The hottest Political theory Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
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Top Philosophy Topics

Trump's Neo-Fusionism

Unpopular Front • 70 implied HN points • 29 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Conservatism Populism Libertarianism Political theory Coalitions
  1. Trump's new approach, called Neo-Fusionism, mixes both national populism and libertarian ideas. This means he supports average people's values while also favoring some libertarian policies.
  2. There's a conflict between wanting a strong government to push Trump's agenda and the libertarian wish to reduce government power. This creates challenges in balancing these different beliefs.
  3. Understanding the different thinkers, like Rothbard and Francis, helps to explain the complexities and contradictions in Trump's coalition and overall politics.

When Hatred and Fear Mask as Indignation

Philosophy bear • 114 implied HN points • 16 Nov 24
📖 Philosophy Moral Philosophy Ethics Social justice Education Political theory
  1. Indignation is feeling morally upset about someone doing something wrong, while contempt is viewing someone as less than human and not caring about their welfare. It's important to understand the difference between these feelings.
  2. People often hide their contempt under the guise of indignation, especially towards groups like children who may commit crimes. We should question this attitude and seek to unmask the true feelings behind it.
  3. Children's moral development is ongoing, and they shouldn't be held to the same standard of moral responsibility as adults. It's unjust to treat them as fully moral agents while denying them basic rights like voting.

Kamala Harris and the Rise of Progressive Nothing Politics

eugyppius: a plague chronicle • 146 implied HN points • 03 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Political theory Political Commentary Progressivism Public Policy
  1. Kamala Harris's speeches often lack substance and fail to inspire listeners. People are noticing that she repeats the same ideas without offering new insights.
  2. The idea of 'Progressive Nothing Politics' suggests a decline in meaningful political discourse, especially within the progressive left.
  3. This shift in politics could lead to a tough future for candidates like Harris, as voters may be looking for more engaging and concrete proposals.

What is the goal of anarchism?

The Novelleist • 347 implied HN points • 18 Nov 24
📖 Philosophy Anarchism Political theory Society Governance Conflict resolution
  1. Anarchism promotes the idea of living peacefully in small, self-governing communities. It believes people can manage their own lives without a large government.
  2. History shows that small communities often face threats from larger groups. To be safe, these small groups sometimes need to band together or rely on bigger organizations for protection.
  3. One way to achieve a peaceful, self-governing life may be to work within existing societies. By forming small communities where people can live as they want, we might promote harmony while still having some protection from the outside.

Global Refugee Mess

Diane Francis • 939 implied HN points • 02 Oct 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Immigration Policy Public Safety International relations Civil Rights 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.
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Can Great Power Politics Be Ethical?

Castalia • 299 implied HN points • 27 Mar 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy International relations Political theory Political Ethics Military Strategy
  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.

Testing the Fascism Thesis

Unpopular Front • 79 implied HN points • 14 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Political theory Authoritarianism Trumpism Democracy
  1. The fascism thesis is viewed as a framework to analyze Trump's behavior. It can help predict actions but must remain flexible to be valid.
  2. Key predictions include the potential for state-backed violence against political opponents and the suspension of civil liberties. If these things happen, it would strengthen the fascism theory.
  3. The reaction of the Biden administration to Trump shows challenges in maintaining democratic norms without appearing hypocritical. It's a balancing act that can complicate democratic practices.

Should we have Deliberative Democracy?

Erik Examines • 89 implied HN points • 18 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Democracy Political theory Civic engagement Public Policy Governance
  1. Deliberative democracy is about having conversations among citizens to make better decisions, rather than just voting. It focuses on discussing issues deeply before deciding things.
  2. This model can be mixed with traditional democracy, where citizen assemblies could help inform lawmakers. It doesn't replace representatives but enhances how decisions are made.
  3. Using AI can help find common ground during discussions, making it easier for people to reach agreements on policies. It could guide groups to better solutions by analyzing opinions and suggesting compromises.

Elon versus the USG

Gray Mirror • 146 implied HN points • 20 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government Elections Policy Political theory Administration
  1. Elon Musk may be more valuable on Earth than in space. Some believe his ideas could improve how the US government works instead of focusing on Mars.
  2. The US government is more bureaucratic than it seems. Many people think the President is in charge, but Congress actually has more control over decisions and spending.
  3. Restoring the Constitution and fixing the government may not be possible. The systems in place now are so different that some question if the Constitution is even relevant today.

