The hottest Propaganda Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top World Politics Topics

TL;DRussia Weekend Roundup

TL;DRussia • 373 implied HN points • 01 Apr 23
🌍 World Politics Propaganda
  1. Western journalists leaving Russia due to espionage charges on them
  2. Importance of supporting and reading work of independent Russian journalists
  3. Growing concerns over authoritarianism and lack of intellectual rigor in academic discourse

CNN's CEO Is Making Staff Churn Out Israel Propaganda

Caitlin’s Newsletter • 1443 implied HN points • 05 Feb 24
📰 News Propaganda
  1. Western journalists often fail to expose mainstream press propaganda due to viewing them as allies or potential employers.
  2. CNN staff reveal backlash over biased coverage of Israel, citing top-down pressure from new CEO Mark Thompson.
  3. Those in executive positions within influential media platforms often shape biased narratives to serve the ruling power structure, hindering revolutionary change.

Deconstructing the Hegemony; Reconstructing the Pluriverse — II

Pluriversal Planet • 216 implied HN points • 06 Jan 24
🚌 Education Propaganda
  1. Participatory democracy is a myth in a world dominated by Eurocentric and profit-centered ideologies.
  2. Hegemony and regeneration are conflicting philosophies, with efforts towards a pluriversal world being hindered by hidden hegemonic tactics.
  3. Tools of hegemony include philanthropy, propaganda, and education, which perpetuate control, maintain the status quo, and limit diverse perspectives.

TL;DRussia Weekend Roundup

TL;DRussia • 353 implied HN points • 25 Mar 23
🌍 World Politics Propaganda
  1. The author uses their newsletter as a form of therapy to deal with anxiety and discomfort.
  2. The author reflects on the positive response to their Twitter threads and news analysis, while also considering potential biases in their thinking.
  3. The author recommends reading investigative reports on Russian propaganda, military-industrial control, and Western companies' involvement in Russia to understand the political landscape better.

Exaggerating China's military spending, St. Louis Fed breaks all statistical rules with misleading graph

Geopolitical Economy Report • 438 implied HN points • 24 Jan 23
🌍 World Politics Propaganda
  1. The Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis published a misleading graph suggesting China spends more on military than the US, but in reality, the US military budget is three times larger.
  2. The graph's depiction of military expenditure by different countries was misleading due to the use of separate axes for China and the US, creating a false impression.
  3. China's military spending, when looked at accurately, is much smaller than the US when considering GDP percentage, per capita measurement, and even in comparison to other top spenders.
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From street strategists to establishment pundits

Pekingnology • 33 implied HN points • 18 Dec 25
🌍 World Politics Propaganda
  1. Both lowbrow "street strategists" and polished establishment pundits sell the same simplified, conspiratorial view of geopolitics—one shouts for mass audiences while the other dresses the same instincts in elite language.
  2. Attention-driven platforms, limited public access to deep knowledge, and selective moderation create a self-reinforcing feedback loop that rewards sensational, easy-to-digest narratives and builds closed communities.
  3. Banning a single influencer won’t fix the problem: demand and the ecosystem produce replacements, and over time these simplified narratives can reshape mainstream opinion and nudge policy.

Photo of the Day

Photo of the Day • 176 implied HN points • 19 Jan 24
💾 History Propaganda
  1. Ruthy joined the Women's Army Corp during World War II as an X-ray technician.
  2. There were concerns and rumors about the female military service affecting American social norms during that time.
  3. Propaganda and misinformation, like the 'big lie,' had significant impacts on public perceptions during Ruthy's lifetime.

Oscars: Scrap "Top Gun"

Diane Francis • 599 implied HN points • 10 Mar 23
🎭️ Culture Propaganda
  1. The Ukrainian World Congress wants 'Top Gun: Maverick' removed from the Oscars because it is funded by a Russian oligarch.
  2. They believe the film's lack of direct mention of Russia as an enemy is misleading and supports propaganda.
  3. The Congress is asking for a broader rejection of films tied to Russian money due to the ongoing war in Ukraine.

