. The idea of a global order that America used to support has started to be seen as a problem by some leaders. There's a belief that following this order has led to issues like a border crisis and rising competition from China.
  3. Trump's administration has made bold moves, such as rethinking trade agreements and engaging directly with countries like Russia. This signals a big shift in how the U.S. interacts on the world stage.
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Slides for Tomorrow's (2025-02-24 Mo) "American Exceptionalism" American Economic History Lecture

Brad DeLong's Grasping Reality • 146 implied HN points • 23 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Economic History Political theory Industrialization Immigration Policy
  1. The U.S. had the potential to become a primary product exporter like Australia and Argentina due to its abundance of natural resources and land. However, historical choices led to a different path of industrialization instead.
  2. The U.S. chose to focus on manufacturing, education, and infrastructure, thanks to policies from figures like Alexander Hamilton. These choices helped build a strong economy that could sustain growth and innovation.
  3. Specializing in primary products can be risky as it makes economies vulnerable to price changes and global demand shifts. The U.S. avoided these traps by diversifying into industrialization, which created a more robust and resilient economy.

My Kind of Conservatism

Justin E. H. Smith's Hinternet • 3075 implied HN points • 16 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political theory Cultural critique Conservatism Progressivism Social media
  1. Politics today is heavily influenced by the voices and actions of young people online. Social media has shifted how we engage with culture and politics.
  2. There's a loss of hope for a return to traditional norms in politics. The current political landscape is driven more by tech influence than by the values of liberal democracy.
  3. Being a true conservative today means having a respect for the past and a sense of loss about changes happening in society. It's about nurturing values rather than obsessing over power.

Requiem For The West

The Weekly Dish • 93 implied HN points • 21 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Policy Governance Political theory 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.

An Introduction to the Problem of Authority

Fake Noûs • 289 implied HN points • 22 Feb 25
📖 Philosophy Political theory Libertarianism Authority Social contract Democracy
  1. Political authority means the government has power over people, but there isn't a solid reason why they should have that power. We question if anyone should truly rule over others.
  2. Common ideas, like the social contract or democracy, are often debated and criticized. Many believe that just because a majority votes for something, it doesn't make it right, especially if it harms a minority.
  3. The recognition of personal rights and the belief that the government shouldn't have special rules for itself leads many to a more libertarian view, promoting the idea that individuals should be free from unjust coercion.

The Dilemmas of Democracy

The Honest Broker Newsletter • 1717 implied HN points • 17 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Democracy Governance Constitution Political theory Executive Power
  1. Democracy relies on a mix of regular people and experts working together. Everyone is a bit ignorant, but collaboration can help us make better decisions.
  2. Respecting the Constitution is key for effective governance and means no one group gets everything they want. Compromise and understanding are essential in a democracy.
  3. How leaders respond to challenges today will affect the future of governance. They need to be responsible and committed to including everyone in the decision-making process.

From Flatland to Reality: Escaping the Political Pendulum

The Corbett Report • 6 implied HN points • 23 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Populism Authoritarianism Political theory Political Movements Globalism
  1. People often think they can solve problems by switching from left to right in politics, but they often end up in the same spot. It's like two ants walking in opposite directions on a loop, thinking they are getting away from each other.
  2. The political system is designed to keep us distracted by left versus right arguments instead of looking at the bigger issue of increasing authoritarianism. This makes it hard for people to realize they are being led toward the same outcome regardless of which side they support.
  3. To truly make change, we need to focus on the underlying issues of power and control rather than just swapping one authoritarian leader for another. It's important to address the larger concept of freedom versus control.

The Prophet of Trump’s Second Term

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 3399 implied HN points • 11 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political theory Populism Foreign Policy Bureaucracy Administrative state
  1. Angelo Codevilla introduced important ideas about a 'ruling class' in America, suggesting that this group has too much power and operates against ordinary citizens. His thoughts on this have changed the way people talk about politics today.
  2. Codevilla's influence can be seen in many government changes during Trump's administration, including shifts in foreign policy and reductions in federal positions. His students and followers are now in key roles, actively working on his ideas.
  3. Key political phrases like 'Deep State' and 'administrative state' originated from Codevilla. These terms have shaped how many people understand and discuss the current political landscape.

