The hottest World Politics Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
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Top World Politics Topics

What REALLY happened in Afghanistan?

Random Minds by Katherine Brodsky • 37 implied HN points • 01 Mar 25
🌍 World Politics Conflict Journalism Afghanistan Taliban Society
  1. Habib Khan Totakhil witnessed the events in Afghanistan first-hand and shares those experiences. It's important to hear stories from people who lived through major changes, like the Taliban takeover.
  2. He emphasizes that we should support the Afghan resistance and not accept Taliban rule as normal. This helps us understand the ongoing struggles in Afghanistan.
  3. The role of journalism in conflict zones is crucial for revealing the truth about situations. Totakhil’s work highlights how important it is to share accurate information during times of war.

The End of Hegemony & Emergence of Multipolarity

Glenn’s Substack • 1119 implied HN points • 19 Sep 24
🌍 World Politics Hegemony International relations Geopolitics
  1. The US is no longer the dominant world power. There is a shift towards a multipolar world where multiple countries have influence.
  2. Western leaders struggle to imagine new ways of working in this multipolar world. They often want to cling to old ideas of Western dominance instead of adapting.
  3. Instead of trying to restore past power dynamics, the West should look for new opportunities that come with this change in global power.

As US floats revival of Istanbul talks, Zelensky and Starmer scramble

Aaron Mate • 100 implied HN points • 28 Feb 25
🌍 World Politics Diplomacy Conflict International relations Political Leadership Geopolitics
  1. The US is considering restarting peace talks that were previously halted in Istanbul. This might open new discussions about resolving tensions.
  2. Zelensky and Starmer are actively trying to persuade Trump to support continued military action. They appear to be concerned about losing momentum in their efforts.
  3. The situation is dynamic as different leaders are scrambling to respond to changes in the political landscape. This could impact international relations significantly.

EU Travel Ban On Three Journalists Is Flagrant Violation Of Human Rights

Michael Shellenberger • 1019 implied HN points • 26 May 25
🌍 World Politics Human Rights Sanctions Freedom of Speech International relations Media censorship
  1. The EU has banned three journalists from entering its countries, claiming they spread pro-Russian propaganda. This action raises serious concerns about freedom of speech.
  2. Banning journalists and freezing their bank accounts seems extreme and threatens press freedom. It could set a dangerous precedent for how countries deal with dissenting voices.
  3. Many people believe it's important to allow diverse opinions, even those supporting foreign nations, as long as they don't involve illegal activities. Censorship could harm democracy and peaceful activism.

The Hostage Deal Is the Price of Israel’s Failures

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 3046 implied HN points • 15 Jan 25
🌍 World Politics International relations Middle East Conflict resolution Peace negotiations Geopolitics
  1. Israel is close to making a deal with Hamas to release captives. The first step involves freeing 33 hostages, including children and the elderly.
  2. The deal has three phases that could lead to the end of the conflict, but each phase relies on the success of the previous one.
  3. If the deal works, it will bring mixed feelings in Israel, with joy for the hostages' return but also anger and disappointment about the circumstances.
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A Year of Ukrainian "Collapse" Narratives:

Phillips’s Newsletter • 152 implied HN points • 26 Feb 25
🌍 World Politics Conflict International relations Military Media Narratives
  1. Many media stories claimed that Ukraine was about to collapse during the war, painting a very negative picture of their situation.
  2. These repeated negative narratives can be harmful, influencing people's perceptions and possibly decisions regarding support for Ukraine.
  3. Despite the media's alarming predictions, Ukraine has continued to resist and fight back against Russian advances.

The Militarisation of Scandinavia & the Great Northern War 2.0

Glenn’s Substack • 1838 implied HN points • 06 Sep 24
🌍 World Politics Geopolitics Military Affairs International relations Conflict Studies Security Studies
  1. Scandinavia is shifting from a peaceful region to a frontline for the US military, which might lead to more conflicts. Countries like Norway are hosting US military bases, causing Russia to feel threatened.
  2. The history shows that when one country's security increases, it often makes neighboring countries feel less secure, leading to a security competition. This was the case during the Cold War with Finland and Sweden acting as neutral states to reduce tensions.
  3. NATO's expansion, including Sweden and Finland joining, is seen by some as a major mistake. It might actually increase tensions rather than provide security, as past experiences suggest that surrounding a country with military alliances can provoke it.

