The hottest Political theory Substack posts right now

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Top Philosophy Topics

on the meaning of ritual

alice maz • 78 implied HN points • 04 Jul 25
📖 Philosophy Political theory
  1. Rituals are practices that help people understand and express important values like kindness and righteousness. They guide behavior and help maintain harmony in society.
  2. Xunzi believed that rituals are not fixed but can be created and adapted over time to meet the needs of society. This shows that traditions can evolve while still being useful.
  3. Rituals help structure relationships and social order, allowing for personal responsibilities and duties to be understood and respected within a community. This fosters mutual support and trust.

Virtue Hoarders and the Rejection of Liberalism (w/ Catherine Liu) | The Chris Hedges Report

The Chris Hedges Report • 168 implied HN points • 13 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political theory
  1. The professional managerial class (PMC) often ignores the real needs of the working class while focusing on virtue signaling. Instead of addressing issues that affect everyday workers, they get caught up in cultural fights.
  2. There is a growing disconnect between political elites and the realities faced by average Americans. Many politicians prioritize polls and focus groups over genuine conversations with the public.
  3. A strong sense of anti-authoritarianism and a desire for grassroots change exists in America. With the right focus, this discontent could unite people around common goals that benefit the working class.

sunday memepool

bad cattitude • 95 implied HN points • 25 May 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political theory
  1. Oppressive forces exist in the world, making life difficult for many people.
  2. Many individuals feel they are facing challenges because the system is set up against them.
  3. It's important to acknowledge these struggles and understand the impact they have on people's lives.

the new tribe

bad cattitude • 249 implied HN points • 22 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political theory
  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.

Minimum IQ to understand Political Theory?

sebjenseb • 137 implied HN points • 19 Jun 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political theory
  1. Joseph Bronski suggests that a large percentage of the population lacks political agency due to intelligence deficiencies.
  2. IQ and SAT scores have a strong correlation, but not a perfect one.
  3. There isn't a specific 'minimum IQ' needed for political agency, as it varies based on cognitive abilities related to political engagement.
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CROSSPOST: 23 Economics Nobel Prize Winners for Kamala Harris

Brad DeLong's Grasping Reality • 238 implied HN points • 31 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political theory
  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 question of socialism posed inescapably in the final moment of the human economy

Philosophy bear • 178 implied HN points • 17 Jan 25
📖 Philosophy Political theory
  1. If AI becomes capable of doing all jobs, humans may only be consumers and possibly owners of capital. This raises questions about the need for human ownership in a fully automated economy.
  2. Arguments for private ownership of productive assets disappear when human labor is no longer relevant. This challenges our traditional views on capitalism and economic roles.
  3. We face a choice between adopting a form of fully automated socialism or continuing an unequal system where a small group owns most resources. Both paths raise important ethical and practical questions.

Slides for Tomorrow's (2025-02-24 Mo) "American Exceptionalism" American Economic History Lecture

Brad DeLong's Grasping Reality • 146 implied HN points • 23 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political theory
  1. The U.S. had the potential to become a primary product exporter like Australia and Argentina due to its abundance of natural resources and land. However, historical choices led to a different path of industrialization instead.
  2. The U.S. chose to focus on manufacturing, education, and infrastructure, thanks to policies from figures like Alexander Hamilton. These choices helped build a strong economy that could sustain growth and innovation.
  3. Specializing in primary products can be risky as it makes economies vulnerable to price changes and global demand shifts. The U.S. avoided these traps by diversifying into industrialization, which created a more robust and resilient economy.

LECTURE NOTES: 5.2. Neoliberalism & After

Brad DeLong's Grasping Reality • 215 implied HN points • 19 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political theory
  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.

Migration and the sovereign firm

Gray Mirror • 189 implied HN points • 29 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political theory
  1. The relationship between a state and its citizens can be viewed in terms of ownership, where the state should safeguard and nurture its people as valuable assets. This perspective contrasts with the modern belief that the state exists to serve its citizens.
  2. Free movement of labor may negatively impact local human capital by creating job competition that reduces job quality for some citizens, affecting their value and contribution to society.
  3. Mass migration policies are often motivated by corporate interests and political goals rather than a genuine need to develop local talent or improve society, leading to ineffective and exploitative outcomes.

Why has the left gentrified?

Optimally Irrational • 79 implied HN points • 12 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political theory
  1. The left has changed because the working class is now smaller and less organized. This makes it harder for left-wing parties to hold onto traditional support.
  2. New social groups, like educated young people and women, are now more important for left-wing parties. Their interests can be different from what the traditional working class wanted.
  3. The decline of strong leftist ideologies, especially after the fall of communism, has left left-wing parties without clear guiding principles, causing them to adapt to new concerns over time.

