The hottest Politics Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
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Top News Topics

Are Jews Avenging Their Foreskins?

Kevin’s Newsletter • 530 implied HN points • 25 Oct 23
🎭️ Culture Politics
  1. The Israeli actions in Gaza are seen as an irrational act of revenge based on false narratives.
  2. Circumcision plays a significant role in Jewish identity and history, influencing attitudes towards others.
  3. The Jewish historical narratives often involve themes of persecution, triumph, and vengeance against enemies.

Towards an Enlightened Centrism

Richard Hanania's Newsletter • 3950 implied HN points • 22 Apr 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Politics
  1. Enlightened Centrists value exposure to a wide range of political views without clinging to ideological diversity just for the sake of it.
  2. Enlightened Centrists share traits like rationalism, non-zero-sum thinking, belief in progress, and skepticism of old philosophy.
  3. Enlightened Centrists may come from different political ideologies but prioritize sound political and social analysis over tribal thinking.

What I've been reading to understand the election, a pure-escapist stupid slapstick comedy, and four new tracks I like

Read Max • 974 implied HN points • 11 Nov 24
🎭️ Culture Politics
  1. Reading is important for understanding current events, like the election. Articles and columns can provide valuable insights.
  2. Sometimes, it's good to escape and have fun. Watching a silly comedy can be a great way to lighten your mood.
  3. Discovering new music can bring joy. Listening to fresh tracks can be a fun experience and help you find new favorites.

The decline and fall of the Third British Empire

Wrong Side of History • 322 implied HN points • 20 Jun 25
💾 History Politics
  1. Communism was more than just economics; it was a strong way of thinking that people believed was the only true way. When people stopped believing in it, the system began to crumble.
  2. Similar to the past, many people today are losing faith in current ideas that progressives promote, as they feel these ideas don't always work as promised.
  3. When a society lacks a strong vision or belief, it can lead to big changes in politics and culture, like what we're seeing with rising nationalisms.

The Vagabond King

The Abbey of Misrule • 657 implied HN points • 05 Feb 25
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Politics
  1. Christianity and modern civilization often clash. Many argue they can't be reconciled because current society prioritizes wealth, power, and politics over Christ's teachings.
  2. Living a Christ-like life means focusing on love, humility, and caring for the poor, rather than seeking worldly power or material success.
  3. True change comes from within communities through genuine faith and action, not through top-down coercive efforts to build a 'Christian civilization'.
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So Long, Tucker.

SHERO • 550 implied HN points • 25 Apr 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Politics
  1. Fox News abruptly fired Tucker Carlson, its highest rated news host, possibly due to the Dominion settlement and associated costs.
  2. The decision to let go of Tucker Carlson was likely a result of weighing the risks and benefits, indicating calculated corporate decision-making.
  3. Tucker Carlson's pattern of lying, even about minor details, may have led to his dismissal from Fox News.

State of the Nation

Fragmentary • 550 implied HN points • 22 May 23
📚 Literature Politics
  1. The author feels calm after book publication
  2. The political situation is described as chaotic and filled with nonsense fatigue
  3. The author dreams of living in a wood-frame passive house by a lake or sea, but worries about dramatic weather events

Numlock News: September 26, 2023 • Books3, Cahow, Rupees

Numlock News • 550 implied HN points • 26 Sep 23
📰 News Politics
  1. India is withdrawing 2,000-rupee banknotes by the end of September, affecting billions of rupees worth of currency.
  2. A dataset called Books3 contains copyrighted works used to train AI systems, leading to lawsuits from writers.
  3. Oil and gas operators have used 1.5 trillion gallons of water since 2011 for well drilling, with concerns about water shortages in fracking regions.

A Fable for Race Realists

Kevin’s Newsletter • 294 implied HN points • 23 Jan 24
🎭️ Culture Politics
  1. Augusto Monterroso is a master of concise fables in the Spanish-speaking world.
  2. The fable 'The Lion's Share' can be interpreted by race realists and Western chauvinists to symbolize dominance and entitlement.
  3. Monterroso's fable actually satirizes societal oppression and challenges the notion of biological superiority.

Issues in Philosophy of Memory 4

The Memory Palace • 59 implied HN points • 25 Jun 24
📖 Philosophy Politics
  1. The philosophy of memory is growing quickly, with more conferences and research on it recently. People are exploring topics about how we remember and what memory means.
  2. The fourth conference on philosophy of memory will take place in Geneva in June 2024. It will feature key talks and papers from researchers from many different countries.
  3. The event will cover a wide range of memory-related topics, from how we remember to the connections between memory and emotions. It aims to inspire new ideas and discussions in the field.

The Return of Respectability Politics?

Journal of Free Black Thought • 29 implied HN points • 02 Jan 26
🎭️ Culture Politics
  1. Young Black men are trading athletic streetwear for quarter-zips, and that wardrobe shift comes with lifestyle signals like lattes, reading, and a bid for respectability.
  2. People disagree about whether that shift is respectability politics — some see it as a strategic effort to gain respect and access, while others worry it asks people to sanitize or erase parts of their identity.
  3. Fashion is political, and dressing well has deep roots in Black history; choosing a quarter-zip can be a genuine expression of pride, professionalism, and cultural reclamation rather than a betrayal.

