The hottest Political theory Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
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Top Philosophy Topics

The End Of The End of History?

Some Unpleasant Arithmetic • 28 implied HN points • 13 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political theory Political Movements Elections Economic Policy Social Issues
  1. There's a lot of political unrest happening globally. People are frustrated with mainstream parties and are turning to extreme leaders across the political spectrum.
  2. Economic issues, like inflation, are making voters unhappy and driving them to support radical parties. When people's wallets are affected, they often blame current leaders and seek change.
  3. Many individuals now think in a 'zero-sum' way, feeling that someone's gain is their loss. This mindset is pushing some to support more aggressive political movements, like fascism.

Choose your Adventure

The Cosmopolitan Globalist • 6 implied HN points • 05 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government Elections Policies Political parties Political theory
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  2. Tby ghown wiht 'Gon wihtin dviing intdo tciop on tcmory cvrting goov in Frn
  3. Mthbhtorri jnvty ford whcip whcfin tcodiv towmody, inviting pwtic to gn on tij, tgi]rcfn giddfghh

Why I’m Taking A Break From Twitter

Matt’s Five Points • 459 implied HN points • 03 Mar 22
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Social media Political engagement Political theory Local Politics Cognitive Bias
  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.

Can a Socialist Become Mayor?

Political Currents by Ross Barkan • 14 implied HN points • 24 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Socialism Campaigns Political theory Government
  1. Zohran Mamdani is running for mayor and would be the first Muslim and South Asian mayor of New York if elected. This is a significant step in representation in politics.
  2. His campaign is unique because he openly identifies as a socialist, which is rare in New York's mayoral history. This could attract a different type of voter who supports leftist ideas.
  3. Despite his strong points, Mamdani faces challenges, like a lack of endorsements and experience compared to typical candidates, which may make it tough for him to win.
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Michael Lind Stands Up For The Oppressed

From the New World • 188 implied HN points • 12 Aug 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Social Issues Opinion Political theory Policy Political Commentary
  1. Michael Lind opposes the idea of a biological elite to prevent support for certain political factions.
  2. There is a division in the right between those who focus on policy and those who prioritize the interests they are fighting for.
  3. Lind's arguments are driven by his class interests and fear of a cross-elite coalition, rather than objective facts or truth.

In the Shallows Of The Deep State.

Trying to Understand the World • 5 implied HN points • 11 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political theory Government Structure Public Policy Political History Political culture
  1. The idea of a 'Deep State' has become popular as people try to explain political power hidden behind the scenes. It's used to describe unseen influences that control governments and decisions.
  2. Many people find comfort in believing that chaos has some hidden plan or control, rather than accepting that the world could be disorganized and unpredictable.
  3. In Western societies, trust in political leaders is low, leading people to think there might be secret groups managing things better than visible leaders, which can help make sense of troubling events.

Nyhetsbrev steigan.no 19.12.2024

steigan.no • 5 implied HN points • 19 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Government Foreign Policy Public Opinion Political theory
  1. High electricity prices are causing a loss of trust between the public and the government. Many feel their leaders are not considering their needs and are instead prioritizing powerful interests.
  2. In Europe, there is a growing dissatisfaction with governments, as political parties struggle to address the real issues faced by ordinary people. This has led to significant political changes and instability.
  3. Propaganda and manipulation of public perception are ongoing issues, especially regarding narratives around global conflicts. Many citizens feel disconnected from government actions and decisions that impact their lives.

Impartial giving, a la Effective Alturism, is not a politically neutral idea (v. short)

Philosophy bear • 78 implied HN points • 01 Mar 24
đź“– Philosophy Ethics Political theory Right-wing
  1. Leftwing respondents were more likely to display ethical impartiality, showing a strong association between politics and impartial altruism.
  2. Effective Altruism's self-image as neutral or centrist is contradicted by the political alignment of EA survey respondents.
  3. Impartial compassion manifests differently between left and right political ideologies, with rightwing individuals more likely to reject impartiality.

Locke Versus the Apocalypse

From the New World • 5 implied HN points • 06 Dec 24
đź“– Philosophy Human nature Political theory Social contract Ethics Individualism
  1. AI shows us who we are by reflecting our behavior and ignoring parts we often overlook. This makes us think about our own nature and how we connect with others.
  2. There are two main views on human nature: one believes in communal consensus for the good of all, while the other supports individual interests leading to social good. Each side has different ideas about how society should work.
  3. The question of political consensus is complex and has been debated for a long time. Understanding these views can help us make sense of modern political disagreements.

Quiz B

The Cosmopolitan Globalist • 2 implied HN points • 02 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political theory Election Process Public Policy Political Behavior Political Ideologies
  1. Think carefully before answering questions. It's important to reflect on what you're being asked.
  2. You have a whole week to provide your answers. Don't rush, take your time to think things through.
  3. Sharing and discussing ideas with others can help deepen your understanding and make the experience more engaging.

