The hottest Totalitarianism Substack posts right now

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

How Western Judges Became Chinese State Puppets

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 55 implied HN points • 25 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Judiciary International Law Human Rights Totalitarianism Legal system
  1. Some Western judges are working in Hong Kong's highest court, but it's seen as supporting China's strict government instead of promoting justice.
  2. Lord Jonathan Sumption, a former UK Supreme Court member, criticized how the law is misused to silence dissent against the Chinese Communist Party.
  3. After seeing how the legal system operates in Hong Kong, Sumption decided he no longer wanted to be involved with it.

The Nazis Did Not ‘Weaponize’ Free Speech. They Crushed It.

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 2119 implied HN points • 20 Feb 25
💾 History World War Free speech Totalitarianism Media Critique Censorship
  1. The Nazis did not use free speech to their advantage; instead, they suppressed it completely. This shows how dangerous it can be when a government controls speech.
  2. There is a significant amount of historical misunderstanding today, especially in media discussions. This leads to misleading narratives about past events and their implications.
  3. Critiquing historical figures without proper context can lead to false conclusions about their actions and the times they lived in. It’s important to understand history accurately to avoid repeating mistakes.

Clapping for Stalin

The Watch • 1298 implied HN points • 20 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Dictatorship Totalitarianism Political History Political culture
  1. People often feel pressured to show support, even if they don't really believe in it. This can lead to a situation where everyone claps just to fit in.
  2. Some individuals may hesitate to stop applauding because of fear of consequences, showing how group dynamics can create a sense of obligation.
  3. In extreme situations, a single person's choice can change the entire group’s behavior, like stopping applause, which can reveal who is truly independent and who is not.

Chartbook Reissue: Reading Grossman's "Stalingrad" and "Life and Fate".

Chartbook • 2403 implied HN points • 15 Dec 24
📚 Literature Historical Fiction Totalitarianism
  1. Vasily Grossman's books, 'Stalingrad' and 'Life and Fate', are powerful war novels that also explore deep social issues and philosophical ideas. They show how the battle at Stalingrad impacted the course of history and reflect on the struggles of Soviet society.
  2. The narrative highlights how time and history feel different during intense crises like war. Grossman captures the chaos of battle and the shifting sense of time that soldiers experience, making readers understand the weight of those moments.
  3. Grossman's work also examines totalitarianism and power dynamics, revealing the harsh realities faced by individuals under oppressive regimes. He illustrates how people navigate choices of survival and moral dilemmas even in the most desperate circumstances.

Trump, Musk, Gaza, the Rise of Totalitarianism and the End of the US Empire

The Chris Hedges Report • 353 implied HN points • 21 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political issues Totalitarianism Global relations Media influence
  1. The rise of totalitarianism is a growing concern in today's society. Many people feel freedom is slipping away and that authoritarian leaders are gaining power.
  2. The situation in Gaza highlights major issues related to human rights and global political struggles. This conflict affects many lives and raises questions about justice and peace.
  3. There is a sentiment that the US empire is declining. Some believe that both political and economic issues point to a significant change in power and influence on the world stage.
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Returning to Origins

Unpopular Front • 103 implied HN points • 23 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political theory Political History Ideologies Totalitarianism Capitalism
  1. The idea of endless expansion is central to certain political and economic beliefs. It suggests that growth is the ultimate goal, often seen in capitalist thinking.
  2. Many thinkers, like Arendt, have been quoted and referenced without fully understanding their ideas. This results in misinterpretations of their work and less meaningful conversations about important issues.
  3. The current alliance between different societal groups, like tech-oligarchs and the mob, shows a shared mindset that prioritizes power and accumulation, often at the expense of ethical considerations.

The Dangers of the Far Right vs Far Left

Erik Examines • 44 implied HN points • 09 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Ideologies Far-right Democracy Totalitarianism
  1. Fascism is a bigger threat to democracies than communism. Historically, countries with strong democratic systems have not fallen to communism, but many have suffered under fascist regimes.
  2. Communist revolutions often happened in oppressive settings where democracy wasn't an option. When allowed in democracies, socialists usually promote social welfare rather than totalitarianism.
  3. Many past atrocities are wrongly associated with socialism, while similar actions taken under capitalism are often overlooked. It's important to recognize the differences and not equate left-wing movements with dictatorship.

The Economist on Mao

David Friedman’s Substack • 476 implied HN points • 07 Dec 24
💾 History Political History Communism Totalitarianism Intellectual history
  1. Mao Zedong is often credited for significant changes in China, but his policies caused massive suffering, including a severe famine that killed millions. It's important to look at the real consequences of his leadership, not just the positive narratives.
  2. There was a strong bias among Western intellectuals towards communism, which led to overlooking the negative impacts of Mao's rule. This shows how personal beliefs can cloud judgment about political regimes.
  3. Even reputable publications like The Economist can misjudge historical figures due to a lack of direct information. It's crucial for media to be critical and accurate, especially concerning totalitarian states.

