The hottest Politics Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
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What Is An Intellectual?

Castalia • 119 implied HN points • 30 Nov 22
🎭️ Culture Politics
  1. Intellectuals can be misunderstood and have often faced persecution from powerful regimes. It's surprising that people who seem harmless can be targeted by those in power.
  2. Many intellectuals, while examining ideas, have ended up supporting terrible regimes. This shows that intelligence doesn't always equal good ethics.
  3. Being an intellectual today means taking a stand for one's beliefs, even when it's unpopular. Courage is necessary to challenge the status quo and defend freedom of expression.

Making room for misogyny in sex

Sex and the State • 21 implied HN points • 18 Jul 25
🎭️ Culture Politics
  1. People can struggle with wanting to be close to someone, like wanting to be intimate with a man, while also hating the negative attitudes towards women that some men hold.
  2. This situation can feel impossible, like wanting peanut butter without the peanuts; you can't have one without the other in this context.
  3. The idea implies that misogyny is so intertwined with being a man that separating them seems really difficult or even unrealistic.

The Summer of the Whale

Men Yell at Me • 268 implied HN points • 28 Jun 23
🎭️ Culture Politics
  1. People are supporting whales in a recent wave of attacks on boats, siding with the orcas due to their anti-capitalist symbolism.
  2. Americans relate to the struggles of whales due to growing income inequality, stagnant wages, and other socio-economic issues.
  3. There is a sense of commonality between people and sea creatures like whales in feeling targeted by a system that harms and kills them both.

Inside Pandora's Box

Diane Francis • 279 implied HN points • 11 Oct 21
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Politics
  1. The Pandora Papers show a large amount of hidden money and tax evasion linked to powerful people around the world.
  2. Investigative journalists worked hard to sort through millions of documents to uncover this information.
  3. This data leak highlights how corruption and financial wrongdoing can involve politicians, dictators, and other famous figures.
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A Personal IVF Story

Karlstack • 144 implied HN points • 28 Feb 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Politics
  1. A personal IVF story revealed the author's unique background and insights into the political implications of IVF treatments.
  2. Democrats are using IVF as a political strategy against Republicans, leveraging statistics on public support for fertility treatments like IVF.
  3. While most support IVF, observant Catholics are a key group opposed to it due to teachings of the Church.

Our Civilizational Phase-Shift

Daniel Pinchbeck’s Newsletter • 19 implied HN points • 20 Jul 25
🎭️ Culture Politics
  1. We might be at a turning point in how society works, moving from a system of dominance to one where everything is more connected and cooperative. This change could affect people on a global scale.
  2. The current pace of environmental change is much faster than in the past, leading to critical tipping points that could change our world drastically. We need to be aware of these shifts to adapt and survive.
  3. There are both good and bad outcomes possible from these societal changes. For example, while some seek to go back to outdated systems of control, there is also potential for positive transformation in how we live and interact.

Curator

Castalia • 159 implied HN points • 26 Jun 22
🎭️ Culture Politics
  1. A sense of political 'center' might be a myth; it may have never existed in the first place. Nostalgia for this center can cloud our understanding of how politics actually function.
  2. Mary Gaitskill argues that modern writing has lost the art of describing the physical world, which is crucial for storytelling. She believes fiction should connect deeply with life, rather than rely on superficial themes.
  3. John Stuart Mill may have been more open to socialist ideas than traditionally thought. His perspective combines individual freedom with a gentler, communal approach, suggesting a unique way to balance personal and collective well-being.

Links for 2024-02-11

Axis of Ordinary • 19 implied HN points • 11 Feb 24
🕹 Technology Politics
  1. Researchers achieve quick drone flight with fast simulations on a laptop and share the code publicly.
  2. New study surpasses previous methods in long-context video understanding, even with fewer parameters.
  3. Introduction of PHATGOOSE model for recycling PEFT modules to enhance zero-shot generalization.

Commentator

Castalia • 139 implied HN points • 18 Aug 22
🎭️ Culture Politics
  1. The reaction to Salman Rushdie's stabbing shows a divide in views about freedom of expression and censorship. It's a complex issue, but we need to remember the consequences of writing can be serious for many.
  2. Tinder has changed dating by making it more intentional, but it also makes dating feel more addictive and lonely. Instead of casual social interactions, people now often date from home, relying more on apps than real-life connections.
  3. Nuclear energy is gaining support as a clean energy source amidst concerns about climate change. It's important to recognize that nuclear power could be a key part of future energy solutions, despite past fears and accidents.