On Realism

John’s Substack • 9 implied HN points • 02 Nov 24
🌍 World Politics International relations Conflict Studies Global Issues Political theory
  1. Realism is a theory that helps us understand global conflicts by focusing on power and national interest.
  2. The essence of realism suggests that states prioritize their security and survival in an anarchic international system.
  3. In a discussion about realism, it's important to consider how it can be applied to current events and major global issues.

On The Public/Private Polarity

Castalia • 119 implied HN points • 11 Mar 23
đź“– Philosophy Political theory Public Discourse Personal freedom Civil Society Ethics
  1. Kant's idea flips the normal understanding of public and private. He suggests that people in roles with obligations act 'private,' while those writing freely are 'public.'
  2. Today, many feel trapped by their jobs and use social media to express themselves more freely. This creates a divide between those who feel constrained and those who can speak openly.
  3. Power can actually limit freedom, not expand it. Many chase power thinking it will bring them freedom, but it often just adds layers of constraint.

Are Power and Freedom Opposites?

Castalia • 139 implied HN points • 13 Jan 23
đź“– Philosophy Ethics Existentialism Political theory Metaphysics Personal Reflection
  1. Power and freedom can feel like opposite forces. Gaining power often comes with more responsibilities, which can limit personal freedom.
  2. Many people are drawn to power thinking it will give them more freedom, but once they have power, they may find themselves feeling trapped by it.
  3. Truly being free might mean understanding power, achieving it, and then being able to let it go or not being overly attached to it.

Manifesto

Castalia • 199 implied HN points • 19 Aug 22
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political theory Political History Political Discourse Political Identity Political Change
  1. Political beliefs are changing, and it's important to be open-minded about them. Instead of sticking to one party, think about issues individually and consider different viewpoints.
  2. Social media has changed how we engage in politics. It can create chaos in discussions, making it harder for leaders to communicate effectively.
  3. Many thinkers are feeling lost because the traditional liberal values are no longer being upheld. They want to revive respectful discourse and encourage diverse opinions in politics.

Nyhetsbrev steigan.no 25.12.2024

steigan.no • 3 implied HN points • 25 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics International relations Human Rights Military Affairs Social Issues Political theory
  1. Recent events show that conflicts, like the one involving Yemen and Israel, can cause panic and injuries among civilians. People often react quickly in fear during attacks, sometimes leading to more harm than the initial threat.
  2. There are growing concerns about the widening gap between different social groups, especially during times like Christmas when families face financial pressures. Many individuals are struggling with poverty, which is becoming more visible and challenging for communities.
  3. The idea that the international order should be based on equal treatment for all nations is being debated. Some believe that current practices favor powerful nations and do not help create a fair international system where every state is treated equally.

The election may not mean what any of us think

Charles Eisenstein • 5 implied HN points • 14 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Political theory Voter Behavior Political Communication Public Perception
  1. Elections can have different meanings beyond just who wins or loses. It's important to think about the bigger picture and the impact on society.
  2. The way people view elections can be influenced by their personal beliefs and experiences. Everyone may interpret the results differently based on their perspectives.
  3. Election outcomes might not bring the expected change that people hope for. It's essential to manage expectations and consider other ways to create change.

Lottocracy review

Theory Matters • 3 implied HN points • 07 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political theory Elections Democracy Governance Political Reform
  1. Lottocracy suggests a new way to choose government representatives by randomly selecting people instead of voting. This idea aims to create a more fair and inclusive political system.
  2. The book examines the problems with current electoral politics, highlighting how special interests and political pressures often lead to poor decisions. It argues that a sortition system could address these issues by encouraging diverse voices and ideas.
  3. Guerrero discusses challenges that come with this new approach, including how to ensure the legitimacy and effectiveness of randomly selected citizens in governance. There's a call for more public engagement and education to make this system work better.

Curator

Castalia • 99 implied HN points • 17 Dec 22
đź“– Philosophy Existentialism Determinism Ethics Political theory Free will Social theory
  1. Mimesis is a powerful force in our lives, meaning we often look to others to decide what to want or do. While it's strong, we still have the freedom to make choices within that influence.
  2. Fukuyama's ideas about the 'end of history' suggest that liberal democracy has won but might overlook the ongoing ideological conflicts that still exist. His views can be criticized for being overly optimistic about the state of the world.
  3. Peer review in science has been criticized for not working well, as it often misses errors and limits innovative ideas. Instead of helping, it may create a closed-off system that stifles true progress.