Let's Get Real

Unpopular Front • 145 implied HN points • 06 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political theory
  1. Some believe that Trump isn't a strong leader because he struggles with Congress and doesn't have popular support. However, this weak position could be why he tries to bypass normal government processes and use executive power more.
  2. Critics of the idea that Trump is fascist argue he's not repressive, but history shows that early fascist leaders cooperated with existing systems before showing more authoritarian tendencies, which we may be seeing now.
  3. People often think fascism has to involve a strong military or violent takeover, but it can also use economic control and the threat of job loss to maintain power, which is evident in today's political environment.

Mob Rule

Unpopular Front • 154 implied HN points • 16 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political theory
  1. Social media has created a split within the right, revealing tensions between traditional values and the rising 'mob' mentality. This mob is a blend of various societal frustrations and doesn't align with typical views of the working class.
  2. The mob mentality thrives on feelings of exclusion and resentment, leading to conspiracy thinking and a rejection of societal values. Members often feel their struggles are caused by a corrupt system, which fuels their anger.
  3. This mob-like behavior isn't exclusive to poorer individuals; it can also be found among the wealthy who believe their status grants them certain rights. Both groups may seek power and recognition, often through aggressive means, and share a disdain for the societal norms that keep them in check.

Only Socialism Can Fix This (Gestures to The American Hellscape)

JoeWrote • 139 implied HN points • 18 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political theory
  1. America needs more than just minor repairs; it needs a complete rethink of how power and wealth are distributed. Simple fixes won't stop the rise of aggressive capitalism.
  2. The New Deal helped many but didn't end the dangers of capitalism, which still threaten social programs like Medicare and Social Security.
  3. We must not only push for useful social policies but also ensure that the systems allowing wealth concentration are dismantled to protect those policies for the future.

READING: Hamilton's Constitutional Convention Speech

Brad DeLong's Grasping Reality • 153 implied HN points • 17 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political theory
  1. Hamilton believed that weak state governments could harm a strong federal government. He thought a perfect government needed clear powers and strong institutions.
  2. He was worried that pure democracy could lead to chaos and tyranny. Instead, he preferred a system where some leaders held power for a longer time to ensure stability.
  3. Hamilton highlighted that the interests of states often clash with the needs of the entire nation. He suggested a government structure that aligns individual and national interests better.

Trump's Colonial Adventure

Theory Matters • 7 implied HN points • 08 Jan 26
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political theory
  1. Reviving old imperial ideas like the Monroe Doctrine is a nostalgic 'second act' that doesn't match today's world and risks being ineffective or counterproductive.
  2. The push to intervene in places like Venezuela has no clear plan for what comes next and looks more like rhetoric and self-interest than a real strategy for building democracy.
  3. Earlier interventions at least had ideological justifications; today's approach feels like blunt bullying that ignores legitimacy, relies on proxies, and could repeat the mistakes that weakened past empires.

Random Musings

Fisted by Foucault • 180 implied HN points • 28 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political theory
  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.

Talk with Philosophy Bear

Philosophy bear • 50 implied HN points • 01 Aug 25
📖 Philosophy Political theory
  1. The project involves creating a custom AI that expresses the author's views after writing extensively on many topics. The AI can provide insightful responses even on unfamiliar subjects.
  2. There is a second AI bot designed to explain left-wing ideas to those curious about them. This bot can debate and offer reading suggestions to help users understand different perspectives.
  3. Another bot, called Bear Bear, offers relaxation and motivation. It's meant to inspire people to connect and appreciate life despite challenges.

Bare Existence

Castalia • 179 implied HN points • 30 Apr 23
📖 Philosophy Political theory
  1. People in low-status jobs often experience 'bare existence,' where their work feels repetitive and lacking in connection. This can lead to a dehumanizing feeling in the work environment.
  2. Power isn't just about money or social class; it shapes how people experience their lives and work, often pushing them into roles that feel empty or robotic.
  3. The struggle for status in society can be brutal, as people fear being reduced to a state of 'bare existence,' leading them to chase power and privilege, even in jobs that don't truly fulfill them.

Epstein files: how arguments really make people change political side

Optimally Irrational • 48 implied HN points • 01 Aug 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political theory
  1. People often don't change their political beliefs through arguments; they usually just stick to the beliefs of their social groups. This shows how our decisions can be influenced more by who we're around than by facts or logic.
  2. Even when faced with strong evidence against their views, people tend to defend their original opinions. This is because they want to support their group's narrative rather than accept new information.
  3. Political arguments can sometimes lead to change, but only if the incentives for being honest and thoughtful outweigh the pressures to conform with one's group. Finding a balance between loyalty and truth is key for real discussions.