Heaven is High and the Emperor is Far Away

Polymathic Being • 113 implied HN points • 03 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political theory Social media Mental health Public Perception Community Engagement
  1. Don't let fear from social media take over your life. There's plenty of good around you if you look for it.
  2. Remember that political news is often far removed from your daily reality. You have control over how much it affects you.
  3. Take action in your local community. Get involved and focus on what truly matters to you, instead of constantly worrying about the emperor.

Am I an anarchist?

The Novelleist • 304 implied HN points • 22 Nov 24
📖 Philosophy Political theory Anarchism Social theory Governance
  1. Small communities can self-govern effectively, but larger groups may need some form of governance to ensure good behavior among members. This raises questions about whether a decentralized system still counts as anarchist.
  2. People want similar goals across different ideologies, like a more equitable and environmentally conscious society. The focus should be on improving our current systems rather than starting from scratch.
  3. Open borders could change the dynamics of power between countries. If people can easily leave bad governments, those governments might be less likely to wage war or act poorly to keep their citizens.

Taking Illiberalism seriously

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

Between Mandala and Machine

Breaking Smart • 76 implied HN points • 11 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Systems Elections Political theory Political Movements
  1. Mandalas and machines represent two different approaches to societal organization. Mandalas focus on human relationships and caring, while machines focus on knowledge and efficiency.
  2. There's an ongoing shift from traditional machine politics to mandala-like systems, which rely on personal connections and shared values rather than strict institutions.
  3. To build a better societal machine, we need a mix of creativity and structure, resulting in a system that's both effective and aware of human needs.

Dawn in Syria; "On Violence;" Hegel on Revolution; "Say Nothing" on FX

Unpopular Front • 41 implied HN points • 08 Dec 24
🌍 World Politics Revolution Middle East International relations Political theory Conflict
  1. The fall of Assad in Syria brings hope after years of a brutal civil war. People are celebrating and reuniting, showing how powerful and inspiring change can be.
  2. Even the strongest dictatorships can crumble quickly when the people rise up. This shows that real power comes from the consent of the people, not just force.
  3. The situation in Syria reminds us that democracy is about the people's will. When people collectively say 'no' to oppression, they can create significant change.

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.

A political manifesto for the first Post-Communist International

Heterodox STEM • 99 implied HN points • 27 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political theory Human Rights Liberal democracy Egalitarianism
  1. A manifesto proposes new ideas for creating a society without inequalities. It suggests that previous attempts to create equal societies didn't go far enough and need a clearer plan.
  2. The text emphasizes that traditional values and beliefs are being challenged and reshaped. It argues that modern ideas about rights and freedoms often contradict each other, creating confusion.
  3. Finally, it highlights the importance of intellectual influence in societal change. The manifesto believes that a well-organized group can push for revolutionary changes, even in societies that seem to resist them.

The Deluge Is Here

Daniel Pinchbeck’s Newsletter • 19 implied HN points • 04 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political theory Capitalism Social Issues Technology impact
  1. We're going through a big change in society, and many people feel that the old systems, like liberalism, are breaking down. This creates confusion as we try to figure out what comes next.
  2. Technology is rapidly changing our lives, but it’s also causing problems like job loss and decreased attention spans. This means we need to be careful about how we use technology.
  3. The economy is shifting away from traditional capitalism toward a system where a few tech companies control a lot of power and resources. This is making inequality worse and changing how we interact with each other.

Trump's William McKinley Fetish is a Real Curveball

I Might Be Wrong • 12 implied HN points • 23 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political theory Political History Political Commentary Political Figures Political Economy
  1. Trump has shown an unusual admiration for President William McKinley, frequently mentioning him in speeches and calling him underrated. This is surprising because McKinley is not a common figure of praise among modern politicians.
  2. Trump believes that McKinley's tariffs significantly contributed to America's wealth, but many experts think this is a misunderstanding. Economic growth during that time was influenced by several factors, not just tariffs.
  3. McKinley's views on tariffs changed while he was in office, suggesting that his original ideas might not have been as set in stone as Trump claims. This highlights how historical interpretations can vary over time.

The Dissolution of "Man"

Daniel Pinchbeck’s Newsletter • 13 implied HN points • 13 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture Postmodernism Epistemology Artificial Intelligence Political theory
  1. The concept of 'man' as central to knowledge is relatively new and may no longer be relevant. We're seeing a shift in how we understand ourselves and our place in knowledge systems.
  2. Artificial Intelligence is changing the way we think about knowledge and truth. As AI grows, it challenges the idea that human consciousness is the main source of knowledge.
  3. Our cultural and personal relationships are being affected by this shift. This change is influencing not just how we think, but also our politics and economy.

