The hottest Populism Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top U.S. Politics Topics

America’s Conservative Party

Dana Blankenhorn: Facing the Future • 59 implied HN points • 07 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Populism
  1. The roles of the Democratic and Republican parties have changed. Nowadays, Democrats are seen as the ones supporting individual rights and national defense, while Republicans under Trump lean towards populism.
  2. Populism in America has deep roots, especially in religious communities. This shift has been influenced by technology, money, and changes in the legal framework regarding church and state.
  3. Democracy is facing significant challenges, but there's hope that non-religious Republicans may distance themselves from the current party leadership. The democratic system might need rebuilding in the future.

Political Psychology Links, 12/30/2025

In My Tribe • 349 implied HN points • 30 Dec 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Populism
  1. Social media use and a lack of historical grounding are pushing many young adults to treat politics as a form of self-expression, which helps explain growing attraction to extremist ideas.
  2. Centrist elites are reacting to populist pressure by adopting more authoritarian, technocratic measures to defend the status quo, sometimes at the cost of democratic norms.
  3. Politics is split between a universalist, creed-based outlook and a nationalist, particularist outlook, and resolving it requires honoring both individual dignity and cultural heritage; current elite status signaling (the “woke” model) should be replaced by a pro-social, work-focused status strategy, possibly involving major reforms in higher education.

Niall Ferguson: Milei’s Manmade Miracle

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 2457 implied HN points • 22 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Populism
  1. Argentina's president, Javier Milei, is working to fix a deeply troubled economy, which struggled for many years. His efforts are showing promise and could lead to real change.
  2. Milei has made significant progress in just over a year, turning around the country's financial situation, which had been in decline for over a decade. His leadership is inspiring hope among economists and politicians.
  3. Despite his unusual personality and style, Milei's bold strategies resonate with those who believe in free-market principles. His approach stands out in a world where many leaders take a different path.

What Is The AOC Doctrine?

JoeWrote • 76 implied HN points • 19 Feb 26
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Populism
  1. The AOC doctrine collapses the wall between domestic and foreign policy. It says imperial practices abroad boomerang home and that a working-class, class-based internationalism is needed to block rising authoritarianism.
  2. It calls for shifting resources from military spending into domestic investments like health and science research, green energy, and stronger safety nets to strengthen national security and compete with rivals without escalating conflict.
  3. The approach has limits: there are gaps on policy specifics (e.g., Taiwan, how to apply Leahy laws), criticism for engaging establishment institutions, and questions about whether it tackles the deeper structural roots of global imperialism.

Donald Trump, Pagan King

KERFUFFLE • 63 implied HN points • 11 Feb 26
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Populism
  1. An opinion piece titled "Donald Trump, Pagan King" ran in the New York Times.
  2. The article builds on themes previously explored on the Substack called Social Studies.
  3. A linked post directs readers to the NYT piece and encourages them to check it out.
Get a weekly roundup of the best Substack posts, by hacker news affinity:

Labour should fight Reform by pitching a "Gamer's Charter"

Odds and Ends of History • 469 implied HN points • 18 Dec 25
🌍 World Politics Populism
  1. A growing cohort of young men, especially gamers, are politically disaffected and drifting toward Reform, so winning their support could be decisive at the next election.
  2. Traditional media and standard political outreach won't reach PlayStation, Discord, Twitch and other gaming spaces, so parties need culturally fluent messaging and channels to engage them.
  3. A focused 'Gamer's Charter' — a policy and outreach package tailored to gamers' interests — could both serve an underserved group and blunt Reform's appeal by meeting these voters where they are.

The Hyperbole of Backlash

Bet On It • 85 implied HN points • 08 Feb 26
🌍 World Politics Populism
  1. Backlash means two different things: temporary resistance to faster immigration, and a self‑defeating decline in long‑run immigration; only the latter would justify cutting immigration.
  2. Short‑term resistance is common, but that doesn't prove immigration is self‑defeating because cities and markets can adjust over time (more housing, assimilation, etc.).
  3. Claims that immigration produces a self‑defeating backlash need stronger empirical evidence — analysts should distinguish change versus level effects, control for selection, and consider whether later policy reversals would overturn the supposed backlash.

