The hottest Politics Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
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25 Articles

Sarah Kendzior’s Newsletter • 2755 implied HN points • 27 Feb 24
🎭️ Culture Politics
  1. The newsletter provides a wide range of topics, from politics and history to art, music, and nature, emphasizing the interconnectedness of politics with everyday life.
  2. The author values accessibility to their work, keeping the newsletter free and open to all readers, with appreciation for paid subscribers who support the writing.
  3. The post lists all articles from the newsletter categorized by topic, offering readers the opportunity to explore a variety of content based on their interests.

The Mourning Moon

Sarah Kendzior’s Newsletter • 4932 implied HN points • 01 Dec 23
🎭️ Culture Politics
  1. The Mourning Moon serves as a warning of impending dark days and the need to grieve losses and prepare for challenges.
  2. Cahokia, once a thriving city in ancient times along the Mississippi River, is now abandoned, with only earth mounds remaining as haunting reminders of its past.
  3. The heartbreaking reality of modern war and the power of grief, especially in the face of atrocities like the mass killing of children in Gaza, are difficult truths that are hard to reconcile but important to acknowledge.

Hidden Open Thread 415.5

Astral Codex Ten • 412 implied HN points • 08 Jan 26
🎭️ Culture Politics
  1. This entry is a paid, subscriber-only post titled "Hidden Open Thread 415.5" published on Jan 08, 2026.
  2. The page requires subscribing or signing in to view the full content and provides direct subscribe and sign-in links.
  3. The header shows small engagement numbers (6, 184, 1) and includes previous/next navigation, indicating it's part of a series with some interaction.

Counter-Empathy, Lean Men, Weimar

Rob Henderson's Newsletter • 1098 implied HN points • 11 Nov 25
🎭️ Culture Politics
  1. Colonial authorities can help reduce violence by providing a way to coordinate peace, as seen with the Dugum Dani in Papua New Guinea.
  2. Women who think negatively about attractive women tend to suggest short haircuts for others, showing how internal beliefs can influence opinions on appearances.
  3. Aggression is mostly inherited, but how it's shown can be influenced by parents and friends, which means both nature and nurture play a role.
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This Week in Canada: Extremism Is Extremely Normal

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 514 implied HN points • 23 Dec 25
📰 News Politics
  1. A foiled terror plot revealed a small group driven by hatred of women and Jewish people, with arrests and weapons linked to ISIS.
  2. Law enforcement made arrests but officials still don’t seem fully clear-eyed or prepared, so a single bust doesn’t mean the wider threat is gone.
  3. Everyday crimes and justice debates, like disputes over race-based sentencing and near-miss shoplifting incidents, show deeper social tensions and inconsistent responses from the system.

One last rage before Christmas (Odds and Ends #84)

Odds and Ends of History • 603 implied HN points • 19 Dec 25
📰 News Politics
  1. Britain can't even build a tram system where it's most needed, which shows big failures in local transport planning and delivery.
  2. The National Grid's connection queue is broken and is blocking new homebuilding; in London, data centres and households are now fighting for the same limited electricity supply.
  3. Keir Starmer seems caught between two big ideas, leaving his political direction unclear.

JUSTICE, JUSTICE THY SHALL PURSUE

TRANSFORM with Marianne Williamson • 6171 implied HN points • 25 Feb 23
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Politics
  1. Justice must be pursued in various aspects of society like criminal, economic, racial, and environmental justice.
  2. America is at a point where change is crucial, and it can either be wisely directed or lead to destructive consequences.
  3. Leadership requires moral integrity, self-purification, and a blend of spiritual and political activism for societal transformation.

Bloodshed at Bondi and Brown. Plus. . .

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 565 implied HN points • 15 Dec 25
📰 News Politics
  1. Two mass shootings — at Brown University and Bondi Beach — killed and injured many people and show how vulnerable campuses and public gatherings have become.
  2. The Bondi attack underscored a sharp rise in antisemitic and anti‑Zionist violence, prompting urgent calls for honest public debate and stronger protections for Jewish communities.
  3. The newsletter ties these events to broader cultural and free‑speech shifts: worries about the decline of longform reading and concerns over censorship, exemplified by the UK’s age‑verification of The Free Press.

Top Links 951 Prime age workers scarcity. Italian alternate history. VW Doubling down on China & The Minimal Winning Coalition.