Liberals v. Progressives

Castalia • 599 implied HN points • 31 Oct 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Liberalism Progressivism Political theory Social justice Israel-Palestine
  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.

Giving Trump Just What He Wants

Gideon's Substack • 45 implied HN points • 05 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Governance Political parties Public Policy Political theory
  1. Both violent actions and political pardons can push society closer to authoritarianism. It's important to recognize that these reactions stem from a belief that democracy is breaking down.
  2. Preemptively pardoning people can look like an abuse of power and may harm public trust. This kind of action might seem reasonable in response to threats, but can actually fuel more distrust and paranoia.
  3. Engaging in normal politics and upholding the rule of law is crucial. Abandoning these principles only strengthens authoritarian figures by giving them more reasons to justify their actions.

Nixon, Gore, the paths not taken

America in Crisis • 99 implied HN points • 24 May 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Economic Policy Presidential elections Fiscal Responsibility Political theory Government actions
  1. The end of the postwar economy was marked by stagflation due to the end of the gold standard in 1971 and fiscal deficits, impacting inflation and unemployment.
  2. The 1960 election acknowledged the risk of deficits on gold reserves, foreseen by Nixon, while Gore in 2000 aimed to maintain fiscal responsibility and pay down debt from surpluses.
  3. Political decisions from the 1960s to the 2000s reveal a shift in economic policies, with the consequences of deficit spending, tax cuts, and financial instability influencing different presidencies and shaping economic outcomes.

The Dam Has Burst, The Floodgates Of Liberty Just Opened

QTR’s Fringe Finance • 69 implied HN points • 06 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Government Media Political theory Political parties
  1. A recent election result has given a strong mandate to a political party, signaling a shift toward liberty and smaller government. This change is seen as a positive move for many people who value personal freedom.
  2. The outcome of the election has put pressure on the mainstream media and the opposing political party to rethink their strategies. Many believe that the media's bias has hurt their credibility and trust with the public.
  3. There's a sense of hope that this election could lead to a lasting change in political ideologies, favoring less government and more freedom. People feel that this could be the start of a new era for the country's governance.

Be TERRIFIED RIGHT NOW DAMN YOU

Disaffected Newsletter • 1358 implied HN points • 12 Jan 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political theory Political Commentary Media influence Public Perception Policy Debate
  1. Some people want you to feel scared like they do, or else they might react negatively towards you. It's more about their emotions than actual danger.
  2. Genuinely scared people usually seek relief from their fears, while 'scared' people may be using their fear to manipulate others.
  3. Recent fears, like about gas stoves, often come from media hype rather than real, observed problems, suggesting we're becoming overly reliant on studies to form our opinions.

Is more democracy the answer?

Theory Matters • 12 implied HN points • 18 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Democracy Voting Political theory Political engagement Citizenship
  1. More democracy might not be the simple answer to our problems. Just having more people vote doesn't mean they will actually connect or understand each other better.
  2. In today's world, people are often stuck in their own bubbles, only talking to those who agree with them. This leads to misunderstandings and makes it hard to find common ground.
  3. To improve democracy, we need to have real conversations and listen to one another. Creating spaces for open talk can help us understand each other and build stronger communities.

Making Civic Life Thick Again; Rashid Khalidi in Haaretz; Remembering Canarsie

Unpopular Front • 29 implied HN points • 01 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political theory Civic engagement Social movements National Identity
  1. Political parties need to focus on building stronger local organizations to reconnect with working-class voters. This means creating spaces where people can gather and engage in civic life together.
  2. The Israeli-Palestinian conflict is complex and cannot be solved easily. Understanding both sides and their histories is crucial to discussing potential solutions.
  3. Using violent tactics in political struggles can backfire, especially when the opposing side feels victimized. It's important to think about the long-term effects of such strategies.

Mars Isn't Enough

Daniel Pinchbeck’s Newsletter • 15 implied HN points • 29 Dec 24
📖 Philosophy Political theory Ethics Social Philosophy Metaphysics Existentialism
  1. Modern society is facing a legitimation crisis, meaning people feel disconnected and lack shared values or purpose. This breakdown of old beliefs leaves a void that can be filled by extreme ideologies.
  2. Many attempts to create a universal moral framework without a unifying story have not worked well. This leads to more chaos and fragmentation in society.
  3. An idea called monistic idealism suggests that consciousness is the basic reality, which could help rebuild social connections and inspire care for each other and the planet right now.

