The hottest Politics Substack posts right now

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An Israel-Palestine Reading List

Glenn Loury • 793 implied HN points • 11 Feb 24
📚 Literature Conflicts History Politics Middle East Books Israel-Palestine conflict History Colonialism Politics Middle East
  1. The reading list on Israel-Palestine conflict includes diverse perspectives and historical accounts from authors like Norman Finkelstein, Rashid Khalidi, and Benny Morris.
  2. The list delves into topics such as the historical roots of conflict, political dimensions, peace efforts, and the impact on Palestinian society.
  3. Authors like Avi Shlaim and Michael Oren provide insights into strategies, regional context, and key personalities during significant events like the Six-Day War.

The Revolution will not be Personalised: OpenAI's Sora, Apple Vision Pro and The End of Democracy

The Bigger Picture • 619 implied HN points • 16 Feb 24
🕹 Technology AI Augmented reality Politics Psychology Personalization
  1. AI and augmented reality technologies like OpenAI's Sora and Apple Vision Pro are shaping a future of highly personalized experiences tailored to individual desires.
  2. The rise of personalization in society, from technology to politics, reflects a deep-rooted belief in tailoring the world to meet one's own preferences for happiness and fulfillment.
  3. As we navigate a landscape of increasing personalization, it's crucial to question the impact on subjectivity, societal norms, and our relationship with the world around us.
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The Idea of a Revolution

kamilkazani • 1336 implied HN points • 28 Jun 23
🎭️ Culture Philosophy History Language Politics Revolution
  1. The word 'revolution' has evolved in meaning over time from circular to linear change in politics.
  2. Originally, a revolution referred to a return to the original state of affairs with changes in personnel.
  3. The French Revolution played a significant role in changing the meaning of the word 'revolution' to signify permanent and irreversible change.

Casting the First Stone

Thinking about... • 475 implied HN points • 21 Nov 24
🎭️ Culture Literature Religion Politics Social Issues Feminism
  1. Many people misunderstand the themes and messages in 'The Handmaid's Tale,' often blaming one religion while ignoring the complexities of the story.
  2. The story serves as a warning about the dangers of blindly following ideologies that can lead to oppressive regimes, just like the fictional Gilead.
  3. It's important to reflect on our own beliefs and behaviors, especially when they can lead to harmful actions against others, as seen in the novel.

I’m not letting the fascists have sex

Sex and the State • 36 implied HN points • 03 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture Sexuality Feminism Politics Media Society
  1. There's a tension between wanting to control women's bodies and celebrating their sexuality. It's a push and pull that reflects deep cultural conflicts.
  2. Some people celebrate women's sexual appeal while also promoting control over it, which shows a contradiction in their beliefs.
  3. Leftist debates about sexuality are often unnecessary and created, not fundamental issues, highlighting the complexities in social attitudes towards sex.

The NPC Question 2

Egg Report • 1297 implied HN points • 09 Sep 23
📖 Philosophy Intimacy Media Politics Social norms
  1. Recognizing our own agency and capacity for danger is a prerequisite for participating in public life.
  2. In our modern electronic media environment, there is pressure to always put on an act and believe in it, hindering self-reflection.
  3. Intimacy is not about absence of rules but integration; true friendship involves shared understanding and civility.

Fall of the House of Trumpenstein

donaldjeffries • 1238 implied HN points • 20 Mar 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics News Politics Corruption Election Justice
  1. News is breaking that Donald Trump may be arrested in New York which has raised several questions
  2. Donald Trump's presidency triggered strong reactions from both supporters and opponents, causing division in the country
  3. The situation with Trump facing arrest is seen as a symbolic moment reflecting bigger issues of corruption and justice in the political system

The Case Against (Most) Books

Richard Hanania's Newsletter • 4657 implied HN points • 10 May 23
📚 Literature Philosophy History Fiction Science Politics
  1. Consider opportunity costs when deciding to read a book cover-to-cover versus shorter pieces like articles.
  2. Categories for books worth reading fully: history books, books of historical interest, and works by brilliant storytellers on important topics.
  3. Be cautious of valuing ancient writings for wisdom over modern insights; focus on gaining wisdom from a diverse range of sources, including contemporary writers.

