The hottest World Politics Substack posts right now

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HS2: The day they cancelled the 21st Century

Striking 13 • 2176 implied HN points • 04 Oct 23
🌍 World Politics Infrastructure Economy Environment Climate Transport
  1. HS2 project cancellation in the UK is criticized for hindering progress and development, especially in terms of infrastructure, economy, and environmental impact
  2. HS2 aimed to address capacity issues in the existing rail system, improve connectivity, and contribute to environmental sustainability by reducing carbon emissions from travel
  3. The decision to cancel HS2 is seen as short-sighted, as it not only fails to save money but also overlooks the long-term benefits and potential financial gains of the project

Germany: A Political not an Industry Problem?

CDR Salamander • 1120 implied HN points • 30 Jan 24
🌍 World Politics Military European Politics Security International relations NATO
  1. Germany is facing a security challenge due to political issues more than industry problems.
  2. Europe struggles to defend against threats with minimal naval power from major Continental European nations.
  3. The lack of military strength in Europe, particularly in Germany, poses significant challenges due to demographic shifts, political disruptions, and economic factors.
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Groundhog Day?

Comment is Freed • 73 implied HN points • 27 Jan 26
🌍 World Politics Diplomacy Peace talks Ukraine war US Politics Energy security
  1. Negotiations over Ukraine keep cycling through the same pattern: proposals look promising but stall on the hardest issues, especially territory, leaving Ukrainians frustrated and vulnerable.
  2. Donald Trump and his envoys are driving a new peace push with trilateral talks, but Putin appears willing to engage in talks mainly to avoid blame rather than to make major concessions.
  3. Zelensky is trying to stay constructive so any failure looks like Russia's fault, yet without stronger pressure on Moscow the same stalemate may repeat; the Abu Dhabi talks could address substance but the crucial last 10% is still unresolved.

The Fewer Soldiers On The Front Line The Better

Phillips’s Newsletter • 185 implied HN points • 23 Dec 25
🌍 World Politics Military Strategy Defense Tech Geopolitics Security Policy International relations Armed Conflict
  1. Drones have remade the battlefield: constant surveillance and kamikaze UAVs turned the area between armies into a deadly "grey zone," forcing a move away from large, traditional frontline formations.
  2. Russian forces have tried brutal, improvised ways (horses, crawling, bad weather) to push across that zone, causing heavy losses and lots of local attacks but no sustained breakthroughs or exploitation.
  3. Ukraine adapted by putting fewer soldiers on the front, using unmanned systems and small, highly trained units to inflict disproportionate casualties, and needs air defence plus more UAV production and training instead of mass conscription.

"Blind Imperial Arrogance," by Edward Said

Pen>Sword • 1278 implied HN points • 10 Jan 24
🌍 World Politics Colonialism Imperialism Middle East US Foreign Policy
  1. Imperial power is not just about military might, but also about imposing a perspective on distant lands and people, leading to conflicts between rulers and the ruled.
  2. American strategic interests in the Middle East have historically focused on securing oil supplies and supporting Israel, shaping its policies and perspectives in the region.
  3. The Orientalist view has perpetuated a denial of Arab self-determination, portraying them as incapable and fundamentally violent, contributing to ongoing turmoil in the Middle East.

The Oil War

Diane Francis • 1099 implied HN points • 29 Jan 24
🌍 World Politics International relations Geopolitics Energy Politics Environmental Issues
  1. Illicit oil trade is booming, with many ships smuggling oil from Russia and Iran. This trade helps fund wars and poses environmental risks due to poorly maintained vessels.
  2. China and India play a major role in supporting Russia's economy by importing significant amounts of oil. This trend allows them to profit while indirectly supporting Russia's actions in Ukraine.
  3. Despite existing sanctions, the criminal activity in the oil sector continues to thrive. It's important for international authorities to step up enforcement and regulation to stop this dangerous trade.

Beijing appears to warn it could intercept Evergreen ships transporting HIMARS to Taiwan, in war or peace.

