The hottest International Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top International Topics

Was Iran’s Nuclear Program ‘Obliterated’—or Just Set Back a Few Months?

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 792 implied HN points • 26 Jun 25
🌐 International Nuclear policy Military Action Middle East Diplomatic Relations
  1. A report suggests that U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iran's nuclear program had only minor effects, raising questions about their overall impact.
  2. The strikes targeted key facilities associated with Iran's nuclear efforts, including offices linked to a prominent scientist.
  3. Experts and agencies are now trying to determine exactly how much progress Iran's nuclear program has lost due to these military actions.

Things Worth Remembering: ‘He Died Standing Up’

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 5634 implied HN points • 05 Jan 25
🌐 International Terrorism European Politics
  1. Ten years ago, a terrible attack happened at Charlie Hebdo, killing many people, including the editor. It was one of the worst attacks on free press in recent history.
  2. The world seemed to unite in support for the victims, but not everyone was truly in favor of defending free speech. Many participated in demonstrations but didn't stand up for the values that were attacked.
  3. The notion of freedom of speech is worth defending, even if it comes at a cost. True support for the press means standing firmly by the principles, not just holding pencils in solidarity.

Rare Earth and China

TP’s Substack • 39 implied HN points • 19 Jun 25
🌐 International Trade Relations Resource Management Geopolitics Economic Policy
  1. China dominates the rare earth market, producing around 94% of these materials used in magnets. They are also increasing their control over the entire supply chain.
  2. China has been restricting exports of rare earth materials, especially higher-value products like magnets, likely to strengthen their manufacturing capabilities and hurt foreign competitors.
  3. Research and patents on rare earth technology are concentrated in China, meaning they have the expertise needed to produce high-quality magnets, which are essential for industries like electric vehicles and renewable energy.

The Costs of War at Sea

CDR Salamander • 1650 implied HN points • 18 Jan 24
🌐 International Military Warfare History
  1. Large war at sea is inevitable and will have significant costs in terms of lives and resources.
  2. When war erupts, naval and air battles in the Pacific will be intense and potentially overwhelming.
  3. The historical context of war at sea highlights the challenging nature of such conflicts and the need for readiness and action.
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Ghana's Concentration Camps For Witches

Grey Goose Chronicles • 1513 implied HN points • 11 Apr 23
🌐 International Culture Religion Gender Conflict Social Issues
  1. Witchcraft accusations and violence persist in African communities despite efforts to intervene and modernize.
  2. Ghana has concentration camps for accused witches, primarily housing older women who face persecution and violence.
  3. Efforts to close the witch camps have faced challenges, as the camps provide protection and livelihood for the residents.

EI live: Israel threatening Rafah

Palestine is Still the Issue • 589 implied HN points • 07 Feb 24
🌐 International Palestine Gaza Activism Human Rights
  1. Join Electronic Intifada livestream for updates on Israeli actions in Gaza and Palestinian resistance.
  2. Today's lineup includes news round-up, activist Hazami Barmada, updates on BDS victories, and discussion on Israeli threats in Rafah.
  3. Broadcast covers latest Palestinian resistance videos from Gaza and the situation of displaced Palestinians in Rafah.

When the Old-Timers Go Marching In (Part 1) [i]

Black Mountain Analysis • 569 implied HN points • 26 Jan 24
🌐 International Military Conflict Defense Modernization Alliance
  1. The article discusses the use of old air defense missile systems in recent wars, highlighting their continued relevance and effectiveness despite their age.
  2. Various countries have modernized the 2K12 Kub (SA-6) system, improving detection range, reliability, and engagement capabilities to extend the system's service life.
  3. In conflicts like the Yemen civil war, the 2K12 system has been utilized, showcasing potential for ambushing and targeting coalition aircraft with modified IR-homing missiles.

The Russian Draft Dodgers Who Fled to Paradise

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 366 implied HN points • 04 Dec 24
🌐 International Conflict Immigration Culture Travel Geopolitics
  1. Many Russians are escaping to places like Bali to avoid military drafts and the war. They enjoy a cheaper lifestyle and beautiful surroundings.
  2. Despite their new paradise, some locals in Bali are frustrated with Russian tourists due to bad behavior, which has them on edge.
  3. Not all Russians are focusing on leisure; some, like influencers, share their experiences and concerns about the changing community.

The Eternally, Irreplaceably Vulnerable: Aircraft Carrier at War - with Dr. John T. Kuehn on Midrats

CDR Salamander • 432 implied HN points • 10 Feb 24
🌐 International Military History Warfare
  1. Aircraft carriers are highly vulnerable due to their design and the nature of their operations.
  2. Aircraft carriers play a crucial role in projecting power and national will globally at sea.
  3. Proper utilization of aircraft carriers involves managing their limited resources effectively to maximize their value.

