The hottest Political theory Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top Philosophy Topics

Can a Socialist Become Mayor?

Political Currents by Ross Barkan • 14 implied HN points • 24 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political theory
  1. Zohran Mamdani is running for mayor and would be the first Muslim and South Asian mayor of New York if elected. This is a significant step in representation in politics.
  2. His campaign is unique because he openly identifies as a socialist, which is rare in New York's mayoral history. This could attract a different type of voter who supports leftist ideas.
  3. Despite his strong points, Mamdani faces challenges, like a lack of endorsements and experience compared to typical candidates, which may make it tough for him to win.

This Proletariat Revolution Sure Is Taking Its Sweet-Ass Time

I Might Be Wrong • 11 implied HN points • 11 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political theory
  1. Lenin believed in taking action to spark a revolution instead of waiting for a natural progression in society. He thought the working class needed a push to rise up against the ruling class.
  2. Leftist thinkers often feel frustrated because they expect a revolution to happen any time now, but that moment seems to delay indefinitely. Recent events are sometimes misinterpreted as signs of that needed uprising.
  3. The motivations behind recent violent actions are complex and not always tied to broader class struggles, making it hard to see them as a beginning of widespread change against capitalism.

Cathy reads books: Tribalism is Dumb

Sex and the State • 10 implied HN points • 25 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political theory
  1. The book 'Tribalism Is Dumb' talks about how political divisions can be harmful and suggests that understanding this could make the world better.
  2. It highlights that there are growing differences between groups in society, particularly between men and women and how they're viewed politically.
  3. The author feels that caring for and about boys and men is often unfairly labeled as a conservative idea, which could lead to negative impacts on all genders.

The Trad Marxism of George Grant

From the New World • 10 implied HN points • 27 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political theory
  1. George Grant believed that Canada was heavily influenced by America, almost like a smaller country serving a larger one. He thought this relationship made Canada lose some of its national identity.
  2. He criticized the wealthy elites in Canada who were more focused on American business than the needs of their own citizens. This created a divide between the rich and the rural areas.
  3. Grant warned that without a strong central authority, countries could lose their national character. His ideas seem even more relevant today with the rise of global influences like the internet.

🍽️ Did You Eat Today?

UnfairNation by Ehsan Zaffar • 3 implied HN points • 29 Jul 25
🌍 World Politics Political theory
  1. Many Palestinians have been killed while simply trying to get food for their families. It's shocking to think they face violence when seeking basic supplies.
  2. There seems to be a disconnect where people don't fully understand or care about the suffering happening to others far away. This can lead to silence and complicity regarding those tragedies.
  3. It's important for us to be aware of the realities others face and to keep speaking out about it. Ignoring these issues only allows them to continue.
Get a weekly roundup of the best Substack posts, by hacker news affinity:

JJM vs. Alexander Dugin

John’s Substack • 10 implied HN points • 10 Dec 24
🌍 World Politics Political theory
  1. Alexander Dugin is a major thinker in Russia and is considered influential in Russian politics, often linked to Putin.
  2. He has strong opinions on many topics, particularly the Ukraine war, and is known for being a controversial figure in the West.
  3. Dugin's ideas are complex and well-developed, and whether people agree with him or not, his work is likely to have a lasting impact.

Would the bad guys fund this?

Sex and the State • 4 implied HN points • 06 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political theory
  1. Naivety can be a strength because it encourages people to take action and try new things. When people know how hard something is, they might not even attempt it.
  2. The CIA reportedly supports left-leaning voices in arts and media, which can shape cultural perspectives. This might make some ideas less popular among the wider public.
  3. Addressing social inequalities is challenging because it's hard to see and understand the existing hierarchies. Making real progress requires careful thought and effort to avoid creating new problems.