The education of a DOGE brownshirt; Class Struggle, Elite Theory, and "Socialisms of Fools"

Unpopular Front • 63 implied HN points • 16 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political theory Class Struggle Media influence Radicalization
  1. The experience of political awakening can start from negative feelings about elite groups or government actions, often leading some individuals to adopt extreme ideologies. It's important to understand how these perspectives develop from personal experiences and societal influences.
  2. Antisemitism and other forms of racism often come from a structural viewpoint, portraying certain groups as controlling society for their benefit. This view isn't just about individual prejudice, but rather a deeper ideological belief that can be dangerous.
  3. The relationship between libertarian and fascist attacks on the liberal state showcases how these movements may share similar goals, focusing on dismantling perceived corruption while maintaining existing wealth and power structures.

Chartbook 350: Bullying as a mode of power

Chartbook • 2288 implied HN points • 07 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Bullying Power Dynamics Political theory Trump presidency
  1. Bullying is a distinct form of power that aims to humiliate, not just control. It's more about inflicting hurt than achieving specific goals.
  2. Bullying often comes from those who feel powerless or who are taking pleasure in hurting others. It lacks a clear purpose and can escalate wildly.
  3. It's a social act that depends on having victims and followers. However, it is irresponsible and often leaves people feeling anxious and drained.

On Tyranny free resources

Thinking about... • 854 implied HN points • 08 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political theory Social justice Civic engagement Education
  1. You can access free cards and posters that summarize lessons from 'On Tyranny'. You can print these resources and share them easily!
  2. The author encourages people to share the lessons freely, whether digitally or in person. It's important to spread knowledge about resistance and politics.
  3. There are also messages available for sharing on social media, promoting the lessons and their relevance for both individuals and educators.

Fascism lives in the house capitalism built

Quid Amo • 857 implied HN points • 24 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political theory Historical Analysis
  1. Fascism is not a fixed idea; it changes over time. Understanding it requires looking at its history and how it adapts to new contexts.
  2. Fascism thrives in moments of crisis and often uses nostalgia to rally support. This means it can appeal to people's feelings about the past to gain power.
  3. Fascism isn't just something separate from capitalism; it's closely linked to it. It can be seen as a reaction to the flaws within capitalist societies, showing that both ideas can coexist.

Is Curtis Yarvin 'influential'?

Read Max • 6033 implied HN points • 23 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Right-wing Influence Political theory Media Ideology
  1. Curtis Yarvin, also known as Mencius Moldbug, shares controversial right-wing ideas about government and power. His thoughts are sometimes seen as extreme, but they're based on older conservative beliefs.
  2. While some powerful figures like Peter Thiel reference Yarvin, his actual influence on politics might be overstated. Many believe he provides justification for existing power rather than directly steering political actions.
  3. Yarvin himself downplays his importance, suggesting that any influence he has works through lower-level staff and thinkers rather than powerful leaders directly adopting his ideas.

Tolstoy On Disagreement

The Ruffian • 264 implied HN points • 26 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Argumentation Political theory Literature Philosophy
  1. People often argue about politics without realizing they value different things. Understanding what others care about can help resolve disagreements.
  2. When discussing, it's helpful to express what you truly love or believe. This can lead to surprising agreement and reduce pointless arguments.
  3. Tolstoy highlights that many arguments are similar to digging up the same truth. Acknowledging shared values can make discussions more productive.

Thankfully, Some Things Never Change

TK News by Matt Taibbi • 18283 implied HN points • 24 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political theory Public Opinion Cultural History Media influence Social Change
  1. The world has faced a lot of crazy changes recently, but some things remain the same, like the joy of kids during the holidays and the laughs we share. These simple joys can help ground us during difficult times.
  2. There has been a shift in how quickly ideas and beliefs spread, often due to influential figures. This rapid change has sometimes made it hard to hold on to what we once believed.
  3. Despite the challenges of recent years, there's a sense of relief that things are starting to feel normal again, allowing us to enjoy life without the confusion of contradicting truths.