Political Psychology Links, 12/14/2025

In My Tribe • 318 implied HN points • 14 Dec 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Populism
  1. Populism is mainly a revolt against cognitive elites and leans on gut-level, System 1 thinking, using everyday, concrete images (like grocery prices) instead of abstract concepts.
  2. Polygenic risk scores work at the population level but are noisy and poor predictors for individuals, so DNA-based claims about a specific person’s psychology are usually misleading.
  3. Clear frameworks and simple illustrations can make complex political ideas easier to understand by showing how different audiences interpret messages in distinct "languages."

How About "No Tax on Anyone Who Nails a Shot From Half Court"?

I Might Be Wrong • 8 implied HN points • 12 Mar 26
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Populism
  1. Politicians are pushing narrow, populist tax cuts that reward specific groups and create a messy, unfair patchwork instead of simplifying the system.
  2. Replacing serious tax policy with a chance-or-skill-based gimmick (like a half-court shot that cancels all taxes) is a satirical way to show how arbitrary and theatrical current tax giveaways have become.
  3. Unpaid-for tax cuts can fuel deficits and inflation, creating a cycle of more gimmicks instead of real solutions like increasing supply or responsible budgeting.

Getting to Denmark

Wrong Side of History • 460 implied HN points • 22 Nov 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Populism
  1. Denmark is admired for its wealth and egalitarian society, especially its history of helping during tough times, like World War II. The rescue of Danish Jews shows the country's strong sense of community and morality.
  2. Denmark's immigration policies are stricter than many think, aiming to protect social solidarity and public support for welfare. This approach challenges the idea that all progressive countries should have open immigration.
  3. Despite international criticism, Denmark's handling of immigration has not led to chaos. Political stability remains, and the public's views align with the government's policies, unlike in some other European countries.

Chartbook 353 How Munich got Maga-ed, or Vance, bull**** & the European furore.

Chartbook • 4306 implied HN points • 16 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Populism
  1. MAGA politics often come off as confusing and illogical, but they do pose a real threat. Leaders like J.D. Vance play on nationalistic ideas, creating divisions rather than solving actual problems.
  2. Europe's relationship with the U.S. is strained, especially after Vance's speech at the Munich Conference. Many Europeans feel they might have to treat the U.S. as a foreign country due to these differences in political style and values.
  3. For Europe to dismiss radical right-wing ideas effectively, it needs to develop its own security strategies. Relying solely on American support could backfire and bring MAGA-style politics into European conversations.

Is America Too Dumb For Democracy?

Slack Tide by Matt Labash • 181 implied HN points • 14 Jan 26
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Populism
  1. Anti-intellectualism and a long-standing "cult of ignorance" are woven into American political and cultural life, and that mindset undermines our ability to govern ourselves well.
  2. Credentials or smarts don’t guarantee good judgment, but proudly embracing ignorance is still dangerous and makes public life worse for everyone.
  3. When leaders and voters reward and root for stupidity, democracy becomes fragile; it isn’t lost yet, but it’s in a perilous state.

Chip Berlet, in memoriam; Poland's Perils; Matters of Church and State

Unpopular Front • 31 implied HN points • 15 Feb 26
🌍 World Politics Populism
  1. A long-term, research-driven fight against the far right shows that effective organizing centers on listening to and following the lead of people directly affected.
  2. Poland successfully blocked an authoritarian shift, but the right-wing populist party that pushed it remains active and could try to return to power.
  3. The new government made institutional gains like freeing public media and unlocking EU funds, but investigations stalled, accountability was limited, and promised social reforms failed, leaving many supporters disillusioned.

Be the elite you wish to see

Jeff Giesea • 1317 implied HN points • 18 Mar 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Populism
  1. Populism often focuses on complaining about elites rather than solving problems. It can lead to a mindset that values grievances over constructive actions.
  2. Elitism can be redefined as a positive force for leadership and excellence. Society needs leaders who can guide people and address real challenges instead of just gaining power.
  3. If you see problems in the world, you should step up and take action. You have the ability to be a leader in your own way and make a difference where you are.

The Prophet of Trump’s Second Term

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 3399 implied HN points • 11 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Populism
  1. Angelo Codevilla introduced important ideas about a 'ruling class' in America, suggesting that this group has too much power and operates against ordinary citizens. His thoughts on this have changed the way people talk about politics today.
  2. Codevilla's influence can be seen in many government changes during Trump's administration, including shifts in foreign policy and reductions in federal positions. His students and followers are now in key roles, actively working on his ideas.
  3. Key political phrases like 'Deep State' and 'administrative state' originated from Codevilla. These terms have shaped how many people understand and discuss the current political landscape.

