Top 20 Substack Influencers in World Politics in 2025

 ‍All real-time rankings of all platforms and countries are available here.

‍

‍

Here’s the list of the Top 20 Substack Influencers in World Politics in 2025:

‍

‍

20. Lev Parnas

Lev Parnas is a political activist and author known for his outspoken criticism of Donald Trump and his involvement in political controversies. He frequently discusses issues related to Trump, Israel, and the Epstein case on social media, engaging a significant audience with his insights and breaking news updates. Parnas is also the subject of a documentary, highlighting his role in shadow diplomacy and political activism.

Substack Subscribers: 69K

View the AI-Powered Profile

‍

‍

19. ‍Ivar Arpi

‍Ivar Arpi is a journalist, author, and public speaker based in Sweden. He runs the publication 'Rak höger' on Substack, where he discusses various topics and hosts two podcasts. His work often critiques liberal policies and addresses issues like antisemitism, migration, and societal changes. He has authored two books and contributes to cultural discussions in Swedish media, emphasizing perspectives often overlooked in mainstream reporting.

Substack Subscribers: 24K

View the AI-Powered Profile

‍

‍

18. ‍Scott Ritter

‍Scott Ritter is a former UN Weapons Inspector and USMC Intelligence Officer, now a writer and geopolitical analyst. He focuses on arms control and military expertise, sharing insights on international relations, particularly regarding Russia and Ukraine. His social media presence includes critical commentary on US politics and military actions, often engaging in civil debates and discussions. Ritter's work reflects a strong stance on various geopolitical issues, making him a notable voice in contemporary political discourse.

Substack Subscribers: 57K

View the AI-Powered Profile

‍

‍

17. ‍Anne Applebaum 

‍Anne Applebaum is a prominent historian and journalist, serving as a staff writer for The Atlantic. She has authored several acclaimed books, including 'Gulag' and 'Twilight of Democracy', focusing on authoritarianism and historical narratives. Her recent work, 'Autocracy, Inc', examines modern dictatorships. Applebaum frequently discusses U.S. and European politics, particularly in relation to Russia and Ukraine, showcasing her expertise in political analysis and historical context.

Substack Subscribers: 118K

View the AI-Powered Profile

‍

‍

16. ‍Maurice Höfgen

‍Maurice Höfgen is an economist, author, and YouTuber focused on economic policy, finance, and politics. He runs the channel 'Geld für die Welt' where he provides critical analyses of current economic issues and political debates, often featuring guests and engaging in discussions about progressive policies. He also writes columns for Berliner Zeitung and TAZ, and has authored books on economic topics. His content is characterized by a fact-based approach to complex economic discussions.

Substack Subscribers: 35K

View the AI-Powered Profile

‍

‍

15. ‍Jen Gerson | The Line

‍Jen Gerson is a co-founder of The Line, known for her sharp commentary on Canadian politics and societal issues. Her Twitter presence features a mix of political analysis, cultural critiques, and personal insights, often addressing current events and public figures. Gerson's content reflects a strong engagement with political discourse, showcasing her expertise in navigating complex topics with a unique perspective.

Substack Subscribers: 29K

View the AI-Powered Profile

‍

‍

14. ‍Dominic Cummings

‍Dominic Cummings is a political strategist known for his role as co-founder of Vote Leave and as a key advisor in the UK government. His focus lies at the intersection of education, training for high performance, and the application of science and technology in political decision-making. Cummings emphasizes the importance of communication and prediction in high-stakes environments, reflecting a deep engagement with political strategy and governance.

Substack Subscribers: 67K

View the AI-Powered Profile

‍‍

‍

13. ‍Paul Wells 

‍Paul Wells is a Canadian political commentator and journalist, focusing on Canadian politics and global affairs. He engages his audience through a subscription newsletter and LinkedIn posts, discussing election campaigns, political figures, and societal issues. His content often reflects a deep understanding of political dynamics and journalism, with a commitment to quality reporting and analysis. He has a significant following, indicating strong engagement with his insights and commentary.

Substack Subscribers: 39K

View the AI-Powered Profile

‍

‍

12. ‍Konstantin Kisin

‍Konstantin Kisin is a Russian-British satirist, author, and co-host of the podcast TRIGGERnometry, which focuses on free speech and controversial discussions. He engages with a variety of guests, including political experts and comedians, to explore topics like politics, economics, and social issues. Kisin is known for his politically non-binary views and often critiques mainstream narratives, particularly regarding immigration and international relations.

Substack Subscribers: 79K

View the AI-Powered Profile

‍

‍

11. ‍Carole Cadwalladr | How to Survive the Broligarchy

‍Carole Cadwalladr is a Pulitzer-nominated investigative journalist known for her work exposing the Facebook/Cambridge Analytica scandal. She has a strong focus on tech accountability, foreign interference in elections, and the implications of AI on democracy. Through her Substack newsletter "How to Survive the Broligarchy," Cadwalladr continues her critical examination of power structures, media ownership, and the intersection of technology and politics. Cadwalladr is active on multiple platforms, sharing insights on journalism, political integrity, and societal issues, while also advocating for transparency in media and technology.