Our Sixty Days of Nuclear Chicken Have Begun

TK News by Matt Taibbi • 10440 implied HN points • 20 Nov 24
🌍 World Politics International relations Conflict Studies Nuclear policy Geopolitics Military Strategy
  1. The situation in Ukraine is getting riskier as peace talks are expected after Trump's inauguration. This is causing both Russia and the U.S. to escalate their military actions.
  2. Recent attacks involving U.S.-made ATACMS missiles have heightened tensions and alarmed Russian media. They are worried about this being a significant moment in history.
  3. There's a growing fear that we might be approaching a major conflict, with some comparing it to the dangers of the Cuban Missile Crisis. A nuclear response from Russia is now more likely, raising serious concerns.

Europe's Moment of Truth

Comment is Freed • 109 implied HN points • 22 Feb 25
🌍 World Politics International relations Conflict analysis Military Affairs Geopolitics
  1. The ongoing conflict in Ukraine is very important for Europe and needs careful analysis. It's crucial to rely on trustworthy sources and check what key players are saying to understand their priorities.
  2. Conflicts evolve in stages, so it's not wise to make firm predictions about the future. Instead, it's better to explore possible developments based on the current situation.
  3. Recent changes in U.S. support, especially Trump's comments about Zelensky, create uncertainty for Ukraine. This makes it vital to stay informed about how negotiations with Russia may influence future support.

Chartbook 345 A "house of cards"? Russia's war economy in 2025.

Chartbook • 1659 implied HN points • 14 Jan 25
🌍 World Politics International relations Geopolitical analysis Economic Sanctions Diplomacy
  1. Russia's war economy appears strong on the surface but has significant underlying weaknesses, making it fragile. This could mean trouble for its long-term stability.
  2. High inflation and rising interest rates are putting pressure on the Russian economy, leading to financial instability. Many key sectors are struggling as costs soar.
  3. While sanctions affect Russia, the country still manages to generate substantial revenue from oil and gas exports. This suggests its financial situation may not be as dire as some predict.

We need to think about Africa

Wood From Eden • 1728 implied HN points • 24 Jan 25
🌍 World Politics Demography Migration Globalization Geopolitics Development
  1. Africa's population is growing quickly and will represent a large part of the world in the future. It's important for the rest of the world to pay attention to this change.
  2. Ignoring Africa's potential problems could lead to bigger issues later on. We may need to think about ways to help cope with possible crises.
  3. Instead of only debating about challenges in Africa, we should start thinking of solutions now. Preparing early can help everyone in the future.

BRICS enables Russia to displace US farmers

Glenn’s Substack • 1718 implied HN points • 02 Sep 24
🌍 World Politics International relations Global Economy Trade policy Geopolitics
  1. Russia and China are building a new trade route for grain. This helps Russia sell more food to China, taking market share away from US farmers.
  2. The BRICS nations are creating a new system that makes the US dollar less important in trade. This means countries can trade more freely without US influence.
  3. US farmers are struggling to get the information they need about global markets. Without this info, they can't make good decisions about what crops to plant.

You're invited

The Cosmopolitan Globalist • 5 implied HN points • 20 Feb 25
🌍 World Politics International relations Geopolitics Foreign Policy Human Rights Conflict Studies
  1. This weekend, there will be discussions on important topics, including Russia's secret activities in Africa and their impact on Europe.
  2. Philip Obaji is a journalist who has bravely reported on human rights abuses by Russian paramilitaries in Africa, and he will share his insights on this troubling situation.
  3. Former US Ambassador Robert Holley will join discussions about his experiences in Morocco and the Western Sahara conflict, providing valuable perspectives on North Africa.

The Increase in Ukrainian Casualties

Glenn’s Substack • 1378 implied HN points • 04 Sep 24
🌍 World Politics Conflict Diplomacy Military Strategy
  1. Ukrainian military losses are rising, which is common as wars reach their final stages. When a side is losing, they often struggle with resources, morale, and communication.
  2. The situation in Ukraine is worsening with fewer troops and equipment. As their frontlines weaken, many soldiers are defecting or surrendering, leading to a chaotic military environment.
  3. NATO faces difficult choices in response to the war. There's growing pressure to either negotiate peace or increase involvement, while the risk of a direct conflict with Russia looms large.

Germany’s Neglect of National Interests

Glenn’s Substack • 939 implied HN points • 10 Sep 24
🌍 World Politics Nationalism International relations European Politics Security Studies Political theory
  1. Germany's current approach to foreign policy often neglects its own national interests, which could lead to negative consequences for the country.
  2. There is a historical pattern of Germany sacrificing its interests for external powers, similar to its past under France and now the US.
  3. A rise in nationalism may occur as a reaction to this neglect, with people seeking to reclaim control over their national identity and sovereignty.