Mini-Posts Collection 4 - Election Edition

Messy Progress • 11 implied HN points • 03 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political theory
  1. Elections in the US have grown angrier over the years, with certain decades marked by extreme division and conflict. Historical elections show a pattern of rising tensions, especially in recent years.
  2. Politics often thrives on outrage because it drives donations and engagement. Politicians may take extreme stances to energize their base and keep the funding flowing, rather than aiming for broad consensus.
  3. Remote work could help bridge the social divide in America by allowing people to live in diverse areas while maintaining their jobs. This could foster better understanding and connection between different social and economic groups.

The Year of Failing To Understand.

Trying to Understand the World • 9 implied HN points • 18 Dec 24
🌍 World Politics Political theory
  1. In 2024, the West struggled to understand global events, often failing to grasp the real reasons behind them. This gap in understanding is seen as a mix of ignorance and arrogance.
  2. There are deeper issues at play in conflicts, such as the role of religion and the nature of violence in different societies. These aspects often go unnoticed in western perspectives, leading to misinterpretations of motivations.
  3. As global dynamics shift, the West's old ways of thinking are becoming less effective. The next year could bring important changes that the West will need to face, potentially leading to new opportunities and understandings.

Yes, the "Woke Right" is real

Reactionary Feminist • 9 implied HN points • 05 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political theory
  1. The idea of a 'Woke Right' exists and may provide a better perspective than the traditional Right or Left views. It challenges the notion that all 'wokeness' is negative.
  2. Some people argue that the 'Woke Right' aligns with cultural critiques similar to those seen on the Left, but it can also strive to connect with more positive values like goodness and beauty.
  3. The discussion around the 'Woke Right' is often defensive, suggesting a pushback against new ways of thinking in politics and culture, rather than just about denying or ignoring these changes.

ADDENDUM P: The Semantic Collapse of “Invasion” and the Constitutional Consequences of Legal Denial

Autodidact Obsessions • 4 implied HN points • 21 May 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political theory
  1. The concept of 'invasion' is too narrowly defined in legal terms today, making it hard to deal with modern security threats. We need to rethink what 'invasion' means to include more than just traditional military attacks.
  2. Current legal interpretations don't cover many real threats we face, like undercover paramilitary groups or cyber-attacks. This limits the government's ability to respond effectively to those threats.
  3. To protect the Constitution and ensure national security, we should redefine 'invasion' to include any attempts to harm the country, even if the attackers aren't wearing uniforms or are acting in disguise.

ADDENDUM H: The Erosion of the “Entry Fiction” Doctrine and Its Strategic Exploitation

Autodidact Obsessions • 4 implied HN points • 21 May 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political theory
  1. The entry fiction doctrine used to help keep illegal migrants from claiming rights in the U.S. This legal tool is now weakening, making it easier for some to use the courts.
  2. Undocumented migrants can now delay their removal from the U.S. due to legal protections, even if they entered illegally. This can be exploited by those with bad intentions.
  3. This shift has made it harder for the U.S. to control its borders. It creates an unfair situation where illegal entrants have more legal protections than some citizens.

From Flatland to Reality: Escaping the Political Pendulum

The Corbett Report • 6 implied HN points • 23 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political theory
  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.

Letter #5: The transmission of the listener

Charles Eisenstein • 3 implied HN points • 28 Jun 25
đź“– Philosophy Political theory
  1. Creating something meaningful can be both rewarding and tiring. It's important to acknowledge that mix of feelings.
  2. Engagement with the audience can lead to a deeper understanding of your work. Listening to feedback helps improve and grow your ideas.
  3. Taking breaks after intense focus on a project is helpful. It gives you time to reflect and recharge for the next challenges.

[Transcript] The Political Theory of Liberal Socialism with Matt McManus

JoeWrote • 8 implied HN points • 11 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political theory
  1. Liberal socialism combines ideas from both liberalism and socialism. It supports the idea that the economy should be democratic while protecting personal rights and properties.
  2. Socialists can also embrace liberal principles like freedom of expression and religious toleration. The relationship between socialism and liberalism is complex, and both sides can learn from each other.
  3. To achieve change, rebuilding the labor movement is essential. Socialists can work within the Democratic Party while also considering creating alternative parties to push for more leftist policies.

