The hottest Legislation Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
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Top U.S. Politics Topics

Sunblock

Doomberg • 11128 implied HN points • 14 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Energy Policy Environmental Issues Legislation State Politics Public Safety
  1. California's energy system is struggling because it has shifted away from reliable sources like nuclear and natural gas in favor of solar power. This change has made it harder to manage the electricity supply effectively.
  2. A major fire at California's large battery storage facility caused serious environmental damage and highlighted the risks of relying too much on green energy solutions without a solid backup plan.
  3. The government's new bill may worsen California's energy crisis by cutting tax credits for green energy projects, which could halt new installations and leave the state without enough power during peak demand times.

ATW Livestream Tonight at 8 PM ET/7 PM CT

TK News by Matt Taibbi • 1703 implied HN points • 24 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Legislation Government Media Policy
  1. There will be an ATW livestream event tonight at 8 PM ET, where important topics related to the FBI and national security will be discussed. It's a chance to hear insights from knowledgeable voices.
  2. Kash Patel has been confirmed as the new FBI director, and Dan Bongino is set to be the deputy director. This could impact how the FBI operates, especially in politically charged situations.
  3. The discussion will also cover the role of the Internet in news coverage and MSNBC's recent changes, which may interest those following media developments.

Bipartisan Coalition Finally Tells Europe, and the FBI, to Shove It

TK News by Matt Taibbi • 11592 implied HN points • 21 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Legislation National Security Bipartisanship Privacy Technology Policy
  1. A bipartisan group in the U.S. is pushing back against foreign demands for encrypted user data. This marks a significant change in the way American leaders view privacy and security.
  2. The UK's Investigatory Powers Act allows its authorities to access encrypted data, making it easier for them to monitor citizens. This has raised concerns about privacy and government overreach.
  3. For years, there wasn't much opposition to government requests for encryption access. Now, key politicians are rekindling the debate, which could lead to stronger protections for user privacy.

The Failure to Secure Elections

Erick Erickson's Confessions of a Political Junkie • 1378 implied HN points • 31 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Voting Media Conspiracy Legislation
  1. There have been issues with voting technology, like a glitch in Michigan that affected some voters. This has led to accusations from both sides about election integrity.
  2. Some media outlets focus on conspiracy theories without addressing real problems in the election systems, like unauthorized votes and security lapses.
  3. The debate about election security is divided, with one side feeling ignored and the other side accused of spreading falsehoods. This causes distrust in the electoral process.

THE SHOW NOTES: Biden's October Surprise

Erick Erickson's Confessions of a Political Junkie • 1199 implied HN points • 30 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Government Public Opinion Political Analysis Legislation
  1. Biden made controversial comments calling Trump supporters 'garbage' just before the election, which drew backlash from various political figures.
  2. The White House quickly tried to clarify Biden's remarks, but many were unconvinced and criticized him for the language used.
  3. Kamala Harris also faced scrutiny for her performance in a TV interview, highlighting challenges within the Democratic campaign leading up to the election.
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This Supreme Court Term Proves the System Still Works

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 1344 implied HN points • 02 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Supreme Court Legislation Judiciary Political Analysis Constitutional Law
  1. The Supreme Court had notable victories for conservatives this term, including key rulings supporting Trump's policies. This shows a strong conservative majority in the Court.
  2. Some people, especially progressives, are upset about the Court's decisions, claiming they create confusion and support unlawful actions.
  3. Overall, the term demonstrated that the Supreme Court remains active and influential, not easily swayed by political pressure.

A Brief Note on Today's House Hearing

TK News by Matt Taibbi • 16460 implied HN points • 13 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Congress Elections Legislation Political parties Free speech
  1. There was a House hearing that showed a lot of disagreement, especially about digital censorship. Democrats seemed to treat the issue lightly, while Republicans were more serious about it.
  2. Many politicians seem to think truth can be easily defined, which is a troubling view. Polls show that many people now support laws against misinformation, but this raises questions about who gets to decide what is true.
  3. There was a time when members of Congress mainly respected each other and did quality investigations. Now, that sense of respect seems to be fading, which is disappointing for the institution.