Substack Subscribers: Hidden

View the AI-Powered Profile

‍

‍

10. Paul Kingsnorth

‍Paul Kingsnorth is a writer and Orthodox Christian known for his reactionary radical views. He expresses a deep interest in environmental issues and beekeeping, reflecting a blend of traditional values and contemporary concerns. His online presence is characterized by thought-provoking content that challenges mainstream narratives, particularly in the context of spirituality and ecology.

Substack Subscribers: 73K

View the AI-Powered Profile

‍

‍

9. Bernard Hickey

‍Bernard Hickey is an independent speaker and writer focused on economics and politics in New Zealand. He produces a newsletter and podcast, The Kaka, discussing Aotearoa's political economy. His content often critiques government policies, advocating for transparency and accountability in fiscal matters. He engages with pressing issues like housing affordability, climate action, and public infrastructure, aiming to foster a sustainable news business that supports democracy and informed public discourse.

Substack Subscribers: 29K

View the AI-Powered Profile

‍

‍

8. ‍Simplicius 

Simplicius is a pseudonymous author of "Simplicius's Garden of Knowledge," a popular Substack providing detailed geopolitical and conflict analysis with sardonic commentary. The author specializes in military situation reports on the Russia-Ukraine war and Middle East conflicts, often offering perspectives critical of Western foreign policy while being sympathetic to multipolar viewpoints. With over 79,000 subscribers, Simplicius is considered a leading independent source for understanding global power dynamics and modern warfare.

View the AI-Powered Profile

‍

‍

7. ‍Ruth Ben-Ghiat

‍Ruth Ben-Ghiat is a historian and author specializing in authoritarianism, propaganda, and democracy protection. She is a professor at NYU and the author of the New York Times bestseller 'Strongmen: Mussolini to the Present.' Ben-Ghiat writes a Substack newsletter, 'Lucid,' focusing on global threats to democracy and frequently contributes to major media outlets like MSNBC and CNN. Her expertise makes her a sought-after speaker and consultant in film and television.

Substack Subscribers: 208K

View the AI-Powered Profile

‍

‍

6. Matthew Goodwin

‍Matthew Goodwin is a prominent academic, writer, and pollster specializing in British politics, populism, and political volatility. He engages with a wide audience through his Substack and social media, where he discusses pressing political issues, particularly immigration and national identity. Goodwin has authored several influential books and frequently appears in major media outlets, providing insights into the political landscape of the UK. His work is characterized by a critical stance on current government policies and societal changes.

Substack Subscribers: 82K

View the AI-Powered Profile

‍

‍

5. Sam Freedman

‍Sam Freedman is a prominent political writer in the UK, known for his insightful analysis on contemporary political issues. He authors a popular Substack focused on politics and policy, contributing to various esteemed publications. His work often critiques the radical right and explores shifts in political ideologies, particularly among young women. As a Senior Fellow at the Institute for Government, he provides expert commentary on governance and public policy.

Substack Subscribers: 74K

View the AI-Powered Profile

‍

‍

4. Candice Malcolm

‍Candice Malcolm is a Canadian journalist, author, and entrepreneur, known for her work as the founder of Juno News and True North. She shares insights on political issues, government overreach, and traditional values, often critiquing mainstream media narratives. As a wife and mother of four, she combines her professional and personal life in her content, appealing to a family-oriented audience. Her posts reflect a strong conservative viewpoint, particularly on immigration and healthcare.

Substack Subscribers: Hidden

View the AI-Powered Profile

‍

‍

3. Chris Hedges

‍Chris Hedges is a Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist and author known for his critical analysis of U.S. foreign policy, economic inequality, and civil liberties. He engages audiences through various platforms, including YouTube and Substack, where he shares in-depth commentary and interviews on pressing social issues, particularly regarding the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and the implications of war. His work often critiques the ruling class and advocates for social justice.

Substack Subscribers: 177K

View the AI-Powered Profile

‍

‍

2. ‍Ryan Grim and Jeremy Scahill | Drop Site News

‍Ryan Grim and Jeremy Scahill are co-founders of Drop Site News, an independent investigative news organization focused on exposing crimes of the powerful, particularly in conflicts involving the U.S. government. Grim is a veteran D.C. reporter who previously led bureaus for The Intercept and HuffPost, while Scahill is an award-winning war correspondent and author of bestselling books including "Blackwater" and "Dirty Wars." Drop Site News is a reader-supported platform delivering breaking news and analysis on politics and war through their website, newsletter, and podcasts. On social media, they share investigative reporting, breaking news updates, and analysis across X, Instagram, and Telegram, focusing on U.S. foreign policy, Middle East conflicts, and accountability journalism.

Substack Subscribers: 381K

View the AI-Powered Profile of Ryan Grim

View the AI-Powered Profile of Jeremy Scahill

‍

‍

1. Timothy Snyder

‍Timothy Snyder is an American historian specializing in European history and a prominent public intellectual. He is known for his influential works, including 'On Tyranny' and 'Bloodlands', which have been reissued in 2022. His writings resonate globally, inspiring art, music, and activism, particularly at protests.

Substack Subscribers: 394K

View the AI-Powered Profile

‍

Also See 👀
‍🏆 TOP 20 SUBSTACK INFLUENCERS IN ART & ILLUSTRATION
‍🏆 HOW TO FIND SUBSTACK INFLUENCERS
‍HOW DOES FAVIKON RANK INFLUENCERS?

‍

‍

‍