What's Beyond Neoliberalism?

Castalia • 799 implied HN points • 23 Dec 23
🎭️ Culture Art Philosophy Economics Society Politics
  1. Neoliberalism has shaped our world in a way that many people don't fully understand, but it connects security and markets to help economies work well globally.
  2. There are areas of life, like art and community, where the values of neoliberalism don’t fit, and we can find better worth and meaning outside of market measures.
  3. It's possible for individuals and creatives to live fulfilling lives without being just parts of the market, focusing on personal value and authentic expression instead.

Dark Magic

Becoming Noble • 1196 implied HN points • 28 Apr 23
🎭️ Culture Literature Philosophy Politics Media Social Issues
  1. Harry Potter stories can be seen as carrying right-wing connotations despite the denotations of inclusivity and equality, which can influence different types of readers in varying ways.
  2. The Harry Potter series provides a case study on how stories can reduce prejudice and promote empathy towards marginalized groups, ultimately leading readers towards left-leaning ideologies.
  3. The manipulation of underlying themes in media, like Harry Potter, can be a tactic to shift the political perspectives of audiences, particularly those on the right, by using right-wing subtexts to convey left-wing messages.

10 pm tonight---Disaffected, Episode 161

Disaffected Newsletter • 479 implied HN points • 02 Mar 24
🎙 Podcasts Media Politics Culture Society Research
  1. A Democratic city council candidate in Burlington is facing backlash for an accusation related to a racial slur. This shows how political struggles can become intense, especially within the party.
  2. There is a debate about a man who set himself on fire to protest Israel. Some see him as a martyr, while others believe he was struggling with personal issues.
  3. A UK researcher claims that female psychopaths are just as common as male ones. This challenges the stereotype that we often have about violent behavior being mostly male.

Can society be perfect?

In My Tribe • 486 implied HN points • 05 Nov 24
📖 Philosophy Ethics Epistemology Politics Society Tradition
  1. Perfectionists believe society can be made perfect by following what they think are the right ideas. They think mistakes can be corrected easily.
  2. Anti-perfectionists believe that trying to perfect society often fails because of human flaws. They think it's okay for people to make mistakes and learn from them.
  3. Conservatives value traditions and experiences as important knowledge, while perfectionists sometimes discard traditions when they think they've found something better.

Israel's Ayatollahs

Diane Francis • 999 implied HN points • 09 Nov 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Politics International relations Conflict Government Diplomacy
  1. A high-ranking Israeli minister suggested using a nuclear bomb against Gaza, which shocked many. This led to calls for the Prime Minister to take stronger action against such extremist views.
  2. There is a growing concern within Israel that the current government, heavily influenced by religious extremists, is eroding democratic values and the rule of law.
  3. Many Israelis, including minorities, are feeling trapped and divided due to the current political situation. While they may stay united during the war, the future after the conflict is uncertain and could lead to further chaos.

20250202

Curious futures (KGhosh) • 8 implied HN points • 02 Feb 25
🕹 Technology AI Design Environment Politics Media
  1. AI technology is becoming so advanced that it's hard to tell machines from real people. This change makes us think about how we interact with non-human agents like AI.
  2. Communities are blending tech and nature, like having tiny forests in cities and 3D-printed shoes, showing a new lifestyle that values both innovation and the environment.
  3. There are ongoing debates about freedom of speech and how much control companies should have over what we can say online. These discussions reflect our concerns about the future.

Disaffected: Episode 149, December 9, 2023

Disaffected Newsletter • 819 implied HN points • 10 Dec 23
🎙 Podcasts Media Culture Politics Society Psychology
  1. The left has changed a lot recently. It now shows a strong intolerance for disagreement and often reacts with extreme accusations like 'abuse' when faced with differing opinions.
  2. Many people react negatively when you simply ask questions today. Even innocent inquiries can provoke harsh backlash, making open discussions very difficult.
  3. There seems to be a mix of genuine emotional struggle and exaggerated behavior among some individuals. Instead of viewing it as just one or the other, it's important to understand that both real trauma and attention-seeking behavior can coexist.