California’s Homegrown Serial-Killing Sicario

CrashOut by Ioan Grillo • 471 implied HN points • 18 Jan 24
🌐 International Crime Drug Trafficking Organized Crime Murder Cartels
  1. El Mano Negra, a California hitman, shares details of his narco hits and cartel operations in the United States
  2. Martinez, a prolific killer, operated for years without capture but finally faced trial and received multiple life sentences
  3. Martinez's motives for murder ranged from 'honor killings' to serving drug traffickers, highlighting the dark reality of cartel violence in the US

How Does Russia Make Missiles?

kamilkazani • 353 implied HN points • 27 Jan 24
🌐 International Sanctions
  1. Russian military production relies on the ability to outproduce enemies on the factory floor.
  2. Long range missiles play a crucial role in Russia's nuclear deterrent strategy.
  3. Precision machining is a key chokepoint in the Russian war industry.

Vignettes: War #3

Myth Pilot • 628 implied HN points • 10 Apr 23
🌐 International War Military Investigation Operations
  1. Captain Price transformed a struggling company into a top-performing unit through rigorous training and leadership.
  2. Captain Price conducted unauthorized missions on deployment, sparking a major investigation.
  3. There were rumors that Captain Price's missions involved search patterns and interrogations, hinting at a secretive agenda.

Chechnya and Dagestan

kamilkazani • 412 implied HN points • 06 Nov 23
🌐 International Government Power Society
  1. Chechnya and Dagestan are two regions in Russia with contrasting characteristics - Chechnya is monoethnic, while Dagestan is highly diverse.
  2. Chechnya has an absolutist regime led by Kadyrov, enforcing extreme compliance and limited displays of wealth, in contrast to Dagestan's anarchic oligarchy with wealthy officials.
  3. Despite Chechnya's tribalist society, the ruling group consists of individuals who have abandoned their kinship allegiances.

How To Understand the Provinces, Prefectures, Counties and Towns of China (Part 1)

Crossing the River by Feeling the Stones • 412 implied HN points • 29 Jun 23
🌐 International China Geography
  1. China's administrative structure includes province-level, prefecture-level, and county-level units.
  2. Prefecture-level units in China include prefecture-level cities, autonomous prefectures, and traditional prefectures.
  3. County-level units encompass districts, county-level cities, and counties, with varying urbanization levels.

Merry Chrismas

Pekingnology • 105 implied HN points • 24 Dec 24
🌐 International China Globalization Media Newsletter Politics
  1. The newsletter started in 2020 and has grown from 600 to over 17,500 subscribers. It's great to see it reach so many readers.
  2. The goal of the newsletter is to provide a deeper, more nuanced understanding of China. It aims to present a true and multi-faceted view of the country.
  3. Thanks were given to readers and contributors, highlighting the importance of teamwork in creating diverse content about China.

Japan's "untouchables"

The Global Jigsaw • 238 implied HN points • 03 Feb 24
🌐 International Society History Culture Discrimination Identity
  1. Japan has a marginalized group called Burakumin, similar to India's untouchables, with a history of discrimination and social exclusion.
  2. Japanese belief in racial purity and homogeneity is rooted in historical constructs and national identity myths.
  3. Despite efforts to eliminate discrimination, Burakumin still face societal stigma and prejudice in Japan, impacting aspects like marriage and social status.

UAE 25 Years Ago

Bet On It • 155 implied HN points • 30 Oct 24
🌐 International Middle East Travel Culture Economics History
  1. The UAE has provided good economic opportunities to many, including foreign workers who appreciate living there, despite any restrictions.
  2. Visitors face strict security measures to enter the UAE, showing the government's serious approach to control drugs and other prohibited materials.
  3. There can be a big difference between public rules and private behaviors, like how people might act differently in private despite strict laws.

International Agreements and Laws Shaping Space Exploration

Space Ambition • 119 implied HN points • 01 Mar 24
🌐 International Commercial Space
  1. There is a growing need for clear rules about how to use and own resources in space. As more nations explore the moon, they need to figure out how to work together peacefully.
  2. The Artemis Accords are a new set of principles that promote cooperation and safety in lunar exploration. They aim to ensure that space use is transparent and peaceful, though some of their goals may conflict with older treaties.
  3. As private companies start to play a bigger role in space exploration, laws need to adapt to include these actors. Clear regulations will help guide how they operate and share the benefits of space exploration.