ADL Takes Aim at my Substack

Kevin’s Newsletter • 530 implied HN points • 05 Apr 23
📰 News Politics
  1. The Anti-Defamation League criticized a Substack writer for alleged antisemitic content
  2. The writer refutes the accusations made by the ADL with detailed explanations and counterarguments
  3. The writer invites the ADL to engage in a debate to discuss the accusations further

Transgressive But Stupid.

Trying to Understand the World • 9 implied HN points • 11 Feb 26
🎭️ Culture Politics
  1. Today’s transnational ruling class is largely mediocre, self‑serving and bonded by money and transactions rather than public service or moral principle.
  2. Jeffrey Epstein acted more as a fixer and middleman who facilitated transgressive behavior than as a master spy, and many powerful contacts behaved amateurishly and insecurely in their links with him.
  3. The disclosures will deepen public cynicism, weaken mainstream parties and institutions, and risk greater political instability because there is no ready or credible replacement elite.

The Marxism of Black Reconstruction

Origins of Our Time • 275 implied HN points • 28 Jan 24
🎭️ Culture Politics
  1. Riley argues that the Marxism of Black Reconstruction challenges the claims that W.E.B. Du Bois was not an intersectional theorist and not a Marxist, but a Jeffersonian supporter.
  2. Du Bois did not see small family farmers as the main protagonists in his work, but rather focused on the broader social relations and class struggles.
  3. Du Bois was aligned with the Marxist tradition and held socialist views, advocating for workers' rights, socialism, and the redistribution of wealth.

Will President Trump Revive Liberalism?

In My Tribe • 774 implied HN points • 13 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Politics
  1. Liberalism works best when it allows for competition and debate, but those in power might forget this when they become too dominant.
  2. People in powerful positions often become resistant to change, even if they originally supported liberal ideas.
  3. To truly revive liberalism, there needs to be a system that encourages regular changes in leadership and holds those in power accountable.

We’re not going back

Message from the Underworld • 255 implied HN points • 07 Feb 24
🎭️ Culture Politics
  1. Wayne Kramer, a proud son of Detroit and legendary guitarist, was radicalized by events in Detroit in the 60s.
  2. Detroit, as one of America's most misunderstood cities, has a unique history and culture.
  3. It's important to use art, resources, voice, and vote to prevent a regression to past societal issues.

Odds and Ends #47: I think this YouTube video just changed my life

Odds and Ends of History • 804 implied HN points • 14 Dec 24
🎭️ Culture Politics
  1. A YouTube video can have a big impact on someone's life, showing how quickly ideas can change our perspectives. It's amazing how something simple can inspire us to think differently.
  2. Urban reviews can be subjective and funny, highlighting how even a short stay can lead someone to feel like an expert. It shows that everyone has different experiences in new places.
  3. The conversation about political lobbying is complex, and there seems to be growing concern about its influence. It's important to stay informed about how these issues affect us and our communities.

The family formation theory of everything

Sex and the State • 36 implied HN points • 24 Dec 25
🎭️ Culture Politics
  1. Family formation has fallen mainly among the bottom half because the male-breadwinner norm persists while bottom-half male wages have stagnated, making marriage and children less affordable or attractive.
  2. Job quality for the bottom half has gotten worse—unstable schedules, insecure work, and little to no benefits—which makes starting and sustaining a family much harder even when pay exists.
  3. The decline in marriage, especially among men, drives loneliness and mental/brain harms that increase deaths of despair, social dysfunction, and susceptibility to authoritarian and conspiracy-minded politics.

Britain's sinking reputation

Wrong Side of History • 669 implied HN points • 06 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture Politics
  1. Some people in the Anglo diaspora feel let down by Britain and its changing reputation. They look back at the old days with a mix of nostalgia and disappointment.
  2. Diaspora politics can be complicated, as it’s often based on memories rather than the current reality in the home country. Feelings about cultural issues can be influenced by generations of distance.
  3. The idea of cultural appropriation is shaped by individuals who have embraced new cultures while losing touch with their own roots. This can lead to misunderstandings and conflict.

Cyberpunk 2077 is Reactionary

The J. Burden Show • 299 implied HN points • 05 Jan 24
🎭️ Culture Politics
  1. Cyberpunk 2077 is considered reactionary due to its anti-capitalist themes and illiberal elements.
  2. The game presents a dystopian world with diverse characters, rampant drug use, and themes of human modification and transhumanism.
  3. The protagonist is led by a middle-aged female president in a highly immersive, futuristic setting.

