The hottest Politics Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top News Topics

Why ASML Matters

False Positive • 38 HN points • 21 Mar 24
💼 Business Politics
  1. ASML, a Dutch company, holds a monopoly on creating the world's most advanced microchips through their EUV lithography systems.
  2. The control of ASML by the Netherlands provides a unique chokepoint power in global microchip production, impacting international trade and security.
  3. Despite its power, ASML faces limitations in leveraging its monopoly, as it is enmeshed in Western-dominated supply chains and complexities that restrict its options for challenging export controls.

Links for 2024-01-26

Axis of Ordinary • 58 implied HN points • 26 Jan 24
🔬 Science Politics
  1. Hugging Face and Google partner for AI collaboration
  2. Spatial VLM introduces 3D Vision-Language Model
  3. Superforecasters optimistic about x-risk but concerned over engineered pandemics

Best of The Ruffian 2024

The Ruffian • 159 implied HN points • 28 Dec 24
🎭️ Culture Politics
  1. The Ruffian gained more subscribers this year, growing from 20,000 to 33,000. This shows that more people are interested in the content.
  2. There were 74 posts and 3 podcast episodes published, with several popular topics, including lists and questions about happiness and culture.
  3. The podcast is set to continue into 2025, featuring conversations with notable guests, and exclusive content for paid subscribers will also be available.

WTF, Conservative Men?

Ladyparts • 419 implied HN points • 03 May 22
🎭️ Culture Politics
  1. Dismantling of Roe v. Wade was fueled by misogyny and racism, disproportionately affecting poor Black women.
  2. Small interactions can highlight broader societal issues, like the presence of racism and sexism in unexpected places.
  3. Instances of bullying and belittling behavior are used to establish hierarchy and power dynamics within social groups.

Links for 2024-01-23

Axis of Ordinary • 58 implied HN points • 23 Jan 24
🔬 Science Politics
  1. Researcher Jim Fan discusses the 'foundation agent' for AI blending virtual and physical worlds
  2. Market's valuation of LLM companies indicates low expectations for human-level AGI
  3. Speculative Decoding improves LLM inference speed without sacrificing output quality
Get a weekly roundup of the best Substack posts, by hacker news affinity:

The $62 Million High School Stadium That Sparked a National Debate

Huddle Up • 47 implied HN points • 01 Aug 25
🎾 Sports Politics
  1. Buford High School recently built a $62 million stadium, which has sparked a lot of discussion about how schools spend their money. Many people are questioning if this money should have gone to libraries or teachers instead.
  2. Some states, like Texas, are seeing high schools build very expensive stadiums that cost between $40 million and $80 million. This has raised concerns about teaching priorities when coaches often earn much more than teachers.
  3. The debate isn't just about Buford; it's happening everywhere as communities might face similar choices about funding education versus sports. Understanding how these projects are financed is important for everyone.

The New Subversives and the Fall of Colbert

Political Currents by Ross Barkan • 50 implied HN points • 26 Jul 25
🎭️ Culture Politics
  1. Stephen Colbert's late-night show faced cancellation not just due to politics but also because of low ratings and high costs. It shows how taste in entertainment is changing.
  2. New comedians on platforms like YouTube and TikTok are shaking up the comedy scene with bold and irreverent humor that traditional networks may not support. They don't stick to party lines and tackle all sides of issues.
  3. Comedy is losing its edge in mainstream media as it becomes less daring and more controlled by political correctness. There’s hope for a resurgence of fresh, honest humor that can challenge power without fear.

New column: Headlines of Interest

Random Minds by Katherine Brodsky • 121 implied HN points • 22 Feb 25
🎭️ Culture Politics
  1. Scientists are tracking a fast radio burst from a dead galaxy. This challenges what we thought we knew about how these signals can happen.
  2. A new blood test called PAC-MANN could help find pancreatic cancer earlier. Early detection can really improve treatment outcomes for patients.
  3. Chocolate prices are going up because of bad weather and disease affecting cocoa production in West Africa. This means chocolate bars may get smaller or more expensive.