Pekingnology • 150 implied HN points • 02 Jan 26
🌍 World Politics China Taiwan Military Maritime Security Diplomacy
  1. China signaled it might intercept and seize civilian cargo ships carrying HIMARS or other military supplies, and presented such actions as lawful both in wartime and peacetime.
  2. The warning was unusually specific and was pushed through multiple official channels — coast guard and PLA posters, state media, and a foreign affairs account — making the scenario explicitly highlighted.
  3. Because that specific message may not have registered widely outside Chinese-language outlets, there is an information gap that could increase the risk of miscalculation if an interception happens.

Europe's 2024 Resolution

Diane Francis • 1199 implied HN points • 15 Jan 24
🌍 World Politics Geopolitics International relations Military Affairs Foreign Policy Defense Strategy
  1. Europe is realizing the serious threat Russia poses, leading to stronger military support for Ukraine. Countries like Germany and the UK are stepping up with more weapons and defenses.
  2. Despite heavy losses, Ukraine is making gains and has the support of its allies. They believe that if they keep fighting, they can defeat Russia and reclaim their land.
  3. There's growing unity among European nations, and many are considering tough measures like seizing Russian assets to help Ukraine. Leaders are optimistic about ultimate victory against Russia's aggression.

Could the world BE more fucked up?

So Here’s a Thing • 1828 implied HN points • 05 Nov 23
🌍 World Politics Israel Palestine Gun Control Mass Shootings Mental health
  1. The world is facing challenging, contentious, and seemingly unsolvable issues that need to be discussed to find solutions and understand different perspectives.
  2. The conflict between Israel and Gaza is heartbreaking, and it's important to show compassion for innocent lives affected by the atrocities committed by power-hungry individuals.
  3. The debate around gun control in the United States is complex, emotional, and requires open conversations to find common ground and work towards addressing the root problems.

Putin's 143 Million Prisoners

Diane Francis • 1139 implied HN points • 22 Jan 24
🌍 World Politics International relations Conflict Studies Political Movements Government Systems Human Rights
  1. Putin's control over Russia is strong, but many Russians are unhappy with the war and rising costs of living. Polls show support for the war is dropping as more people face tough times.
  2. There's a growing anti-war movement, especially from the families of soldiers. These women are protesting in quiet ways and bringing attention to the high casualty rates in the military.
  3. Despite seeming powerful, Putin faces challenges from within Russia. Discontent among the public and elite feuds could threaten his ability to maintain control.

Matti Friedman: A Siren. And a New Middle East.

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 1307 implied HN points • 13 Jun 25
🌍 World Politics Middle East Conflict International relations Military Security
  1. Israelis are used to hearing sirens that warn them about incoming rocket attacks, which happen pretty often.
  2. Recently, a siren sounded, but this time it meant something different, highlighting a shift in the situation.
  3. The ongoing conflict in the Middle East has been intense, especially since the regional war started in October 2023.

Get the “Chinese Trump” to the White House

Pekingnology • 169 implied HN points • 27 Dec 25
🌍 World Politics Bilateral Relations Diplomacy Soft Power Media Cultural Exchange
  1. Ryan Chen's January U.S. trip is a rare chance for a low-risk, high-reach, de-politicised media moment that could be staged as a short, tightly managed meet-and-greet.
  2. Chen's persona deliberately avoids policy and mainstream outlets have already profiled him, which lowers the chance the encounter would become a serious diplomatic symbol.
  3. A playful, photo-ready meeting could humanize U.S.-China narratives and generate the short clips and headlines Trump values, so organizers would gain outsized attention for little strategic cost.

Is a huge war coming? US bombs Yemen, Iraq & Syria. Israel bombs Gaza & Lebanon. Both threaten Iran.

Geopolitical Economy Report • 1136 implied HN points • 21 Jan 24
🌍 World Politics Middle East conflicts
  1. The US and Israel are involved in multiple conflicts in the Middle East, targeting countries like Yemen, Iraq, Syria, Gaza, Lebanon, and threatening Iran, potentially leading to a larger regional war.
  2. The US military actions in Yemen, Iraq, and Syria, as well as Israel's attacks on Syria and Lebanon, are escalating tensions and risking broader conflicts in the region.
  3. Some officials in the US and Israeli governments are openly advocating for a war with Iran, leading to increased threats and potential hostilities in the region.