On Realism

John’s Substack • 9 implied HN points • 02 Nov 24
🌍 World Politics Political theory
  1. Realism is a theory that helps us understand global conflicts by focusing on power and national interest.
  2. The essence of realism suggests that states prioritize their security and survival in an anarchic international system.
  3. In a discussion about realism, it's important to consider how it can be applied to current events and major global issues.

Is more democracy the answer to our problems?

Theory Matters • 7 implied HN points • 05 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political theory
  1. Democracy can lead to results that many people dislike, but it's important to accept those results to keep the system functioning. This acceptance is called 'loser’s acceptance' and is crucial for a healthy democracy.
  2. Some thinkers suggest that we need more democracy to solve problems, arguing that involving more people in the process allows for better representation of diverse opinions and issues.
  3. However, there are concerns about whether increasing participation can really fix democratic issues, especially if citizens are misinformed or disillusioned about the system, which could lead to instability.

The Anti-Mobility Playbook

Exasperated Infrastructures • 26 implied HN points • 07 Aug 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political theory
  1. The Republican message focuses on telling people what to do while resisting being told what to do.
  2. There are two main theories in government - Conflict and Mistake - that don't always align with political parties.
  3. The Anti-Mobility Playbook highlights how Republicans resist investing in transportation modes that could benefit everyone, contributing to the lack of progress in transportation planning and infrastructure.

Philosophical economics: From individualism to libertarianism

Klement on Investing • 6 implied HN points • 16 Jan 25
đź“– Philosophy Political theory
  1. Individualism, while beneficial for starting businesses, can lead to selfishness if taken too far. A healthy balance between individual rights and community needs is important for society's well-being.
  2. Libertarianism, which promotes extreme individualism, can create dangers for society by ignoring the communal nature of humans. This can lead to inequality and a breakdown in trust among people.
  3. When business and politics prioritize profit over social responsibility, it can harm society and increase inequality. History shows that high inequality can lead to serious problems for both communities and economies.

Are the Theosophical Roots of Kamala Being Intentionally Mishandled by Alt Media?

Rounding the Earth Newsletter • 8 implied HN points • 02 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political theory
  1. Theosophy is a complex belief system that influences various social and political movements. It's often overlooked in discussions about powerful organizations.
  2. Kamala Harris's background and political role may reflect a larger social engineering strategy. Some suggest that her mixed heritage is used for political gain.
  3. There are concerns about manipulation within media figures, like Candace Owens, and how they might steer public perception away from deeper issues like Theosophy.

Taking Illiberalism seriously

Theory Matters • 5 implied HN points • 11 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political theory
  1. Illiberal movements often get underestimated because people don't take them seriously. This leads to ignoring deeper issues that let these movements grow.
  2. The current political climate is shaped by performance and storytelling, rather than just facts. To connect with people, liberals need to engage in better narratives.
  3. Rights and values need a strong reason behind them. Simply saying rights matter isn’t enough; there needs to be a clear understanding of why they are important.

Choose your Adventure

The Cosmopolitan Globalist • 6 implied HN points • 05 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political theory
  1. Acknowwning, it providing two pivtohion, it inviting to pick whcih topic to dify, offiing two potnint dirctio,
  2. Tby ghown wiht 'Gon wihtin dviing intdo tciop on tcmory cvrting goov in Frn
  3. Mthbhtorri jnvty ford whcip whcfin tcodiv towmody, inviting pwtic to gn on tij, tgi]rcfn giddfghh

Welcome to the Resi...lience: How to Resist Techno-authoritarianism and Grow the Regenerative Alternative

As If We Were Staying • 5 implied HN points • 25 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political theory
  1. The Superorganism is a way to describe a system that seeks to extract resources without caring for people or the planet. To resist it, we need to be aware of its blind spots and act where it least expects us.
  2. Our strategy should focus on breaking down the wealth and resources of the Superorganism. This means we should find ways to disrupt its systems and also create new, independent sources of wealth that aren't tied to it.
  3. Building a strong community outside of the Superorganism is key. By supporting local economies and working together, we can create resilience and sustainability while lessening the Superorganism's hold over us.