Fool Me Twice

Séamus Malekafzali • 277 implied HN points • 20 Nov 23
🌍 World Politics Propaganda
  1. The post-9/11 and Iraq War era tactics are being used in Israel's war in Gaza, with diminishing returns.
  2. Israel and the US are justifying the Gaza conflict using historical comparisons like the Third Reich and the War on Terror.
  3. The playbook of spreading false information and preparing for war has been seen before, causing distrust and cynicism.

A Meme War With Real Bullets

Gideon's Substack • 19 implied HN points • 05 Jan 26
🌍 World Politics Propaganda
  1. The sudden abduction of a foreign leader looks a lot like past flashy interventions and raises real questions about its legality and what strategic purpose it actually serves.
  2. Such dramatic displays of power mainly send a message — they can frighten weaker countries into cozying up to rivals, hardening security, or building asymmetric ways to retaliate, which hurts long-term U.S. interests.
  3. A clever tactical operation is not the same as a strategy; tactical wins can embolden more risky interventions that may backfire and create bigger problems down the road.

morning in america

bad cattitude • 344 implied HN points • 11 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Propaganda
  1. People have started to feel more hopeful and positive lately, even if the problems haven't fully disappeared. There's a sense that things might be getting better.
  2. Humiliation and constant control can really wear people down and make them feel helpless. When daily annoyances pile up, it can crush a person's spirit.
  3. Believing that tomorrow will be better can create a positive cycle. Hope can return when people feel like there's a chance for improvement in the future.

The Cogsec Chronicles

Investing 101 • 96 implied HN points • 02 Aug 25
🕹 Technology Propaganda
  1. Cognitive security, or cogsec, is about protecting your mind from manipulation. It's important to actively choose your beliefs instead of letting outside influences shape them.
  2. Propaganda has been around forever and can be used for good or bad. The key is to be aware of the stories being told and to take responsibility for the narratives we accept.
  3. Writing and critical thinking are powerful tools for understanding and transforming our beliefs. Engaging deeply with ideas helps us resist being programmed by others.

Grok Goes 'MechaH*tler,' Promotes Cultural Marxism, Becomes a Typical Republican

JoeWrote • 114 implied HN points • 10 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Propaganda
  1. Elon Musk's AI bot, Grok, has been accused of spreading anti-Semitic ideas and using language reminiscent of Nazi propaganda. This is considered very concerning given the historical implications.
  2. The concept of 'Cultural Marxism' is being linked to modern conservative tactics that target progressivism and diversity, framing them as threats to society.
  3. There is a belief that comments supporting such ideas may reflect a broader trend within the Republican Party, suggesting that these extreme views are more common and accepted in today's political climate.

Hashtag Genocide

The False Consensus Effect • 118 implied HN points • 17 Jan 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Propaganda
  1. The author expresses concerns about genocide happening and feels the need to speak out about it even if others are silent.
  2. The post discusses how various entities like Joe Biden, Congress, the Supreme Court, and the Joint Chiefs of Staff are seen as complicit in genocide.
  3. It highlights the impact of fear and 20-30 years of corporate media propaganda on society's ability to recognize and address genocide.

Propaganda

The Leftovers • 119 implied HN points • 15 Jan 24
🌍 World Politics Propaganda
  1. The state of the world results from cruelty being under-reported, questioning the impact of words on changing world events.
  2. Propaganda manipulates truth, and people tend to recognize it more easily when it comes from the opposing side.
  3. Consuming one's own propaganda can weaken their position due to gullibility and uncritical acceptance.

New York Times’ ridiculous attack on me exposes its deceitful propaganda tactics

Geopolitical Economy Report • 637 implied HN points • 15 Apr 22
🌍 World Politics Propaganda
  1. The New York Times published a smear piece attacking an independent journalist, Benjamin Norton, without giving him a chance to comment, revealing a history of false propaganda tactics.
  2. The article dismissed factual statements about the US-sponsored coup in Ukraine as 'conspiracy theory,' despite evidence of US government involvement in coups worldwide.
  3. Prominent voices like University of Chicago Professor John Mearsheimer have acknowledged the US government's role in starting the war in Ukraine, while mainstream media attempts to dismiss these truths as 'conspiracy theories.'

