The hottest Political theory Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
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Top Philosophy Topics

Links to Consider, 11/27/2024

In My Tribe • 592 implied HN points • 27 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political theory
  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.

Maximum Progress on Progressivism

Bet On It • 628 implied HN points • 18 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political theory
  1. Michael Huemer's book, Progressive Myths, offers a clear look at popular beliefs around social issues. He tackles topics like racism and sexism with an emphasis on understanding facts over ideology.
  2. The book encourages readers to question politically charged information and be more skeptical of what they hear. It stresses the importance of looking for objective truths instead of simply aligning with one side of the debate.
  3. Huemer concludes that understanding the truth about complex issues is crucial for avoiding myths that can arise in society. His approach aims to help readers think critically about controversial topics, helping them navigate media bias.

Decapitation Strike (December)

Thinking about... • 582 implied HN points • 01 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics 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.

Why Trump Is Obsessed with the Panama Canal

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 463 implied HN points • 03 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political theory
  1. Trump has a strong belief that China is gaining control over the Panama Canal, which he thinks is a serious issue for the U.S.
  2. He often reminds people that the U.S. built and owned the canal before it was handed over to Panama.
  3. Some political figures are starting to take Trump's concerns seriously, discussing actions that could be taken regarding the canal's operations.

Marc Andreessen on His Intellectual Journey

Erik Torenberg's Thoughts • 533 implied HN points • 26 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political theory
  1. In 2016, major political events made many people, including Marc, rethink how they understand both the left and right sides of politics. It showed that the way people behave in politics can change in surprising ways.
  2. There's a debate about whether people's actions are driven more by their ideas or by their interests. Sometimes people's emotions take charge, and they move in a certain direction, which then influences the ideas that follow.
  3. We need a new understanding of what it means to be part of an elite class. New leaders should focus on results and unite people instead of dividing them along political lines.
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The Vices of Nationalism; America in the Longhouse; Revisiting Chomsky on Cambodia

Unpopular Front • 44 implied HN points • 23 Nov 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political theory
  1. Nationalism is often presented as a unifying force, but it can lead to exclusion and conflict. There are many historical examples where nationalism has resulted in violence against minorities.
  2. Some theorists, like Yoram Hazony, argue that nationalism, when done right, can be just and beneficial. However, there are concerns that these ideas can inadvertently support extremist views.
  3. The discussions around the growing popularity of nationalist ideas often ignore real-world implications. It's easy to talk about nationalism in theory, but it can have serious consequences in practice.

Elon Musk for President, 2028

OK Doomer • 186 implied HN points • 14 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political theory
  1. Elon Musk running for president in 2028 seems far-fetched, but surprising things have happened in politics before. Many people are starting to see it as a real possibility.
  2. The idea of Dragon King Theory suggests that unexpected but powerful events can change the political landscape. Musk could be one of those powerful outliers, fitting the new political vibe.
  3. Traditional candidates may not resonate in today's changing political environment. Musk's unique style and recognition could make him a formidable contender.

1.1 Calculation Versus Understanding: Why Care?

Fields & Energy • 319 implied HN points • 01 Nov 23
📖 Philosophy Political theory
  1. Understanding is important, not just getting the right answers. If we want to make sense of our world and society, we need deeper insights and not just calculations.
  2. Ideas about causality and certainty have changed over time. What was once thought to be clear cut, like Newton's laws, has become more complicated with concepts like quantum mechanics.
  3. Political philosophy can be impacted by scientific ideas. If we believe everything is contradictory, it may affect how we think about power and society, sometimes leading to a focus on who holds power rather than what is right or wrong.

The Politics of Cultural Despair

The Chris Hedges Report • 607 implied HN points • 06 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political theory
  1. Despair is a major issue in society today. Many people are struggling with feelings of hopelessness due to lost jobs, poor economic conditions, and a lack of political representation.
  2. The rise of cult leaders reflects a society that feels powerless. People often turn to these leaders in hope of regaining control and finding meaning in their lives.
  3. To create real change, we need to focus on organizing and striking against corporate power. This can help restore dignity and purpose to people's lives and tackle the problems caused by a failing system.

