The hottest Populism Substack posts right now

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Top U.S. Politics Topics

MAHA- Populism to Policy

Who is Robert Malone • 15 implied HN points • 26 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Populism
  1. Populism focuses on the divide between the ordinary people and the corrupt elites. It's important for political movements to transform people's frustrations into real policy changes.
  2. MAHA, which promotes health, aims to improve American health within 12-18 months but must balance regulations and individual freedoms to avoid becoming too controlling.
  3. There are ongoing debates about the role of government in personal health choices, like dietary habits and medical decisions. Finding the right balance between public health and individual rights is crucial.

Repeated False Accusations of Fascism

Who is Robert Malone • 16 implied HN points • 03 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Populism
  1. Accusations of fascism are often used by some to attack political opponents, especially those who are center-right or populist. This can be seen as a sign of weakness in their own arguments.
  2. Modern left-wing politics in Europe may have more similarities with historical fascism than they care to admit, while right-wing populist movements are unfairly labeled as fascist.
  3. The focus should be on promoting freedom of thought and speech, as well as encouraging individual choices in health and economics, to improve society and counteract failing globalist policies.

Liberalism Versus Democracy 0

From the New World • 16 implied HN points • 24 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Populism
  1. Many people believe that democracy and populism cannot work together. This creates a worry that democracy is failing.
  2. There is a lot of talk about free speech and how it might hurt democracy. People are questioning if this is true.
  3. Some argue that social media is damaging to democracy. Yet, it raises the question of whether those claims about democracy's end are valid.

Some Democrats Think the Disease is the Cure

I Might Be Wrong • 14 implied HN points • 12 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Populism
  1. Working class voters are increasingly leaning towards the GOP. Democrats need to rethink how they connect with these voters since their current approach isn't working.
  2. There are two main ideas on why Democrats are losing touch: some say it's cultural, while others believe it's due to neglecting economic issues of the working class.
  3. Populist economic strategies, which try to appeal to working class concerns, haven't worked in recent elections. Just because these ideas are popular doesn’t mean they will lead to electoral success.

Nationalism Revisited

Who is Robert Malone • 11 implied HN points • 17 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Populism
  1. Nationalism prioritizes the interests of a nation above individual or group interests. It means people feel a strong loyalty to their country and want to protect its culture and values.
  2. Fascism is a political system where the state and corporations work closely together, often controlling many aspects of life. It's different from traditional ideas of conservatism or liberalism.
  3. Globalism involves countries working together across borders for common goals, like trade and climate change, but it can sometimes clash with nationalist feelings that prioritize local needs.
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The Trad Marxism of George Grant

From the New World • 10 implied HN points • 27 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Populism
  1. George Grant believed that Canada was heavily influenced by America, almost like a smaller country serving a larger one. He thought this relationship made Canada lose some of its national identity.
  2. He criticized the wealthy elites in Canada who were more focused on American business than the needs of their own citizens. This created a divide between the rich and the rural areas.
  3. Grant warned that without a strong central authority, countries could lose their national character. His ideas seem even more relevant today with the rise of global influences like the internet.

From Flatland to Reality: Escaping the Political Pendulum

The Corbett Report • 6 implied HN points • 23 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Populism
  1. People often think they can solve problems by switching from left to right in politics, but they often end up in the same spot. It's like two ants walking in opposite directions on a loop, thinking they are getting away from each other.
  2. The political system is designed to keep us distracted by left versus right arguments instead of looking at the bigger issue of increasing authoritarianism. This makes it hard for people to realize they are being led toward the same outcome regardless of which side they support.
  3. To truly make change, we need to focus on the underlying issues of power and control rather than just swapping one authoritarian leader for another. It's important to address the larger concept of freedom versus control.

Reading, Watching 01.29.24

Unpopular Front • 16 implied HN points • 29 Jan 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Populism
  1. The author expresses gratitude for the three-year anniversary of their publication.
  2. The post discusses the association between Trumpism and fascism, including key characteristics and differences.
  3. Wall Street's involvement with Trump and comparison to historical fascism is highlighted.

In Russia’s Shadow: Vaira Vīķe-Freiberga Talks Latvia, Putin, the E.U., and Global Democracy

The Octavian Report • 0 implied HN points • 23 Dec 25
🌍 World Politics Populism
  1. Recovering independence meant rebuilding laws and steering a painful shift from a planned economy to a market one. Careful citizenship and language policies were used to protect national identity while preparing to join NATO and the EU.
  2. Russia has used grievances over citizenship and language to pressure the Baltics and has at times made threatening statements. NATO’s Article 5 and stronger deterrence measures, along with defense spending by members, make a direct attack unlikely.
  3. Democracy is a fragile flower that needs constant tending through education, accountable leaders, and practical policies to reduce social tensions. Populism and xenophobia have been fueled by economic insecurity, large migration flows, and social media amplification, but recommitting to democratic values can help the EU and democracies recover.

The Trials Of An Unpopular Populist

The Weekly Dish • 0 implied HN points • 19 Dec 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Populism
  1. An unpopular populist is facing trials that reveal his weakened political position and vulnerability.
  2. There is cautious hope that political gravity—meaning accountability and normal democratic forces—is slowly returning to America.
  3. The full argument is behind a subscription paywall, though a free excerpt is offered.