Nyhetsbrev steigan.no 24.01.2025

steigan.no • 5 implied HN points • 24 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political theory
  1. Sometimes, leaders might create problems to make their solutions seem necessary. This idea is called 'problem-reaction-solution'.
  2. When big issues arise, some people believe they can push through changes they wanted all along, taking advantage of the situation. This is called opportunism.
  3. In a world pushed towards sustainability and inclusion, some worry that the goals might mainly benefit the wealthy while the general population suffers.

The Epic, the Novel, and Rawls

From the New World • 5 implied HN points • 17 Jan 25
đź“– Philosophy Political theory
  1. Rawls' ideas about justice might be influenced by how people are portrayed in media, especially television. This could change how we see human nature and its differences.
  2. The concept of living through fiction, whether in novels or other narratives, has been around for a long time. It suggests that people have always had the ability to empathize with others, even without modern technology.
  3. Though television might make humanity seem more similar, earlier thinkers like Hobbes and Locke also explored human nature in unique ways, showing that this question is not new.

The Trad Marxism of George Grant, Part 3

From the New World • 5 implied HN points • 10 Jan 25
đź“– Philosophy Political theory
  1. George Grant believes that the idea of limits is tied to the idea of God, meaning there are moral boundaries we should not cross. This suggests that some things are simply wrong, regardless of our opinions.
  2. The political legitimacy in society has shifted since divine authority was lost, making people look for new sources of legitimacy. This includes reliance on science and the founders of nations.
  3. It's unclear if Grant's view of God is unique to Christianity or if he could see value in other religions like Islam or Hinduism. He seems to focus more on the concept of a higher limit than on specific religious practices.

Is authoritarianism inherently anti-social?

Sex and the State • 13 implied HN points • 06 Mar 24
đź“– Philosophy Political theory
  1. The relevance of the left/right political divide is being questioned, with focus shifting towards pro-social versus anti-social perspectives.
  2. Authoritarianism is being considered as inherently anti-social, sparking discussions on its impact on society.
  3. Engagement with differing perspectives, such as pro-social versus anti-social viewpoints, can lead to meaningful discourse and understanding.

Nyhetsbrev steigan.no 19.12.2024

steigan.no • 5 implied HN points • 19 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political theory
  1. High electricity prices are causing a loss of trust between the public and the government. Many feel their leaders are not considering their needs and are instead prioritizing powerful interests.
  2. In Europe, there is a growing dissatisfaction with governments, as political parties struggle to address the real issues faced by ordinary people. This has led to significant political changes and instability.
  3. Propaganda and manipulation of public perception are ongoing issues, especially regarding narratives around global conflicts. Many citizens feel disconnected from government actions and decisions that impact their lives.

In the Shallows Of The Deep State.

Trying to Understand the World • 5 implied HN points • 11 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political theory
  1. The idea of a 'Deep State' has become popular as people try to explain political power hidden behind the scenes. It's used to describe unseen influences that control governments and decisions.
  2. Many people find comfort in believing that chaos has some hidden plan or control, rather than accepting that the world could be disorganized and unpredictable.
  3. In Western societies, trust in political leaders is low, leading people to think there might be secret groups managing things better than visible leaders, which can help make sense of troubling events.

Locke Versus the Apocalypse

From the New World • 5 implied HN points • 06 Dec 24
đź“– Philosophy Political theory
  1. AI shows us who we are by reflecting our behavior and ignoring parts we often overlook. This makes us think about our own nature and how we connect with others.
  2. There are two main views on human nature: one believes in communal consensus for the good of all, while the other supports individual interests leading to social good. Each side has different ideas about how society should work.
  3. The question of political consensus is complex and has been debated for a long time. Understanding these views can help us make sense of modern political disagreements.