Random bits of philosophy

Philosophy bear • 50 implied HN points • 20 Nov 25
📖 Philosophy Political theory
  1. Today, many people view exploitation as worse than disobedience, reflecting a shift in values compared to the past. We are more horrified by the abuse of power than by the breaking of traditional rules.
  2. When judging past actions, it's often argued that people from history should be seen in their own context. However, it's important to recognize that some actions, like slavery, were wrong regardless of the era.
  3. Intuitions guide our understanding of moral and philosophical concepts but may not always point to objective truths. They often reflect our own principles instead of revealing universal truths.

Whose Standards Are Too High?

Bet On It • 573 implied HN points • 11 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political theory
  1. Many people have high standards for politicians and democracy, but they should consider that the alternatives might not be better.
  2. The free market is often held to very high standards, but voters and politicians should think about whether government actions can truly improve things.
  3. Instead of pushing for more government intervention, maybe people should appreciate the benefits of a free market and how it has worked historically.

There's Always a Beginning

OK Doomer • 168 implied HN points • 12 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political theory
  1. Fascism and societal collapse don't happen overnight; it's a gradual process that often goes unnoticed until it's too late. Many people may dismiss early warnings as overreactions.
  2. The beginning of a collapse can often be traced back to historical injustices that have been ignored. This means that the roots of today's issues may lie in events from the past.
  3. Dystopian stories often skip over how societies degrade because it makes for better drama. However, in real life, acknowledging the history and the buildup is crucial to understanding the current state of affairs.

Links to Consider, 11/16/2024

In My Tribe • 516 implied HN points • 16 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political theory
  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.

Popuphobia’s Javier Milei Problem

Bet On It • 518 implied HN points • 21 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political theory
  1. Populism can be seen in a positive light when it speaks against corrupt elites. It can represent the voice of ordinary people wanting change.
  2. Javier Milei is an example of a populist leader in Argentina who has taken significant steps to challenge the established political system and improve the country's situation.
  3. Some critics dismiss populism entirely as bad, but it's important to recognize that not all populists are the same; some can actually promote good governance.

The Rich and the Cheap

Bet On It • 392 implied HN points • 29 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political theory
  1. High taxes or regulations on wealthy people might not work out as planned. Just because the rich can afford it, doesn't mean they will stick around to pay it.
  2. Many wealthy individuals are also frugal. When taxed more, they might choose to earn less or stop certain activities to avoid those costs.
  3. Large companies may appear to afford extra taxes and regulations, but they can choose to cut back on what they do instead. This means the burden of such policies can end up hurting regular folks more than the rich.

Why we need an insufferable liberal elite

Wrong Side of History • 503 implied HN points • 23 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political theory
  1. People are moving to new social media platforms like Bluesky to find communities that share their values. They are looking for a place where they feel understood and accepted.
  2. The discussions on Bluesky feel less harsh compared to Twitter, but the problems of online bullying and toxic behavior still exist. It's like changing from one bad situation to another with similar issues.
  3. Echo chambers on social media might not be as bad as they seem. Sometimes, people are more affected by seeing too many extreme views rather than just talking to others who agree with them.

Letters to the Editor: AI Might Be Good for Elites, but What About the Rest of Us?

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 153 implied HN points • 15 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political theory
  1. AI may benefit wealthy elites, but it raises concerns for average people. It's important to think about how technology impacts everyone, not just the privileged.
  2. Nationalism can be problematic if it undermines important legal and moral structures. It's crucial to recognize that strong institutions are key for society to thrive.
  3. The US's historical role in promoting liberal democracy is complex and sometimes misunderstood. Engaging with global issues requires a balance between local interests and broader humanitarian goals.

The Crusade against America

Thinking about... • 487 implied HN points • 22 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political theory
  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.

Saturday Commentary and Review #190

Fisted by Foucault • 143 implied HN points • 21 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political theory
  1. Right now, U.S. politics feel really stable and boring, which people find hard to get excited about. Many are wrestling with what they expected when Trump first came into power versus what actually happened.
  2. There's a disconnect between what Trump's supporters want—a revolution—and what he can realistically achieve within the current system. Many Republicans are caught between wanting change and sticking to traditional conservative values.
  3. Anti-globalization has shifted from the left to the right over time. As people face negative impacts from globalization, right-leaning politics have capitalized on this sentiment, while leftists are trying to figure out how to reclaim that anti-globalization spirit for their own agendas.

SBSQ #14: Election Day lightning round!

