The hottest Political theory Substack posts right now

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The Post-Cold War Apotheosis of Liberal Managerialism

The Upheaval • 1065 implied HN points • 23 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Liberalism Global Governance Political theory Public Policy
  1. There's been a big shift where the lines between government power and everyday life have blurred. This change makes it easier for the state to control personal freedoms and decisions.
  2. The rise of global governance has been fueled by a blend of neoliberal and neoconservative ideologies. This partnership pushes for more control over international finance and politics to achieve a unified agenda.
  3. Managerialism has taken over many aspects of society, promoting the idea that experts can and should manage every part of life. This creates a system where individual freedoms may be sacrificed for the sake of efficiency and control.

LECTURE NOTES: 5.2. Neoliberalism & After

Brad DeLong's Grasping Reality • 215 implied HN points • 19 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political theory Economic Policy Social justice
  1. The Neoliberal Order focused on free markets and individual freedom but often failed to create a fair society, leading to fear and inequality. This has caused people to look for new solutions and ideas.
  2. People are starting to care more about their local communities and how policies affect their immediate surroundings. There's a desire for changes that help create opportunities right where they are, instead of relying on moving to find better chances.
  3. There is a rising demand for leaders who truly represent and fight for the common people's interests. Many feel that the current system favors the rich, and they want someone to disrupt that status quo.

Leaders, Followers, and Casuals

In My Tribe • 516 implied HN points • 09 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political theory Public Policy Political Communication Political Ideology
  1. Leaders are politicians or intellectuals who have strong opinions on various issues, but their reasoning may not always be sound. They often justify their views with logical arguments, even if those arguments aren't based on the truth.
  2. Followers support leaders but don't deeply engage with the reasoning behind their positions. They can easily switch their support to a different leader if they change their stance, similar to sports fans shifting their allegiance.
  3. Casuals are not very informed about politics and only pay attention during major events like elections. They might make poor choices due to their lack of knowledge, while leaders and followers can also create problems by clinging to biased beliefs.

Random Musings

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

The origin of woke: a George Mason view

Gray Mirror • 108 implied HN points • 28 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Wokeness Political theory Cultural Studies Social Psychology
  1. Wokeness is seen as a form of signaling virtue. People often support wokeness to show they are nice and moral, which helps them gain status in social groups.
  2. The origin of wokeness is linked to the desire to treat everyone equally, promoting good behavior, especially in diverse societies. It's about showing you care about people from different backgrounds.
  3. Discussing group differences and how they impact social status is important. Wokeness evolves to maintain its status, often distancing itself from less socially aware groups.
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DRAFT: It Is Our Business Here in America Not to Repeat Old World Society-of-Domination Mistakes

Brad DeLong's Grasping Reality • 153 implied HN points • 02 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Indigenous rights Social justice Political theory Cultural Discourse Historical context
  1. Land acknowledgments can be seen as a reminder of historical injustices, which some people may find annoying or overwhelming.
  2. There were many positive interactions between early colonists and Native Americans, and the population of Native Americans has actually grown since then.
  3. The benefits brought by the Columbian Exchange helped improve the lives of modern Native Americans compared to their ancestors in the past.

Minoritarian moralism

Archedelia • 2142 implied HN points • 05 Aug 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Regime Political theory
  1. Transformations in political regime are shifting authority from majority rule to technical and moral clerisies.
  2. The ruling entity now focuses on protecting a vulnerable self in society, expanding managerial authority and dismissing common sense.
  3. The new minoritarianism centers around using recognition clients as symbols for social control, shifting control to a new class of social managers.

Civic Life Kinda Sucks

Unpopular Front • 101 implied HN points • 12 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Democracy Civic engagement Political theory Progressivism Local Politics
  1. Civic engagement can feel disappointing, as many people want to help but find it hard to be heard in group settings. Good intentions sometimes don't lead to real community connection.
  2. People often feel that political clubs and organizations can be unwelcoming, making it hard for newcomers to share their ideas or feel valued. This can lead to disillusionment.
  3. Writing and expressing opinions online can sometimes be more rewarding than traditional civic involvement. Many find that they prefer this quick way to participate rather than struggling with local politics.