The LVT Landscape #1: Movement Across the U.S.

Progress and Poverty • 1270 implied HN points • 03 Mar 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Tax policy Legislation Urban planning Public Policy
  1. Land value tax (LVT) is becoming popular in various states in the U.S. as a way to manage property taxes more fairly.
  2. Cities like Baltimore and Spokane are making efforts to adopt LVT to deal with issues like vacant properties and encourage development.
  3. Legislation supporting LVT is being introduced and discussed in places like Minnesota and New York, indicating growing interest in this tax reform.

Label Makers

Doomberg • 6000 implied HN points • 05 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Legislation Judiciary Environmental
  1. Some lawmakers want to put warning labels on gas pumps about air pollution and climate change, similar to cigarette warnings. This shows an effort to inform the public about the impacts of fossil fuels.
  2. California's Proposition 65 has led to thousands of lawsuits over product warnings, causing businesses to spend a lot of money just to avoid legal trouble. Many labels are now on products to prevent lawsuits rather than to inform consumers.
  3. The legal system's power can sometimes hurt businesses and stifle innovation. There's a feeling that it might be time to make changes to help businesses grow better.

Nation Shrugs as Godzilla Eats Washington

TK News by Matt Taibbi • 18122 implied HN points • 04 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Legislation Policy Governance Administration
  1. There's a lot of chaos happening in Washington with Trump's return, and many people are indifferent to the changes he's making. It feels like he's causing a big stir, but some see it as a refreshing shake-up.
  2. People are questioning the work and spending of groups like USAID, suggesting some of their projects aren't justifiable. There's a debate about whether funds for certain programs are worth it, especially concerning national security.
  3. The political atmosphere is tense, with ongoing legal challenges to Trump's actions and many officials rushing to defend policies that many find controversial. The situation is creating a lot of friction and public spectacles in politics.

TGIF: The People’s Republic of Manhattan

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 2596 implied HN points • 27 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Legislation Campaigns Political Figures Social Issues
  1. Zohran Mamdani is running for mayor of New York City and has gained attention for his unique campaign style. His approach combines humor and social media, reminiscent of Trump's marketing tactics.
  2. Despite having a privileged background, Mamdani's campaign portrays him as an outsider challenging the political establishment. He has proposed policies like free buses and rent freezes, aiming to appeal to the public's desire for change.
  3. Mamdani's election reflects a broader shift in New York politics, with moderate Democrats feeling uneasy about his progressive stance. His charismatic campaigning is seen as a potential game-changer for the city's future.

Harris's Bold Miscalculation

Erick Erickson's Confessions of a Political Junkie • 3397 implied HN points • 24 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Campaigns Political parties Public Opinion Legislation
  1. Democrats may have misjudged the election by not toning down their extreme views. They felt they could win just by being anti-Trump without appealing to moderates.
  2. Kamala Harris has stuck to her bold positions on issues like abortion and trans rights, which some believe could hurt her in the election. Instead of showing flexibility, she's chosen to dig in her heels.
  3. There are Republicans who oppose both candidates but feel that after Trump, those who supported Harris will have no influence in the GOP. They think Harris's supporters will be left out of future party decisions.

🚨 BREAKING: Harris Campaign Gives Up. Turns to Shoring Up Congress.

Erick Erickson's Confessions of a Political Junkie • 3557 implied HN points • 22 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Campaigns Legislation Parties Political strategy
  1. Kamala Harris's campaign is shifting focus from trying to win the White House to supporting Congress candidates in red states.
  2. This change shows that her team is acknowledging a likely loss in the presidential race and is instead working to boost House and Senate seats.
  3. This strategy mirrors what Bob Dole did in 1996 when he realized he would lose and turned his efforts to encourage Republican turnout in important districts.