Chartbook 341 On thinking in medias res: An Interview with Ding Xiongfei from the Shanghai Review of Books (summer 2024)

Chartbook • 2846 implied HN points • 24 Dec 24
🌍 World Politics Geopolitics International relations Global Economy Climate Policy Crisis Management
  1. Polycrisis shows that our world is facing multiple interconnected issues that can't be simply solved with clear solutions. It's about ongoing management rather than resolution.
  2. China's role in the climate crisis is crucial, and it may lead the global response to climate change, changing the narrative where the West is no longer the main actor.
  3. Understanding statistics and data is important, but they need to be seen as part of a broader political and economic system, not just as numbers reflecting reality.

The US is no longer our ally

Erik Examines • 179 implied HN points • 17 Feb 25
🌍 World Politics International relations Geopolitics Foreign affairs Conflict Studies
  1. The US is seen by some as no longer being a reliable ally, with divisions in its political landscape affecting international relationships. This raises concerns about how the US approaches foreign policy and engages with other countries.
  2. There's a belief that the US government is siding with far-right movements in Europe and challenging democratic norms. This shift is viewed as a significant change from past US leadership which was more aligned with traditional allies.
  3. Historical parallels are drawn to past aggressive actions by leaders, showing a worry that current US politics might lead to similar conflicts. Many people prefer to cling to the familiar, but change is coming whether they like it or not.

Has Putin just won the Second Cold War?

The Cosmopolitan Globalist • 9 implied HN points • 19 Feb 25
🌍 World Politics International relations Geopolitics Conflict Studies Security Studies Political theory
  1. Putin's actions may suggest he is gaining influence and might be winning in current global tensions.
  2. There's a belief that the new world dynamics resemble a cold war atmosphere, with divisions in alliances.
  3. The success or failure of leaders in this context can have long-lasting effects on international relations.

Germany and the EU Abandon Reason and Risk Collapse

Glenn’s Substack • 839 implied HN points • 09 Sep 24
🌍 World Politics Europe Ukraine NATO Diplomacy Conflict
  1. Germany and the EU need to rethink their approach to the Ukraine crisis or they might end up in serious trouble together. Changes are necessary to avoid breaking apart.
  2. Some experts believe NATO made mistakes that helped to spark the Ukraine war and that these mistakes are causing more issues for Europe now.
  3. There's growing concern about political violence and less freedom of speech in Germany. New political movements are also rising, which the current government does not approve of.

The Western Way of Genocide

The Chris Hedges Report • 453 implied HN points • 01 Feb 25
🌍 World Politics Geopolitics Human Rights Conflict International Law Military Affairs
  1. Gaza is facing a severe humanitarian crisis with no clean water or food, leading to widespread sickness and suffering among its population.
  2. The ongoing violence and destruction in Gaza are seen as part of a larger strategy to control resources and land, with little support from international allies to stop it.
  3. Historical patterns of genocide and oppression are highlighted, stressing that current actions are not unique, but rather resemble past atrocities committed by powerful nations against marginalized groups.

Natan Sharansky: Why Can’t Israel’s Leader Visit Auschwitz?

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 1534 implied HN points • 09 Jan 25
🌍 World Politics International Law Middle East Human Rights Antisemitism Geopolitics
  1. Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu can't attend the Auschwitz commemoration due to war crime charges from the ICC. This situation is highly ironic since it's a significant event related to Jewish history.
  2. The ICC's charges against Netanyahu have been criticized by the Biden administration as having no legal basis, but Poland has not taken action to support his attendance.
  3. Important legal concepts like 'crimes against humanity' and 'genocide' were created by Polish-born Jews after the Holocaust, which adds another layer of irony to the accusations against Israel today.

The Fall of Assad and What Comes Next in Syria

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 3612 implied HN points • 08 Dec 24
🌍 World Politics Middle East Syria International relations Conflict Dictatorship
  1. Bashar al-Assad, the dictator of Syria, has been overthrown after 24 years in power. This change is seen as a major event for the modern Middle East.
  2. Despite the cheers for his fall, there are concerns about the new leaders. Some of the rebel groups that took over were previously linked to more extreme factions like al-Qaeda.
  3. The departure of Assad raises questions about the future of Syria. It is uncertain if the new power dynamics will be better or worse for the country's people.