Team Technocrat vs. Team Woke

In My Tribe • 774 implied HN points • 09 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Parties Voters Campaigns Political theory
  1. The Democratic Party has two main groups: Team Technocrat and Team Woke. Both seem to be trying to gain influence after the recent election.
  2. The outcome of the election is being interpreted differently, and it's not a clear win or loss for either faction. Events leading up to the 2028 election could change everything.
  3. Swing voters might not see certain candidates, like Kamala Harris, as legitimate. They tend to prefer candidates who seem more credible and have campaigned actively.

Will you explain anarchism to me?

The Novelleist • 781 implied HN points • 07 Nov 24
📖 Philosophy Political theory Ethics Social movements Anarchism
  1. Anarchism is about creating a society without centralized power or authority. It acknowledges that people might still try to gain power, but the goal is to build a culture that resists such authority.
  2. There are questions about how to protect communities striving for anarchy while facing external threats. People are thinking about ways to create temporary spaces of freedom and coordinate efforts across different regions.
  3. For anarchism to flourish, there needs to be a shared global sentiment among people. It’s essential to imagine what an anarchist society could look like, as this vision can help guide the movement.

CROSSPOST: 23 Economics Nobel Prize Winners for Kamala Harris

Brad DeLong's Grasping Reality • 238 implied HN points • 31 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Economics Public Policy Political theory Campaigns
  1. Many Nobel Prize winners in economics believe Kamala Harris would be better for the economy than Donald Trump. They think her ideas will strengthen the middle class and promote fairness.
  2. Harris's economic agenda focuses on enhancing competition and creating job opportunities. These policies are seen as more beneficial for the country's overall economic health.
  3. In contrast, Trump's policies are viewed as harmful, leading to higher prices and greater inequality. Experts worry that his actions could jeopardize essential economic stability.

the new tribe

bad cattitude • 249 implied HN points • 22 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political theory Social movements Civil Liberties Public Policy
  1. Many people feel that current academic systems are failing because they prioritize ideology over objective truth. This has led to a loss of trust in experts and their qualifications.
  2. A new group of builders and creators is emerging, ready to take charge and restore trust and functionality in society. They want to replace ineffective leadership with practical solutions.
  3. The division in society, often caused by political and social issues, is now being recognized as manipulated to keep people fighting each other. A united approach is needed to advocate for freedom and a better future.

Actually, Horseshoe Theory is True

Mon0’s Substack • 39 implied HN points • 28 Aug 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political theory Authoritarianism Psychology Extremism Political Ideology
  1. Horseshoe theory suggests that far-left and far-right groups are more alike than different in certain ways. They may share similar psychological traits, making their mindsets closer than we think.
  2. Research shows both political extremes display traits like dogmatism, intolerance, and a rigid belief system. They often think in black-and-white terms, leading to conspiracy theories and overconfidence in their views.
  3. Authoritarian tendencies can be found on both sides of the political spectrum. This means that extreme ideologies, whether left or right, can lead to similar behaviors and mindset challenges.

Trumpomuskovia

Thinking about... • 608 implied HN points • 30 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political theory Elections Political History Civil Rights Governance
  1. History can show us patterns that help us understand our current problems. It's not about predicting the future, but recognizing familiar issues we can learn from.
  2. Four possible scenarios for America's future highlight risks like secession, increasing authoritarianism, and the influence of oligarchs. Each scenario shows how history might repeat itself in troubling ways.
  3. Inequality is a key theme in these scenarios. Any hope for improving America's situation will have to tackle issues of wealth and power differences in society.