Silver Bulletin • 507 implied HN points • 05 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political theory
  1. Election Day tends to be calm since there’s not much to do until results come in. It's a good time to reflect instead of focusing too much on exit polls.
  2. Different prediction models, like FiveThirtyEight's, can have varying odds for candidates which might not reflect the true situation. It's important to pay attention to both polls and the underlying fundamentals.
  3. There are concerns that too many prediction models can lead pollsters to stick closely to common predictions, impacting the variety of polling results we see.

Why does every Jacobin comment section look like this?

Philosophy bear • 343 implied HN points • 11 Feb 25
📖 Philosophy Political theory
  1. People in Jacobin's comment section often seem unhappy. It's interesting to wonder why so many voices lean toward negativity.
  2. There seems to be a unique attitude among commenters across different ideologies, especially on the left. This may hold clues about the wider leftist community.
  3. Understanding the reasons behind this grumpy attitude could be key to helping socialism move forward without obstacles.

Shiri's Margin Attractor Part 2

Handwaving Freakoutery • 509 implied HN points • 25 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political theory
  1. Elections are getting closer to 50/50 splits because media focuses on controversial topics. This means both political sides are becoming more polarized over time.
  2. The Electoral College gives a voting advantage to less populous states, which could lead to more rural control of the presidency in the future.
  3. As media continues to capitalize on cultural divisions, this trend towards even vote splits may solidify, changing the political landscape significantly.

Why Praising Trump Is Destructive

Phillips’s Newsletter • 126 implied HN points • 04 Aug 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political theory
  1. Praising Trump for small actions can be misleading and counterproductive. It risks giving him credit he may not deserve.
  2. Acknowledge that even if Trump does something actually good, praising him can still feel morally wrong.
  3. It's important to stay critical of leaders regardless of their actions to ensure accountability and avoid misguided support.

Things are going even worse than I expected

The Future, Now and Then • 345 implied HN points • 02 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political theory
  1. Elon Musk has taken significant control over the U.S. government, causing concern among observers. His style of leadership resembles how he managed Twitter, which raises questions about legality and governance.
  2. The ability to rebuild and enforce government regulations takes time, and the current situation is making it harder for progressives to succeed. There’s a sense of lost potential for positive change.
  3. Many people feel a sense of mourning for the futures that now seem impossible. Plans and hopes for progress that once existed are now gone, and it leaves a feeling of disappointment.

Pessimistic thoughts about the left

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

A Fusion Of An Idea And A Place

The Weekly Dish • 124 implied HN points • 25 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political theory
  1. JD Vance has some good points but also misses the bigger picture about America. It's important to look at the whole situation rather than just one side.
  2. America is shaped by both ideas and places, meaning culture is influenced by where people live and what they believe.
  3. Understanding America requires a balance of recognizing its flaws while also appreciating its strengths. It's a complex place with many layers.

The Submission Chain

Thinking about... • 447 implied HN points • 14 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political theory
  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.

Beyond The Appearances.

Trying to Understand the World • 6 implied HN points • 04 Feb 26
📖 Philosophy Political theory
  1. Thinking that an ideal model must be true and then forcing facts to fit it is a common and damaging habit across religion, science, and politics. That approach suppresses evidence and treats reality as an inconvenience to be reshaped.
  2. Mathematical economics and technocratic policy can become detached from material limits like production, supply chains, and everyday human experience. Redefining metrics or relying on models instead of practical judgement leads to bad policy and misleading claims.
  3. A pragmatic, evidence-first attitude that respects messy appearances and practical constraints works better in medicine, policy and conflict than grand, a priori systems. Humility and readiness to revise theories when facts disagree are essential to avoid ideological error.

Social Learning Links, 1/28/2025

In My Tribe • 318 implied HN points • 28 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political theory
  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 Fall of Democracy is a Markov Process

Maximum Effort, Minimum Reward • 383 implied HN points • 19 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political theory
  1. Political systems can change between different types, like moving from democracy to tyranny. This pattern has been studied using historical data from ancient Greek city-states.
  2. The concept of 'anacyclosis' describes how governments can cycle through forms of rule, leading to predictable changes over time. It suggests that democracies can end up in tyrannical rule.
  3. Having a mix of government types can create stability. The Roman Republic is seen as an example of this mixed constitution, combining elements of democracy, aristocracy, and monarchy.

