The hottest World Politics Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
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Resurrecting "Hind's Hall"

Humanities in Revolt • 1258 implied HN points • 07 May 24
🌍 World Politics Israeli-Palestinian Conflict Humanitarian Crisis Activism Anti-Semitism
  1. Macklemore's song 'Hind's Hall' highlights the ethical double standard of political leaders in supporting Israel's actions in Gaza and condemns the dehumanization of Palestinians.
  2. College students across the US have been establishing Gaza solidarity encampments, demanding divestment from companies tied to the Israeli military, despite facing arrests and opposition.
  3. Artists like Macklemore play a vital role in shaping society by addressing important issues, advocating for courage and free expression, and challenging the status quo in the music industry.

The Ukraine war is ultimately about Poland

Noahpinion • 36647 implied HN points • 09 Feb 24
🌍 World Politics Russia Ukraine NATO Military
  1. The conflict between Russia and Ukraine is deeply tied to Russia's historical rivalry with Poland and its desire to extend its influence over East Europe.
  2. Ethnic imperialism, where a country seeks to dominate a region due to linguistic and cultural similarities, is a core motivation behind Russia's actions in Ukraine.
  3. Poland's economic success and strategic autonomy pose a threat to Russia's dominance in East Europe, fueling Putin's desire to maintain control and influence in the region.

Economic losses for our allies are not wins for the U.S.

Noahpinion • 23412 implied HN points • 04 Feb 24
🌍 World Politics Economic Disparities
  1. Economic losses for our allies should not be seen as wins for the U.S. It's important not to compare their economic struggles to U.S. achievements.
  2. The U.S. has outpaced many rich nations economically since 1990, sustaining a fairly constant share of global GDP.
  3. It's crucial for the U.S. to view allies like Germany, the UK, and Japan as partners, not rivals. Their strength contributes to American strength, and vice versa.
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What Would You Do?

Steady • 23113 implied HN points • 01 Feb 24
🌍 World Politics Immigration Humanitarian Crisis Border Security Political implications United States
  1. Many Venezuelan migrants are fleeing their country due to economic disaster and political persecution.
  2. The challenging journey to the U.S. border involves dangerous conditions, risking their lives for a chance of survival.
  3. The issue of immigration calls for comprehensive reform, as walls and wire barriers are not effective solutions.

Russia is not actually a very nice place to live

Noahpinion • 15882 implied HN points • 14 Feb 24
🌍 World Politics Russia Crime Rates Public Safety
  1. Moscow may not be as safe or developed as some other cities as perceived by a certain individual in comparison.
  2. There are concerns about the accuracy of Russia's reported murder rates, indicating potential underreporting for political reasons.
  3. American cities face challenges like disrepair, high crime rates, and inadequate public transit systems, highlighting the need for significant improvements.

Will China squander its moment in the sun?

Noahpinion • 21647 implied HN points • 25 Jan 24
🌍 World Politics China Government Control Economic Growth Innovation Cultural influence
  1. China is at the peak of its relative power and effectiveness, with impressive economic and scientific achievements surpassing other major world powers at this moment.
  2. There are concerns about a slowdown in China's growth due to economic challenges and lack of focus on what the people truly want, resulting in a potential squandering of the nation's potential.
  3. China's system seems to inhibit breakthrough innovation, limit artistic and cultural influence internationally, and restrict freedom and autonomy of its people, perhaps hindering the nation's overall greatness.

Getting past the 2010s

Noahpinion • 10882 implied HN points • 29 Feb 24
🌍 World Politics Protests Palestine Political Activism Extremism Human Rights
  1. Past unrest can quickly transition to peaceful societies, as seen in Japan's history from protests to tranquil consumerism.
  2. Self-immolation can be a form of political protest, often linked to specific causes like Tibetan resistance or land seizures by governments.
  3. Individuals may passionately fight for extremist causes, willing to die for their beliefs, even if they are not considered mentally ill.

