The hottest Political theory Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
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Top Philosophy Topics

We Weren't Taught To Learn

New Means • 1257 implied HN points • 17 Jun 23
🚌 Education Political theory
  1. Traditional education often focuses on memorization rather than critical thinking.
  2. Learning with others can provide different perspectives and make education more practical and engaging.
  3. Continuous learning, especially in political theory and skills, is crucial for creating meaningful change in society.

Josh and Leslie Elliott on "The Radical Center"

Disaffected Newsletter • 699 implied HN points • 18 Jan 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political theory
  1. Leslie Elliott was training to be a psychotherapist but got cancelled for her views on therapy that didn't align with woke beliefs.
  2. The discussion will be about the concept of the 'Radical Center', which suggests finding common ground amidst extreme viewpoints.
  3. People interested in the topic can watch the premiere online at the specified time to learn more about these ideas.

Don't play 'Tower of Babel'

Disaffected Newsletter • 1518 implied HN points • 11 Aug 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political theory
  1. Many people who have changed their political views still deal with old emotional triggers. These triggers affect how they think and react to various situations.
  2. Using the same terms and language from old beliefs can undermine one's current views. It's important to recognize that language carries meaning and implications.
  3. Some new terms, like 'the unhoused' or 'sex work,' might seem harmless but can actually reinforce old beliefs and ideas. It's worth questioning the language we choose to use.

Adam Carolla is Wrong

Points And Figures • 1678 implied HN points • 11 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political theory
  1. Better forest management could help prevent severe wildfires. It involves clearing brush and controlled burns instead of just letting nature take its course.
  2. People who lost their homes in California fires are unlikely to change their political beliefs. Their deep-rooted views will not easily shift, regardless of the changes happening around them.
  3. Democrats typically expand government to solve problems, while Republicans lean toward private sector solutions. This difference affects how cities like San Francisco and New York handle their issues.

The Case for Centrism

Castalia • 299 implied HN points • 24 Apr 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political theory
  1. Centrism is a political approach that aims to find a balance between different views. It's about governing from the middle ground rather than extreme positions.
  2. Understanding the center of politics is crucial for effective governance. Good leaders can also shift the center to align with the needs of the people.
  3. Recent politics show a strong divide between extremes, which makes centrist policies more important. A focus on the middle can lead to real progress on important issues.
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The Origins of Elite Human Capital Institutions and Communities

Richard Hanania's Newsletter • 1779 implied HN points • 23 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political theory
  1. Elite Human Capital institutions emerge when smart and idealistic people come together, seeking truth and shared values over just making money. These communities form naturally as individuals find others like themselves.
  2. Wealth-maximizers and meaning-maximizers represent two paths that people can take in these communities. While some focus on financial success, others prioritize making meaningful contributions to society.
  3. Authoritarian regimes often suppress elite human capital because educated people pose a threat to their power. When these institutions are stifled, it can hinder a country's overall progress and development.

The Hypocrisy of the New Upper Class

Rob Henderson's Newsletter • 2215 implied HN points • 13 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political theory
  1. The new upper class shows a lot of hypocrisy in their beliefs and actions. They often preach one thing while living another way.
  2. This group often criticizes the working class yet benefits from the very systems they speak against. They want to appear virtuous but don’t always act that way.
  3. The contrast between what they say and what they do makes people question their sincerity. It highlights a common issue of double standards among elites.

The Point is to Steadily Advance Toward Power While Appearing Not to Move at All

Rob Henderson's Newsletter • 1553 implied HN points • 10 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political theory
  1. Moving towards power can be a slow process, and sometimes it's best to do it quietly. This way, others may not notice the changes happening until it's too late.
  2. It's important to focus on progress and development, even if it doesn't seem obvious at first. Small, steady steps can lead to significant growth over time.
  3. People often get obsessed with the idea of rapid change, but slow and steady can be just as effective in achieving long-term goals. Patience is key.

Top Links 801 Is a decade of American exceptionalism coming to an end? The stages of China's real estate grief. Saving Rococo from Trump & the "Age of Hard Trying.

Chartbook • 529 implied HN points • 16 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political theory
  1. American exceptionalism might be ending, with shifts in economic power becoming apparent. This means that the U.S. may not be the dominant force it used to be.
  2. China's real estate market is going through tough times, which impacts its economy and global standing. The struggles they face could have wider effects on the world economy.
  3. There are cultural challenges, like the presidency of Trump, that affect creativity and artistic expression in society. People are trying to find ways to preserve and celebrate their culture amidst these challenges.