On Elon Musk, Donald Trump, and the problem of ketamine

Unreported Truths • 70 implied HN points • 06 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Politics
  1. Elon Musk and Donald Trump have very different personalities and styles. Musk is focused on big, visionary goals, while Trump is more about managing perceptions and negotiating.
  2. Musk's recent comments about Trump crossing a line with Epstein claims seem impulsive and may not be backed by solid evidence. This could damage Musk's reputation instead of helping him.
  3. There are concerns about Musk's drug use, especially ketamine, which could be affecting his behavior negatively. People worry he might need help managing his stress and responsibilities.

kitten corner: the great oreo mystery

bad cattitude • 179 implied HN points • 01 Nov 24
😂 Humor Politics
  1. The story hints that a character, possibly Kamala, might have taken the cookies. It's a fun little mystery that piques curiosity.
  2. Kittens are playful and often involved in curious situations that can feel like real detective stories.
  3. The post combines light-hearted humor with a playful take on human politics, making it entertaining to read.

The Star-Spangled Banner Is About Doomscrolling

Outlandish Claims • 19 implied HN points • 19 May 24
🎭️ Culture Politics
  1. The Star-Spangled Banner has historical roots intertwined with doomscrolling, highlighting the anxiety and relief of watching events unfold.
  2. The anthem's origin story reflects a mixture of stress, resilience, and unexpected triumph during wartime.
  3. As society evolves, the anthem's relevance may diminish, raising questions about its message and the values it represents.

Links for 2024-01-16

Axis of Ordinary • 58 implied HN points • 16 Jan 24
🌍 World Politics Politics
  1. AI advancements include evaluating LLMs on protocol planning in biology and using multiple AI models for transparent robot plans.
  2. Space exploration discusses Titan's potential for human colonization and the unique properties of the Godel universe.
  3. Psychology insights cover diminished neural responses in autistic adults and the tendency of people to shun help in challenging situations.

Maybe we shouldn’t be ‘annoying all the right people’

Wrong Side of History • 375 implied HN points • 16 Feb 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Politics
  1. London Mayor Sadiq Khan employs a style of politics that can be polarizing and lead to criticism.
  2. Critics often blame Khan for issues like crime and housing in London, even though his influence is limited, and other factors play a role.
  3. Despite differing opinions on Khan, there are those who support his transport policies and take a minority stance on urban planning.

Links to Consider, 3/14

In My Tribe • 349 implied HN points • 14 Mar 24
🎭️ Culture Politics
  1. Reading is a skill that needs practice; reading long-form text is important for success in education and work.
  2. There's a need to understand trade-offs in policy-making; some argue for stronger social norms against alcohol and drug use.
  3. The shift towards morality and self-discipline in religions coincided with an increase in affluence and a focus on delayed gratification.

Art and Revolution

KERFUFFLE • 65 implied HN points • 31 May 25
🎭️ Culture Politics
  1. Politics can ruin art and journalism by turning them into propaganda instead of genuine expression. When artists and journalists focus too much on their political beliefs, their work loses its depth and creativity.
  2. The lines between art, journalism, and politics are blurring, which can lead to a lack of authenticity in both fields. Artists and journalists often feel pressured to conform to a certain narrative or political agenda.
  3. Art should aim to explore the complexities of human experience, rather than delivering clear-cut moral lessons. Good art reflects the richness of life, while political narratives can oversimplify and distort reality.

Paul Graham's error

Gray Mirror • 134 implied HN points • 16 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture Politics
  1. History is complex and cannot be easily understood through simple narratives. It often feels messy, like trying to find a solid footing in a pit of unclear meanings.
  2. Wokeness can be seen as a new and intense version of political correctness that emerged in the late 20th century. Understanding its origins helps to analyze how social norms shift over time.
  3. Different eras in history can look very different based on our perspective. It's important to recognize that each time period has its unique challenges and is subject to change, just like ideas about morality or justice.

Get Off Social Media

Stove Top • 98 implied HN points • 16 Jun 23
🕹 Technology Politics
  1. Social media is harmful for kids, leading to increased depression, self-harm, and suicide rates.
  2. Authoritarian leaders are often obsessed with historical grievances, impacting their decision-making.
  3. Helping others is important, but the means matter; it's crucial to avoid harmful or unethical methods.