The Rosicrucian Enlightenment

Fields & Energy • 299 implied HN points • 05 Jan 24
💾 History Politics
  1. The Rosicrucian movement was influential in shaping modern science, linking spiritual beliefs with the pursuit of knowledge and experimentation.
  2. Prominent figures like John Dee played key roles in merging different ideas of science and magic while promoting natural knowledge for the benefit of humanity.
  3. Despite its initially hopeful visions, the Rosicrucian adventure faced challenges, leading to disappointment and a shift in focus towards reforming society through science and brotherly love.

The Saturday Selection, Vol. 57

Why is this interesting? • 301 implied HN points • 07 Jun 25
📰 News Politics
  1. There's a big change happening where fewer people prefer to have boys now, which is a positive shift.
  2. Some young people can live on just $432 a month in America if they're willing to move to a low-cost area like Massena, New York.
  3. Japan is dealing with a rice shortage, which prompted them to release a lot of rice from their emergency stockpiles to help manage the situation.

What I read in 2025

Get Down and Shruti • 27 implied HN points • 01 Jan 26
📚 Literature Politics
  1. Science advances through bold guesses, open criticism, and the mix of intuition plus formal rigor; progress falters when methods or authority become unquestionable (scientism).
  2. Biographies and memoirs bring out the human complexity behind history and politics, giving nuanced insight into leaders, movements, and India’s pluralism and conflicts.
  3. Reading widely across science, history, political economy, and fiction connects abstract ideas to real-world problems, improving understanding of institutions, policy, and how societies change.

The Unabomber Fallacy

Yasha Levine • 471 implied HN points • 01 Mar 23
📖 Philosophy Politics
  1. Revolution against industrial technology may not succeed without global reach.
  2. Ted Kaczynski's revolution against industrial society was ultimately doomed to fail.
  3. Critique of technology being political can apply to various ideologies of the industrial age.

Tax cuts on the way?

Off to Lunch • 255 implied HN points • 23 Jan 24
💼 Business Politics
  1. Possibility of tax cuts as government borrows less than expected
  2. Government benefits from higher VAT and income tax receipts
  3. Public finances could improve with potential tax cuts to boost economy

Chartbook 340 Against synecdoche! … A plural taxonomy of capitalist globalization

Chartbook • 686 implied HN points • 19 Dec 24
💼 Business Politics
  1. Global capitalism is complex and can't just be understood as one single economy. Different sectors, like finance and agriculture, have their own unique ways of operating.
  2. It's important to recognize the different sectors of capitalism to fully understand how they interact. For example, globalization affects industries like manufacturing and real estate in distinct ways.
  3. By acknowledging that capitalism is made up of many different parts, we can avoid oversimplifying it and appreciate the specific factors at play in each aspect.

I Debate an Academic Feminist

Bet On It • 176 implied HN points • 19 Aug 25
🎭️ Culture Politics
  1. The writer participated in a debate focusing on feminism with an academic expert. It was a chance to share differing views on the topic.
  2. Both sides read each other's work before the debate, which made the discussion more informed and engaging.
  3. The debate was moderated by another writer, and there is a plan for a follow-up essay to discuss the ideas further.

Genocidal Psychopaths Celebrate International Day To Combat Islamophobia

Caitlin’s Newsletter • 1625 implied HN points • 16 Mar 24
📰 News Politics
  1. International Day to Combat Islamophobia led to hypocritical statements by political figures condemning Islamophobia while engaged in actions that fuel it.
  2. The Democratic party is characterized as masking the violent actions of the US empire with proclamations of love and support for marginalized groups, while continuing to engage in harmful policies globally.
  3. The post criticizes Democrats for outwardly condemning Islamophobia while being complicit in atrocities against Muslim populations, highlighting the disconnect between their words and actions.

The Dawn of Play

Secretum Secretorum • 176 implied HN points • 13 Aug 25
🎭️ Culture Politics
  1. Play is a fundamental part of life, not just for humans but also for animals. It brings joy and helps develop social skills and relationships.
  2. Throughout history, societies have been flexible in their social structures, often experimenting with different forms of governance and community during times of play or celebration.
  3. Our ancestors had a rich capacity for imagination, which allowed them to live in diverse social arrangements. Today, we often struggle to envision alternatives to our current systems.

Photo of the Day

Photo of the Day • 235 implied HN points • 31 Jan 24
💾 History Politics
  1. Admiral George Dewey's victory in the Spanish-American War led to the US expansion into the western Pacific
  2. Theodore Roosevelt's leadership focused on improving conditions for New York's working poor
  3. Roosevelt emphasized the importance of civic virtue in social progress

The road to hell, part 3 of 3

Thoughts on Writing • 499 implied HN points • 21 Jun 23
🎭️ Culture Politics
  1. Criticism of purpose has come from across the political spectrum from the centre to the far left, indicating a shift in traditional beliefs about corporate involvement in social issues.
  2. Business can play a vital role in society without the need for a higher purpose narrative, focusing instead on ethical challenges and human concerns.
  3. Creativity is the opposite of purpose, encouraging an open mindset that values exploration and curiosity over predetermined goals, suggesting a need for a greater emphasis on creativity in industries like advertising and design.