Interview: Sarah C. Paine

Noahpinion • 19294 implied HN points • 30 Jan 24
🌍 World Politics Military Alliances Threats Global order
  1. Understanding the importance of a rules-based international order for personal well-being and global prosperity.
  2. Governing requires engaging with diverse ideas, considering evidence, and compromising for effective legislation.
  3. Emphasizing the significance of win-win strategies over winner-take-all approaches in addressing complex issues.

Pakistan needs a plan

Noahpinion • 13588 implied HN points • 17 Feb 24
🌍 World Politics Economics Geopolitics Foreign Investment Education
  1. Pakistan needs stability, privatization, education, foreign investment, and peace to improve its economic situation.
  2. The country is facing a significant debt crisis due to borrowing from organizations like the International Monetary Fund, resulting in a continuous increase in foreign debt.
  3. To escape the debt trap, Pakistan should focus on investing more, especially through privatization, attracting foreign direct investment, enhancing education, and seeking peace and economic cooperation with India.

Bad Weather

Sarah Kendzior’s Newsletter • 6949 implied HN points • 15 Mar 24
🌍 World Politics Geopolitics Middle East Conflict International relations Political Extremism Human Rights
  1. The author reflects on the unpredictability of storms and the feeling of imminent apocalypses in the midst of bad weather.
  2. There is a discussion about political figures and international affairs, focusing on the potential consequences and implications of their actions.
  3. The narrative transitions between personal reflections, societal observations, and historical analogies, all within the context of turbulent weather and its implications.

Update: The Family Who Died at Eagle Pass

Steady • 22288 implied HN points • 17 Jan 24
🌍 World Politics Immigration Border Humanitarian Tragedy
  1. Nearly 700 people died or disappeared in 2022 trying to come to the United States, making it the deadliest land route for migrants.
  2. Three people died crossing the Rio Grande at Eagle Pass, Texas: a woman and her two children, while her sister and nephew were rescued.
  3. The family attempted to cross the river by forming a human chain, but tragically, three of them were swept underwater by strong currents.

How to understand the politics of Israel and Palestine?

Robert Reich • 16254 implied HN points • 04 Feb 24
🌍 World Politics Israel Palestine Conflict History Education
  1. Organizing for difficult subjects in universities is essential to foster open dialogue and avoid polarization.
  2. Collaborative teaching with diverse perspectives can create a more enriching and open-minded learning environment for students.
  3. Approaching the conflict between Israel and Palestine with a sense of tragedy can help students understand the complexity and motivations behind the narratives of both sides.

Japan isn't quite "back", but it has a fighting chance

Noahpinion • 11000 implied HN points • 22 Feb 24
🌍 World Politics Economic Policy Defense Immigration Industrial Policy Corporate culture
  1. Japan's stock market is rallying due to foreign investment, but the real economy is struggling with recession and weak manufacturing and exports.
  2. Japan is increasing defense spending and bringing in foreign workers to address labor shortages, however, concerns remain about assimilation and potential backlash.
  3. Japan needs to focus on reclaiming its position in key industries like electronics, developing a software industry and EVs, and reforming its corporate culture to boost economic growth.

Japan and South Korea need nuclear weapons

Noahpinion • 10058 implied HN points • 26 Feb 24
🌍 World Politics Nuclear Weapons Global Security
  1. The case is made for controlled nuclear proliferation for countries like Japan and South Korea to create their own nuclear deterrents.
  2. Nuclear proliferation is already happening with countries like Pakistan, Israel, and North Korea being involved, leading to a need for a balance of power.
  3. The reliability of the U.S. nuclear umbrella for countries like Japan, South Korea, and Poland is in question, making the need for independent nuclear deterrents more pressing.

You're not going to like what comes after Pax Americana

Noahpinion • 55706 implied HN points • 07 Oct 23
🌍 World Politics Geopolitics Global order
  1. The global order is experiencing increased conflict and instability following the decline of Pax Americana.
  2. Recent events like the Hamas attack on Israel and the ethnic cleansing in Nagorno-Karabakh demonstrate the shifting power dynamics and challenges to peace.
  3. The rise of a multipolar world with new power players like China is ushering in a more chaotic international landscape.