How the reconciliation bill would change America

Can We Still Govern? • 357 implied HN points • 30 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Legislation Policy Government Inequality Security
  1. The recent reconciliation bill favors the rich while harming the poor, making it harder for those in need to access benefits like healthcare and food support.
  2. It significantly increases funding for the security state, leading to more aggressive enforcement actions and potentially less safety for everyday people.
  3. The bill could massively increase the national deficit and cut support for renewable energy, which would hurt efforts to address climate change and invest in future generations.

1924 Rathbone hearings, US Congress.

Bailiwick News • 1803 implied HN points • 25 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Congress Legislation Health Policy
  1. In 1924, Congress held hearings to improve regulations on the sale of viruses and serums, aiming to prevent misleading claims about their effectiveness.
  2. Before 1924, some biological products didn't have clear standards showing their potency or effectiveness, which created confusion.
  3. The discussions back then highlighted the need for better protection for people using these products, similar to what was already in place for animals.

Bibi, bunker busters, and booty calls

The Rubesletter by Matt Ruby (of Vooza) | Sent every Tuesday • 356 implied HN points • 24 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Legislation Foreign Policy Public Opinion Political parties
  1. The relationship between Trump and Netanyahu affects the Jewish community in different ways. It's important to understand how these political connections influence opinions and actions.
  2. The discussion also touches on foreign policy issues like Iran and immigration. These topics are complex and can have significant impacts on domestic and international relations.
  3. Other themes mentioned, like lifestyle choices and cultural references, highlight the mix of politics and everyday life. It's interesting to see how these different areas blend together in conversations.

Weekend Report: What's going on?

The Signorile Report • 1159 implied HN points • 26 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Legislation Political parties Media Public Opinion
  1. The Washington Post faced backlash for not endorsing Vice President Harris, as it had been planned, due to the owner's concerns about government contracts. Many people are upset about this decision.
  2. Donald Trump was late to his rally, which caused some of his supporters to leave, while Kamala Harris had a massive crowd in Texas with star guests like Willie Nelson and Beyoncé.
  3. Democrats are focusing more on state legislative races, seeing them as important for boosting their chances in the presidential election. This strategy aims to strengthen local support and influence.

Illegals, Voting Issues, War & the Weaponized Justice System: Fixing America in 3 Sentences or Less

Tom Renz’s Newsletter • 1091 implied HN points • 26 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Legislation Immigration Election Issues Justice System Foreign Policy
  1. Fixing issues like illegal immigration and voting doesn't have to be complicated. Simple changes to laws or spending could make a big difference.
  2. Many people agree that stopping foreign wars and taking care of Americans first should be a priority. It might only take a few sentences in a bill to make this happen.
  3. The way the justice system is used can feel unfair, especially in politics. Making small adjustments to how funding works could help fix this problem.

Transcript - America This Week, Feb 14, 2025: "The Government is a Giant Pile of Dung"

TK News by Matt Taibbi • 1578 implied HN points • 15 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government Legislation Elections Political Commentary Congress
  1. There is a concern that some members of Congress may lack a fundamental understanding of important topics, like manufacturing, suggesting they aren't fully prepared for their jobs.
  2. Political leaders may be more focused on publicity and appearances rather than having genuine knowledge or awareness of the issues they talk about.
  3. The current political climate feels chaotic, with one side acting decisively while the other seems lost and unsure of their direction.

Roblox's illicit fruit economy + ChatGBT

Taylor Lorenz's Newsletter • 2627 implied HN points • 31 May 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Legislation Internet regulation Government Control
  1. Lawmakers are considering a new bill called KOSA that could limit freedom on the internet. It claims to keep kids safe, but may actually give the government a lot of control.
  2. KOSA could make platforms monitor young people's activities online, which raises concerns about privacy and trust. It's important to think about how this impacts kids' online experiences.
  3. The discussion around KOSA shows a ongoing conflict between safety and freedom on the internet. Finding a balance between protecting kids and preserving their rights is crucial.