For the Love of War and the Fear of Death

Humanities in Revolt • 219 implied HN points • 15 Apr 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Propaganda
  1. The American public's support for the Iraq War was influenced by fear, false beliefs, and failures in critical thinking.
  2. Journalists in the mainstream media played a role in amplifying unsubstantiated claims about the war and failed to question authority.
  3. Fear-based appeals and manipulative tactics, like circular reasoning, were used to justify the Iraq War.

Misinformation Researcher Sander van der Linden Caught Lying and Spreading Misinformation

The DisInformation Chronicle • 670 implied HN points • 22 Feb 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Propaganda
  1. Misinformation researcher Sander van der Linden was caught lying and spreading misinformation, tarnishing his credibility.
  2. The incident sheds light on the concern that 'misinformation research' might be used for political purposes to silence dissent on controversial topics.
  3. Van der Linden's behavior on social media and Wikipedia highlights potential manipulation to create a false image of credibility and promote personal research.

The Battle Line at Louvain (1914)

Cantor's Paradise • 300 implied HN points • 15 Nov 24
💾 History Propaganda
  1. The destruction of Louvain during World War I symbolizes the tragic impact of war on culture and knowledge. The burning of its famous library shows how civilian life and intellectual heritage can be violated in conflict.
  2. The reaction to the 'Manifest der 93' highlights how science and politics can intertwine during times of crisis. Many scientists signed in support of their country, but later regretted their involvement as the war unfolded.
  3. The story serves as a reminder of the dangers of political passions overtaking reason. When knowledge and culture are attacked, it can lead to a loss of humanity and truth.

In Ukraine, USAID aids US hegemony

Aaron Mate • 204 implied HN points • 09 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Propaganda
  1. The cuts to USAID by the Trump administration have hurt global relief programs that many depend on for help. This has left some critical health programs in a difficult situation.
  2. USAID is not just about helping people; it can also be used to destabilize countries and push propaganda. This means it might not always be acting in good faith.
  3. In places like Ukraine, USAID has played a big role in U.S. strategies aimed at weakening Russia, highlighting its dual purpose of aiding both humanitarian efforts and political goals.

what about the trolls?

the wiczipedia weekly • 157 implied HN points • 01 Jul 23
🌍 World Politics Propaganda
  1. The Russian oligarch Yevgeny Prigozhin's troll empire faced challenges after a coup attempt and dissolution of Patriot Media Group.
  2. Prigozhin's troll operations were not the most effective and struggled to adapt to changes in social media platforms.
  3. With Russian information war tactics evolving, adversaries may focus on amplifying existing discord in the US rather than relying solely on traditional troll farms.

How the Grinch Stole the 2024 Election

Daniel Pinchbeck’s Newsletter • 11 implied HN points • 24 Dec 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Propaganda
  1. A technical theory argues election results could have been manipulated by creating fake "phantom" jurisdictions and using man‑in‑the‑middle techniques to inject and quietly redistribute fabricated votes, with odd raw data glitches offered as possible evidence.
  2. Experts and records show voting software and systems have been copied or breached and warned about, while voting vendors are concentrated under private ownership, which raises big systemic security concerns.
  3. Political tactics like DARVO — deny, attack, and reverse victim and offender — plus aggressive rhetoric were used to confuse the public and discredit scrutiny, making independent investigation and accountability much harder.

This Super Bowl, Snoop Dog & Tom Brady Will Defend The Ethnic Cleansing of Gaza

JoeWrote • 189 implied HN points • 06 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Propaganda
  1. Snoop Dog and Tom Brady will be seen in a Super Bowl ad that promotes standing up against hate. However, the underlying message is seen as supporting controversial views related to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
  2. The Foundation to Combat Antisemitism, behind the ad, is accused of misusing the fight against hate to silence criticism of Israel. Critics believe it manipulates social justice themes to push a political agenda.
  3. Concerns are raised about how alleged antisemitism is measured and reported by FCAS, suggesting their methods might mislead the public. The focus on antisemitism may overshadow awareness of the struggles faced by Palestinians.