LARP, InfoLARP, and UniLARPy

Rounding the Earth Newsletter • 5 implied HN points • 22 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political theory
  1. LARP stands for Live Action Role Playing, where people act out stories or events like in reenactments. It's a fun way for people to bring fiction to life.
  2. InfoLARP is when media pretends to be serious news but is actually misleading. It's designed to confuse people and often makes money by targeting particular audiences.
  3. UniLARPy refers to a bigger scheme where certain groups create narratives through media and politics. This can shape public opinion and personal beliefs in a way that's like living in a controlled reality.

The election may not mean what any of us think

Charles Eisenstein • 5 implied HN points • 14 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political theory
  1. Elections can have different meanings beyond just who wins or loses. It's important to think about the bigger picture and the impact on society.
  2. The way people view elections can be influenced by their personal beliefs and experiences. Everyone may interpret the results differently based on their perspectives.
  3. Election outcomes might not bring the expected change that people hope for. It's essential to manage expectations and consider other ways to create change.

Nyhetsbrev steigan.no 25.12.2024

steigan.no • 3 implied HN points • 25 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political theory
  1. Recent events show that conflicts, like the one involving Yemen and Israel, can cause panic and injuries among civilians. People often react quickly in fear during attacks, sometimes leading to more harm than the initial threat.
  2. There are growing concerns about the widening gap between different social groups, especially during times like Christmas when families face financial pressures. Many individuals are struggling with poverty, which is becoming more visible and challenging for communities.
  3. The idea that the international order should be based on equal treatment for all nations is being debated. Some believe that current practices favor powerful nations and do not help create a fair international system where every state is treated equally.

the xunzi as the basis of a metarational ruling ideology

alice maz • 4 HN points • 22 Sep 24
đź“– Philosophy Political theory
  1. Confucianism focuses on individual human will and the importance of self-cultivation. By improving ourselves, we can create better households and, eventually, a well-ordered society.
  2. In a complex world, we need a flexible understanding of ideas, not just rigid systems. We can achieve good outcomes by recognizing patterns and adapting, rather than getting stuck in one way of thinking.
  3. Xunzi teaches us that we must honor tradition while also being open to new ideas. A good leader uses wisdom to harmonize different ways of thinking and create a thriving society.

Lottocracy review

Theory Matters • 3 implied HN points • 07 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political theory
  1. Lottocracy suggests a new way to choose government representatives by randomly selecting people instead of voting. This idea aims to create a more fair and inclusive political system.
  2. The book examines the problems with current electoral politics, highlighting how special interests and political pressures often lead to poor decisions. It argues that a sortition system could address these issues by encouraging diverse voices and ideas.
  3. Guerrero discusses challenges that come with this new approach, including how to ensure the legitimacy and effectiveness of randomly selected citizens in governance. There's a call for more public engagement and education to make this system work better.

UNPAYWALLED: Renaud Camus part 2

Reactionary Feminist • 3 implied HN points • 18 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political theory
  1. Renaud Camus is known for his controversial idea of 'the Great Replacement,' which has been heavily criticized by those who may not fully understand his work.
  2. The second part of the discussion explores 'replacism' as an ideology with new insights and interpretations from Camus' later writings.
  3. There are provocative ideas about power dynamics in politics, suggesting that some people might naturally prefer to follow rather than lead.

Quiz B

The Cosmopolitan Globalist • 2 implied HN points • 02 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political theory
  1. Think carefully before answering questions. It's important to reflect on what you're being asked.
  2. You have a whole week to provide your answers. Don't rush, take your time to think things through.
  3. Sharing and discussing ideas with others can help deepen your understanding and make the experience more engaging.

La politique de l’épuisement et l’épuisement de la politique.

Trying to Understand the World • 1 implied HN point • 25 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political theory
  1. There are two main ways to interact with the past: one is to preserve and recreate it, while the other is to use it as inspiration to create something new. In modern society, the past is often exploited for political and financial gain.
  2. Today's politics often feels like a caricature, where real meaning and ideology are lost. Politicians focus more on getting attention rather than discussing significant issues, leading to extreme and superficial debates.
  3. Modern culture has become repetitive and disconnected from its roots, resulting in a shallow experience. This has affected how we create and appreciate art and culture, leading to a cycle of exhaustion and emptiness.