$269 This Week Playing Against Empire

The False Consensus Effect • 59 implied HN points • 07 Jan 24
🎭️ Culture Politics
  1. The author aims to live frugally under $300/week to resist governmental control and societal pressures.
  2. Encourages others, especially the youth, to follow a similar path of minimalistic living and contributions to charity.
  3. The author criticizes the current economic structure and lifestyle standards in the U.S., advocating for a simpler, more community-oriented way of life.

A map of my ignorance: Technostrategy and technofeudalism

Philosophy bear • 135 implied HN points • 10 Jan 25
📖 Philosophy Politics
  1. Many jobs, especially those in offices, could be replaced by AI soon. This change might make it hard for workers to find jobs and could create a big gap in wealth between those who benefit from AI and those who don't.
  2. Workers may start resisting these changes as jobs disappear. How this resistance plays out depends on the speed of job loss and the workers' ability to unite against it.
  3. The future of work will also depend on political reactions to AI. There might be new political groups forming to oppose AI advancements, reshaping how society views labor and automation.

Move over democracy

The Global Jigsaw • 79 implied HN points • 12 Dec 23
🌍 World Politics Politics
  1. People are losing trust in traditional democratic systems and are open to the idea of rule by artificial intelligence.
  2. Artificial Intelligence (AI) is seen as potentially more efficient than human decision-making, especially in complex situations like policy-making.
  3. The concept of rule by algorithm (algocracy) or AI is gaining traction, with some believing that it could lead to better outcomes than traditional democratic processes.

Dispatches from the pre-post-purpose age

Thoughts on Writing • 79 implied HN points • 14 Nov 23
🎭️ Culture Politics
  1. The ad industry is navigating the shift towards the pre-post-purpose age, where concepts like traditional values and future uncertainties intersect.
  2. Gen Z is a diverse and complex demographic that challenges the assumption of uniformity in purpose-driven marketing narratives.
  3. There is a growing discussion in the adland about redefining the concept of government and democracy, highlighting the evolving landscape of societal conversations beyond just corporate purpose.

Saturday Commentary and Review #148

Fisted by Foucault • 421 implied HN points • 02 Dec 23
🎭️ Culture Politics
  1. The USA benefits from its geographical location, resources, and Monroe Doctrine in maintaining power in the Americas.
  2. US easing of Venezuela oil sanctions indicates strategic economic concerns and reliance on oil market dynamics.
  3. Tensions between Venezuela and Guyana over oil reserves highlight geopolitical complexities and potential regional conflicts.

The eternal rebels

Wrong Side of History • 645 implied HN points • 06 Apr 23
🎭️ Culture Politics
  1. Ed West discusses the emergence of a new cultural elite influenced by rebellious values from the 1960s.
  2. The new cultural elite is described as left-wing on social issues but right-wing on economics.
  3. Goodwin's thesis outlines the growing divide between the progressive elite and the rest of society, reshaping politics and fueling unrest.

Curator

Castalia • 219 implied HN points • 08 Jan 23
🎭️ Culture Politics
  1. The idea of progress isn't universally accepted. While some people see the future as better, others believe that society can go backward, showing that change isn't always for the better.
  2. Success in art and writing isn't everything. Many artists find fulfillment in the process of creation itself, rather than chasing fame or success.
  3. Philosophers like Lasch and Trilling remind us that focusing too much on progress or collective goals can lessen individual integrity and creativity. They encourage a more personal approach to understanding ourselves and our art.

Dingus of the week: Boeing

Men Yell at Me • 322 implied HN points • 15 Mar 24
📰 News Politics
  1. Boeing has faced safety concerns, including incidents of plane debris, fatal crashes, and whistleblower allegations, raising doubts about their safety practices.
  2. Boeing's significant revenue from government contracts raises questions about accountability and oversight in the aviation industry.
  3. The aviation industry's duopoly of Boeing and Airbus, self-regulation by Boeing, and underfunding of the FAA highlight systemic issues impacting airplane safety.

Biden's State of the World

Diane Francis • 459 implied HN points • 02 Mar 22
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Politics
  1. The end of the post-war order is marked by recent global events. The U.S. is stepping back from leading the free world due to challenges from figures like Putin.
  2. Biden has been effective in bringing NATO and European countries together. However, it's seen that the responsibility for the conflict primarily lies with Europe.
  3. European nations are criticized for not having a strong military response. There's an emphasis on the lack of a unified army to confront these issues.