Wherefore pegging

featherlessbipeds • 39 implied HN points • 08 Oct 23
🚌 Education Politics
  1. Bretton Woods replaced the gold standard for three main reasons - poor performance, shifting economic demands, and growing political pressure for intervention.
  2. Bretton Woods selected pegged exchange rates and control of domestic monetary policy, giving up the free flow of capital.
  3. The system experienced challenges, such as the dollar shortage in Europe, and eventually faced issues like exceeding U.S. gold supplies, leading to its vulnerability and eventual unraveling.

June 17, 2025

Letters from an American • 24 implied HN points • 18 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Politics
  1. Trump's control over U.S. Steel gives him a lot of power over the company, which is unusual for a president. This situation feels like something you would see in a crime movie.
  2. The EPA is reportedly not enforcing rules against fossil fuel companies, which is causing problems for environmental protections. This makes it easier for companies to break laws without consequences.
  3. There are plans to sell a large amount of public land without much public input or discussion. This could change how land is used and impact people's access to nature.

Hobbits - Part II

Living Fossils • 5 implied HN points • 19 Nov 25
🎭️ Culture Politics
  1. Different countries are choosing very different ways to deal with hobbits. Denmark is focusing on protection and understanding, while the Dominican Republic is using military action.
  2. In Denmark, there's a law to protect the hobbits, but it has led to fear and tension among farmers. People are worried about their safety and farm animals.
  3. Japan has a plan to move humans off Shikoku island to make space for hobbits. This approach is aimed at reducing conflict, but it raises questions about trust between people and these creatures.

DON'T MISS: Rep. Schakowsky (D-IL) and I exposed Medicare Advantage in Newsweek

HEALTH CARE un-covered • 119 implied HN points • 16 Nov 22
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Politics
  1. Medicare Advantage is designed to benefit insurance companies and their shareholders, often at the expense of actual patient care. It's important for seniors to understand how this program works and what alternatives are available.
  2. Many Americans are struggling with high out-of-pocket costs for healthcare, and there's a need for reform to reduce these financial burdens. Changes are necessary to ensure health insurance is more affordable.
  3. Engaging with policymakers from both political parties is crucial to make progress in healthcare reform. Discussions are ongoing about the need to improve Medicare and tackle issues caused by big insurance companies.

India - progress, potential & pitfalls

Rahul’s Newsletter • 39 implied HN points • 26 Mar 23
🌍 World Politics Politics
  1. India's economy is growing and becoming more diversified, with improvements in various sectors like services, manufacturing, agriculture, and IT.
  2. India's potential for growth is high due to favorable demographics, but investments in people, education, and private enterprises are crucial.
  3. Political discourse in India has become divisive and there are concerns about fragile democracy, excessive control on media, and the rise of religious tensions.

Post # 3000

Douglass’s Newsletter • 39 implied HN points • 09 Jul 23
📖 Philosophy Politics
  1. Blogging started during war in Iraq with 1 million protesters having no impact on policy.
  2. Author realized democracy and hierarchy were lacking in the political structure.
  3. Feeling sad about lack of response when writing, but finding worthwhile friendships and clarity along the way.

Finnish News Recap, week 22: Rammstein edition

Ahpocalypse Now • 39 implied HN points • 07 Jun 23
🎭️ Culture Politics
  1. Finland's NATO debate postmortems critiqued President Sauli Niinistö's failure to assume a pro-NATO consensus earlier.
  2. Rammstein, a popular German band in Finland, faces #metoo allegations of drugging women for backstage sex.
  3. In Finland, #metoo mostly impacts music circles with accusations against Rammstein's Till Lindemann and other local politicians.

A Trio of Environmental Articles For Your Sunday/Monday Reads

crimeandpunishment • 39 implied HN points • 03 Apr 23
🌞 Climate & Environment Politics
  1. Politics and our natural world are interconnected; we need to reduce fossil fuel use and harmful chemicals to protect our environment and ourselves.
  2. Deforestation can lead to disease outbreaks by creating close contact zones between humans and wild animals.
  3. Climate change not only impacts physical health but can also have negative effects on mental health, leading to anxiety, depression, and other mental health issues.