New York Democrats Go Socialist. Plus. . .

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 1168 implied HN points • 25 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Governance Legislation Political parties Public Policy
  1. Zohran Mamdani, a socialist, won the Democratic primary for mayor of New York City. His proposals include big changes like government-run grocery stores and a freeze on rent.
  2. Mamdani has strong views on police and foreign policy, proposing to defund the NYPD and calling Israel 'apartheid'.
  3. His surprising victory against former governor Andrew Cuomo shows changes happening in New York's political landscape.

America This Week - Livestream Tonight at 8 PM ET/7 PM CT

TK News by Matt Taibbi • 2542 implied HN points • 10 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Legislation Policy Campaigns Media
  1. There's a livestream event called 'America This Week' happening tonight at 8 PM ET. It's a chance to catch up on current topics in America.
  2. The hosts will discuss various issues, including Tulsi Gabbard's and Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s Senate votes and Trump's comments about Gaza.
  3. They'll also cover recent media controversies and how traditional news outlets are changing or declining in relevance.

Judicial Notice (10.27.24): Money Talks

Original Jurisdiction • 319 implied HN points • 28 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Judiciary Elections Legal Government Legislation
  1. Susman Godfrey won a huge $1.6 billion verdict for a client, which means they could earn a massive fee. This proves their strength in handling big cases.
  2. Kobre & Kim also had a big win, securing a $605 million jury verdict in a trade secrets case. This shows that some law firms are doing really well right now.
  3. There are talks about potential attorney general candidates for a future Trump administration, indicating shifts in political and legal roles ahead.

Congress, Please Do Not Pass the SALT Deduction

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 760 implied HN points • 25 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Legislation Government Elections Tax policy Political parties
  1. The SALT deduction is a tax break that benefits wealthy people in Democratic areas. It could influence how a major tax bill gets passed in Congress.
  2. Some Republicans are threatening to vote against a tax bill if the SALT deduction isn't included. This shows how important it is to certain lawmakers.
  3. There's a debate about whether passing a bill with the SALT deduction is worse than not passing the bill at all, which could affect other crucial tax cuts.

Profiles in poltroonery: Senator Thom Tillis

The Watch • 1037 implied HN points • 18 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Commentary Elections Government Legislation Political parties
  1. Some politicians prioritize loyalty to powerful figures over their country. Senator Thom Tillis supported Donald Trump's choice for Secretary of Defense, even after serious accusations against him.
  2. Thom Tillis disregarded claims of misconduct against the nominee, including drinking problems and allegations of sexual assault. This shows how some politicians can ignore serious issues for political gain.
  3. By failing to stand up against Trump and voting to confirm the controversial nominee, Tillis put his own political ambitions above the well-being of the military and the integrity of his office.

Ceasefire or Not, Iran Looks for Ways to Reduce the Risk of a U.S. Reprisal. Plus. . .

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 853 implied HN points • 24 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Domestic Policy Elections Foreign Relations Political Analysis Legislation
  1. Trump announced a surprise ceasefire between Israel and Iran, but there was confusion about whether both countries agreed. It seems Iran is trying to avoid escalating tensions.
  2. Republicans are claiming success in Trump's approach to Iran, while Democrats have been criticized for not speaking clearly on the issue.
  3. In New York City, a Republican mayor seems unlikely to win unless during a crisis, and a socialist candidate is making significant strides in the mayoral race.

It's Happening. Not good.

Erdmann Housing Tracker • 6870 implied HN points • 25 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Legislation Housing policy Government Regulation Social Issues Economic Impact
  1. Bills are being introduced in many states to stop corporations from owning single-family homes. This could seriously limit where families can live.
  2. There is a big need for new homes, around 15 to 20 million, but these new laws might block the creation of rental houses that could help solve the housing crisis.
  3. Many families are already struggling to find places to live, and if these bills pass, things could get even worse. It's like we're making it harder for ourselves to find good housing.