The President Of The 0.00001 Percent

The Weekly Dish • 0 implied HN points • 13 Feb 26
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Populism
  1. A tiny, ultrawealthy elite now controls political power and is described as the "President of the 0.00001 percent."
  2. We're living through a "new Gilded Age" of extreme inequality that needs to be ended.
  3. The argument is that we should end it the same way the last Gilded Age was ended.

Centrists of the World Unite

Theory Matters • 0 implied HN points • 08 Mar 26
🌍 World Politics Populism
  1. Centrist liberalism is faltering because elites have become disconnected—favoring neoliberal markets, globalism, and nepotism while losing the practical judgment needed to govern, which has opened space for populist and radical movements.
  2. Unfettered liberty and digital platforms have amplified harmful behaviors and shallow ideas, showing that freedom without a sense of higher or social goods can weaken social bonds and public life.
  3. Recovery requires recasting centrism as a cautious, 'muscular' disposition that listens to legitimate grievances, rejects bad solutions, and pairs genuine expertise with good judgment and a renewed focus on local responsibilities.

The end of decorum in politics

Demodexio • 0 implied HN points • 08 Mar 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Populism
  1. The new populism in politics has assisted Republicans in maintaining power by promoting crassness and violating established decorum.
  2. The change in culture towards crassness and aggression traces back in small ways to the 1980s and became more pronounced with politicians like Rush Limbaugh and Newt Gingrich.
  3. The shift towards populism post-2008, exemplified by movements like the Tea Party, has led to increased aggression and disrespect in politics, harming societal norms and decency.

How To Fight Anti-Trade Populism

Japan Economy Watch • 0 implied HN points • 28 Jun 17
🌍 World Politics Populism
  1. Trade is often blamed for various issues, but solutions must be provided for workers affected by trade and automation.
  2. The backlash against globalization is seen as a significant threat that could have disastrous consequences for the world economy.
  3. Proposals include establishing consensus on programs to support workers impacted by globalization.

Primaries, All The Way Down

Matt’s Five Points • 0 implied HN points • 28 Sep 17
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Populism
  1. Many politicians are more scared of losing their primary elections than the general ones. This means they focus on pleasing their party's base instead of the wider public.
  2. There's a growing trend where conservative candidates challenge established politicians. These challenges often lead to incumbents retiring or changing their views to avoid conflict.
  3. Leaders in Congress face a tough situation. If they make deals to get things done, they risk angering their party's base, which could lead to primary challenges.

On populists and the establishment

Matt’s Five Points • 0 implied HN points • 17 Oct 11
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Populism
  1. The term 'establishment' can be misleading because it suggests a single group that controls everything, but that's not really true in politics. Different groups have varying levels of influence depending on the situation.
  2. Populism in politics often arises as a reaction against an imagined elite, making candidates appear as heroes fighting against unfairness. This narrative helps them gain support from voters who feel left out.
  3. Populist movements can struggle to maintain their energy as they grow. Once they gain power, they might start to resemble the establishment they initially opposed, which can weaken their original message.

In Europe, Chaos Is the New Normal

Yascha Mounk • 0 implied HN points • 10 Jun 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Populism
  1. Populism is becoming a strong force in European politics. New far-right parties are gaining significant support and may soon dominate over traditional parties.
  2. The divide in politics is shifting from just left vs. right to also include outsiders versus the establishment. This makes it harder for clear majority governments to form.
  3. Emmanuel Macron's presidency is facing major challenges, with recent elections showing a decline in support. The political landscape in France may change dramatically in the coming years.

Scapegoats: Deborah Lipstdat on how Anti-Semites go Mainstream

The Octavian Report • 0 implied HN points • 23 Dec 25
🌍 World Politics Populism
  1. Antisemitism is seeping into mainstream politics on both the Left and the Right, and people often fail to recognize or take seriously antisemitic attitudes when they come from their own side.
  2. Criticism of Israel can cross into antisemitism or be used to delegitimize Jewish life, which pressures students and academics to self‑censor and fuels a toxic environment.
  3. Combating antisemitism is hard: education and speaking out help but aren’t a complete solution, and panic, denial, or conspiratorial rhetoric only make the problem worse.

North Star: Stephen Harper on Trump, the U.S., and Populism

The Octavian Report • 0 implied HN points • 23 Dec 25
🌍 World Politics Populism
  1. Populism is rising because many people feel economically left behind — the financial crisis, trade outcomes, globalization, and immigration anxieties created real grievances that political elites haven't solved.
  2. Trade and immigration are broadly beneficial but only when handled carefully. Good results require detailed, legal, and well-monitored policies to avoid bad deals, irregular migration, and unequal gains.
  3. Western institutions and policies are under strain and must adapt. New technology that spreads dissent fast, shifting U.S. priorities, and risky fiscal/monetary trends mean democracies need fair burden-sharing and inclusive policies to avoid protectionism or illiberal alternatives.

French Connection: An Interview with Manuel Valls

The Octavian Report • 0 implied HN points • 23 Dec 25
🌍 World Politics Populism
  1. Europe is at a crossroads: Brexit, east–west tensions, migration, terrorism, and euro instability threaten the project and require renewed political will and a strong entente between France and Germany to keep the EU together.
  2. Centrist, reformist leadership can bridge left and right and push needed economic and social reforms, but it must pair pro-growth policies with strong security and measures to reduce inequality to block the rise of populism.
  3. Rising Islamist radicalization and anti‑Semitism are long‑term threats that must be fought on multiple fronts — security, prison policy, schools, and investment in poor neighborhoods — while upholding secularism and successful integration.