The hottest Political theory Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top Philosophy Topics

Illiberals All the Way Down

Castalia • 479 implied HN points • 06 Aug 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political theory
  1. Illiberalism is more than just the opposite of liberalism; it has its own beliefs and influences that shape how people behave in society. Instead of just resisting liberal ideas, it promotes a system focused on individual self-interest.
  2. The rise of illiberalism has changed how many view governance and society. Politicians may act selfishly and prioritize their own gain, appealing to a more primal side of human nature that people relate to.
  3. Liberalism offers a more cooperative and functional way of living together in society. History shows that while illiberalism might seem appealing, long-term survival requires values of collaboration and shared ethics.

Conservatism 101

In My Tribe • 880 implied HN points • 10 Dec 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political theory
  1. Conservatism centers on skepticism about perfect solutions, stressing human imperfection, trade-offs, and the danger that power corrupts.
  2. Conservatives value longstanding institutions and distrust abstract, top-down theories because social life is complex and reforms can have unintended consequences.
  3. Many contemporary conservatives distrust major institutions and disagree about what should be preserved, so the movement lacks a clear consensus on what to conserve.

Top Links 970 Worrying about the US labour market. Adorno on sociology & the genocidal logic of permanent security.

Chartbook • 500 implied HN points • 02 Jan 26
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political theory
  1. Growing worry about the US labour market means politics may shift to caring more about jobs than about prices.
  2. Sociological critique warns that a drive for “permanent security” can create a logic that justifies extreme, even genocidal, measures.
  3. A curated collection of links, images, and readings pulls together analysis and evidence to explore these economic and sociological debates.

Why Politicians Should Stay Inside the Overton Window (Even When the Cause Is Just)

Bet On It • 105 implied HN points • 17 Feb 26
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political theory
  1. Politicians who push views far outside what most voters accept can make it harder to achieve real reforms, because opponents can caricature them and coalitions can break down.
  2. There’s a division of labor: writers and activists expand what people can imagine, while elected politicians need to court public opinion and build coalitions to turn ideas into law.
  3. History shows moral urgency matters, but practical, moderate political strategies are often needed to win elections and pass durable reforms.

The Grift Bubble

Thinking about... • 1096 implied HN points • 16 Nov 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political theory
  1. The leaders are trapped in a 'grift bubble' where they focus on personal gain over the country's well-being, which can lead to the U.S. breaking apart.
  2. They do not realize that their actions can destroy the very system that allows them to profit, mistaking their personal success for the nation's health.
  3. Citizens who value love, law, and moral integrity are key to holding back authoritarianism and helping the nation survive against the grifters.
Get a weekly roundup of the best Substack posts, by hacker news affinity:

welp

Freddie deBoer • 14851 implied HN points • 06 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political theory
  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.

Wittman Versus the Last 25 Years of American Democracy

Bet On It • 140 implied HN points • 11 Feb 26
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political theory
  1. An influential academic challenge shifted debate from standard public-choice critiques to focusing on voter irrationality and the idea of "rational irrationality."
  2. Optimism about democratic capitalism was strong in the mid-1990s, but events in the 21st century have made the claim that democracy reliably manages markets and government much harder to defend.
  3. Even long-time defenders of democratic efficiency are now rethinking their views, with recent conversations showing growing disillusionment about how well American democracy works.

To My Readers

Unpopular Front • 217 implied HN points • 25 Jan 26
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political theory
  1. The newsletter aims to sharpen readers' judgment about a new and unsettling political era by using historical comparisons and concrete examples. It leans on the idea that judgment is honed through examples rather than rules.
  2. Early fears of broad collapse have been tempered by a mix of alarming episodes and surprising civic resilience and sacrifice. Some once-marginal warnings have become common sense, even as the effort to change minds feels limited.
  3. The plan is to slow the publishing pace and return to longer, more considered historical essays instead of constant news reactions. There's deep gratitude for reader support that turned the project into a sustainable career.

Secrets Of The Median Voter Theorem

Astral Codex Ten • 13834 implied HN points • 23 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political theory
  1. The Median Voter Theorem suggests that candidates will gravitate towards the political center to win elections. This means that in a fair competition, it's likely they will align closely with the beliefs of average voters.
  2. In real life, candidates often have to balance different voter bases, especially during primary elections, which can pull them away from the center. This can lead to contradictions in their positions when they face general elections.
  3. Political parties may not always be as rational as the theorem suggests. Instead of moving to the center, they can sometimes collude by proposing extreme policies, which keeps them equally distant from the median voter but serves their interests together.