CIA, Ukraine Exchange Pre-Divorce Propaganda

TK News by Matt Taibbi • 8743 implied HN points • 27 Feb 24
🌍 World Politics Espionage International relations Conflict
  1. The New York Times exposé revealed extensive details about the CIA-Ukraine relationship, including the presence of secret spy bases along the Russian border.
  2. Officials often emphasize the need to protect 'sources and methods' for national security, yet the Times published a wealth of detailed information about CIA operations.
  3. The public disclosure of such classified details raises questions about the future of the CIA-Ukraine alliance and the potential for a breakup.

This is Zion

Freddie deBoer • 8659 implied HN points • 23 Feb 24
🌍 World Politics Israel-Palestine conflict Nationalism Immigration Anti-Semitism
  1. The United States is considered a place of safety and prosperity for Jews, and some argue that it could be a better home for them than Israel.
  2. Critics of Jewish nationalism suggest that Israel's reliance on American support raises questions about its long-term viability.
  3. Encouraging Jewish immigration to the United States as an alternative to Israel is proposed as a solution for Jewish safety and success.

2024 could be the pivotal year for Cold War 2

Noahpinion • 10529 implied HN points • 12 Feb 24
🌍 World Politics Geopolitics Cold War Global Economics Alliances
  1. 2024 could be a pivotal year for Cold War 2, with China's weakening economy and potential U.S. instability altering the global balance of power.
  2. China's economic strength is the core of New Axis power, posing a significant threat to the liberal world order by potentially overwhelming the U.S. in a war.
  3. The economic rise of China is a key factor driving Cold War 2, with its manufacturing might elevating the threat posed by the New Axis.

Do poor countries need a new development strategy?

Noahpinion • 10647 implied HN points • 08 Feb 24
🌍 World Politics Development Industrialization Economic Growth Globalization International relations
  1. The debate over development strategies for poor countries is evolving, with a shift towards focusing on green energy and non-traded services rather than traditional manufacturing and exports.
  2. Authors like Dani Rodrik and Joseph Stiglitz argue that poorer countries may face challenges in industrialization due to factors like reduced global demand for manufactured goods and increased automation.
  3. Successful growth stories of countries like Bangladesh challenge the notion that industrialization is no longer a viable development strategy for poor nations, emphasizing the importance of traditional methods for economic progress.

Aaron Bushnell and the Madness of Being Human in a Sick Society

Humanities in Revolt • 1337 implied HN points • 16 Apr 24
🌍 World Politics Human Rights Conflict Activism Ethics Justice
  1. In a sick society, conforming to culturally dominant opinions can be seen as normal, but it doesn't mean those opinions are virtuous or ethical.
  2. Being mentally well in a sick society might mean feeling lonely or isolated for having personal integrity and not conforming to societal norms.
  3. Recognizing and responding to moral catastrophes around us is a sign of mental well-being and fully developing our humanity.

Border Crossings

Doomberg • 5582 implied HN points • 07 Mar 24
🌍 World Politics Energy Trade Economy
  1. The North American natural gas market is facing challenges like low prices and overproduction, leading to strategic production cutbacks by major players.
  2. The interconnected pipeline infrastructure among the US, Canada, and Mexico is facilitating significant natural gas exchanges, especially benefiting Mexico with its growing gas demand.
  3. Mexico's strategic position within NAFTA allows it to benefit from cheap energy imports from the US while also capitalizing on its own export opportunities to the US, contributing to its economic growth.

SITREP 1/28/24: US Troops Suffer Fatalities in Strikes as Escalation Grows

Simplicius's Garden of Knowledge • 10613 implied HN points • 29 Jan 24
🌍 World Politics Warfare Geopolitics Diplomacy Nationalism
  1. US troops suffered fatalities in strikes, highlighting escalation tensions.
  2. Confusion arises about the location of the troop fatalities, raising questions about US involvement in the region.
  3. Potential for a major conflict or withdrawal in the Middle East, with significant implications for the US and global economy.