The "letters to an anarchist" post-mortem

The Novelleist • 141 implied HN points • 06 Dec 24
📖 Philosophy Anarchism Political theory Ethics Social Change Correspondence
  1. Peter and Elle wrote a year-long series of letters about anarchism, discussing various topics related to the philosophy. It's an effort to understand and explain anarchism more deeply.
  2. They published their correspondence in eight parts, covering ideas like the goals of anarchism and how societies can protect themselves without traditional governance.
  3. They also held an event to share their experiences and respond to readers' feedback, highlighting the importance of open dialogue in exploring complex ideas.

Neutrality

Rough Diamonds • 40 implied HN points • 13 Nov 24
📖 Philosophy Ethics Metaphysics Political theory Social Philosophy Epistemology
  1. Neutrality is about treating all opinions equally, which helps people work together despite their differences. It’s important for creating spaces where cooperation can happen without conflict.
  2. Our current systems often lack trust and a shared understanding, making it hard for people to agree on basics. Building new systems of trust is crucial for moving forward.
  3. Institutions need to be more than just neutral; they should create a framework that supports healthy discussions and diverse viewpoints. This way, people can feel both included and understood.

The Election Won't Save Us. What Will?

JoeWrote • 55 implied HN points • 05 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Political theory Social justice
  1. Elections alone won't bring real change; they often just keep things the same. People feel stuck and frustrated when their choices don't align with their values.
  2. To create change, it's important to organize and work together. Alone, individuals feel powerless, but together, they can make a difference.
  3. Taking even small steps, like joining a union or a community group, can help build power and connections among people. Every little action counts towards making a better world.

Essay Club: Cryptocracy by John Carter

Mind & Mythos • 99 implied HN points • 20 Apr 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political theory Current Events Political Identity Essays
  1. Power can be hard to see and understand in a managerial state, making it feel confusing and hidden.
  2. John Carter's essay, 'Cryptocracy', dives into political themes and critiques the modern elite's control, and it's thought-provoking even if you disagree with it.
  3. Carter writes in a bold and experimental style, using vivid imagery to explore complex ideas about society and power.

Philosophical economics: From individualism to libertarianism

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

1.1 Calculation Versus Understanding: Why Care?

Fields & Energy • 319 implied HN points • 01 Nov 23
📖 Philosophy Political theory Epistemology Ethics Metaphysics Causality
  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.

"Tech-Fash"

Daniel Pinchbeck’s Newsletter • 14 implied HN points • 22 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political theory Social Issues Economic Policies Crisis Management
  1. People are feeling defeated by the current political culture, feeling like greedy billionaires are leading society into problems. There's a concern about giving too much power to these wealthy individuals.
  2. There's a struggle happening between old systems and new ideas, with many not knowing what should replace the failing system. This creates confusion and makes it hard for people to come together for a common goal.
  3. Social media and tech billionaires are changing how politics work, often sidestepping traditional approaches. This can lead to manipulation and a focus on short-term gains instead of real solutions for society.

Peter Thiel is a Vampire

The Corbett Report • 37 implied HN points • 10 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political theory Political Power Political Influence Billionaires Lobbying
  1. Peter Thiel is heavily involved in the tech and military sectors, linking his companies like PayPal and Palantir with governments and intelligence agencies. This raises questions about his true motivations and influence.
  2. He is a regular participant in exclusive meetings like the Bilderberg Group. Being part of the steering committee shows he has a significant role in shaping global discussions among powerful figures.
  3. Thiel claims to be a libertarian, but his actions suggest otherwise. His support for authoritarian practices and interest in life-extending technologies indicates a different set of priorities.

Like Reagan With a Shotgun

God's Spies by Thomas Neuburger • 50 implied HN points • 07 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Government Political theory Neoliberalism Trump Era
  1. Trump's recent comments may seem like he wants to be a dictator, but many believe he’s just following a long history of neoliberalism in the U.S. since Reagan.
  2. Rather than creating something new, Trump is seen as continuing the trend of dismantling government powers, benefiting only the wealthy.
  3. Historically, those in power use chaos and confusion to implement conservative policies, and this is viewed as part of the same playbook used by past administrations.

Where Have the Good Oligarchs Gone?

God's Spies by Thomas Neuburger • 55 implied HN points • 24 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political theory Oligarchy Democratic Party Influence Policy
  1. The real Left opposes the idea of the rich ruling over everyone else. If they don't get rid of the oligarchs, true self-rule won't happen.
  2. Oligarchs are gaining more power, especially with political figures like Donald Trump. This shift is concerning for democracy.
  3. Some political groups appear to embrace certain wealthy individuals, calling them 'good billionaires.' The actual Left wants to challenge and limit the power of all oligarchs, not just pick favorites.