Social Learning Links, 1/28/2025

In My Tribe • 318 implied HN points • 28 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political theory Rhetoric Bureaucracy Activism Epistemology
  1. Barton Swaim discusses Cipolla's idea of classifying people into four categories: helpless, bandit, intelligent, and stupid. He argues that even well-credentialed elites can act stupidly, benefiting themselves while causing harm to others.
  2. Lorenzo Warby warns against the dangers of activism, suggesting that it attracts manipulative personalities who use power without accountability. This can lead to aggressive behavior and undermine responsible governance.
  3. Dan Williams highlights a debate about whether ordinary citizens can understand today's complex world and argues for giving more decision-making power to experts. This raises questions about the nature of democracy and who truly understands political issues.

The Strongman Fantasy (updated 11/24)

Thinking about... • 611 implied HN points • 26 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Authoritarianism Democracy Political theory Electoral Politics
  1. Many Americans are drawn to the idea of a strongman leader, thinking he will solve problems. However, such leaders often do not have the people's best interests at heart and tend to misuse their power.
  2. Under a dictatorship, fear and mistrust grow in society. People start to betray each other, and everyday life becomes governed by intimidation, harming both public and private relationships.
  3. The fantasy of a strongman achieving quick results often leads to a decline in quality of life for everyone, except for those close to the leader. Ultimately, the strongman weakens society and creates widespread discontent.

Decapitation Strike (December)

Thinking about... • 582 implied HN points • 01 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Governance Political parties Policy Making Political theory
  1. Trump's proposed appointments seem surprising but may be part of a larger plan to undermine the government. It's important to recognize this and not just react with shock.
  2. Health and law are vital for a democratic society. Appointing people who threaten health and the rule of law could damage the country significantly.
  3. Historical patterns show that control over key areas like defense and intelligence can lead to regime change. The individuals Trump chose have backgrounds that suggest they might weaken American institutions and empower personal agendas.

Links to Consider, 11/27/2024

In My Tribe • 592 implied HN points • 27 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Education & Policy Health care Civil Rights Political theory Social Issues
  1. Education systems were designed mainly to instill obedience and maintain social order, rather than to promote skills.
  2. Some cancer screening guidelines avoid discussing life expectancy, potentially putting patients at risk due to a lack of difficult conversations about their health.
  3. David Brooks argues that elite college admissions based on cognitive ability have created a new class society, but fails to recognize the moral arrogance and biases in the current system.

The Philosopher Made For TV

From the New World • 75 implied HN points • 20 Dec 24
📖 Philosophy Ethics Political theory Media Studies Cultural criticism Social justice
  1. John Rawls introduced the idea of the 'Veil of Ignorance', which suggests that true justice comes from understanding what it's like to be in someone else's shoes. This concept gained popularity with the rise of television, which allowed people to experience others' lives vicariously.
  2. Television's storytelling created a false sense of understanding between people, making them feel connected to different lives. However, these narratives were often crafted and not authentic representations of reality.
  3. The rise of social media changed the game by giving real, diverse opinions from actual people, breaking down the 'Veil of Ignorance'. Now, individuals can see the real differences among people's values and experiences, making it clear that everyone is unique.

Trumpocalypse Now!

Daniel Pinchbeck’s Newsletter • 15 implied HN points • 25 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political theory Resistance Movements Civic engagement Christianity
  1. Building real, face-to-face community meetings can help people connect and discuss real issues more effectively than online talk. It's important to have local gatherings to share experiences.
  2. A new approach to resistance and opposition is needed, focusing on integrity and transparency. This could create a moral authority that helps people unite against extreme corporate and state power.
  3. Authentic Christianity challenges many values of modern society. Living by Christ's teachings means rejecting materialism and prioritizing love and community over power and control.

The Oversized Conglomerate

In My Tribe • 653 implied HN points • 03 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government Public Policy Political theory Management Regulation
  1. A government that does a few things well is better than one that tries to do many things poorly. When the government gets involved in too many areas, it often struggles to manage them effectively.
  2. The federal government acts like a big, clumsy business conglomerate. It has overlapping agencies and goals that conflict, making it hard to oversee and improve its work.
  3. When considering government interventions, we should expect them to be less effective than planned. This means we should rethink how much we ask the government to do and focus on making sure it does a few things really well.