Comments on "It's okay to be white, it's not great to troll about it"

normality’s Substack • 19 implied HN points • 18 Dec 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Race Issues Political theory Public Discourse
  1. Slogans can be easily misunderstood, so they need to have clear explanations and context when introduced. It's important to communicate what a slogan really means to avoid confusion.
  2. Both sides can use catchy slogans, but some may not align with classic liberal values of judging individuals fairly. It's essential to think about how to respond thoughtfully instead of just matching slogans.
  3. Classical liberalism is all about truth and positive communication. Instead of resorting to trolling, we should focus on being persuasive and maintaining faith in our principles.

A possible political resolution for our secular cycle crisis

America in Crisis • 39 implied HN points • 28 Apr 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political theory Political Evolution Political Realignment Presidential elections
  1. The current political situation in the US could lead to a resolution of the secular cycle crisis involving a shift in political dynamics.
  2. Past political frameworks and party dynamics, such as Reagan's three-legged stool, influence the current landscape and potential future political paths.
  3. The potential for a Democratic dispensation in response to the MAGA movement could bring about political realignment and potentially resolve the excess elite problem inherent in the system.

Mini-Posts Collection 4 - Election Edition

Messy Progress • 11 implied HN points • 03 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Political theory Democracy Political History Polarization
  1. Elections in the US have grown angrier over the years, with certain decades marked by extreme division and conflict. Historical elections show a pattern of rising tensions, especially in recent years.
  2. Politics often thrives on outrage because it drives donations and engagement. Politicians may take extreme stances to energize their base and keep the funding flowing, rather than aiming for broad consensus.
  3. Remote work could help bridge the social divide in America by allowing people to live in diverse areas while maintaining their jobs. This could foster better understanding and connection between different social and economic groups.

toward a system of neo-xunism

alice maz • 65 implied HN points • 03 Jul 23
đź“– Philosophy Political theory Human nature Ethics
  1. The Spring and Autumn period in Chinese history reflects a time of transition and decline of central power.
  2. Xunzi offers insights on power, governance, and human nature, advocating for self-cultivation and practical solutions in politics.
  3. Xunzi's philosophy combines elements of Confucianism, Daoism, Legalism, emphasizing learning, ritual, meritocracy, and adaptability.

Commentator

Castalia • 39 implied HN points • 26 May 23
🌍 World Politics Geopolitics International relations Conflict Studies Political theory Foreign Policy
  1. Putin's decision to invade Ukraine is linked to a shift in his beliefs and Ukraine's move towards the West. This brought the two into conflict.
  2. Many think Putin saw a chance to act when he believed the West, especially the U.S., was weak after events like the Afghanistan withdrawal.
  3. Despite the current challenges, Putin had a long period where he appeared strong on the world stage, influencing his risky decisions.

The American Secular Cycles

America in Crisis • 39 implied HN points • 04 Apr 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics History Policy Political theory Economic Analysis Demographics
  1. America's history follows cyclical patterns of expansion, stagnation, crisis, and resolution, influenced by population growth, economic inequality, and elite competition.
  2. Secular cycles have been identified in American history from 1780 to 1930 and a current ongoing cycle since 1930, driven by demographic mechanisms and economic inequality.
  3. The resolution of past cycles involved significant events like the Civil War and the Great Depression, with policy responses playing a crucial role in resolving economic and political crises.

UNPAYWALLED: Renaud Camus part 2

Reactionary Feminist • 3 implied HN points • 18 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Ideology Conspiracy Power Dynamics Cultural critique Political theory
  1. Renaud Camus is known for his controversial idea of 'the Great Replacement,' which has been heavily criticized by those who may not fully understand his work.
  2. The second part of the discussion explores 'replacism' as an ideology with new insights and interpretations from Camus' later writings.
  3. There are provocative ideas about power dynamics in politics, suggesting that some people might naturally prefer to follow rather than lead.

Are the Theosophical Roots of Kamala Being Intentionally Mishandled by Alt Media?

Rounding the Earth Newsletter • 8 implied HN points • 02 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political theory Political History Social Engineering Identity politics Conspiracy Theories
  1. Theosophy is a complex belief system that influences various social and political movements. It's often overlooked in discussions about powerful organizations.
  2. Kamala Harris's background and political role may reflect a larger social engineering strategy. Some suggest that her mixed heritage is used for political gain.
  3. There are concerns about manipulation within media figures, like Candace Owens, and how they might steer public perception away from deeper issues like Theosophy.