Talking International Politics in the Netherlands

John’s Substack • 6 implied HN points • 19 Jan 25
🌐 International Politics Europe Middle East Media Trump
  1. The discussion highlighted the current state and future direction of Europe, emphasizing various political dynamics. It's important to understand how these changes could shape the continent.
  2. A significant part of the conversation focused on Israel's actions in Gaza, raising questions about international responses and implications. These situations often create complex discussions in global politics.
  3. They also speculated on what might happen if Trump returns to power, considering the potential impact on both the U.S. and international relations. It's a topic that many find intriguing and concerning.

A Mentality To Build in Saudi Arabia

Christopher’s Newsletter • 255 implied HN points • 16 Feb 23
🌐 International Society Development Culture Economy Innovation
  1. In Saudi Arabia, there is a mentality to build from the bottom up by locals with a great stake in outcomes.
  2. The focus is on talent being unleashed across cities and villages, with a commitment to change and progress.
  3. The shift towards a mentality to build is evident not just in big cities but also in small communities, emphasizing long-term commitment and involvement of locals.

The Average Chinese City

ChinaTalk • 652 implied HN points • 04 Oct 23
🌐 International China Small Town Economy Education Culture
  1. Some of the top headlines from China reveal struggling economic situations post-zero-covid.
  2. Small cities like Baoji reflect challenges in China's economy with falling home prices and limited job prospects.
  3. Education in small-town China can be marketized, with families fighting for opportunities in local high schools.

Ruili: The most locked-down city in China

Crossing the River by Feeling the Stones • 235 implied HN points • 21 May 23
🌐 International China Pandemic Lockdowns Recovery Culture
  1. Ruili, China's most locked-down city, faced extensive lockdowns due to border cases from Myanmar.
  2. Ruili's economy heavily relies on the jade industry, but the extensive lockdowns impacted businesses and caused many to leave.
  3. Despite challenges, some locals like Xu show resilience and adaptability, with hopes for Ruili's recovery post-pandemic.

Video of My Talk and Q&A on Japan Zoominar

Japan Economy Watch • 99 implied HN points • 05 Feb 24
🌐 International Japan Economy Author Book launch Dialogue
  1. Richard Katz participated in a lively dialogue about his new book on Japan's economic future during the Japan Zoominar.
  2. Questions from the audience were diverse and engaging, sparking interesting discussions.
  3. Katz will provide answers to more audience questions in a future post and will speak at the Tokyo campus of Temple University on Feb. 8th.

Naval Gazing

Joxley Writes • 117 implied HN points • 10 Jan 24
🌐 International Policy Military
  1. Prime Minister focuses on 'stopping the boats' as key strategy for improving his party's standing.
  2. Royal Navy showing signs of neglect with reports of ships being taken out of service and issues finding leadership.
  3. Under-investment and falling manpower contribute to Navy's struggles, raising concerns about Britain's global position.

Is The Land Of The Rising Sun Finally On The Rise?

Japan Economy Watch • 319 implied HN points • 25 Jan 23
🌐 International Economy Global Japan Economic outlook
  1. Experts have mixed opinions about Japan's economic future, with some being optimistic, predicting growth and avoiding recession, while others are more pessimistic, warning of a crisis.
  2. Japan has challenges like wage suppression and resistance to change, but also opportunities for economic revival through societal megatrends like entrepreneurship and e-commerce.
  3. The government needs to support and capitalize on these opportunities in order to avoid missing out on potential economic growth and progress.

Kyiv Metro vs the World: An Exploration

S(ubstack)-Bahn • 341 implied HN points • 22 Sep 23
🌐 International Transportation Labor Infrastructure War Innovation
  1. Kyiv Metro managed to run high frequency trains during wartime, which was a challenge for other systems.
  2. The success of Kyiv Metro can be attributed to infrastructural choices, like station typology, and organizational practices, like a Soviet-era philosophy of train throughput.
  3. Kyiv Metro's ability to operate effectively and maintain high frequencies is also due to having a surplus of labor, contributing to its resilience.

Release: ACPeds (20 GB)

Distributed Email of Secrets • 455 implied HN points • 03 May 23
🌐 International Leaks Data Breach Ethics
  1. Data leak from the American College of Pediatricians reveals sensitive information like donor details and passwords
  2. The leaked files include internal documents about ACPeds donors, finances, and members' information
  3. ACPeds has faced rejection as an Amazon Smile charity and scrutiny for using questionable sources for information

3/25/23 - The owner fluffed up every flower by mouth.

Moly’s Substack • 117 implied HN points • 26 Mar 23
🌐 International Diplomatic Relations Family life Daily Life
  1. The owner of a flower shop fluffed up every flower by mouth, which made a person never want to sniff flowers again.
  2. A romance writer reflects on the generational gap and futility of arguments with family, concluding that there's no point in trying to convince others of different perspectives.
  3. A story about a woman who moved to Hong Kong for a better life, facing challenges and sacrifices, but ultimately finding some happiness despite setbacks.