China is ‘world’s sole manufacturing superpower’, with 35% of global output

Geopolitical Economy Report • 1056 implied HN points • 31 Jan 24
🌍 World Politics Manufacturing Economy Trade Industrialization Geopolitics
  1. China has become the world's top manufacturing power, accounting for 35% of global production.
  2. China's economic success is largely attributed to its state-led development model, with government-controlled enterprises and strategic policies.
  3. The US is heavily reliant on Chinese manufactured goods, making complete decoupling challenging and costly for both countries.

Celebration of a Nation

Not On Your Team, But Always Fair • 1100 implied HN points • 25 Jan 24
🌍 World Politics National Identity Citizenship Immigration
  1. Australia Day citizenship ceremonies are for immigrants to formalize their introduction to the country.
  2. The celebration of Australia's 1988 Bicentenary highlighted nation-building aspects despite controversies.
  3. Australian national identity and values are rooted in historical concepts like citizenship and democracy, contributing to national cohesion.

INSIDE TRUMP AND NETANYAHU’S MEETING ON IRAN

Seymour Hersh • 29 implied HN points • 19 Feb 26
🌍 World Politics Middle East Nuclear Weapons Military Strategy Diplomacy Intelligence Regime Change
  1. Benjamin Netanyahu made a hurried, urgent trip to Washington to meet President Trump on February 11, arriving without his wife as a sign of urgency.
  2. Israeli officials believe Iran smuggled as much as 440 kilograms of uranium enriched to about 60% into tunnels under the Isfahan nuclear site before US B-2 bombers struck three main facilities last June.
  3. The meeting put further attacks on Iran and even discussions of regime change on the table, with Netanyahu framing his position in moral terms drawn from Genesis.

Trump’s “help” offers Iranians far more pain

Aaron Mate • 106 implied HN points • 14 Jan 26
🌍 World Politics Foreign Policy Economic Sanctions Military Intervention Middle East Geopolitics
  1. Trump's 'help' to Iranians looks like threats of bombing and harsher economic pressure, not lifting sanctions, which would deepen suffering and raise costs more broadly.
  2. Longstanding US sanctions have crippled Iran's economy, shrinking the middle class and driving people into poverty, which helped spark the current protests over basic hardship and mismanagement.
  3. US and Israeli policy appears aimed at exploiting unrest to justify further military action and influence, risking more violence and leaving ordinary Iranians to absorb the pain.

US kills 4th UN call for peace in Gaza, helping Israel violate Hague's genocide ruling

Geopolitical Economy Report • 877 implied HN points • 22 Feb 24
🌍 World Politics Peace Genocide Weapons Atrocities Foreign Policy
  1. The US repeatedly vetoed UN Security Council resolutions calling for peace in Gaza, hindering efforts for a ceasefire and supporting Israel's actions.
  2. Despite an ICJ ruling in January ordering Israel to stop killing Palestinians, Israel has continued its deadly attacks on Gaza, with the US aiding by sending weapons.
  3. The war on Gaza by Israel has caused a devastating humanitarian crisis, with tens of thousands of Palestinians killed or injured, and international bodies like the EU criticizing the violence.

My Pacifist Grandfather Was Murdered by Iran. Here’s What the World Should Know.

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 1177 implied HN points • 22 Jun 25
🌍 World Politics International relations Conflict Studies Human Rights Foreign Policy Historical Analysis
  1. Albert Votaw was a passionate pacifist who dedicated his life to helping others through international aid work. He believed in peace and served his country in a non-military way during World War II.
  2. He had a rich life full of adventures, traveling the world with his family while working for USAID. His journey took him from post-war Europe to African nations and then to Lebanon.
  3. Albert's life tragically ended in 1983 when he was killed in Lebanon. His story highlights the dangers faced by those who work for peace and aid in conflict zones.

REVIEW: Curtis Ellis's Posthumous 'Pandemonium' Book is a Must Read for Chinese Communist Party Skeptics.

Raheem Kassam's Substack • 1985 implied HN points • 03 Mar 23
🌍 World Politics Global Strategy Foreign Policy Politicians Economic Impact
  1. Curtis Ellis's posthumous book 'Pandemonium' is essential for understanding the Chinese Communist Party.
  2. The book blames America's foreign policy for its relationship with the CCP.
  3. It sheds light on how the CCP manipulates its targets into unwittingly supporting its agenda.