My Sunday With The Amber-Eyed Hare

Daily Dreher • 1454 implied HN points • 02 Oct 23
💾 History World War II Nazism Holocaust Totalitarianism Communism
  1. The story reflects on the rise and fall of a Jewish banking family through generational possessions and the impact of war
  2. The deep-rooted anti-Semitism in European society is highlighted through historical artifacts and experiences
  3. The narration urges vigilance against totalitarianism by drawing parallels between Nazi and Communist regimes, emphasizing the importance of learning from history

Trudeau Demands Life In Prison For Speech Crimes

Public • 568 implied HN points • 11 Mar 24
🌍 World Politics Legislation Totalitarianism Censorship Human Rights
  1. Trudeau's proposed Online Harms Act aims to impose strict penalties, including life imprisonment, for speech-related offenses.
  2. Critics argue that the legislation is an extreme example of governmental overreach, setting a concerning precedent for free speech in Western societies.
  3. The bill would lead to individuals facing harsher maximum penalties for speech offenses like advocating genocide than for serious physical crimes.

It’s Time To Save Civilization From The Pathocratic State

Public • 766 implied HN points • 01 Jan 24
🌍 World Politics Democracy Media Control Authoritarianism Totalitarianism Disinformation
  1. The media and political establishment are seen as a greater threat to democracy than populist movements.
  2. The term 'pathocracy' is used to describe leadership positions filled with narcissists and psychopaths.
  3. Governments and mainstream establishments have engaged in manipulative and authoritarian actions over the years.

Interview: Ryszard Legutko

The Upheaval • 795 implied HN points • 13 Mar 24
🌍 World Politics Liberal democracy Totalitarianism Democracy Authoritarianism
  1. The political turmoil in Poland is examined through the lens of Ryszard Legutko's book, highlighting the government's crackdown on media and institutional changes.
  2. Ideas from Legutko's book suggest that aspects of liberalism contribute to abandoning the rule of law, and policymakers are driven by dogmatic ideological beliefs.
  3. There is a discussion on how liberalism, power, and social engineering intersect, leading to a vision where liberal ideology holds authority over societal structures.

Totalitarian Manipulation Of Language Behind Woke Destruction Of Harvard, New York Times, And Other Elite Institutions

Public • 683 implied HN points • 26 Dec 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elite Institutions Totalitarianism Censorship Disinformation
  1. Elite institutions like Harvard and The New York Times have been accused of spreading misinformation and undermining their missions.
  2. The manipulation of language and censorship in these institutions is concerning and reminiscent of totalitarian regimes.
  3. To combat this trend, we need to understand how these values contrary to truth and honesty gained power.

Under the fog of war, Ukraine cancels its 2024 presidential elections

The Dossier • 477 implied HN points • 20 Feb 24
🌍 World Politics Government Elections Totalitarianism Dictatorship
  1. Ukraine canceled its 2024 presidential elections under the cover of war and extended Martial Law, transforming into a totalitarian dictatorship.
  2. The Ukrainian government's actions have led to the removal of opposition parties, the ban of non-state media, and increased centralized power, eroding democratic principles.
  3. An adviser critical of Zelensky faced a criminal investigation, and all dissent from the pro-war narrative leads to scrutiny or worse, showing the severe restrictions on freedom of speech and political opposition in Ukraine.

World On Cusp Of Woke Totalitarianism As Governments Act To End Freedom Of Speech

Michael Shellenberger • 1653 implied HN points • 03 May 23
🌍 World Politics Censorship Freedom of Speech Government Control Totalitarianism
  1. Governments worldwide are passing or considering laws to censor citizens on social media platforms.
  2. These laws claim to prevent harm but have vague definitions that may lead to abuse.
  3. The rise of these censorship laws poses a threat to freedom of speech and can establish a powerful form of totalitarianism.

Robert Paxton's Vichy France

Castalia • 219 implied HN points • 29 Aug 23
💾 History World War Fascism Totalitarianism Democracy
  1. Vichy France was formed after France fell to Germany in 1940, and many French people thought it was an embarrassing part of their history. However, Robert Paxton showed that Vichy was more of a proactive choice rather than just a forced submission to Nazi demands.
  2. The Vichy regime gained popularity by promoting a vision of a united, family-centered society. Many people believed it was a chance to create a better country, despite the regime being deeply tied to fascist ideas.
  3. Paxton warns that democracies can fail when people lose faith in them, as seen in France during the 1930s. Illiberalism can rise when political groups become extreme and the center loses confidence, which can lead to the collapse of democratic systems without much notice.