Musk's Hyper-McCarthyism

Unpopular Front • 110 implied HN points • 14 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political theory Ideology Populism Media influence
  1. Some believe that the actions of Musk and Trump are part of a larger plan connected to old ideological beliefs. Even if it seems chaotic, there might be a deeper reason behind their strategies.
  2. The attacks on government and its officials are seen as part of a larger goal to undermine social democratic values, similar to past political movements. This is not just about individual actions, but about changing the system itself.
  3. Musk is using social media as a way to gather support and spread his ideas, much like past leaders used their platforms. It's important for media and society to recognize this and not validate actions that have harmful intent.

How MAGA Won the ‘Sensitive Young Man’

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 3097 implied HN points • 01 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political theory Trumpism Voter Demographics Cultural influence Political History
  1. Trump's appeal to younger male voters goes beyond politics; it's about connecting on a human level. Many young men feel that Trump represents their experiences and views.
  2. Even though Trump doesn't have a clear ideological stance, his rise sparked new energy in right-wing intellectual circles. This has encouraged a younger generation to engage with politics in a way they hadn't before.
  3. For many young people today, Trump is a symbol of a political identity they've only known, rather than just a fleeting disruptor in politics. He represents a shift in how they view themselves in relation to political movements.

What Socrates Can Teach Marxists about Justice

The Take (by Jon Miltimore) • 257 implied HN points • 27 Oct 24
📖 Philosophy Ethics Political theory Justice Critical Theory
  1. Justice can be seen as just the interest of those in power, but this idea is challenged by the belief in natural law, which says that rights come from a higher authority and are not just human-made rules.
  2. The belief that justice is defined by who has power, like that of Karl Marx, contrasts sharply with the view that justice is linked to truth and moral principles.
  3. Understanding what someone thinks about justice can reveal a lot about their political ideas, like whether they believe in equality under the law or that power should dictate what is just.

Why Are Some Of Our Most Successful Leaders Mentally Ill?

The Ruffian • 510 implied HN points • 22 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Leadership Psychology Economics Political theory Mental health
  1. Some successful leaders, like Javier Milei and Elon Musk, show traits that could be seen as mentally ill or eccentric. This often helps them think outside the box and act decisively, even in the face of criticism.
  2. Having a lack of empathy can sometimes be a strength in leadership. When leaders don't try to please everyone, they can take bold actions that others may avoid.
  3. While unconventional behavior can lead to positive change, not all 'crazy' actions are beneficial. Sometimes it's just madness without any deeper logic.

Objectivism

David Friedman’s Substack • 206 implied HN points • 26 Feb 25
📖 Philosophy Ethics Political theory Debate Anarchism
  1. Ayn Rand's idea of acting in your rational self-interest doesn't mean you should always respect others' rights. Sometimes, acting in your interest might involve violating those rights, but it's best to do so wisely.
  2. An Objectivist government, which would need to fund services like defense, struggles with the idea of collecting taxes without violating its own principles since taxation is seen as initiation of force.
  3. The conversation suggests that accepting some rights violations might be reasonable for the sake of a limited government, but there's a debate on whether a stateless society is actually a better solution.

The Empire Self-Destructs

The Chris Hedges Report • 960 implied HN points • 07 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political theory Corruption Foreign Policy Civil Liberties State power
  1. Empires often collapse due to internal problems like corruption, poor decisions, and failed policies. When this happens, their power and influence break down too.
  2. Some leaders and groups are pushing for a more extreme and Christian-based government, which threatens the democratic and diverse values of society.
  3. The way the U.S. gives foreign aid is often harmful and designed to control other countries, leading to more inequality at home and abroad.

She Stood Up for the Truth. Then the UN Fired Her.

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 1678 implied HN points • 03 Feb 25
🌍 World Politics International relations Political theory Human Rights Geopolitics Conflict Studies
  1. Alice Nderitu was a UN adviser on genocide prevention but lost her job for not calling Israel's actions against Hamas genocide. Her situation has raised concerns about political pressure within the UN.
  2. Some view Nderitu's dismissal as part of a larger issue of bias against Israel in UN discussions. A recent article praised her for not bending to political agendas.
  3. Nderitu spoke out after attending a memorial for Holocaust victims, connecting her experience to historical injustices and the importance of speaking the truth.