Arguments with Interesting Leftists

David Friedman’s Substack • 548 implied HN points • 14 Jul 25
📖 Philosophy Political theory
  1. There's a key difference in how people view politics. Some see it as a battle between good and evil, while others think it's more about ideas that are right or wrong.
  2. When discussing problems in society, it's important to consider evidence and outcomes instead of just taking sides. Understanding the consequences of different policies can lead to better solutions.
  3. Sometimes beliefs about the world can blind people to facts. Instead of assuming only one viewpoint is right, it's better to stay open-minded and think critically about different perspectives.

Democrats Need a Mamdani-Type to Win

The Novelleist • 564 implied HN points • 27 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political theory
  1. Democrats need a strong candidate who can rally a movement and offer bold ideas, not just stick to traditional policies. It's important to connect with the public's desire for change.
  2. There are different types of Democrats, like social Democrats who focus on big social issues and abundance Democrats who want to build infrastructure. They should work together instead of fighting against each other.
  3. Simply having good policies isn't enough to win elections. Candidates need to create a strong vision for the future that resonates with people, especially when facing strong opponents.

Wokeness Dismantled, Part 3

Life Since the Baby Boom • 1613 implied HN points • 09 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political theory
  1. The Tragedy of the Commons shows how individual self-interest can harm the common good. If everyone takes too much from a shared resource, like a pasture, it can lead to disaster for everyone.
  2. Not all experts agree on how to manage shared resources. While Garrett Hardin warned about the dangers of overuse, Elinor Ostrom showed that communities can effectively cooperate to manage their resources without strict government control.
  3. Trusting science can sometimes mean questioning popular beliefs. It’s important to look at different viewpoints and actual case studies to understand how people manage shared resources.

The Trump Restoration

Justin E. H. Smith's Hinternet • 1762 implied HN points • 07 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political theory
  1. The idea that the Trump family could become part of the elite class in the future seems possible, especially with younger generations like Barron's kids. This shows how power dynamics can shift over time.
  2. Many people are confused by the political state where a convicted felon can become president. This blending of reality TV and politics complicates our understanding of what's real and what's a show.
  3. Democrats seem to have lost touch with everyday Americans, focusing too much on identity politics instead of real economic issues. This disconnect has allowed Trump and his supporters to thrive.

More thoughts on political realism

In My Tribe • 486 implied HN points • 14 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political theory
  1. Political equilibrium means that in elections, candidates tend to adopt similar policies to win votes. This makes it hard to see real change since both sides may end up supporting the same things.
  2. Special interest groups often have a louder voice than the average voter, which can lead to policies that support their interests more than those of the general public.
  3. There are two kinds of societies: commercial, which benefits everyone, and tribute, where a few control the resources. A commercial society allows anyone to start a business, making it more inclusive.

unitary presidentialism as a collective cognition design flaw

Brain Pizza • 595 implied HN points • 14 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political theory
  1. Unitary presidential systems focus power in one person, making them prone to too much pressure and stress. This can lead to poor decision-making and inefficiency.
  2. Having just one person making important choices can create problems because they can't handle all the information alone. It’s better to share decisions among many people.
  3. When a single leader has too much responsibility, it can cause delays and mistakes. Spreading the workload can help improve decision-making and outcomes.

The Cooperative Competitor

In My Tribe • 531 implied HN points • 26 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political theory
  1. People can work together really well when they’re on the same team, but they also compete hard when they’re on opposing teams. This mix is unique to humans.
  2. Political discussions often reflect different views on oppression or civilization. Each side uses language to show belonging to their group while pushing against the other.
  3. Our politics seems too focused on competition right now, which hurts cooperation. We should try to use our words to listen and understand rather than just to pick a side.

I Love This Guy

Points And Figures • 1279 implied HN points • 23 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political theory
  1. We are at an important moment in history that can shape the future of Western values and freedom. It's essential to stay alert and participate in this significant change.
  2. When making policies, ensure they promote freedom for everyone and avoid leaning towards control and restrictions. Past attempts at reform have shown pitfalls when they disguise control as freedom.
  3. It's crucial to expose dishonest actions in politics and prioritize transparent communication. Learning from past mistakes can help build a stronger future without wasting time on revenge.

Global Refugee Mess

Diane Francis • 939 implied HN points • 02 Oct 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political theory
  1. Many wealthy countries are facing problems after accepting large numbers of refugees. Issues like crime and social unrest have been reported in places like Sweden and Canada.
  2. There are concerns about how the current refugee system is exploited, with some people using it to gain access to these countries without being true refugees. This has led to discussions about revising the UN Refugee Convention.
  3. Countries like Britain are calling for reforms to manage migration better. They believe that protecting borders and ensuring proper integration is crucial for both the safety of their societies and the well-being of genuine refugees.

What I'm Reading

In My Tribe • 531 implied HN points • 16 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political theory
  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.

Can Great Power Politics Be Ethical?