Chartbook • 500 implied HN points • 14 Dec 25
🌐 International Politics
  1. Prime-age workers are becoming scarce worldwide. The number of countries with shrinking working-age populations rose from 2 in 1980 to 50 today and could reach 77 by 2040.
  2. There is renewed interest in imagining alternate histories for Italy, exploring how different choices might have changed its political and social trajectory.
  3. Volkswagen is doubling down on China, signaling deeper business and manufacturing commitments there, and the concept of the "minimal winning coalition" highlights how narrow political alliances can determine policy outcomes.

Hidden Open Thread 414.5

Astral Codex Ten • 412 implied HN points • 02 Jan 26
🎭️ Culture Politics
  1. The post is behind a paywall and accessible only to paid subscribers.
  2. You can either subscribe or sign in to gain access to the content.
  3. It's dated Jan 02, 2026 and labeled Hidden Open Thread 414.5, showing it's part of a numbered series for subscribers.

15 things I consumed this week

Maybe Baby • 524 implied HN points • 12 Dec 25
🎭️ Culture Politics
  1. A personal weekly roundup lists 15 things consumed across media and products, mixing short reads, shows, and recommendations.
  2. The reading picks skew heavy and political rather than festive, including a chilling essay about working as an Arab fact-checker at a major magazine after October 7, 2023.
  3. The roundup balances serious journalism with nostalgic holiday viewing and practical product recs, like a shout-out for the best winter socks.

Eithan Haim: ‘We Took On the Federal Leviathan and We Won’

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 7410 implied HN points • 25 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Politics
  1. Dr. Eithan Haim faced serious legal trouble after exposing a children's hospital for performing gender surgeries on minors. He believed it was important to stand up against this practice.
  2. After a hard-fought battle, the charges against him were dropped by the Trump administration, allowing him to move on with his life and celebrate with his family.
  3. Despite the financial and emotional toll, Haim and his wife feel proud of their actions and believe they made the world a better place for children.

TikTok is done for

Taylor Lorenz's Newsletter • 8539 implied HN points • 15 Dec 24
🎭️ Culture Politics
  1. TikTok is facing a ban in the U.S., which many people believe is coming soon. This could change how we interact with social media and restrict freedom of expression.
  2. In New Jersey, there have been many reports of mysterious drones, but most sightings are just everyday planes or stars. This has caused confusion and panic among the public.
  3. There is growing concern about how men view women's bodies, especially after a celebrity's unedited photos went viral. Some men seem to forget that real women look different from their edited images in media.

Upcoming Podcast: What Should I Ask Virologist and Former CDC Director Robert Redfield?

The DisInformation Chronicle • 145 implied HN points • 24 Jan 26
🎙 Podcasts Politics
  1. Former CDC director and virologist Robert Redfield will be the podcast guest to talk about his experiences with HIV and COVID, and to discuss his new book on infectious diseases and vaccines.
  2. Listeners are asked to submit questions in the comments, with paid subscribers encouraged to contribute so their questions can be asked on the show.
  3. The interview will be posted on the podcast’s YouTube channel and could attract wider media attention, so subscribing to the channel is recommended.

TGIF: Life of a Showgirl

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 2160 implied HN points • 15 Aug 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Politics
  1. Trump is making a lot of money from cryptocurrencies, especially since the election, and his family's crypto ventures are linked to some controversial companies.
  2. Americans are uncertain about their wealth due to mixed job reports and potential data manipulation by authorities to present a specific economic narrative.
  3. The crime situation in Washington D.C. is downplayed by some, despite high rates of car theft and lingering concerns about safety among residents.

Sometimes People Are Just Stupid

Holly’s Newsletter • 3154 implied HN points • 07 Feb 24
🎭️ Culture Politics
  1. There are conservative influencers targeting an artist and her relationship, sparking debates and theories about the implications of her endorsements and impact on voting demographics.
  2. The artist in question has messages of traditional love and relationships in her work, facing criticism and scrutiny from various political perspectives.
  3. The discussions around this artist's personal life and potential endorsements highlight broader cultural tensions and divisions, reflecting the complexity of celebrity influence and political narratives.

Wandering the Ruins of the American Dream

Sarah Kendzior’s Newsletter • 4333 implied HN points • 21 Nov 23
🎭️ Culture Politics
  1. Exploring historical ruins can reveal hard truths about the past, such as the impact of colonialism and environmental degradation.
  2. Visiting sites like Fort Belle Fontaine can provoke reflection on the decay of the American Dream and the realities of history.
  3. Nature reclaims abandoned spaces with thorns and vines, serving as a reminder of the destruction caused by human actions.