Twenty-two observations about American politics

Matt’s Five Points • 419 implied HN points • 19 Jul 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political theory
  1. The Republican Party is likely to move away from a national abortion ban due to changing public opinions on the issue. This change could lead to policies that are more moderate and similar to those in other countries.
  2. Many voters are concerned about Biden's age and health, which could lead to significant political shifts. There are worries that his age might hurt the Democratic Party in upcoming elections.
  3. Getting involved in local politics can be very rewarding and impactful. Participating in community decisions can lead to real changes and is a more effective way to influence politics than just voting or donating.

When No One Can Take an L, Or the Upside of Enclave Politics

Freddie deBoer • 3527 implied HN points • 23 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political theory
  1. Enclave politics is when people with similar beliefs stick together to feel safe and accepted. This helps them find community but can prevent them from making real change in the wider world.
  2. Being in an enclave makes people more aware of their positions and challenges, which can sometimes lead to a sense of powerlessness. However, it also encourages honest discussions about politics and reality.
  3. While extreme views can come from staying in these enclaves, being too disconnected from public sentiment can lead to ineffective activism. It's important to balance holding strong values with understanding the current political climate.

The "1984" Theory of Bari Weiss

Brad DeLong's Grasping Reality • 422 implied HN points • 24 Dec 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political theory
  1. Some people who look bad at public‑reason journalism are actually doing a different job: they publicly submit to powerful figures and recruit others to follow that ritual.
  2. Viewed through an "1984" lens, authoritarians want public affirmations of falsehoods, and certain media actors deliberately signal loyalty by endorsing or defending power even when it contradicts obvious facts.
  3. That kind of signaling can be rewarded in today’s media economy, so incompetence at traditional journalism can coexist with commercial success and real influence.

Fine Woke Cannibals

TK News by Matt Taibbi • 8966 implied HN points • 14 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political theory
  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.

Reflections on the Caplan-Bruenig Poverty Debate

Bet On It • 306 implied HN points • 07 Jan 26
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political theory
  1. There’s surprising agreement on supply-side reforms like more immigration, housing deregulation, and nuclear power, but some on the left resist labeling these measures as free-market policies.
  2. A core moral disagreement is over private property and 'factor payments'—some deny that earnings are morally owned, a view that undermines ordinary property rights and even self-ownership with radical justice implications.
  3. Because of those deep moral differences and an emotional anti‑market stance on the left, practical cooperation between libertarians and the left looks unlikely even when they agree on specific reforms.

What makes you a classical liberal?

The Common Reader • 2622 implied HN points • 12 Jul 25
📖 Philosophy Political theory
  1. Classical liberalism values individual freedom and equality for all people. It believes that everyone should be treated with respect and have the freedom to express themselves.
  2. A solid understanding of history is important for classical liberals. Knowing how past events shape our freedoms can help us appreciate and protect them today.
  3. For liberalism to thrive, society needs a supportive government and laws. Without proper legal frameworks, the ideals of freedom and equality can't be fully realized.

Living in the Lie

Unpopular Front • 243 implied HN points • 08 Jan 26
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political theory
  1. Endless public lying and the pressure to pretend it’s true are deeply demoralizing and can be more oppressive than overt terror.
  2. Small, persistent acts of living in the truth—like self‑organized groups or local associations—can build an independent social sphere that undermines attempts to atomize society.
  3. Avoid getting stuck in propaganda spaces when you don’t have to and instead seek or create other forums where people meet and act together, because voluntary associations turn isolated individuals into a visible, shared power.

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 Political theory
  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.

Can You Hate Everyone In Rome?

Astral Codex Ten • 7020 implied HN points • 03 Jan 25
📖 Philosophy Political theory
  1. It's possible to feel a strong dislike for a whole group of people in a certain place. This often happens when we don't connect with others' beliefs or actions.
  2. People can feel frustrated with societal norms and expectations, leading to a sense of isolation. This happens when individuals feel out of place among the crowd.
  3. Understanding and empathy can help bridge these feelings of alienation. Finding common ground with others can ease negative feelings.

Is Curtis Yarvin 'influential'?

Read Max • 6033 implied HN points • 23 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political theory
  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.

The Dawn of a New Civilization

Contemplations on the Tree of Woe • 7578 implied HN points • 08 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political theory
  1. The emergence of the Aenean civilization represents a shift from ambition-driven actions to thoughtful and cautious progress. This new mindset respects both history and the fragility of our future.
  2. Elon Musk's support for Donald Trump symbolizes a collaboration between futurism and populism, which aims to take humanity beyond Earth and face existential threats together.
  3. The Aenean spirit understands the importance of balancing dreams of exploration with the reality of potential risks. It seeks to ensure humanity's survival through deliberate actions rather than reckless pursuits.