DWN Interview with Harald Kujat: Ukraine Support Without Peace Strategy

Glenn’s Substack • 659 implied HN points • 08 Sep 24
🌍 World Politics International relations Geopolitics Conflict Studies European Politics Security Studies Diplomacy
  1. Neither Ukraine nor Russia can truly win the war. Both sides are unlikely to achieve their political goals, and ongoing support from the West may not change the military balance.
  2. Ukraine's recent offensive into Russian territory may turn out to be a risky move rather than a game-changer. The action could lead to greater military challenges as Ukraine stretches its resources thin.
  3. A peaceful resolution to the conflict seems increasingly distant. Both sides have strong preconditions for negotiations, and external factors like upcoming U.S. elections could impact the situation further.

Out of Gas

Doomberg • 7896 implied HN points • 03 Feb 25
🌍 World Politics Geopolitics Energy Policy International relations Leadership Economic strategy
  1. Britain has faced a major decline in its global power and status over the years, driven by poor decisions by its leaders. This decline shows that just having a historic role doesn't mean a country is still significant today.
  2. Currently, Prime Minister Keir Starmer is trying to boost Britain's image by aiming to make it an AI superpower. However, investors are uncertain because of the country's bigger issues, especially in energy.
  3. The UK is struggling with low gas storage and high demand for energy, which makes its ambition for AI seem unrealistic. Without reliable and cheap energy, the goal to succeed in technology will be hard to achieve.

The Dangerous Obsession with Territory in a War of Attrition

Glenn’s Substack • 1418 implied HN points • 20 Aug 24
🌍 World Politics Conflict Diplomacy Military Geopolitics Territorial Issues
  1. In a war of attrition, the goal is to wear down the enemy, not just take land. Taking territory requires a lot of resources and can be costly.
  2. Territorial gains often get celebrated, but they’re not always strategic. Advancing too far can harm supply lines and weaken defenses.
  3. There's pressure in the West to support any gains by Ukraine, which complicates discussions about effective strategies. Sometimes, focusing on PR can overshadow the real military needs.

What Xi Believes

ChinaTalk • 919 implied HN points • 10 Jan 25
🌍 World Politics Ideology International relations Modernization Economic Policy
  1. Xi Jinping believes Chinese modernization should focus on people's needs rather than just economic growth. He criticizes Western models for causing inequality and promotes a version that fits China's unique culture and history.
  2. The Chinese Communist Party is essential for Xi's vision of modernization. He insists that without the Party's leadership, China cannot succeed and stresses the need for discipline within the Party.
  3. Struggle is a key theme for Xi, who sees it as vital for the Party's survival and China's progress. He encourages a proactive approach to risks, stating that avoiding challenges can lead to decline.

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.

Georgia On My Mind

Doomberg • 6668 implied HN points • 09 Feb 25
🌍 World Politics Geopolitics International relations European Politics U.S. foreign policy Conflict Studies
  1. The end of unipolarity makes Europe vulnerable and could lead to significant changes in global power dynamics.
  2. Georgia's political turmoil shows the influence of outside forces like the EU and Russia in the region.
  3. A shift towards a multipolar world means countries need to focus more on their own national interests rather than trying to solve every global issue.

Meditations On A Six Year-Old Amputee Crawling Through Gaza With The Help Of A Roller Skate

Caitlin’s Newsletter • 2421 implied HN points • 15 Dec 24
🌍 World Politics Conflict Human Rights Middle East Military International relations
  1. A six-year-old boy in Gaza, who lost his legs due to violence, uses a roller skate to help him move. His situation highlights the painful realities many children face in conflict zones.
  2. Many children in Gaza now feel that death is imminent, with a significant number wishing for it. This shows the deep emotional and psychological scars caused by ongoing violence.
  3. The author expresses deep sorrow for the plight of children like Mohammad. It’s important to acknowledge the sadness of such situations without trying to put a positive spin on them.

Another Nation Absorbed Into The Blob Of The Empire

Caitlin’s Newsletter • 2728 implied HN points • 09 Dec 24
🌍 World Politics Regime Change International relations Geopolitical Strategy
  1. The US has played a major role in influencing events in Syria. It's important to recognize that outside powers can shape conflicts and outcomes.
  2. People often have their own reasons for fighting in conflicts, but that doesn't mean outside influences are absent. The US and its allies were heavily involved in Syria's struggles.
  3. Understanding global conflict requires acknowledging the US's powerful role as an empire. This knowledge helps explain why certain countries become targets for regime change.

The Saturday Read: A furious year

The Saturday Read • 419 implied HN points • 05 Oct 24
🌍 World Politics Middle East Conflict International relations Geopolitics History
  1. The Middle East is facing ongoing violence and conflict, especially after significant events like the Hamas attack on Israel. Many believe lasting peace will require changes in Iran.
  2. There is no single 'Catholic vote' in American politics; Catholics often have diverse views that don't fit neatly into either party. This means candidates should engage with Catholic voters carefully.
  3. Green Day's album 'American Idiot' had a powerful impact by encouraging youth to oppose George W. Bush. Its fun style helped spread a serious political message.