Big Tech's Class War Politics

Unpopular Front • 88 implied HN points • 05 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political theory Tech Impact Class Struggle Neoliberalism Capitalism
  1. Silicon Valley has shifted political views due to crises in both the U.S. political system and its own beliefs, leading to new coalitions forming that differ from the past.
  2. The tech sector is experiencing a class conflict where some entrepreneurs are pushing for changes against traditional management and labor structures, inspired by authoritarian models.
  3. This new tech movement could attempt to gain majority support, but its harsh approach may limit its ability to create a long-lasting, stable social system.

Saturday Commentary and Review #179

Fisted by Foucault • 161 implied HN points • 12 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political theory Foreign Policy Elections Economic Policies Public Opinion
  1. Trump's second term will face challenges due to the need for compromise in US politics and the divided support within the GOP. Expectation management is crucial because many factors could limit his ambitious plans.
  2. The discussion around liberalism is shifting, with some arguing that Trump represents a return to classic liberalism, while others believe his policies disrupt traditional liberal values. This highlights the changing definitions of liberal democracy.
  3. Europe is feeling the pressure from US economic policies, as countries like Germany struggle with the effects of competition and trade dynamics. The relationship between US demands and European economies is becoming increasingly strained.

I Hope I'm Wrong

Unpopular Front • 153 implied HN points • 06 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Political theory Political Communication Authoritarianism Campaign strategies
  1. It's important to trust your instincts, even when others disagree. Sometimes, being confident in your own analysis brings clarity in uncertain times.
  2. Having a strong, clear vision is crucial in politics. If you don't present a bold idea of the future, it makes it hard for people to rally behind you.
  3. Adapting to new situations and challenges is key. Old tactics might not work anymore, and new strategies need to be developed to build support and create change.

How long should political (and other) terms be?

Nonsense on Stilts • 759 implied HN points • 27 Jan 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Democracy Accountability Elections Political theory
  1. Political term lengths affect how officials make decisions, with shorter terms leading to more immediate focus on elections rather than long-term planning.
  2. Using random processes like coin flips could help standardize the incentives for office holders over time, keeping them accountable throughout their terms.
  3. Finding optimal term lengths requires balancing voter expectations and the realities of political decision-making, which can be quite complex.

CROSSPOST from 2007: HOISTED FROM THE ARCHIVES: George W. Bush et le Code Ezéchiel

Brad DeLong's Grasping Reality • 99 implied HN points • 01 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy Religion History Political theory Biblical Interpretation
  1. George W. Bush mentioned biblical figures Gog and Magog while discussing the Middle East with Jacques Chirac. This shows how some leaders might connect their political actions with religious beliefs.
  2. The interpretations of biblical texts like Ezekiel can vary widely. Some scholars see historical events in these texts, while others look for modern connections.
  3. The United States' support for Israel can be influenced by religious views, unlike the more geopolitical perspective often taken in Europe.

Links to Consider, 11/16/2024

In My Tribe • 516 implied HN points • 16 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political theory Media Consumption Activism Religion Gambling
  1. Higher education has shifted to favor activism over scholarship, which affects true learning. Students should adopt a curious mindset to promote a better educational environment.
  2. Christianity has influenced social changes for centuries, but now its traditional role seems to be diminishing as society embraces these values without the Church.
  3. Political parties are evolving based on media usage, which may blur their ideological lines. Democrats focus on controlling legacy media, whereas Republicans thrive in digital spaces, leading to possible changes in party identities.

The revolution will be organized by group chat

Jeff Giesea • 539 implied HN points • 29 Mar 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Social Change Digital Media Political theory Historical Analysis
  1. Group chats are powerful tools for change, similar to historical meeting places like coffee houses and salons. They allow people to connect and organize around common interests in real-time.
  2. Group Chat Theory suggests that important movements today will likely be coordinated through digital communication rather than just in-person meetings. This means that social and political changes can happen quicker and on a larger scale.
  3. While group chats can promote positive causes, they're also used for bad purposes. It's important to recognize that the same tools for good can be misused for harmful activities.