Born to be wild

Jeff Giesea • 898 implied HN points • 16 Apr 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Populism
  1. Embracing political homelessness can feel freeing. It's like hitting the road after a tough breakup, where you can think for yourself and explore new ideas.
  2. The writer feels disillusioned with the Trump movement, seeing it as more of a threat to America. They now want to support a healthier political landscape instead.
  3. Despite political changes, the writer still holds onto many center-right values. They recognize the need for better solutions and are looking to contribute to positive political and global changes.

American Strong Gods

The Upheaval • 3204 implied HN points • 13 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Populism
  1. Donald Trump represents a major shift away from the values of the Long Twentieth Century, promoting action and change instead of the procedural politics that dominated. He embodies a new spirit that prioritizes national interests and direct action.
  2. The idea of an 'open society' has led to a weakening of national identities and strong moral bonds, which many see as harmful. There's a growing desire to restore strong communal values and cohesive identities to counter this trend.
  3. Recent political movements are pushing back against the old liberal consensus, favoring a return to strong beliefs and identities. This reflects a broader dissatisfaction with the previous order and a quest for a more united and purposeful society.

The New US National Security Strategy

Phillips’s Newsletter • 296 implied HN points • 05 Dec 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Populism
  1. The US is openly aiming to influence Europe, supporting populist political movements while diminishing the power of the EU and NATO. They want to break Europe down into individual nations that are easier to manipulate.
  2. The US wants European countries to rely on American weapons and economic decisions, which could give the US a stronger hold over European nations. This could make Europe less united and more dependent.
  3. Under Trump's strategy, Russia is no longer seen as a threat by the US. Instead, there seems to be a push for Europe to re-engage with Russia, indicating a shift in how the US views international relationships.

CROSSPOST: PAUL KRUGMAN: Seduced by the Louis XIV Treatment

Brad DeLong's Grasping Reality • 38 implied HN points • 09 Feb 26
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Populism
  1. Lavish, theatrical displays of power turn politics into a performance that signals entitlement and helps elites stand above ordinary rules.
  2. Charisma plus the promise of exclusive access pulls in wide networks even when material favors are small, because the aura of gatekeeping confers status and creates complicity.
  3. Together, spectacle and gatekeeper magnetism let elites bypass norms and institutions, deepening inequality and enabling authoritarian-friendly behavior.

The glory of Europe

Striking 13 • 1577 implied HN points • 15 Dec 23
🌍 World Politics Populism
  1. The European Union navigated complex political challenges with a mix of negotiation and compromise, showcasing the effectiveness of careful diplomacy over populism.
  2. The European Union's core principle of uniting economies to prevent war is facing challenges from rising populism, border control issues, and shifts in global trade dynamics.
  3. The recent events surrounding Ukraine's EU membership aspirations highlight the importance of the European Union's approach to politics, emphasizing peace, compromise, and true freedom.

Gold, volk and IQs

Global Inequality and More 3.0 • 2551 implied HN points • 03 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Populism
  1. Hayek's later ideas strayed from classical liberalism and opened doors for distorted interpretations of his work. This led to a rise in beliefs that emphasize race and ethnicity over universal principles.
  2. The alt-Right's claims about intelligence and ethnic success are flawed. They ignore historical and structural factors that contribute to economic achievement and focus too much on innate differences.
  3. Many contemporary thinkers are more about making money than sharing true intellectual ideas. They profit from promoting unrealistic views rather than pursuing genuine understanding and solutions.

Why Americans Should Die for Ukraine

Richard Hanania's Newsletter • 3876 implied HN points • 14 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Populism
  1. People often look for simple stories in politics that have clear heroes and villains. This need for an enemy helps people feel motivated and gives their beliefs more meaning.
  2. Many popular political narratives are misleading or even completely wrong. Instead of focusing on the truth, these narratives promote false ideas that can create division and conflict.
  3. To feel fulfilled, people need meaningful narratives that often include a common enemy. Focusing on foreign threats can unify people at home and help them find purpose beyond internal conflicts.

rational smash and grab

bad cattitude • 281 implied HN points • 12 Nov 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Populism
  1. Trust in systems is crucial for cooperation, but when people lose that trust, they are more likely to act selfishly for immediate gain. This shift can lead society into chaos, as individuals no longer see the value in upholding agreements or waiting for long-term benefits.
  2. The concept of the prisoner's dilemma illustrates that when one person betrays trust, others feel they must do the same to protect themselves. This fear of betrayal leads to a low-trust environment where cooperation becomes impossible.
  3. In a society where people believe that they won't benefit from the future, such as young individuals doubting social security, it's rational for them to take what they can now. Without faith in a stable future, the desire to cooperate vanishes.