It Was a Long Time Ago, and It Never Really Happened Anyway

Variations on a Theme • 99 implied HN points • 31 Jan 24
📖 Philosophy Nostalgia Totalitarianism Enlightenment Existentialism Humanity
  1. The article discusses nostalgia for past times and how events that seemed unbelievable then are now real memories.
  2. The author reflects on societal conformity during challenging times, drawing parallels to historical events.
  3. The piece highlights the dangers of delusion, rationalization, and the impact on individual freedoms within a society.

The Temptations of Carl Schmitt

The Upheaval • 816 implied HN points • 14 Feb 23
🌍 World Politics Totalitarianism Political theory Authoritarianism Nihilism Critical Theory
  1. Carl Schmitt's ideas have made a resurgence in disaffected political circles, especially on the right, reflecting a trend of his concepts becoming more mainstream.
  2. Schmitt's study of political chaos in post-World War I Germany offers insights into today's political, cultural, and spiritual upheavals.
  3. Schmitt's concept of 'friend-enemy distinction,' the central domain of politics, ties into today's identity politics and struggles for power.

Links to Consider, 3/4

In My Tribe • 258 implied HN points • 04 Mar 24
🌍 World Politics Israel-Palestine Totalitarianism Protests Civil Liberties
  1. In social justice, the mindset often involves a pattern of one group having agency but lacking feelings, while the other group has feelings but lacks agency.
  2. Smartphones and social media have shifted the internet from a decentralizing force to a centralizing one, enabling control over personal information and public discourse.
  3. The Insurrection Act of 1807 could lead to mass protests and arrests, with responses to such situations risking being condemned as authoritarian or fascist.

On the communist origins of diversity, equality, and inclusion ideology

Heterodox STEM • 220 implied HN points • 03 Apr 23
💾 History Communism Totalitarianism Ideology Academia Antisemitism
  1. The communist origins of diversity, equality, and inclusion ideology can be traced back to Lenin and Soviet history.
  2. Lenin promoted reducing high salaries and creating ideological control in Soviet Union which has parallels to current movements in academia.
  3. There are alarming similarities between the practices of diversity, equality, and inclusion initiatives in academia and the ideological control in the Soviet Union, leading to the censorship of ideas and persecution of dissent.

Have a conversation about ESG

Anxiety Addiction & Ascension • 39 implied HN points • 25 Apr 23
🌍 World Politics ESG Great Reset Tyranny Totalitarianism Global Finance
  1. Spread awareness about ESG - it's a system favoring wokeness enforced by major financial players like BlackRock, affecting corporate decisions and ultimately societal control.
  2. Understand the impact of ESG on governance - it links to decisions like vaccine mandates through corporate governance criteria, influencing businesses to align with certain agendas to secure investment.
  3. Engage in conversations about ESG - discuss with others to raise awareness, starting with trusted individuals, to shed light on how ESG influences our lives and economy.

How Start?

Unpopular Front • 59 implied HN points • 21 Mar 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics War Propaganda Totalitarianism Fascism
  1. The invasion of Iraq lacked a simple, justifiable reason based on reality.
  2. The war in Iraq was not a tragedy but a result of manipulation and falsehoods.
  3. The lesson learned from the Iraq War is the susceptibility of an entire nation to losing touch with reality and the potential risks of fascism.

How Mass Formation Helps Totalitarians Retain Power

Wayne's Earth • 0 implied HN points • 16 Dec 22
🌍 World Politics Totalitarianism Control Propaganda Oppression
  1. Totalitarian regimes use mass formation to maintain control over their people by creating conformity, limiting the spread of new ideas, and preventing rebellion.
  2. Mass formation is a collective action among a group of individuals working towards a common goal or purpose and can be a form of resistance against oppressive rule.
  3. Totalitarians also use mass formation for propaganda purposes to influence public opinion in their favor and make it harder for opposition forces to gain ground.

Communism and Individual Freedoms

Erik Examines • 0 implied HN points • 09 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Ideologies Socialism Communism Individual Rights Totalitarianism Democracy
  1. Communism often gets blamed for reducing individual freedoms, but many issues come from the historical traditions of countries, not just the ideology itself.
  2. Countries like Norway show that socialism can work with democracy and protect individual rights, unlike the authoritarian practices seen in some communist states.
  3. No country is purely socialist or communist; ideas can help shape societies, but they exist on a spectrum and depend on many factors, including history and culture.

George Orwell’s Warning for Our Time

Wayne's Earth • 0 implied HN points • 10 Dec 22
📚 Literature Dystopian Totalitarianism Freedom Technology Surveillance
  1. George Orwell's novel "1984" warns about oppressive government control and surveillance, which is still relevant today.
  2. Orwell's story reminds us of the fragility of freedom and the dangers of totalitarianism, especially in the age of technology and government surveillance.
  3. The key lessons from "1984" include the importance of protecting civil liberties, fighting against oppressive regimes, and being mindful of the ethical use of technology.