The Temptations of Carl Schmitt

The Upheaval • 816 implied HN points • 14 Feb 23
🌍 World Politics Political theory
  1. Carl Schmitt's ideas have made a resurgence in disaffected political circles, especially on the right, reflecting a trend of his concepts becoming more mainstream.
  2. Schmitt's study of political chaos in post-World War I Germany offers insights into today's political, cultural, and spiritual upheavals.
  3. Schmitt's concept of 'friend-enemy distinction,' the central domain of politics, ties into today's identity politics and struggles for power.

Dick Cheney's Wet Dream

The Weekly Dish • 126 implied HN points • 07 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political theory
  1. The idea of a strong executive power is becoming more pronounced, especially with the MAGA movement. This means they support a president with more control than usual.
  2. There's a concern that this strong executive approach could lead to less accountability and more unchecked power in leadership. People are worried about how this might affect democracy.
  3. The discussion reflects ongoing debates in American politics about balancing power between branches of government and protecting citizen rights. It's important to think about how power is used and who it benefits.

Marx vs. Proudhon

Philosophy for the People w/Ben Burgis • 119 implied HN points • 16 Apr 23
📖 Philosophy Political theory
  1. The author is starting a new class on Proudhon's 'The Philosophy of Poverty' and Marx's 'The Poverty of Philosophy'.
  2. The author reflects on having taught a class on 'Capital' and mentions skipping a YouTube chat with Stefan.
  3. The author reminisces about teaching their first class, 'Introduction to Symbolic Logic', at Western Michigan University in fall 2004.

The Good News is Fascists Always Fail

JoeWrote • 118 implied HN points • 25 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political theory
  1. Fascism is a reactionary ideology that often seeks to return to a past that never really existed. This means it usually fails because it can't truly solve today's problems.
  2. Politicians like Trump might get attention by blaming others for issues, but they struggle to deliver real solutions once in power. Their promises often lead to disappointment among supporters.
  3. Despite the fear around fascist movements, they can ultimately collapse because they don't offer genuine plans for the future. People are beginning to recognize when their needs aren't being met.

The Wisdom of Yoram Hazony

Kvetch • 45 implied HN points • 03 Aug 25
📖 Philosophy Political theory
  1. Yoram Hazony emphasizes the importance of family and God in shaping a strong community. He believes that our obligations to these entities form the core of social and political life.
  2. He argues against the idea that society can be neutral or that we can choose our loyalties freely. According to Hazony, many of our commitments, like family and nation, are inherited and essential for a stable society.
  3. Hazony highlights that politics can be messy and sometimes requires difficult choices, including violence, to protect a community. He believes having a shared moral compass rooted in faith is crucial for guiding these tough decisions.

Germany: The Land of Stuck Politics

eugyppius: a plague chronicle • 133 implied HN points • 18 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political theory
  1. Germany's politics are stuck and slow to change. Other countries are moving forward, but Germany is lagging behind in responding to new challenges.
  2. The current political system in Germany seems to prioritize maintaining the status quo over adapting to citizens' needs. This could lead to poor governance in the future.
  3. There is a sense that Germany wants to set a good example for the world, but this approach may not solve its domestic issues or reflect the changing global landscape.

What Is a Constitution?

God's Spies by Thomas Neuburger • 70 implied HN points • 28 May 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political theory
  1. The American Constitution has changed three major times, usually during crises, to fix problems with the earlier versions.
  2. The current Constitution has strayed far from what was originally agreed upon, indicating that we might need a new one soon.
  3. Many rights and protections in the Constitution have been weakened or ignored, showing a shift in how they are applied today.

Reading Thiel's Op-Ed

Unpopular Front • 127 implied HN points • 14 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political theory
  1. Peter Thiel's op-ed suggests a belief in a revolution against the old government system. He thinks exposing the past is necessary for moving forward.
  2. Thiel connects technology and politics, claiming that the internet has the power to reveal hidden truths, but this could also lead to increased paranoia and conspiracy thinking.
  3. There are worries about Thiel's approach to reconciliation, as he hints at the potential for scapegoating and power dynamics, which could lead to authoritarian control disguised as truth-telling.

Mini Posts 5 - Status, Power, and Reason

Messy Progress • 47 implied HN points • 26 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political theory
  1. Many people stick to jobs that seem high status but don't bring them happiness. It's better to focus on what makes the world better for everyone instead of just chasing status.
  2. Systems often reward what they claim to be against, like hospitals that don't focus on patient outcomes but on profitability. The real purpose of a system can be seen by what it actually rewards.
  3. Colleges might not only be about teaching but also about creating a ruling class. This can lead to graduates who struggle to adapt to the real world because they are taught to think in ways that don't always match real-life experiences.