Office hours—register now for February dates

The Novelleist • 43 implied HN points • 13 Feb 26
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political theory
  1. February office hours are open for registration, including a session this afternoon and meetings on the next two Fridays at 1pm MT and Wednesday Feb 25 at 1pm MT.
  2. Only paid subscribers can sign up to join these sessions.
  3. The format is conversational — bring a short intro and something you're reading to kick off discussion; past topics have included revolution and secession, new technologies (like BYD), city design, and governance movements.

Political Psychology Links, 12/14/2025

In My Tribe • 318 implied HN points • 14 Dec 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political theory
  1. Populism is mainly a revolt against cognitive elites and leans on gut-level, System 1 thinking, using everyday, concrete images (like grocery prices) instead of abstract concepts.
  2. Polygenic risk scores work at the population level but are noisy and poor predictors for individuals, so DNA-based claims about a specific person’s psychology are usually misleading.
  3. Clear frameworks and simple illustrations can make complex political ideas easier to understand by showing how different audiences interpret messages in distinct "languages."

Magoon's Model of Radical Movements

In My Tribe • 425 implied HN points • 28 Nov 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political theory
  1. A mentally troubled person can become a radical ideologue through a process called the psychological funnel. This means personal issues can lead someone to extreme beliefs.
  2. Radical movements have different players or roles that work together as a team. Understanding these roles helps clarify how these movements operate.
  3. When radical ideologies gain power, they often clash with reality, leading to their failure and collapse. This shows the risks of extreme ideas in practical situations.

Political Economy Links, 12/08/2025

In My Tribe • 334 implied HN points • 08 Dec 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political theory
  1. Textile manufacturing has played a crucial role in economic progress by turning agricultural resources into industrial growth. It's tied to how societies can develop through demand and productivity.
  2. Using 'we' in political discussions can create a false sense of unity and responsibility. It’s important to focus on individual action instead of a vague collective identity.
  3. Changes in military technology shape society and require new ways of organizing. Countries must adapt quickly to survive, especially with emerging technologies like drones.

Thoughts on Trump Ending Affirmative Action in Contracting

Richard Hanania's Newsletter • 4925 implied HN points • 22 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political theory
  1. It's possible to change policy even if you aren't famous or super connected. By bringing important issues to people's attention and making a strong argument, you can influence the conversation around those policies.
  2. Timing is key in politics. Being vocal about an issue when it matters most can lead to real changes. If people are focused on something important, it's a good time to suggest new ideas.
  3. Conservatives have started realizing the need to fight against 'wokeness' and its influence in government and business. The recent action to end certain affirmative action policies shows a significant shift in their approach.

Slop merchants, complex centrists and the return of English-Americans

Wrong Side of History • 389 implied HN points • 29 Nov 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political theory
  1. People have a strong ability to be kind and help each other, which is an important part of humanity. This idea is explored in Jonathan Leaf's book, suggesting that cooperation is a key element of what makes us unique.
  2. The discussion around British politics shows many issues, like how the elites sometimes don't understand the complexity of problems, causing dissatisfaction among the public. A focus on results over narratives is needed to address the real concerns people have.
  3. There's a growing trend of Americans identifying more with their English roots, possibly because of DNA tests revealing their ancestry. This shift could spark a renewed sense of English-American identity in the future.

PfU VI–VII: The Based and Meaningful

The Lifeboat • 252 implied HN points • 17 Dec 25
📖 Philosophy Political theory
  1. People crave a simple, positive identity they can be proud of; adopting a label like “an idler” or someone who celebrates what’s "based and meaningful" gives comfort and self-respect.
  2. Humans don’t act purely to optimise measurable goals—there’s an unquantifiable ‘North Star’ of independent desire and whim that often overrides rational self-interest and breaks predictive models.
  3. Civilisation, data, and AI won’t fully fix human unpredictability or cruelty; they can create boredom, new forms of harm, or provoke backlash from people who value acting on their own will.

Be the elite you wish to see

Jeff Giesea • 1317 implied HN points • 18 Mar 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political theory
  1. Populism often focuses on complaining about elites rather than solving problems. It can lead to a mindset that values grievances over constructive actions.
  2. Elitism can be redefined as a positive force for leadership and excellence. Society needs leaders who can guide people and address real challenges instead of just gaining power.
  3. If you see problems in the world, you should step up and take action. You have the ability to be a leader in your own way and make a difference where you are.