The Crusade against America

Thinking about... • 487 implied HN points • 22 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political theory Elections Gender Issues Military Policy Cultural Commentary
  1. Misogyny and gender ideology can be harmful within military and political contexts. They can lead to conflicts that distract from real security issues.
  2. History shows that women have always played roles in warfare. Denying this reality is based on outdated beliefs that do not align with present-day military needs.
  3. There is a danger in empowering individuals who have a narrow view of society. Such leaders can create chaos and undermine the principles of democracy.

Updated! "There Is An Arsonist here in LA." - Henry Winkler.

C.O.P. Central Organizing Principle. • 24 implied HN points • 12 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political theory Domestic Terrorism Public Safety
  1. There might be a connection between recent fires in Lahaina, Jasper, and Los Angeles, suggesting they could be caused by arson rather than natural events.
  2. Government failure to manage the situation properly, like issues with water supply and emergency planning, raises questions about the effectiveness of local authorities during these crises.
  3. There are concerns about the involvement of radical groups in these fires, leading some to believe there is a larger agenda behind the incidents in the U.S.

It's not easy from here

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

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 Social Issues Censorship Identity politics
  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 Cultural critique Linguistics Progressivism Identity politics
  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.

The Case for Centrism

Castalia • 299 implied HN points • 24 Apr 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political theory Governance Electoral Politics Political Extremism Party Dynamics
  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.

The Courts and the Will of the People

Fisted by Foucault • 123 implied HN points • 14 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Judiciary Legislation Democracy Political theory Constitutional Law
  1. The judiciary holds significant power in government as it can strike down laws, which can complicate the legislative process. This means popular reforms can be blocked by court decisions.
  2. Western democracies are designed with checks and balances, but political divisions often create gridlock, preventing necessary changes. This gridlock can last for years, leaving citizens frustrated.
  3. The influence of those who control the judiciary can overshadow the elected legislative body. This raises concerns about who really has the power in a democracy.

In the Media

From the New World • 10 implied HN points • 30 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Policy Elections Government Public Opinion Political theory
  1. Launching a new YouTube channel to share podcasts and live streams is a goal for the new year. It's a chance to connect more with the audience through video content.
  2. Proposals for AI legislation are being pushed mainly by a group that is linked to Democrats, even in Republican-led states. This could change how many industries, like education and healthcare, operate.
  3. There's a growing conversation about how government systems can work more like successful businesses. This could help political groups find better ways to serve the public and regain support.

The Submission Chain

Thinking about... • 447 implied HN points • 14 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Political theory Public Policy International relations Political Movements
  1. Submission happens when people accept lies or narratives that aren't true, which can lead to a sense of division in politics. This creates a power dynamic where some feel they 'own' others by repeating these lies.
  2. There's a chain of submission that exists from Trump voters to Trump and then to leaders like Putin and Xi. This relationship suggests that the power structure affects how countries interact with each other, making America weaker.
  3. If the U.S. backs down on supporting Ukraine, it could embolden other countries like China. Supporting Ukraine is crucial not just for its sake but also for maintaining strength against potential threats globally.

How a German Philosopher Predicted the War for D.O.G.E.

From the New World • 118 implied HN points • 13 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political theory Legitimacy Administrative state Executive Power
  1. Carl Schmitt's ideas focus on the importance of political legitimacy and how decisions can bypass normal rules during emergencies. This shows how power can shift unexpectedly during crises.
  2. The COVID-19 pandemic demonstrated how government agencies can act without typical oversight, leading to questions about their legitimacy and effectiveness. It highlighted the tension between authority and accountability.
  3. Efforts to improve government efficiency often run into existing bureaucratic processes that hinder progress. New ideas, like the proposed Department of Government Efficiency, face challenges from established norms and resistance to change.