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.

Greenland

Nemets • 194 implied HN points • 10 Dec 25
🌍 World Politics Geopolitics Sovereignty Colonialism Indigenous rights History
  1. Greenland's human history has been shaped by repeated migrations and climate change, with different Arctic peoples arriving, adapting, and sometimes disappearing as the environment warmed and cooled.
  2. Danish rule and 20th-century modernization brought infrastructure, trade, and political reforms but also introduced disease, forced sterilization programs, and lasting health and demographic problems for Greenlanders.
  3. Greenland's strategic location and rich natural resources have attracted major-power interest, creating a push-pull between foreign partners (notably the US and China) and dependence on Danish subsidies that fuels debate over independence.

A bunker of rare earths. No more Lightning. Pandemic security. Jakarta's growth.

Chartbook • 157 implied HN points • 18 Dec 25
🌍 World Politics Geopolitics Security Trade Resources Public Health Urbanization Development
  1. Countries are building secure stockpiles of rare earth minerals, underscoring their strategic importance for technology and defense.
  2. A program or product called "Lightning" is being ended, signaling a shift away from that specific technology or platform.
  3. Pandemic security is a major policy concern, and Jakarta is experiencing notable economic and urban growth that matters for planning and development.

There Is Only One Way Out of This

Discourse Blog • 1926 implied HN points • 09 Oct 23
🌍 World Politics Middle East Conflict Human Rights Colonialism Occupation
  1. The violence in Palestine and Israel is directly linked to Israel's occupation, killings, and apartheid state.
  2. All human rights organizations concluded Israel is an apartheid state that systematically oppresses Palestinians.
  3. The only solution to end the violence and conflict is for Israel to end the occupation, apartheid state, and blockade of Gaza.

Just What Do Trump's "Trade Deals" Consist of? Nothing

Brad DeLong's Grasping Reality • 261 implied HN points • 19 Nov 25
🌍 World Politics Trade policy Foreign Policy Geopolitics Supply Chains Diplomacy Southeast Asia
  1. These so‑called trade "deals" are mostly PR and consultation clauses without independent dispute resolution, so they don’t create binding commitments or stop arbitrary unilateral actions.
  2. Countries like Malaysia sign to protect market access and get advance warning, but they simultaneously diversify and derisk by keeping ties with China and other partners instead of fully aligning with the U.S.
  3. Because these agreements don’t provide long‑term certainty, they erode foreign confidence in the U.S. and risk hurting American strategic and economic interests unless replaced by stable institutions and enforceable mechanisms.

Exposed: US DEA used criminals to spy on, destabilize Venezuela, Mexico, Bolivia

Geopolitical Economy Report • 956 implied HN points • 06 Feb 24
🌍 World Politics Latin America
  1. The US DEA used criminals to spy on and destabilize left-wing governments in Venezuela, Mexico, and Bolivia.
  2. Undercover operatives were sent into Venezuela by the DEA to build drug-trafficking cases against the country's leadership.
  3. DEA meddling targeted leaders like Maduro, Morales, and López Obrador, collaborating with known criminals and engaging in sting operations.

Quick Update

Black Mountain Analysis • 1926 implied HN points • 08 Jun 23
🌍 World Politics Geopolitics Conflict Negotiations Military Strategy
  1. The strategic analysis focuses on key figures in Russia and emphasizes the importance of interpreting their statements.
  2. Economic impacts of sanctions have led to reindustrialization in Russia and decreased unemployment rates.
  3. The ongoing conflict in Ukraine involves the destruction of the Ukrainian army and potential risks of further escalations and involvement of neighboring countries.

It's World War III

Diane Francis • 1678 implied HN points • 06 Nov 23
🌍 World Politics Geopolitics Conflict Diplomacy Security Foreign Policy
  1. The conflicts in Israel and Ukraine are seen as part of a larger world war driven by Russia. Putin's actions are creating unrest globally, not just in those regions.
  2. Russia uses various tactics, including hybrid warfare, to destabilize nations and influence events. This includes supporting groups like Hamas and using misinformation.
  3. A unified global response is necessary to counter Russia's influence. Without international cooperation, the ongoing conflicts and instability will persist.