Right-Wing Intellectuals under Trump, Andrew Jackson and MAGA, "Ethnic Niches" and More

Richard Hanania's Newsletter • 1462 implied HN points • 21 May 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Populism
  1. Different intellectuals have different roles in the political landscape. Some focus on specific issues and work within the current system to make a difference.
  2. It's okay for intellectuals to express discontent at times. Everyone has their own style when it comes to speaking out against things they believe are wrong.
  3. Having a strong sense of integrity can lead people to voice their opinions more openly. Some find it hard to stay quiet about issues that frustrate them.

🛑 Here’s how it all went wrong. Let's not repeat the mistake

Faster, Please! • 913 implied HN points • 21 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Populism
  1. In the 1960s, some people started to worry that our tech-focused society was losing its human touch and becoming too controlled by big organizations.
  2. Critics believed that technology was making us lose our individuality and prioritize cold efficiency over our well-being and culture.
  3. This growing concern led to political movements that challenged the postwar economic boom, emphasizing the need for more human-centric values.

The Economic Cost of Right-Wing Populism

Persuasion • 1022 implied HN points • 12 Jan 24
🌍 World Politics Populism
  1. Populism from both left and right can have negative economic effects.
  2. Populist leaders tend to centralize power and personalize governance, increasing economic volatility.
  3. Populists reward allies and punish opponents through market regulation, impacting businesses negatively.

Germans Say ‘No’ to Immigration. Plus. . .

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 1966 implied HN points • 24 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Populism
  1. In Germany's recent elections, the right-wing populist party AfD made big gains, highlighting public concern over immigration. Many voters want to stop mass immigration but prefer not to support AfD directly.
  2. Trump's new policies are changing America's approach to Ukraine, which some view as a betrayal of both Ukraine and American values. Critics are worried about the potential consequences of this shift.
  3. A small group held a vigil in New York for a recently killed terrorist leader, but many attendees did not even know his name. This raises questions about awareness and understanding of international issues among people.

Why TikTok Can't Take All the Blame For Populism

The Ruffian • 264 implied HN points • 15 Nov 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Populism
  1. Populism is hard to define because it doesn't fit neatly into left or right categories. It's more about how politicians communicate and connect with people's feelings than a strict ideology.
  2. Populists often use fast, emotional messaging that bypasses deep thinking, appealing to people's instincts instead of their reasoning. This style works well on platforms like TikTok.
  3. Mainstream politicians tend to avoid simple, catchy ideas because they understand that real solutions are more complex. This creates a gap that populists exploit by offering straightforward answers.

Chartbook 336 Trump's victory in 2024: consolidating the anti-PMC coalition.

Chartbook • 2660 implied HN points • 26 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Populism
  1. Trump's victory in 2024 showed that the divide in U.S. politics is still very close, with many voters split almost evenly between the two main parties. This means no dramatic changes were seen in the overall support for each side.
  2. There is a growing tension between the Professional Managerial Class (PMC) and the working-class voters who feel disconnected from the traditional Democratic party values. This conflict has fueled the rise of anti-PMC sentiments, particularly among those who feel disenfranchised.
  3. The Democratic party has struggled to maintain support among diverse groups, especially working-class voters, leading to challenges in winning elections. The current political climate reflects deep-seated frustrations that both major parties need to address to stay relevant.

Snobulism

KERFUFFLE • 135 implied HN points • 11 Dec 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Populism
  1. Rich and powerful people sometimes act like they care about the working class, but their actions don’t really support that. They may use the struggles of the poor to justify their own interests.
  2. Some tech billionaires are pretending to stand up for everyday Americans while benefiting from policies that actually harm them, like wars that drive up costs for working families.
  3. In a democracy, leaders should represent the people's interests. When they push for military action, they often pretend it's for the good of the working class, but really they are serving their own agendas.