Saturday Commentary and Review #182

Fisted by Foucault • 140 implied HN points • 29 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political theory
  1. Europe is facing a tough time with the rise of far-right politics, and things might get worse as economic problems grow. Many traditional left-wing parties are losing support and influence.
  2. The U.S. is in a strong global position as it hands off power to Trump, with a focus on maintaining military support for Ukraine in the ongoing conflict with Russia.
  3. In Georgia, political tensions are high with protests ongoing after a controversial election. The new president has divided opinions, and many are calling for a rerun of the elections.

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 Political theory
  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.

Musk's Hyper-McCarthyism

Unpopular Front • 110 implied HN points • 14 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political theory
  1. Some believe that the actions of Musk and Trump are part of a larger plan connected to old ideological beliefs. Even if it seems chaotic, there might be a deeper reason behind their strategies.
  2. The attacks on government and its officials are seen as part of a larger goal to undermine social democratic values, similar to past political movements. This is not just about individual actions, but about changing the system itself.
  3. Musk is using social media as a way to gather support and spread his ideas, much like past leaders used their platforms. It's important for media and society to recognize this and not validate actions that have harmful intent.

Everything is broken, right on schedule

Startup Strategies • 128 implied HN points • 10 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political theory
  1. History goes in cycles, where each generation faces a crisis that leads to change. After a huge crisis, society often rebuilds and everything seems stable again for a while.
  2. Current events are part of a major crisis that could really shake things up. While it feels bad now, crises can also lead to new beginnings and improvements.
  3. Even when things seem really tough, people have a strong ability to adapt and survive. Change is constant, and we might end up with a better world after this crisis.

Trump, the Ballot, and the State of Exception

In My Tribe • 379 implied HN points • 07 Jan 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political theory
  1. In extreme cases of emergency, the law may not be able to handle the situation effectively.
  2. Political officials in some states are making decisions that can be seen as declaring a 'state of exception.'
  3. The issue of sovereignty and decision-making power has been a point of contention during crises like the 2020 election and the COVID pandemic.

Saturday Commentary and Review #179

Fisted by Foucault • 161 implied HN points • 12 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political theory
  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.

The Will to Order - Rise and Fall of the Neuralink Society

Who is Robert Malone • 15 implied HN points • 11 Nov 25
📖 Philosophy Political theory
  1. People naturally seek order to make sense of the chaotic world around them. This need for structure helps us feel secure but can also lead to negative consequences if taken too far.
  2. In societies with strict rules, such as Japan, people often experience high rates of depression and suicide. Too much order can suffocate creativity and individuality.
  3. Totalitarian systems, driven by an extreme need for order, can reduce people to machines. They strip away freedom and the essence of being human, leading to a soulless existence.

Despite never having done anything wrong, I've found myself living in Canberra. Any of my readers who live in here are invited to drop me a line, meet and commiserate.

Philosophy bear • 114 implied HN points • 08 Feb 25
📖 Philosophy Political theory
  1. The writer is living in Canberra, even though they feel they haven't done anything wrong. They seem to have mixed feelings about their situation.
  2. They invite local readers to reach out and meet up. This shows they want to connect with others and share experiences.
  3. There's a hint of humor and self-reflection in their words. They are trying to make the best of the situation they find themselves in.

The "letters to an anarchist" post-mortem

The Novelleist • 141 implied HN points • 06 Dec 24
📖 Philosophy Political theory
  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.

Why I’m Taking A Break From Twitter

Matt’s Five Points • 459 implied HN points • 03 Mar 22
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political theory
  1. Social media, like Twitter, can make people more like 'spectators' of politics rather than active participants. Many focus on national issues and forget about local politics that also matter.
  2. People tend to only seek out information that supports what they already believe, which can limit real thinking and understanding. This 'soldier mindset' can be reinforced by the way social media works.
  3. Multitasking caused by constant notifications from apps can reduce our ability to focus and really think about things deeply. Setting aside time to read and write can help bring back that focus.

Liberals have always emphasized the need for collective action

Demodexio • 132 implied HN points • 30 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political theory
  1. Liberals believe people should work together to solve problems, not just focus on individual efforts. Collective action is really important in creating change.
  2. Socialism is often seen as a barrier to this teamwork because it can fixate on class issues. Liberals argue that this focus makes it hard to address other important aspects of people's lives, like race and gender.
  3. Throughout history, thinkers have emphasized that a successful society relies on people coming together for common goals. This idea has been part of liberal thought for over 2,400 years.