The $25B Kroger-Albertsons Merger Is Going to Fail

BIG by Matt Stoller • 19710 implied HN points • 28 Feb 24
💼 Business Politics
  1. The $25 billion Kroger-Albertsons merger is facing challenges as the Federal Trade Commission and nine states sue to block it due to potential negative impacts on consumer prices and wages.
  2. The case is significant because it involves a novel application of antitrust law, focusing on labor grounds and the impact on union bargaining terms.
  3. The merger's potential consequences, including higher prices and lower wages, have sparked political response from politicians and unions, indicating widespread concern and opposition.

The Golden Age of Humanity? We’re Living in It.

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 677 implied HN points • 25 Nov 25
🎭️ Culture Politics
  1. A growing strand of right-wing thought wants to replace democratic rule with stronger, centralized authority or even monarchy, arguing that current democratic systems are flawed.
  2. Religious political movements are pushing for public life and state policy to reflect Christian moral teachings, seeking a closer fusion of church and state.
  3. These trends amount to a rejection of Enlightenment principles like reason, individual rights, markets, and church‑state separation, posing a challenge to the modern liberal order.

Merry Christmas

Wrong Side of History • 332 implied HN points • 26 Dec 25
🎭️ Culture Politics
  1. Culture and identity debates are everywhere now, shaping casting, museum displays, and how history is told. These fights feel political and change which stories and voices get prominence.
  2. Free speech and political conflict are getting harsher, with real legal and social consequences for people who speak out and with fiction and media strongly influencing political views. That combination is reshaping public debate and accountability.
  3. Britain still projects soft power through cultural exports like popular history podcasts, even as people worry about younger generations, rising authoritarian tendencies, and ongoing security and historical memory issues. These cultural and political anxieties are linked and feed into each other.

Reading Homer After October 7

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 2990 implied HN points • 19 Jun 25
🎭️ Culture Politics
  1. Teaching classic texts like the 'Iliad' can take on new meaning when the students are soldiers. They relate deeply to the themes of war and sacrifice in the stories.
  2. Personal connections to war can be profound, as seen when students like Amir transition from studying literature to facing real-life battles.
  3. The contrast between a warrior's public role and their private life is significant. Characters like Hector highlight the dual nature of being committed to duty while also longing for family and peace.

Why have Reform's poll numbers declined? How worried should we be about Palantir? How long does Starmer have left?

Comment is Freed • 83 implied HN points • 14 Feb 26
📰 News Politics
  1. Since 2008 it’s become much harder for social democratic governments to boost living standards and public services because slower growth, ageing populations, and rising health costs have squeezed budgets.
  2. The big political shift is that the right has fractured, leaving centre-right parties often dependent on radical-right support, which lets extremist parties win power even where economic growth exists.
  3. That dynamic raises real risks for democracy and puts huge pressure on social democrats; the only clear solution is for centre-right parties to learn to win without the radical right, which is a very tough task.

Top Links 938 America's great divergence. The birth of "Electrotech" out of the digital revolution. Desertification in Inner Mongolia & "cultural workmen".

Chartbook • 529 implied HN points • 01 Dec 25
💼 Business Politics
  1. America's economy changed a lot due to the Volcker shock and the Reagan revolution. These events reshaped how society and the economy developed.
  2. There is a growing field called 'Electrotech' that developed from the digital revolution. This new area focuses on technology-related industries.
  3. Desertification in Inner Mongolia is an important issue. It affects the environment and the livelihoods of people living in that region.

The political takeover over journalism

Striking 13 • 2555 implied HN points • 26 Jan 24
🌍 World Politics Politics
  1. Journalism and politics are increasingly blurred, making it hard to differentiate between the two.
  2. Some individuals operate simultaneously as journalists and politicians, creating a dangerous scenario where roles get mixed up.
  3. Journalism is not just about spectators; it holds the power to change history and should be grounded in truth and journalistic values.

Coleman Hughes: Candace Owens, Brigitte Macron, and Our Age of Conspiracy

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 1929 implied HN points • 13 Aug 25
🎭️ Culture Politics
  1. Candace Owens is spreading a wild conspiracy theory that Brigitte Macron is actually a man, which has gained a large following online.
  2. This theory was created by a French citizen and then popularized through a book and Owens' podcast, showing how quickly bizarre ideas can spread.
  3. Despite her past as an anti-cyberbullying advocate, Owens is now facing backlash for her role in promoting harmful claims against an elderly woman.

MY ANNOUNCEMENT!

TRANSFORM with Marianne Williamson • 4658 implied HN points • 05 Mar 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Politics
  1. It's time for Americans to unite and initiate a season of repair for the country.
  2. We need to understand the historical struggles and principles that define America to create a positive vision for the future.
  3. It's crucial for the people to lead and push for systemic change to address economic injustices and reinvigorate democracy.