The Pagan King

KERFUFFLE • 87 implied HN points • 30 Dec 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Populism
  1. Many Christian conservatives are breaking with Trump because his support for things like Israel’s war in Gaza clashes with their basic moral beliefs, and younger believers seeing images on social media deepen that divide.
  2. He has failed to deliver for working Americans while cozying up to tech elites and indulging in lavish personal projects, which undercuts his populist image and alienates parts of his base.
  3. Trump operates more as a self-interested, pragmatic figure than a moral leader, and that lack of moral authority means religious supporters can eventually see through him and withdraw their loyalty.

The Audit - 2025

Comment is Freed • 119 implied HN points • 23 Dec 25
🌍 World Politics Populism
  1. The new government is squeezed by a big fiscal gap and a cautious, unclear political approach, which has left its leaders unpopular and vulnerable to internal challenges.
  2. The rise of Reform on the right and a more unified, charismatic Green party has reshaped UK politics, making low-turnout results driven by enthusiastic voters more decisive and threatening the Conservatives' old coalition.
  3. Populist leaders are consolidating power through executive action, courts, tariffs and immigration control, and the bigger political fights ahead will centre on the radical right, changing information habits, climate and technology — but outcomes will differ by country so context matters.

The global war against populism

Striking 13 • 1058 implied HN points • 24 Nov 23
🌍 World Politics Populism
  1. Countries around the world are facing a rise in populism, with notable victories for right-wing figures like Javier Milei and Geert Wilders.
  2. While economic policies like Biden's stimulus plan have shown success, they may not always align with public perception, highlighting a disconnect.
  3. The European Union is grappling with challenges posed by populist leaders like Viktor Orban, impacting critical decisions such as Ukraine's accession talks.

This Entire Piece Is Wrong on Trade

Points And Figures • 719 implied HN points • 09 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Populism
  1. Free trade generally benefits everyone by allowing countries to use their resources more efficiently. This helps spur innovation because companies can access materials and knowledge globally.
  2. While free trade has many advantages, there are limits, especially when it comes to national security. Some products might be better produced domestically to ensure safety and reliability.
  3. The trade deficit is often misunderstood. It's not always a sign of failure but can indicate that a country is reallocating resources for higher-value production and investments.

Colonization, Replaceable Man, and Love of One’s Own

The Upheaval • 1852 implied HN points • 11 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Populism
  1. Colonization changes how people see themselves and their culture. It often leads to a loss of national identity and local traditions.
  2. Modern society is experiencing a kind of self-colonization driven by globalization. People and cultures are treated more like replaceable cogs than unique communities.
  3. Nationalism is rising as people respond to the loss of their identity. Many are now striving to take pride in their own culture and seek to protect it.

The Coming MAGA Crackup

KERFUFFLE • 133 implied HN points • 01 Dec 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Populism
  1. There are growing divisions within the Republican Party, highlighted by Marjorie Taylor Greene's break from Trump's orders. This signals deeper problems for the party as they face challenges in aligning their actions with their base's interests.
  2. The tech industry's influence on the GOP is causing friction, especially with issues like rising electricity costs tied to AI data centers. This disconnect may lead to further political consequences as voters feel the impacts of these decisions.
  3. Trump's focus on pleasing wealthy elites has caused him to lose touch with everyday voters. This shift may create dilemmas for his supporters in Congress, as they struggle to balance loyalty to him and the needs of their constituents.

Your Country Is For Sale

KERFUFFLE • 111 implied HN points • 09 Dec 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Populism
  1. Artificial intelligence could either eliminate jobs or lead to serious global risks. It seems that only the people making money off it are the ones who really want this technology.
  2. Trump is promoting AI and tech companies, putting profit over American workers. This is similar to past leaders who promised to help workers but ended up benefiting wealthy elites instead.
  3. The rise of AI and big tech seems to be creating a situation where many everyday people might suffer economically. It’s like a big get-rich-quick scheme that could hurt the average worker in the long run.

What's Behind Trump's War on Science?

Richard Hanania's Newsletter • 731 implied HN points • 12 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Populism
  1. The Trump administration cut science funding significantly, with research funding dropping drastically in many fields. This has created a crisis for the National Science Foundation.
  2. The slow distribution of research funds is linked to both incompetence and a focus on politically favored themes. This shows a lack of value for basic research.
  3. Overall, this issue reflects broader problems with populism, where anger can lead to harm without clear targets, often causing more chaos than resolution.