What American Students Aren’t Taught About Slavery. Plus. . .

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 1043 implied HN points • 19 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Education History Legislation Social Issues Media
  1. Many American students do not learn that slavery was not just an American issue but a global one. This limited perspective means they miss out on important historical truths.
  2. There is a call for a better way to teach about slavery that recognizes its worldwide existence without downplaying the horrors of American slavery.
  3. Juneteenth serves as a reminder to reflect on the legacy of slavery and the importance of educating young people about history accurately.

February 23, 2025

Letters from an American • 29 implied HN points • 24 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government Elections Legislation Political parties Political Analysis
  1. People are starting to see through the lies of powerful figures like Trump and Musk, realizing their true goal is personal gain over the public good.
  2. Despite public backlash, Trump and his allies are intensifying their actions, showing a disregard for the law and popular opinion.
  3. Senators and historians warn that we are facing a serious threat to democracy and the Constitution, urging Congress to act to protect our government from becoming an unchecked power.

TGIF: The Real Housewives of Pennsylvania Avenue

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 2671 implied HN points • 06 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Government Political Commentary Legislation Public Opinion
  1. Elon Musk and Donald Trump are having a public fallout, with Musk criticizing the government's spending and Trump expressing disappointment in Musk's actions. Their friendship appears to be deteriorating rapidly.
  2. Trump accused Musk of being crazy and suggested terminating his government contracts, showing the tension between them. This includes Musk indirectly threatening Trump with serious allegations.
  3. The drama between these two figures highlights how quickly alliances can change in politics, as both seem to be trying to distance themselves from each other.

Bari’s Picks of the Week: Will We or Won’t We?

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 755 implied HN points • 20 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political parties Foreign Policy Political alliances National Security Legislation
  1. The ongoing conflict between Israel and Iran has raised important questions about U.S. involvement, particularly regarding Trump's potential actions. There's a lot of uncertainty about how it will play out.
  2. There's a noticeable split within the right-wing community, with influential figures like Tucker Carlson warning against war. This shows a disagreement that could affect Trump's support from his base.
  3. Unexpected alliances are forming in Washington, such as between AOC and Marjorie Taylor Greene. They both oppose American involvement in Iran, highlighting how certain issues can bridge partisan divides.

Dingus of the week: Joni Ernst

Men Yell at Me • 300 implied HN points • 06 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Health care Elections Legislation Public Opinion Political Commentary
  1. Senator Joni Ernst made a controversial statement about death at a town hall, saying, 'We are all going to die,' which upset many. People reacted by creating funny merchandise and memes.
  2. Ernst's comments seem to ignore the real-life consequences of policy changes on people's health, such as proposed Medicaid cuts. Many feel these cuts could result in people losing access to essential healthcare.
  3. Despite Ernst's focus on mortality, the discussion raises larger issues about healthcare rights and the disparity in access to medical services in America.

MAGA Goes to War—with Itself. Plus. . .

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 894 implied HN points • 18 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy Political parties Legislation Geopolitics
  1. Donald Trump is facing a split within the MAGA movement about whether to intervene in Iran. Some are fiercely supporting him, while others are pushing back.
  2. There are serious discussions happening about Iran's nuclear program, especially regarding its potential to create nuclear weapons. Experts are gathering to discuss whether Israel can handle this threat alone or if the U.S. must step in.
  3. Israel has been active in targeting Iran's military sites but has yet to fully address the heavily fortified Fordow facility. Understanding the implications of any action taken against it is crucial for regional security.