Bits and bobs

Disaffected Newsletter • 1238 implied HN points • 07 Sep 23
🎭️ Culture Music Politics Food Art Social Issues
  1. Enjoy music that is simple and emotional, focusing on melody and harmony over complicated sounds. This resonates with many people on a deeper level.
  2. When speaking out, the goal isn't to make friends or convince everyone; it's about reducing the influence of those you disagree with in society.
  3. A basic chicken recipe can be delicious and easy to make by ensuring you season the meat under the skin. It's a simple way to enjoy a tasty meal.

The Insidious Lie That We Can’t Understand Each Other

After Babel • 2074 implied HN points • 04 Oct 23
🚌 Education Philosophy Politics Identity Empathy Solidarity
  1. Identity trap ideologies suggest we can't understand each other, but it's important to challenge this notion.
  2. Standpoint theory emphasizes empathizing with oppressed groups, but it may not effectively guide political action.
  3. To argue against the identity trap, take concerns seriously, show why the ideology may fail, and propose a more noble path forward.

Sunday Strip: Swamp Monsters-

Who is Robert Malone • 37 implied HN points • 05 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Politics Public Health Media Society Regulation
  1. Some people believe there are bad influences that are hidden, like 'swamp monsters', affecting society. It's important to be aware of these unseen issues.
  2. There's a long history of these problems, suggesting that they didn't just appear recently. Many believe they have been around for a long time.
  3. Understanding these complex issues can help people make better choices and find ways to push back against negativity in their lives.

Our Long National Nightmare of Campaign Style Has Begun

Cintra Wilson Feels Your Pain • 589 implied HN points • 25 Jan 24
🎭️ Culture Fashion Politics Art Society Humor
  1. The article examines how clothing reflects the personality and psychology of political candidates.
  2. Candidates are critiqued for their lack of personal style and adherence to a generic, uninspired wardrobe.
  3. The piece questions whether style and personal expression should be considered in the context of electing a president.

War of the Eternals - How the Eloi's Fractionalization of Language Keeps Us Divided

DARK FUTURA • 1081 implied HN points • 16 Apr 23
🎭️ Culture Society Media Politics Communication Entertainment
  1. Society's discourse is increasingly dominated by short, emotionally charged communication on social media.
  2. The ruling class may be intentionally using engineered misdirection and technological limitations to divide and control people.
  3. Limiting long-form discussions and complex discourse can hinder society's ability to address nuanced issues and regulate itself.

How Greater Manchester Police failed Rochdale’s girls

The Mill • 609 implied HN points • 15 Jan 24
📰 News Crime Politics Weather Local news Events
  1. An independent review found massive failings in how Greater Manchester Police handled reports of sexual exploitation in Rochdale.
  2. The report highlighted serious flaws in protecting children, including leaving victims harassed and intimidated by abusers.
  3. Despite past failures, ongoing efforts include charges against perpetrators and promises to revisit past cases for accountability.

Everything Old Is New Again in 2024

Drezner’s World • 569 implied HN points • 25 Jan 24
🎭️ Culture Politics Comedy Television Satire Entertainment
  1. The likelihood of a Joe Biden-Donald Trump rematch in the 2024 election is high, causing mixed reactions among Americans.
  2. The return of Jon Stewart to 'The Daily Show' as a host and executive producer in 2024 is seen as a major event for Comedy Central and Paramount Global.
  3. Stewart's comeback is anticipated to bring comedic relief and potentially influence the political landscape with his unique perspective.

Odds and Ends #42: An Elizabeth Line extension, some mad planning law nonsense, and the world's most pointless letter

Odds and Ends of History • 402 implied HN points • 13 Nov 24
📰 News Politics History Culture Environment Education
  1. There's a big extension happening for the Elizabeth Line, which is good news for public transport in the area.
  2. Some planning laws are causing headaches between government bodies, which shows how complicated regulations can be.
  3. A new bat tunnel that cost £100 million exists, and it raises questions about how resources are used in environmental projects.