Assad Is Out, Woke Al-Qaeda Is In

Caitlin’s Newsletter • 2686 implied HN points • 08 Dec 24
🌍 World Politics Middle East Regime Change U.S. foreign policy Geopolitics Conflict
  1. The Syrian government led by Assad is being replaced, likely by groups supported by the U.S. This shows a shift in power dynamics in the region.
  2. Al-Qaeda has been rebranded as a more 'woke' group, with media portraying them in a softer light despite their violent past. This reflects a significant change in how such groups are viewed.
  3. The ongoing U.S. efforts in the area involve a long game strategy, suggesting that while current actions may not yield immediate results, they are part of a larger plan for eventual dominance.

Night Falls in Venezuela

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 918 implied HN points • 12 Jan 25
🌍 World Politics Democracy Elections Latin America Authoritarianism
  1. Nicolás Maduro has been sworn in for a third term as president of Venezuela, despite accusations of a stolen election. Many Venezuelans protested, but the government responded with prison sentences for opponents.
  2. María Corina Machado, a leading opposition figure, was briefly released from detention, sparking some hope for change. However, the overall situation remains dark and uncertain.
  3. Recent protests against Maduro were weaker compared to previous years, and important opposition leaders like Edmundo González Urrutia are still in exile. This gives a gloomy outlook for the future of democracy in Venezuela.

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.

NATO's War on Russia

Glenn’s Substack • 1099 implied HN points • 19 Aug 24
🌍 World Politics International relations Geopolitics War Studies National Security Foreign Policy
  1. NATO's involvement in Ukraine started with the 2014 coup, which led to increased tensions with Russia. This has shaped the current conflict, making it more than just a territorial dispute.
  2. Russia's responses to NATO's actions have been cautious, as they fear escalating to nuclear war. They are carefully considering how to react without triggering a larger conflict.
  3. The narrative in Western media portrays Russia as the sole aggressor, ignoring the complexities of NATO's role. This can limit discussions on diplomatic solutions and foster more hostility.

Let Yourself Be Shattered By Gaza

Caitlin’s Newsletter • 2086 implied HN points • 13 Dec 24
🌍 World Politics Conflict Human Rights International relations Middle East War Crimes
  1. People often care more for pets than for suffering children in places like Gaza. This shows a disconnect with real human suffering while prioritizing our comforts.
  2. Being 'shattered' or deeply affected by tragic events can lead to personal growth. It helps us reconnect with our feelings and strengthens our human empathy.
  3. True beauty and understanding can emerge from heartbreak. Experiencing pain can clear our vision and help us appreciate life and nature in a deeper way.

Ukraine's Audacity

Diane Francis • 1338 implied HN points • 12 Aug 24
🌍 World Politics Geopolitics Military conflict International relations Sovereignty Diplomacy
  1. Ukraine has launched a bold military operation by invading Russia with support from Western countries. Their goal was to show off their military strength and lower Russian morale.
  2. During the invasion, the Ukrainian army faced minimal resistance, with Russian guards fleeing and leaving their posts. This success showcased Ukraine's effective tactics.
  3. The U.S. responded positively to Ukraine's actions, reinforcing its support with additional military aid and confirming that this invasion wasn't seen as an escalation of the conflict.

Ukrainians Are Sick of the War. But We’re Not Allowed to Say It.

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 2202 implied HN points • 09 Dec 24
🌍 World Politics Conflict International relations Geopolitics War Public Opinion
  1. Many Ukrainians are growing tired of the ongoing war, but fear speaking up due to pressure to show loyalty. This can lead to feeling isolated and worried about being labeled a traitor.
  2. In the beginning of the conflict, there was a strong sense of unity and bravery among Ukrainians, with many willing to help each other despite the chaos.
  3. As time passed, the initial triumph over Russian forces faded, and some leaders began to prioritize public image over the well-being of people, shifting focus away from a potential peace.

The Deep Roots of Irish Antisemitism

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 1813 implied HN points • 17 Dec 24
🌍 World Politics International relations Antisemitism Middle East Human Rights Historical Analysis
  1. Ireland's criticism of Israel has grown significantly, becoming more intense than other countries, including some in the Arab world.
  2. The Israeli government decided to close its embassy in Ireland, citing the country’s extreme stance against Israel.
  3. The roots of Irish antisemitism are highlighted through personal family history and the historical context of Ireland's relationship with the Jewish community.