The Crisis of Modernity and Liberalism, with the Fourth Political Theory and Eurasianism as the Solution

Glenn’s Substack • 619 implied HN points • 26 Sep 24
📖 Philosophy Political theory Modernity Liberalism Critical Theory
  1. Modernity and liberalism are criticized for focusing too much on individualism and reason, which Dugin believes disconnects people from their cultural and spiritual roots. He wants to emphasize collective identities, traditions, and faith.
  2. Dugin proposes a 'fourth political theory' as a new way of thinking about politics that values family, religion, and humanity's deeper nature. He argues it's a response to the limitations of existing ideologies like liberalism, fascism, and communism.
  3. Eurasianism is seen as a way for different civilizations to work together while appreciating their unique identities. Dugin believes this approach can create better international relations and is a chance for a new global understanding as Western dominance fades.

Bat Shit Insane Religious Fanaticism Is A Requirement For US Empire Managers

Caitlin’s Newsletter • 3036 implied HN points • 22 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy Political Commentary Political theory Social Issues Religious Influence
  1. Religious fanaticism often seems required for people in power, especially in U.S. foreign policy. It's strange how those with extreme beliefs can run a country, while ordinary people might be seen as unfit.
  2. Many organizations claim to fight against antisemitism but sometimes focus more on protecting specific political interests. This raises questions about their true motives and effectiveness.
  3. International laws appear to be ignored by powerful countries when it comes to holding them accountable. This leads to a world where the strong set the rules and justice for everyone else is hard to find.

Right-Wing Intellectuals under Trump, Andrew Jackson and MAGA, "Ethnic Niches" and More

Richard Hanania's Newsletter • 1462 implied HN points • 21 May 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political theory Intellectuals Trump Era Populism Activism
  1. Different intellectuals have different roles in the political landscape. Some focus on specific issues and work within the current system to make a difference.
  2. It's okay for intellectuals to express discontent at times. Everyone has their own style when it comes to speaking out against things they believe are wrong.
  3. Having a strong sense of integrity can lead people to voice their opinions more openly. Some find it hard to stay quiet about issues that frustrate them.

The Personalist Presidency

Can We Still Govern? • 172 implied HN points • 18 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political theory Government Power Election Dynamics Political Behavior Civil Service
  1. The 'personalist presidency' emphasizes loyalty to one leader more than established rules or policies. This means that appointments and governance often depend on who is loyal rather than who is most qualified.
  2. Governance by fear is a new tactic that uses threats and conspiratorial messaging to intimidate public officials. This environment discourages dissent and makes it harder for them to do their jobs.
  3. There is a trend toward weakening traditional civil service protections, allowing more political appointees and less experienced individuals to take on critical roles. This change can lead to instability and inefficiency in government.

Fine Woke Cannibals

TK News by Matt Taibbi • 8966 implied HN points • 14 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political theory Society Academia Public Policy Ideology
  1. The term 'symbolic capitalists' describes professionals who focus on ideas and narratives rather than physical labor. This group spans various fields like education, media, and consulting.
  2. The book examines modern politics, claiming that recent conflicts were more about upper-class struggles rather than genuine ideological fights. It suggests that both sides misunderstood each other's motivations.
  3. The author reflects on his role in promoting 'woke' movements, showing how political actions often come from a desire for social status rather than true concern for people on the ground.

Government for Dummies

News from Uncibal • 934 implied HN points • 11 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political theory Public Policy Political Philosophy
  1. Modern politicians often lack deep understanding and experience, leading to a government focused on following simple recipes instead of thoughtful decision-making.
  2. There's a difference between technical knowledge and practical knowledge; good governance requires wisdom that comes from real experience, not just following rules.
  3. If the electorate grows frustrated with inadequate leaders, they might take matters into their own hands, which could lead to serious political unrest.

welp

Freddie deBoer • 14851 implied HN points • 06 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Parties Political theory Voting Rights Campaign Strategy
  1. People are frustrated with the Democrats because they can't form a strong winning team. This makes it hard to have a good opposition party against the Republicans.
  2. Losing elections isn't just about blaming certain individuals or outside forces. It’s important for the party to look at its own problems and fix them.
  3. Even when things seem bad for the Democrats, there’s always hope for improvement. It’s essential to understand what’s wrong and work on solutions.