An Introduction to the Problem of Authority

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

On Red-Pilling

Castalia • 279 implied HN points • 02 Aug 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political theory
  1. The 'red pill' concept represents a harsh truth about power structures. It shows how governments often act in their own interest, making it hard for everyday people to see what's really happening.
  2. People debate whether human behavior is shaped more by biology or environment. This affects how we understand social interactions and the so-called 'sexual marketplace.'
  3. There's a feeling that society is struggling between old values and modern realities. We need to recognize harsh truths but also focus on being the best versions of ourselves.

Putin's New Peril

Diane Francis • 879 implied HN points • 22 Aug 22
🌍 World Politics Political theory
  1. The recent assassination of Alexander Dugin's daughter in Moscow has shaken Russia and raised questions about its leadership. This event might signal internal strife within Russian powers as high-profile killings are uncommon there.
  2. Dugin, known as 'Putin's Rasputin', has greatly influenced Putin's policies. His ideas promote a confrontational stance against the West and support for aggressive tactics, including the ongoing war in Ukraine.
  3. Dugin's philosophy isn't limited to Russia; it has connections to far-right movements worldwide. The assassination could change public support for Putin's war, potentially increasing tensions within Russia and changing the war's dynamics.

Social Theory for the Mid-21st Century: Part I. What Do I Ask My Students to Read so That They Will Understand the World of 2055?

Brad DeLong's Grasping Reality • 415 implied HN points • 15 Nov 24
🚌 Education Political theory
  1. Teaching students about human affairs is essential to prepare them for their future. We need to help them understand how to navigate their lives and the society they'll be part of.
  2. History provides valuable lessons and analogies, but it's important to synthesize these into useful theories. Good theories help us learn from the past and think about the future.
  3. It's necessary to adapt our teaching to current and future realities, rather than relying only on past approaches. Students need knowledge that applies to the world of 2055, not just what was relevant 40 years ago.

Assisted dying, rightsideism and the future of liberal democracy

The Path Not Taken • 132 implied HN points • 05 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political theory
  1. The Assisted Dying Bill shows how public policy is influenced by 'rightsideism', where people care more about being on the right side of an issue than about actual facts.
  2. Emotional stories are often used in debates like this one to sway opinions, which can sometimes overshadow important discussions about laws and their implications.
  3. There are concerns that 'rightsideism' can challenge liberal democracy by prioritizing feelings over evidence, making it hard to determine what really is the 'right side' in debates.

The Right Side of History

Breaking Smart • 150 implied HN points • 07 Jun 25
📖 Philosophy Political theory
  1. Understanding history is complex and doesn't always have clear 'right' or 'wrong' sides. Sometimes we need to accept uncertainty and be okay with being wrong.
  2. Having opinions or beliefs is fine, but trying to find a single 'right side' can lead to confusion and extremism. It's important to be open to different perspectives.
  3. Engaging seriously with serious issues is necessary, but it's also important to embrace humor and unseriousness to keep a balanced view of life.

Are You a Neganthropologist?

Daniel Pinchbeck’s Newsletter • 11 implied HN points • 11 Jan 26
📖 Philosophy Political theory
  1. Our current tech-driven era is creating massive entropy in both the planet and human minds, but there’s a possible alternative called the Neganthropocene where we redesign systems to regenerate knowledge, care, and the commons.
  2. The pace of digital change prevents society from forming a new, stable epoch, short-circuiting collective memory and social systems and driving regression, polarization, and the risk of authoritarian dynamics.
  3. Technology is a pharmakon — both poison and cure — so we must learn to master and redesign AI and networks to avoid the ‘proletarianization’ of human skills and to build contributory economies that foster imagination and collective intelligence.

Tolstoy On Disagreement

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

Natural Capitalism is a Fallacy

JoeWrote • 104 implied HN points • 02 Aug 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political theory
  1. Many people confuse capitalism with markets. Markets can exist in different systems, but capitalism is specifically about private ownership of production.
  2. Capitalism isn't a natural part of human existence; it was created and is maintained by those who benefit from it. This is an important distinction in discussions about economic systems.
  3. A big reason people defend capitalism is that it's easier to say it's natural than to argue why the private ownership of companies should stay as it is. This simplification can mislead discussions about alternatives.