No Academy for Trad Men

Holodoxa • 39 implied HN points • 05 Jan 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Academia Political theory
  1. Scruton's successful academic and public career as a conservative thinker prompts reflection on the lack of conservative presence in the academy and the importance of intellectual diversity.
  2. Scruton's work in aesthetics emphasizes the importance of art in evoking emotion and engaging the imagination, connecting individuals to universality and timelessness.
  3. Despite facing ideological challenges and limited institutional support due to his conservative views, Scruton's respectable erudition and distinctive conservatism allowed him to operate successfully in academia, signaling challenges for aspiring conservative intellectuals.

the xunzi as the basis of a metarational ruling ideology

alice maz • 4 HN points • 22 Sep 24
đź“– Philosophy Ethics Metaphysics Epistemology Political theory
  1. Confucianism focuses on individual human will and the importance of self-cultivation. By improving ourselves, we can create better households and, eventually, a well-ordered society.
  2. In a complex world, we need a flexible understanding of ideas, not just rigid systems. We can achieve good outcomes by recognizing patterns and adapting, rather than getting stuck in one way of thinking.
  3. Xunzi teaches us that we must honor tradition while also being open to new ideas. A good leader uses wisdom to harmonize different ways of thinking and create a thriving society.

Politics' Final Form According to Fukuyama

Holodoxa • 59 implied HN points • 16 Jul 22
🌍 World Politics Liberalism Political theory Critique Ideology Democracy
  1. Fukuyama defends liberalism, emphasizing individual rights and the importance of moderation in governance.
  2. He critiques extreme positions like over-eager free market embrace and governmental enforcement of moral life.
  3. Fukuyama's portrayal of liberal and contra-liberal ideas is clear and organized, making the book a compelling read.

LARP, InfoLARP, and UniLARPy

Rounding the Earth Newsletter • 5 implied HN points • 22 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political theory Media influence Social Behavior Cultural critique
  1. LARP stands for Live Action Role Playing, where people act out stories or events like in reenactments. It's a fun way for people to bring fiction to life.
  2. InfoLARP is when media pretends to be serious news but is actually misleading. It's designed to confuse people and often makes money by targeting particular audiences.
  3. UniLARPy refers to a bigger scheme where certain groups create narratives through media and politics. This can shape public opinion and personal beliefs in a way that's like living in a controlled reality.

Is authoritarianism inherently anti-social?

Sex and the State • 13 implied HN points • 06 Mar 24
đź“– Philosophy Political theory Social Dynamics
  1. The relevance of the left/right political divide is being questioned, with focus shifting towards pro-social versus anti-social perspectives.
  2. Authoritarianism is being considered as inherently anti-social, sparking discussions on its impact on society.
  3. Engagement with differing perspectives, such as pro-social versus anti-social viewpoints, can lead to meaningful discourse and understanding.

La politique de l’épuisement et l’épuisement de la politique.

Trying to Understand the World • 1 implied HN point • 25 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political theory Political trends Political History Political culture Political Satire
  1. There are two main ways to interact with the past: one is to preserve and recreate it, while the other is to use it as inspiration to create something new. In modern society, the past is often exploited for political and financial gain.
  2. Today's politics often feels like a caricature, where real meaning and ideology are lost. Politicians focus more on getting attention rather than discussing significant issues, leading to extreme and superficial debates.
  3. Modern culture has become repetitive and disconnected from its roots, resulting in a shallow experience. This has affected how we create and appreciate art and culture, leading to a cycle of exhaustion and emptiness.

The Anti-Mobility Playbook

Exasperated Infrastructures • 26 implied HN points • 07 Aug 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Transportation Infrastructure Policy Political theory Government
  1. The Republican message focuses on telling people what to do while resisting being told what to do.
  2. There are two main theories in government - Conflict and Mistake - that don't always align with political parties.
  3. The Anti-Mobility Playbook highlights how Republicans resist investing in transportation modes that could benefit everyone, contributing to the lack of progress in transportation planning and infrastructure.

On 'The End of History?'

Castalia • 19 implied HN points • 22 Mar 23
đź“– Philosophy Political theory Liberalism Critique
  1. Fukuyama's essay, 'The End of History,' argues that liberal democracy is the final form of government, evolving from historical conflicts. He suggests that the end of the Cold War marked this significant shift in political ideology.
  2. The essay faces criticisms for oversimplifying the relationship between free markets and democracy, especially how some countries have adopted capitalism without embracing democratic reforms. This indicates that economic success doesn't guarantee political freedoms.
  3. Fukuyama's idea of an 'end of history' raises concerns about a mundane future lacking ideological struggle. His reflections remind us that historical progress might not adhere to a neat path and can reinvigorate conflicts rather than eliminate them.

Exploring the Ideas of Friedrich Hayek on Classical Liberalism

Wayne's Earth • 0 implied HN points • 18 Dec 22
đź“– Philosophy Classical Liberalism Political theory
  1. Classical liberalism emphasizes individual liberty and limited government intervention, rooted in John Locke's ideas but further developed by philosophers like John Stuart Mill and Herbert Spencer.
  2. Friedrich Hayek believed in maximum economic freedom for individuals to make decisions based on their own interests, advocating that economic freedom is essential for political freedom.
  3. Hayek argued for limited government intervention, only when necessary to prevent harm or infringement of rights, opposing central planning to protect individual autonomy and creativity.