Castalia • 299 implied HN points • 27 Mar 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political theory
  1. Great power politics often involves tough choices where states prioritize their own interests. This leads to conflicts and a belief that violence can sometimes be necessary to maintain power.
  2. Realism, a key theory in international relations, suggests that international laws and good intentions often don't work. Instead, powerful nations will act according to their own interests, regardless of fairness.
  3. Despite hopes for a more cooperative international system, powerful states rarely act differently than weaker ones, and this creates a cycle of conflict driven by the pursuit of power.

Thoughts of Chairman Mao on GenZ

Life Since the Baby Boom • 1383 implied HN points • 06 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political theory
  1. Many younger people today have a lot of education but lack real-world experience. This can lead to confusing ideas about life and work.
  2. There’s a suggestion that younger generations should engage in hands-on jobs or military service to gain practical skills and understanding.
  3. The older generations could help by admitting mistakes in how they educated younger people and offer real job training to help reduce issues like student debt.

Reflections of an Apostate

Fake Noûs • 542 implied HN points • 14 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political theory
  1. Libertarianism is built on skepticism about authority. People believe there shouldn't be government control over things that would be wrong for anyone else to do.
  2. Being a non-leftist in academia can be tough because there is often bias against conservative views. This bias can affect job opportunities and student experiences.
  3. Diverse viewpoints are important in academics. Having different ideas helps everyone to think better and avoid extreme groupthink.

Odds and Ends #57: The government isn't as sluggish as it feels

Odds and Ends of History • 1072 implied HN points • 11 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political theory
  1. The government may seem slow, but it is actually getting things done behind the scenes. It's important to stay patient and not worry too much for now.
  2. One European country is ahead in the AI competition, which might surprise many. It's interesting to see how different nations are approaching technology and innovation.
  3. There's an impressive light show that sends a strong message against Putin. Creative expressions like this can really make a statement in politics.

Futarchy's fundamental flaw

DYNOMIGHT INTERNET NEWSLETTER • 546 implied HN points • 12 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political theory
  1. Futarchy uses prediction markets to make decisions, but it has a basic flaw. It relies on conditional probabilities that don't show cause and effect, which means it can't actually provide reliable information for making choices.
  2. Just because high vitamin D levels are linked to lower death rates, it doesn't mean vitamin D causes those lower rates. Other factors like being healthier or wealthier often play a role. The same idea applies to Futarchy: just seeing a correlation isn’t enough to make decisions.
  3. While conditional prediction markets can give useful insights, they should be treated like any other statistic—helpful but not the only factor to consider. We need to recognize their limits and look for better methods to understand cause and effect.

Wokeness Dismantled, Part 1

Life Since the Baby Boom • 1383 implied HN points • 25 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political theory
  1. Wokeness emphasizes empathy for marginalized people, but it's important to recognize that individual empathy doesn't solve large social issues. What works for one person may not work for a whole group.
  2. John Rawls' idea of the 'veil of ignorance' suggests people will choose fair principles for society without knowing their own future position, but this theory has limitations. People have their own biases and preferences that can't just be ignored.
  3. Studies show that when given choices, people often don't prioritize the needs of the worst-off as Rawls suggests. Instead, they tend to make decisions that maximize the average welfare of society.

The Empire Self-Destructs

The Chris Hedges Report • 960 implied HN points • 07 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political theory
  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.

Trump’s Foreign Policy Revolution

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 885 implied HN points • 24 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics 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.

Yes, speech is often violence or morally on par with it

Philosophy bear • 121 implied HN points • 15 Nov 25
📖 Philosophy Political theory
  1. Speech can be as harmful as violence, especially when it leads to negative actions like war or unjust policies. If someone argues for a harmful action, they share in the moral blame for its consequences.
  2. Even when people argue for policies they believe are justified, those discussions can still be seen as participating in violence, given the potential for real harm. The intention behind the argument doesn't fully absolve the speaker from responsibility.
  3. Words can cause significant emotional and psychological harm, often comparable to physical violence. Speech has power, and we should be careful and considerate with how we use it, recognizing its potential impact.

Black Republicans and Big Man Syndrome

Richard Hanania's Newsletter • 1536 implied HN points • 09 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political theory
  1. Some black Republicans are seen as performing for the audience, trying to challenge leftist views. Their backgrounds and statements can lead to controversy.
  2. Republicans may actively seek out black leaders to show they aren't racist, even if those candidates have questionable traits.
  3. The term 'Big Man Syndrome' describes leaders who gain power through charisma and personal control, rather than official positions. This idea comes from studying how some societies operate around influential figures.

The Right Anarchy

Fake Noûs • 412 implied HN points • 05 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political theory
  1. Anarcho-capitalism focuses on having private security and competing businesses to handle crime and disputes. This means people choose services they like, rather than having a single government control everything.
  2. Capitalists take risks and delay rewards, driving innovation and efficient resource use in businesses. Without them, there might be less willingness to start new enterprises or invest money.
  3. Anarcho-socialism might seem nice, but it can struggle with stability over time. Capitalist systems are likely to win out because they can offer better opportunities and pay to attract the best workers.