Curator

Castalia • 79 implied HN points • 19 Feb 23
🎭️ Culture Politics
  1. Streaming services like Netflix have moved towards a formulaic approach to content, making everything feel visually similar and less unique. This shift has led to a loss of creativity and risk-taking in producing shows and documentaries.
  2. Today's younger generations appear to be struggling more with mental health issues compared to the past. Factors like social media and pandemic-related school closures have contributed to rising feelings of sadness and academic challenges.
  3. The traditional center-right political approach has weakened due to cultural changes, including rising education levels and identity politics. This has left a vacuum in moderate conservative representation, which needs to be rebuilt from the ground up.

The Ruth Bader Ginsburg Syndrome

The Weekly Dish • 143 implied HN points • 09 Feb 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Politics
  1. The post discusses the impact of longstanding political figures not stepping down from their positions.
  2. The article mentions President Joe Biden and his role in ending the war in Afghanistan.
  3. There is an option for a 7-day free trial to access the full post archives.

We Can Never Forget

Street Smart Naturalist: Explorations of the Urban Kind • 179 implied HN points • 31 Mar 22
🎭️ Culture Politics
  1. The U.S. government forcibly removed 120,000 Japanese Americans during WWII, showing a dark part of history.
  2. Artists Kamekichi Tokita and Kenjiro Nomura were respected sign painters in Seattle before their families were incarcerated.
  3. Their artwork reflects their experiences and perspectives, reminding us to remember and learn from past injustices.

No Amnesty for Crimes Against Humanity

Anxiety Addiction & Ascension • 59 implied HN points • 03 Nov 22
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Politics
  1. Ignoring the truth about COVID and the harm inflicted is not acceptable - no amnesty for crimes against humanity.
  2. People in positions of power who enabled destructive actions during the pandemic should be held accountable, not forgiven.
  3. Calls for amnesty for COVID-related actions are seen as hypocritical and evoke strong reactions of anger and the refusal to forgive.

So you’re a millennial female autist substacking about your special interest

Sex and the State • 21 implied HN points • 21 Jun 25
🎭️ Culture Politics
  1. Choosing a clear topic helps you find your audience better. Having a specific niche makes it easier to write and connect with readers.
  2. Getting attention is crucial for your writing to be read. You can either pay for ads or create content that sparks strong emotions to get more people talking.
  3. Experimenting with different strategies helps you learn what works best for your content. Using advertisements can teach you valuable lessons for your organic outreach later.

The Taormina Interviews: Lee Fang - ChiCom Sleeper Agent

Fisted by Foucault • 229 implied HN points • 01 Jun 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Politics
  1. Lee Fang discusses his journey from being a college political enthusiast to a journalist speaking out against various forms of misinformation and disinformation.
  2. Growing up in a diverse household helped Lee Fang realize the flaws in identity categories and the folly of reducing complexities to race.
  3. Lee Fang reflects on the corruption in government, media, and corporations, highlighting the manipulation of social justice rhetoric for self-serving interests.

On Political Writing

Story Club with George Saunders • 70 implied HN points • 10 Oct 24
📚 Literature Politics
  1. When writing political stories, it's important to elevate the narrative beyond just being an opinion piece. Aim for the story to resonate on a deeper, more universal level that will last beyond current events.
  2. A good story explores complexities instead of presenting a single viewpoint. This helps avoid alienating readers and opens up a space for deeper discussions within the narrative.
  3. Instead of forcing a political stance, let the story unfold naturally. Sometimes, the most powerful messages emerge when you allow the characters and plot to guide the direction.

Chris Hedges Live Q&A Tonight, 4:00p.m. PT / 7:00p.m. ET — Come Ask me a Question

The Chris Hedges Report • 49 implied HN points • 08 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Politics
  1. There will be a live Q&A session at 4:00 PM PT / 7:00 PM ET tonight. It's a chance for people to ask questions directly.
  2. The host encourages participants to keep their questions short and direct for ease of discussion during the live session.
  3. To join in and ask a question, you need to be a paid subscriber to the platform hosting the event.