Bari Weiss: The Holiday from History Is Over

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 4196 implied HN points • 12 Mar 24
🌍 World Politics Israel Middle East Conflict War
  1. The ordinary citizens of Israel demonstrated remarkable heroism and courage during times of tragedy and conflict, embodying a spirit of resilience and sacrifice.
  2. The harrowing events of October 7 in Israel served as a wake-up call about the reality of war and the importance of defending a free society.
  3. The experience in Israel prompts reflection on the universal themes of courage, sacrifice, and readiness to defend one's home and values, posing important questions about individual and societal responses to crisis.

Are ‘Islamists in Charge of Britain’?

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 6241 implied HN points • 23 Feb 24
🌍 World Politics Antisemitism Democracy Extremism
  1. There have been increased incidents of antisemitism and violence in London, causing safety concerns for Jewish schools and worshippers.
  2. The British Parliament faced a situation where fear of Islamist violence influenced decision-making, leading to deviations from parliamentary norms.
  3. The rise of Islamist extremism in Britain has created a pressing need for immediate and decisive action, including arrests and deportations of individuals inciting violence or religious hatred.

Tariffs are coming

Noahpinion • 8588 implied HN points • 05 Feb 24
🌍 World Politics Tariffs Economic Impact
  1. Tariffs are likely to be a significant tool in the upcoming global trade war, but may not be the most effective solution
  2. China is responding to its economic slowdown by heavily investing in export manufacturing, potentially flooding global markets with cheap goods
  3. The threat of tariffs against Chinese exports is prompting various countries and trade entities to consider imposing their own tariffs, leading to a potential widespread increase in trade barriers

WMD, Part II: CIA "Cooked The Intelligence" To Hide That Russia Favored Clinton, Not Trump In 2016

TK News by Matt Taibbi • 6976 implied HN points • 15 Feb 24
🌍 World Politics Intelligence Russia Trump Scandal
  1. The CIA allegedly manipulated intelligence to hide that Russia favored Hillary Clinton over Donald Trump in the 2016 election.
  2. Some CIA analysts believed that Russia had a comfortable relationship with Hillary Clinton, contrary to what was publicly declared.
  3. The intelligence report claiming Russian interference to benefit Trump and harm Clinton was deemed inaccurate and misled the public.

Big Brother: War is Good

TK News by Matt Taibbi • 5963 implied HN points • 22 Feb 24
🌍 World Politics Ukraine Propaganda War Intelligence White House
  1. The war in Ukraine has become a key point of global propaganda, with narratives being forcefully maintained over actual truths.
  2. Public opinion in conflict zones can be manipulated by controlling the narrative and stifling contrary information.
  3. Government officials may push for wider conflicts without public support, suppressing the reality of the situation.

A three-state solution is the only viable future for Israel and the Palestinians

Noahpinion • 27882 implied HN points • 08 Oct 23
🌍 World Politics Middle East Israel-Palestine conflict Global relations Territorial disputes Peace negotiations
  1. A three-state solution with Israel and two independent Palestinian states is proposed as a realistic solution.
  2. Large-scale ethnic cleansing is minimized, and non-contiguous states are deemed unviable.
  3. The current situation on the ground should be formalized with minor modifications for a lasting resolution.

Alexei Navalny Lived and Died in Truth

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 5597 implied HN points • 17 Feb 24
🌍 World Politics Heroes Freedom
  1. Navalny chose to return to Russia despite the risks, showing his dedication to his country and cause.
  2. Navalny's life and death highlight the stark contrast between the free world and the unfree world.
  3. Navalny's bravery and sacrifice echo those of other victims of Russian authoritarianism, emphasizing the importance of standing up for truth and freedom.