Why America’s Two-Party System Will Never Threaten the True Political Elites

QTR’s Fringe Finance • 19 implied HN points • 06 Feb 26
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political theory
  1. Elections mainly swap the visible politicians while the real governing elite and its power networks stay in place.
  2. Political parties function as gatekeepers that allow only elite‑approved candidates into meaningful office and keep uncompromising counter‑elites out.
  3. Key policy areas like foreign policy, central banking, and major welfare programs are insulated from change because they sustain patronage networks that benefit the ruling elite.

By The Book

Points And Figures • 1012 implied HN points • 19 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political theory
  1. Outsiders often disrupt the status quo and create change, even if they lack traditional qualifications. People like Elon Musk and Henry Kaiser show that success can come from unconventional paths.
  2. Experience in the real world can lead to better decision-making, which is why some believe Trump has gained valuable insights since his first term. His focus on practical solutions may lead to positive outcomes.
  3. Reforming government agencies and taxes could transform how Americans interact with the government. People are looking for changes that align with their needs rather than outdated systems.

Full Automated Palestinian Luxury Communism from the River to the Sea?

Philosophy for the People w/Ben Burgis • 299 implied HN points • 04 Mar 24
📖 Philosophy Political theory
  1. The article discusses various political ideas such as worker's control of production, police and prison 'abolitionism', and fully automated luxury communism.
  2. It mentions the concept of a single democratic state in Israel/Palestine with equal rights 'from the river to the sea'.
  3. The post is only accessible for paid subscribers.

The Conservative Worry

In My Tribe • 1184 implied HN points • 23 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political theory
  1. There's a concern that Trump’s style is more about radical changes than traditional conservatism. This could lead to extreme actions rather than stable governance.
  2. People in leadership roles, like running the Defense Department, need to have experience managing other managers. Without this experience, they might struggle to lead effectively.
  3. The new appointments might focus on what they want to change, but managing large organizations is hard, and mistakes could happen if they move too quickly.

Wokeness Dismantled, Part 2

Life Since the Baby Boom • 1152 implied HN points • 02 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political theory
  1. The family functions very differently than larger societies. In a family, people support each other unconditionally, while in broader society, abstract policies cannot replace personal relationships.
  2. Kant's ideas about moral rules might work in theory, but they often fail in real life. What feels fair for small groups doesn't always make sense on a larger scale.
  3. Elinor Ostrom showed that cooperation can work in communities without government intervention, highlighting the importance of the community size when solving problems. What's right for a family or village doesn't always work on a national level.

Devant la guerre

Global Inequality and More 3.0 • 1087 implied HN points • 05 Dec 24
🌍 World Politics Political theory
  1. E. H. Carr's book highlights how the international system can be unfair and lead to conflict. He sees similar patterns in past events and today's world.
  2. Carr argues that for peace to last, stronger nations need to share power and resources with weaker ones. If they don't, it creates resentment and can eventually lead to war.
  3. The current situation with Russia shows parallels to what happened with Germany before World War II. Both situations involved dissatisfied powers that used force to change their circumstances.

Kemi Badenoch: How Liberalism Got Hacked

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 1085 implied HN points • 12 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political theory
  1. Liberalism is in danger due to the rise of authoritarian ideologies. It's important to protect classic liberal values like free speech and free markets.
  2. Personal experiences with poverty can highlight the importance of freedom and choice in society. Witnessing life under oppressive government helps people appreciate these values.
  3. Classic liberal principles such as equality under the law and the presumption of innocence are essential for a healthy society. These principles are currently being threatened.

If the doctrine fits, ...

In My Tribe • 1002 implied HN points • 20 Dec 24
📖 Philosophy Political theory
  1. Some ideologies, like Communism, can attract people who seek power and control, often leading to oppressive regimes. This happens because the ideology allows leaders to justify cruelty in pursuit of a supposed utopia.
  2. Certain belief systems can be appealing to individuals with violent tendencies, while others attract more peaceful people. This means that personality can shape which doctrines someone might follow.
  3. The way people interact with each other, such as cooperating or competing, is influenced by their personal traits. People usually lean toward beliefs that match their nature, which affects how societies function.

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

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

Liberals v. Progressives

Castalia • 599 implied HN points • 31 Oct 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political theory
  1. Liberals believe the world has room for improvement but is mostly okay, while progressives feel everything is terrible and getting worse.
  2. Liberals see violence as an anomaly to be handled through legal systems, while progressives view it as a result of power imbalances that need moral commitment to fix.
  3. Liberals think progress is slow but happening, while progressives focus solely on social justice and need major changes to address past wrongs.