Important Announcements

The Upheaval • 1952 implied HN points • 14 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political theory
  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.

The Prophet of Trump’s Second Term

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 3399 implied HN points • 11 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political theory
  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.

22 Life Changing Insights, Social Mobility, The Times

Rob Henderson's Newsletter • 1685 implied HN points • 24 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political theory
  1. There are two classes in big cities: the wealthy and the workers. Many workers commute long distances just to keep the city running while struggling to afford living there.
  2. Luxury beliefs are ideas that help wealthy people show off their status but harm those less fortunate. They often come from people who are not directly affected by the issues they discuss.
  3. Intelligence doesn't always protect people from making foolish choices. Sometimes, being too focused on complex ideas can lead to missing simple, practical solutions.

The end of politics

Philosophy bear • 128 implied HN points • 18 Jan 26
📖 Philosophy Political theory
  1. Human political life has swung between small egalitarian coalitions and large hierarchical states, then moved toward mass democracy, and now faces a radical fourth shift where superintelligence could make traditional politics obsolete.
  2. How superintelligence is distributed matters: if it’s widely available many core political and economic institutions (labour, representation, markets, propaganda) would collapse into near‑instant direct coordination, but if it’s controlled by powerful AIs or a tiny elite human politics becomes irrelevant because power is exercised without democratic mediation.
  3. The immediate political priority is shaping who builds and controls AGI and what values it carries — protecting broad human power, preventing permanent lock‑ins, and embedding compassion and democracy; if control proves impossible, stopping or delaying AGI becomes the urgent task.

Curb Your Enthusiasm Liberalism

Richard Hanania's Newsletter • 1462 implied HN points • 15 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political theory
  1. California's new housing reforms are a big win for the YIMBY movement, which wants more development and less environmental restriction. This change shows a shift in liberal ideas and how power is used in politics.
  2. There's a divide in liberalism between those who push for new ideas and those who cling to old ways. The older activists focus too much on local control instead of broader housing needs.
  3. It's easier to understand conservative politics because it's often led by one strong figure. Liberalism, on the other hand, is more complex and diverse, making it harder to pinpoint who truly influences their direction.

My Kind of Conservatism

Justin E. H. Smith's Hinternet • 3075 implied HN points • 16 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political theory
  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.

World War III

Doomberg • 302 implied HN points • 25 Nov 25
🌍 World Politics Political theory
  1. Global tensions are rising, hinting at a potential worldwide conflict. It's important to stay informed about these developments.
  2. Using mental models can help us understand and predict how these conflicts might evolve. This can guide our decisions and thoughts about the future.
  3. Being aware of the changes in the balance of power among countries is crucial. It influences not just politics, but also economics and daily life.

Niall Ferguson: America Is in a Late Republic Stage—Like Rome

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 1623 implied HN points • 17 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political theory
  1. America's foreign policy has changed a lot, especially under Biden, leading to new alliances between countries like Russia, China, and Iran that are concerning for the West.
  2. Many people think that if Trump gets reelected, it would be good for countries like Russia and China, but the opposite may be true; it could increase pressure on those nations.
  3. The idea of a 'liberal international order' that we used to have is misleading; it wasn't as fair or organized as people believe, and now America is leaning towards more self-focused governance.

American Strong Gods

The Upheaval • 3204 implied HN points • 13 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political theory
  1. Donald Trump represents a major shift away from the values of the Long Twentieth Century, promoting action and change instead of the procedural politics that dominated. He embodies a new spirit that prioritizes national interests and direct action.
  2. The idea of an 'open society' has led to a weakening of national identities and strong moral bonds, which many see as harmful. There's a growing desire to restore strong communal values and cohesive identities to counter this trend.
  3. Recent political movements are pushing back against the old liberal consensus, favoring a return to strong beliefs and identities. This reflects a broader dissatisfaction with the previous order and a quest for a more united and purposeful society.

How MAGA Won the ‘Sensitive Young Man’

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 3097 implied HN points • 01 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political theory
  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.

Game Theory For Michigan Muslims

Astral Codex Ten • 4404 implied HN points • 08 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political theory
  1. Sometimes people vote for a worse candidate because they want to send a message to a better one. This creates a tricky situation in politics.
  2. Voting can involve strategy, where people's choices may not just reflect who they like best. They might choose based on tactics to influence future outcomes.
  3. In communities like Michigan's Muslim population, collective voting decisions can show how groups weigh risks versus rewards when choosing candidates. This highlights their unique political dynamics.