A German Political Primer Ahead of Tomorrow's Elections

eugyppius: a plague chronicle • 237 implied HN points • 22 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Political parties Political Systems Governance Political theory
  1. Germany has a complex party system with traditional parties like CDU/CSU and SPD facing challenges as new parties like AfD and Die Linke gain prominence. Understanding these dynamics helps explain current political tensions.
  2. The CDU/CSU and SPD have historically dominated German politics, but both are in decline now, with the AfD making significant gains by attracting discontented voters from these parties.
  3. The political landscape in Germany is shifting, with a growing divide between traditional parties and newcomers, which could lead to significant changes in governance if the current system can't adapt.

The Good News is Fascists Always Fail

JoeWrote • 118 implied HN points • 25 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political theory Political Movements Election Analysis Public Opinion Policy Impact
  1. Fascism is a reactionary ideology that often seeks to return to a past that never really existed. This means it usually fails because it can't truly solve today's problems.
  2. Politicians like Trump might get attention by blaming others for issues, but they struggle to deliver real solutions once in power. Their promises often lead to disappointment among supporters.
  3. Despite the fear around fascist movements, they can ultimately collapse because they don't offer genuine plans for the future. People are beginning to recognize when their needs aren't being met.

ACX Endorses Harris, Oliver, Or Stein

Astral Codex Ten • 37235 implied HN points • 30 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Political parties Political theory Government Accountability Political Campaigns
  1. It's suggested to vote for Kamala Harris in swing states and consider third-party candidates in safe states. This is a way to support candidates seen as better alternatives to Donald Trump.
  2. There are concerns about Donald Trump's authoritarian tendencies, including potential manipulation of election processes and threats to opponents. This could gradually undermine democracy.
  3. Some argue that while both major parties have authoritarian traits, the urgency to prevent Trump's rise is heightened since he might more openly challenge democratic norms compared to the Democrats.

Virtue Hoarders and the Rejection of Liberalism (w/ Catherine Liu) | The Chris Hedges Report

The Chris Hedges Report • 168 implied HN points • 13 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political theory Labor Issues Election Analysis Cultural critique
  1. The professional managerial class (PMC) often ignores the real needs of the working class while focusing on virtue signaling. Instead of addressing issues that affect everyday workers, they get caught up in cultural fights.
  2. There is a growing disconnect between political elites and the realities faced by average Americans. Many politicians prioritize polls and focus groups over genuine conversations with the public.
  3. A strong sense of anti-authoritarianism and a desire for grassroots change exists in America. With the right focus, this discontent could unite people around common goals that benefit the working class.

Germany’s Neglect of National Interests

Glenn’s Substack • 939 implied HN points • 10 Sep 24
🌍 World Politics Nationalism International relations European Politics Security Studies Political theory
  1. Germany's current approach to foreign policy often neglects its own national interests, which could lead to negative consequences for the country.
  2. There is a historical pattern of Germany sacrificing its interests for external powers, similar to its past under France and now the US.
  3. A rise in nationalism may occur as a reaction to this neglect, with people seeking to reclaim control over their national identity and sovereignty.

Academics Are Terrible at Politics

Unsafe Science • 42 implied HN points • 18 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Academia Public Policy Political Science Civics Political theory
  1. Academics often struggle with political issues due to a lack of practical experience. They can be great at research but may not know how to deal with the complexities of politics.
  2. Improving the relationship between academia and politics could benefit both sides. It's important for academics to engage more in public discussions and understand political contexts.
  3. A thriving academic environment could help tackle the failings seen today. Finding better ways for academics to connect with society can lead to improvements.

Pessimistic thoughts about the left

Philosophy bear • 328 implied HN points • 13 Feb 25
📖 Philosophy Political theory Critique Economic Models Social Change
  1. The left often avoids discussing difficult trade-offs because they don't want to upset their supporters. This can lead to a lack of solid plans when they gain power.
  2. There's a problem with administrative spending in universities that the left doesn't address openly. Many unnecessary positions could be cut, but it’s a touchy subject.
  3. Pessimism about the left’s ability to create real change stems from a reluctance to make tough decisions. They need to start thinking about practical economic planning to be effective.