The believers

Random Minds by Katherine Brodsky • 46 implied HN points • 27 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture Politics
  1. Facebook has become a place for reconnecting with friends and networking, especially after the pandemic disrupted many social lives.
  2. The mood on social media is often political and can feel intense, as people express strong beliefs around topics like DEI initiatives.
  3. Many people are feeling disturbed about the changing social landscape and are debating issues they never considered before.

Loose Lips, Loose Cannon

Diane Francis • 239 implied HN points • 30 Sep 21
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Politics
  1. General Milley faced criticism for making secret calls to China to prevent war threats during Trump's presidency. He believed it was necessary to calm fears about US intentions.
  2. Milley reassured political leaders and the military about the controls in place for launching nuclear weapons, indicating a serious concern about Trump's behavior during that time.
  3. Despite the controversies, Milley emphasized his loyalty to the country and commitment to civilian control over the military, highlighting the importance of military independence from politics.

Reclaiming Masculinity Beyond Ideology

Daniel Pinchbeck’s Newsletter • 3 implied HN points • 15 Dec 25
🎭️ Culture Politics
  1. Many American men are in a crisis where anger often hides vulnerability, and fatherlessness and unresolved emotional wounds help fuel political polarization.
  2. We need new models of masculinity that move beyond toughness and control and instead embrace failure, forgiveness, empathy, nurturing, and a search for meaning.
  3. Psychological and cultural critiques show social systems can harm men as well as women, so efforts to reclaim masculinity should be practical and non-ideological.

Another four miles

Internal exile • 58 implied HN points • 22 Nov 24
🎭️ Culture Politics
  1. Many people enjoy interactive media like podcasts and livestreams because they crave connection, even though the content can feel aimless. This type of media often emphasizes feelings over facts.
  2. Podcasts and social media can make it seem like people are part of a conversation, but the conversation is often repetitive and lacks real substance. This can make followers feel engaged without meaningful interaction.
  3. There's a contrast between the spontaneity of real human conversation and the predictable nature of AI interactions. While some might prefer the speed of AI, there's still a strong value placed on the unpredictability and warmth found in human conversations.

Another Gripe

Unpopular Front • 55 implied HN points • 21 Nov 24
🎭️ Culture Politics
  1. Responding to negative reviews can seem petty, but sometimes it's necessary to clear up misunderstandings. It's important to address when someone's critique misses the point of your work.
  2. Understanding the tone and context of writing is crucial for meaningful critiques. Misinterpreting jokes or irony can lead to completely off-base reviews.
  3. Critics should be careful when making claims about an author's political views or arguments. Misreading can reveal more about the critic's biases than the author's actual stance.

Starting in Mysticism; Ending in Politics

The Joyous Struggle • 59 implied HN points • 10 Oct 22
📖 Philosophy Politics
  1. Charles Peguy believed that everything starts in mysticism and ends in politics, emphasizing the importance of understanding the origins and implications of statements and ideologies.
  2. Peguy's concept of 'amodernism' challenges the traditional views associated with modernity, suggesting a different perspective that incorporates mysticism and transcendence.
  3. The idea of starting from a mystical perspective rather than a modern one can lead to a more meaningful and profound approach when shaping a shared world and understanding reality.

What A Dangerous Thing to Say!

Painful Signs, Or, Joel's Substack • 19 implied HN points • 16 Jan 24
📚 Literature Politics
  1. Book 14 of the Iliad presents a moment of crisis with leaders making flawed decisions and the consequences of their actions.
  2. The speech by Odysseus to Agamemnon showcases themes of leadership, dissent, and the impact of recklessness in Homeric poetry.
  3. Diomedes emerges as a significant character in Book 14, embodying the exploration of dissent, consensus, and the importance of multiple voices in decision-making.

Chronicle of a childless cat lady

Unreported Truths • 57 implied HN points • 18 Nov 24
🎭️ Culture Politics
  1. Emily Witt shares her life experiences in her memoir, focusing on her struggles with drug use and her relationships, particularly with a man named Andrew. She aims to present a self-aware view but misses some key insights about her own behavior.
  2. Witt's desire to be perceived as 'cool' drives her lifestyle choices, including her preferences for parties and partners. This desire reflects a specific elite culture that seems disconnected from the reality of most people's lives.
  3. While Witt portrays herself as a fighter for social justice, she often fails to acknowledge the perspectives of those closest to her, such as Andrew. Her narrative emphasizes her own experiences while sidelining others, raising questions about authenticity and empathy.