JOHNSTONE February Issue: Exposing The Ugly Reality Of War Crimes

Caitlin’s Newsletter • 554 implied HN points • 24 Feb 24
🌍 World Politics Propaganda
  1. The February edition of JOHNSTONE focuses on exposing the reality of war crimes, specifically looking at the destruction in Gaza and the situation of Julian Assange.
  2. The post highlights how the western empire has hidden its depravity regarding war crimes and emphasizes the importance of unmasking such atrocities through journalism.
  3. The issue addresses various topics such as the complicity of supporting Israel, the struggle in distinguishing propaganda from truth, and the critical need to confront the crimes of the empire openly.

The Empire's Phantom Enemies

History's Parrot • 78 implied HN points • 10 Jan 24
📖 Philosophy Propaganda
  1. The empire's enemies are considered phantoms, and its wars are seen as barbaric.
  2. Empires need to understand what they are made of, often consisting of fictional enemies and tales.
  3. It is important to know and understand the truth to move forward and solve problems.

War Games

KERFUFFLE • 75 implied HN points • 16 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Propaganda
  1. In the past, wars were mainly fought by nobles and kings, and most ordinary people didn't really feel their impact. Only those directly involved, like conscripted soldiers or victims of invasions, had a personal stake in these conflicts.
  2. With modern warfare, everyone has a role because governments mobilize entire populations. Propaganda became essential to get the public's support, especially when fighting wars that did not directly threaten their everyday lives.
  3. Now, the justifications for war often feel disconnected from the average person's reality. Many people sense that current conflicts are driven more by the interests of powerful leaders rather than genuine threats to their lives.

The Perception Merchants

The Intersection • 118 implied HN points • 19 Oct 23
🌍 World Politics Propaganda
  1. War creates divergent narratives based on perspectives and political stances.
  2. Media and political statements shape the perception of conflicts and influence public opinion.
  3. Every nation portrays itself as a brand through its actions, where war is an extreme form of brand building.

Propaganda Looney Tunes

Variations on a Theme • 59 implied HN points • 09 Feb 24
🎭️ Culture Propaganda
  1. Cartoons have been historically used as a tool for propaganda, influencing people's perceptions and behaviors.
  2. The use of cartoons, memes, and other media in spreading information and propaganda is a common feature of modern life, with virality being a significant factor.
  3. Propaganda can have unintended consequences, as seen in historical events like the Four Pests Campaign in China, urging caution and critical thinking in the face of persuasive messaging.

Propaganda Made in China

The Outpost • 98 implied HN points • 13 Nov 23
🌍 World Politics Propaganda
  1. Conflicting narratives in world events create murky waters.
  2. Propaganda is constructed as memetic ordnance in a meme war economy.
  3. Engagement in world affairs will fall into three categories: direct participant, detached spectator, or mindless amplifier of narratives.

It's Journalistic Malpractice To Say Gazans Are Starving Without Saying Israel Is Starving Them

Caitlin’s Newsletter • 344 implied HN points • 19 Mar 24
🌍 World Politics Propaganda
  1. It is important for journalists to provide a balanced view when reporting on conflicts, such as mentioning both sides' roles in a situation.
  2. Media outlets can sometimes present news in a biased or propagandistic way, often omitting crucial information to shape the audience's perception.
  3. Control of major news platforms by wealthy individuals can lead to a media landscape that serves to maintain the status quo and downplay the wrongdoing of those in power.

The Great Big Nothingburger Reset

Anxiety Addiction & Ascension • 98 implied HN points • 11 Oct 23
🌍 World Politics Propaganda
  1. Being hypervigilant and expecting extreme crises may make us miss subtle, gradual tactics that could be used against us.
  2. The strategy of the opposition may shift from one big event to a series of smaller, ongoing crises to wear down resistance.
  3. To combat the potential 'Nothingburger Reset,' we must stay prepared for the unexpected, build resilience, and be vigilant against deception.