How Medicaid Work Requirements Betray Work and Waste Money

Can We Still Govern? • 172 implied HN points • 26 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Health Policy Welfare Government programs Legislation Social Issues
  1. Work requirements for Medicaid and SNAP can create a lot of unnecessary rules that actually hurt people trying to find work. Instead of helping them, these rules can cut off health insurance and make things worse.
  2. Most people on Medicaid are working or in school, so the idea that they're not doing anything is not true. The new work requirements will lead to many losing coverage, which could be life-threatening.
  3. The way this law is set up seems to help government contractors more than it helps those in need. It's expensive to manage, and it could actually cost low-income people thousands of dollars each year.

This Made Me Uncomfortable

Magic + Loss • 795 implied HN points • 17 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Legislation Public Opinion Political parties Political Commentary
  1. Kamala Harris had a strong performance during her interview on Fox News, showing confidence despite the challenging setting.
  2. The interviewer, Bret Baier, often interrupted her and used a less formal way of addressing her, which some found disrespectful.
  3. It's important to avoid both-sidesing in journalism and recognize when one side is being unfairly treated in a conversation.

Congress Fights Back...Against Congress

Can We Still Govern? • 215 implied HN points • 25 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Congress Oversight Trump Legislation
  1. Congressional Republicans are weakening their own institutions to support Trump. This makes it hard for them to check the power of the executive branch.
  2. In the past, Congress has tried to improve its ability to oversee the presidency, but now it seems to be accepting Trump's attacks on their oversight capabilities.
  3. The budget cuts to important analysis groups like the GAO are not about saving money. They are aimed at making it harder for Congress to challenge government actions that don't follow the law.

How Diocletian’s Persecution of Christians Began

The Take (by Jon Miltimore) • 237 implied HN points • 25 Oct 24
💾 History Ancient Rome Christianity Persecution Militarism Legislation
  1. Before Diocletian, Christians in Rome mostly lived without fear of government attack. They experienced a time called 'the little peace of the Church.'
  2. Diocletian's edicts led to a serious crackdown on Christians, starting with public office removals and destroying churches. He aimed to get rid of Christianity but ended up fueling more violence.
  3. The actions of a soldier named Marcellus sparked significant persecution, but many historians think it was part of a larger struggle between old Roman beliefs and the growing Christian faith.

How British Abortion Advocates Overplayed Their Hand

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 412 implied HN points • 23 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Abortion rights Legislation Feminism Human Rights Political strategy
  1. British lawmakers recently voted to decriminalize abortion until birth, a big change for the country's abortion laws. Supporters believe this will enhance reproductive rights and prevent women from facing criminal investigations after ending a pregnancy.
  2. Some feminists are worried that pushing for such extreme changes might lead to a backlash against abortion rights. They think it's important to find a balance and not go too far too fast, which could hurt the movement.
  3. A proposed amendment aimed to establish abortion as a human right and remove almost all regulations. However, many critics argue that this could create more problems than solutions.

An Ominous Sign

TK News by Matt Taibbi • 9902 implied HN points • 18 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Legislation First Amendment Government funding Political parties Media Relations
  1. The Global Engagement Center (GEC) may not be shut down and could receive a one-year extension. This was part of a deal between Senate Democrats and Republicans.
  2. The GEC has been criticized for funding efforts that involved blacklisting conservative media. This issue continues to raise concerns about free speech.
  3. If the Republican party gives up on standing up for free speech, it could lead to serious consequences for voters. It's important to monitor how this situation develops.

Why on Earth does Trump want to cancel the CHIPS Act??

Noahpinion • 23823 implied HN points • 04 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Legislation Foreign Policy Manufacturing Bipartisanship
  1. The CHIPS Act is important because it helps the U.S. regain its manufacturing capacity in the semiconductor industry, crucial for technology and defense.
  2. If Trump cancels the CHIPS Act, it could weaken America's ability to compete with China, especially as China grows its manufacturing and military power.
  3. Many people are worried that this move would create greater risks for the U.S. in a time when it needs strong alliances and manufacturing capabilities to face external threats.