The Bones of a Dark Age Academy

Letters from Fiddler's Greene • 2437 implied HN points • 29 Jan 24
🎭️ Culture Politics
  1. The Dark Age Academy should focus on mutual aid, lobbying, security, and relief organizations to support the community's basic needs and economic security.
  2. The Academy should also include organizations that support education, family life, and community quality, like homeschooling and family support groups.
  3. In addition, the Dark Age Academy should incorporate fraternal organizations, business associations, and political parties to organize and direct power for the good of the community.
  4. Arts and intellectual publications, journals, and communities are essential for understanding the world, providing higher thinking, and capturing the truth, beauty, and good in society.

The Dumbest Cover Story Ever

TK News by Matt Taibbi • 16432 implied HN points • 13 Mar 24
🎭️ Culture Politics
  1. The article criticizes New York Magazine's cover story, describing its support for children's access to sex-changing medical care as extreme and problematic.
  2. The author argues that the piece promotes a radical rejection of norms like the nuclear family and patriarchy, advocating for a collective reimagining of society.
  3. The concept of child liberation and absolute political agency for children is highlighted as a controversial and concerning aspect of the cover story.

Among The Swifties

Daily Dreher • 2338 implied HN points • 31 Jan 24
🎭️ Culture Politics
  1. The 'holy war' between Donald Trump and Taylor Swift may not be as senseless as it appears.
  2. The collective power of fanatical fandoms, like Swifties, in the age of the internet, is a force to reckon with.
  3. Enchantment by political figures or pop stars can give a feeling of completeness, blurring the lines between rationality and transcendence.

Revisiting Renata

Vague Blue • 958 implied HN points • 08 May 24
🎭️ Culture Politics
  1. Renata Adler's writing focuses on critical acuity and a strong ethical use of language
  2. Renata Adler's work emphasizes the importance of maintaining distinctions and avoiding polarization in discussions of violence and ethics
  3. Adler's nonfiction stands out for its searing righteousness, honesty, and fearless exploration of truth amidst a backdrop of cultural and political complexities

A Sex Strike isn't Going to Work

Rob Henderson's Newsletter • 7576 implied HN points • 17 Nov 24
🎭️ Culture Politics
  1. Cultural appropriation happens when one group takes aspects of another group's culture without understanding its significance. American women joining the South Korean 4B movement might be seen as doing this, as they are adopting a struggle that is not theirs.
  2. A collective sex strike faces many challenges. It requires everyone to agree and act together, which is hard since individuals might choose to break the strike and miss out on the potential benefits without facing consequences.
  3. Looking at history, past movements didn't always work out as planned. Striking for change isn't as simple as withholding something, especially in a democracy where individual freedoms and choices are valued.

In This Dystopia

Caitlin’s Newsletter • 1899 implied HN points • 05 Aug 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Politics
  1. Many people ignore harsh realities around them while being distracted by entertainment. It's like partying right next to serious problems and pretending everything is fine.
  2. Public discussions often feel superficial or hypocritical, where people express concern but aren't willing to make meaningful changes. It's as if they're more interested in appearances than taking action.
  3. Despite the grim situations happening in the world, there is a sense of denial. People worry about the future, but many feel powerless to change anything, leading to a feeling of drifting along with the crowd.

The Colbert Cancellation and Why Comedy Must Now Be Political

Richard Hanania's Newsletter • 2121 implied HN points • 28 Jul 25
🎭️ Culture Politics
  1. What people find funny is mostly shaped by their values and beliefs. Different groups will laugh at different things based on their political and social views.
  2. Comedy today is more divided than before because people's opinions on what’s funny often clash. This means comedians can't appeal to everyone like they used to.
  3. The rise of political media has created a deeper divide in comedy. Comedians now often respond to political issues, making it hard for them to reach a wide audience without being polarizing.

Culture Links, 1/2/2026

In My Tribe • 227 implied HN points • 02 Jan 26
🎭️ Culture Politics
  1. Conservatism is split over whether its purpose is to preserve a universal moral order or to defend a particular civilizational identity. This debate boils down to whether politics should be grounded in universal rights and duties or in protecting a specific way of life.
  2. Social media use is shifting from public, performative posting toward passive, TV-like consumption and private group chats, which could reduce public shaming and attention-seeking. Dating apps are losing users while young people revive real-world connections, suggesting some tech disruptions are tempering over time.
  3. There is a biological window for safer, healthier childbearing, and delaying parenthood raises the risks of fertility and pregnancy problems. Cultural pressure to postpone marriage and children until after extended education and career-building may therefore be harmful.