Evangelical Christianity is a rape cult

Sex and the State • 46 implied HN points • 30 Jun 25
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Politics
  1. Many powerful men in Evangelical Christianity face serious accusations of abuse, yet the culture often protects them instead of the victims. This shows a big problem with accountability.
  2. Educational discussions about sex and consent can reduce rates of sexual abuse. Societies should stop stigmatizing sex to help create a safer environment for everyone.
  3. The teachings in some religious settings can create an atmosphere that encourages silence around abuse, making it harder for victims to speak out and get help. It's important to challenge these harmful narratives.

Dingus of the week: David D Smith

Men Yell at Me • 343 implied HN points • 19 Jan 24
📰 News Politics
  1. The newsletter calls out individuals or things that make the world worse each week.
  2. Newspapers are businesses that aim to make money and are not as liberal as often perceived.
  3. Snow berms are disliked and seen as a frustrating obstacle during winter.

Gold and Brown

Unpopular Front • 97 implied HN points • 10 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Politics
  1. Libertarianism and fascism in the U.S. share surprising connections. Many people who identify as libertarians have been drawn to fascist ideas, showing how political beliefs can change over time.
  2. Both ideologies fundamentally distrust existing political structures. They believe that the state doesn’t serve everyone fairly and should be replaced with something that favors their specific interests.
  3. The push for privatization and corporate control often leads to the weakening of the state. This can confuse citizens, who may see these changes as improvements instead of a loss of their rights and freedoms.

Critical Race Theory, Islam and the Hysteria in Between

Pen>Sword • 199 implied HN points • 23 Aug 22
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Politics
  1. Critical Race Theory faces backlash and hysteria from right-wing politicians as a supposed threat to American values.
  2. The movement to ban Critical Race Theory capitalizes on populism to sustain white supremacy by demonizing advocates of racial justice.
  3. There are parallels between the movement to ban Critical Race Theory and the movement against Sharia Law, both fueled by xenophobia and distorted portrayals of Islam and Critical Race Theory.

Unpopular Correlations

Disaffected Newsletter • 339 implied HN points • 21 Jul 22
🎭️ Culture Politics
  1. There seems to be a pattern where many gay men have challenging family relationships, particularly with their mothers and fathers. This may have an impact on their experiences and identities.
  2. Some believe that women with unstable emotional states are strongly represented in hard left political movements. Their communication can often include extreme emotional responses and denial of certain facts.
  3. Social media behavior can be revealing, like excessive political posts or personal photos that seem more focused on image than connection. This might highlight emotional issues in the person's life.

Beautiful Things

We're Gonna Get Those Bastards • 5 implied HN points • 26 Dec 25
🎭️ Culture Politics
  1. Beauty is a positive value that signals achievement and civilization across people, art, and built environments.
  2. Much of beauty is the result of effort and craft—grooming, fashion, music, and workmanship require real work, and trying is a virtue.
  3. Ugliness often comes from aggression, decay, or bad politics, and outer appearance commonly reflects inner character.

Smoke on the Water

Unbound • 600 implied HN points • 19 Feb 23
📰 News Politics
  1. Accidents like the train derailment in Ohio can have long-lasting and terrible effects on communities.
  2. There is a growing sense of uneasiness and concern over industrial mishaps, shortages of goods, and global tensions.
  3. The media focus on perceptions and ideas rather than on reporting on actual events, leading to a loss of trust in institutions.

Links for 2024-02-08

Axis of Ordinary • 39 implied HN points • 08 Feb 24
🕹 Technology Politics
  1. Recent remarkable results in cognitive science of language have challenged critiques of LLMs.
  2. New generative agents simulate human behavior for studying social policies and human behavior.
  3. OpenAI is developing device-operating software for automating complex tasks with minimal human intervention.

We're making the same mistake as Game of Thrones

Win-Win • 459 implied HN points • 10 Feb 22
🎭️ Culture Politics
  1. The ending of Game of Thrones missed the chance to highlight the real enemy: bigger threats like climate change or pandemics. Instead, it fell back into a focus on character dramas.
  2. We are currently caught up in cultural fights that distract us from serious issues we need to address, just like the characters in Game of Thrones got sidetracked.
  3. Many people are starting to realize that our biggest challenges are not each other, but existential threats that require us to unite rather than divide.