The hottest World Politics Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top World Politics Topics

Trump Is A Whiny Little Chicken Hawk.

C.O.P. Central Organizing Principle. β€’ 36 implied HN points β€’ 14 Jan 26
🌍 World Politics Geopolitics Foreign Policy Military Diplomacy Nuclear policy Sanctions
  1. Donald Trump is accused of secretly directing Ukrainian strikes, even attempts on Putin, and using US military and diplomatic channels to shape Western responses at the UN.
  2. Russia's Oreshnik missile is described as a game-changing conventional weapon that can surgically hit military targets, undermining nuclear deterrence and outpacing Western defenses.
  3. The West is portrayed as escalating the conflict with proxies, sanctions, and nuclear saber-rattling while repeating historical patterns of aggression, and the writer argues this approach is dangerous and that Trump must be removed to avoid disaster.

The Geopolitical Monopoly Board: Venezuela, Ukraine, Iran, Cuba, Greenland, Canada, Taiwan, Somalia, Minnesota and The Blob

Dr. Pippa's Pen & Podcast β€’ 45 implied HN points β€’ 14 Jan 26
🌍 World Politics Geopolitics Elections Foreign Policy Security Migration Energy Corruption
  1. Criminal networks in Latin America are increasingly moving into legitimate businesses, which could make it easier to earn money legally and help clean up regional economies.
  2. Exposed problems with Venezuelan voting systems are being used as evidence that outside actors manipulated elections, fueling claims that Western intervention shaped color revolutions and raising the risk of wider geopolitical conflict and resource-control moves.
  3. Allegations of large-scale fraud tied to Somali-run businesses in Minnesota claim billions were paid out and sent abroad, prompting federal investigations, political fallout, and broader concerns about systemic corruption and weakened trust in institutions.

The Air In Gaza Smells Like Corpses

Caitlin’s Newsletter β€’ 1606 implied HN points β€’ 08 Nov 24
🌍 World Politics Middle East Conflict Human Rights International relations News
  1. Gaza has a strong smell of death from the destruction and loss of life happening there. This image is powerful and haunting.
  2. The suffering in Gaza is connected to the wider state of the world, where we cannot escape the pain and consequences of war.
  3. Even as we try to move on in our daily lives, the horrors happening in places like Gaza stick with us, shaping our thoughts and feelings.

International Court of Justice Ruling: UN Security Council Talks, Doesn't Act; Next Steps at GA? Did Hamas Cease Rocket Attacks in Jan. Because of the ICJ Case?

husseini β€’ 471 implied HN points β€’ 31 Jan 24
🌍 World Politics
  1. The UN General Assembly could take actions against Israel like suspending participation or recommending economic sanctions.
  2. An International Criminal Tribunal could be set up for Israel to prosecute war crimes.
  3. Hamas's Qassam Brigades stopped firing at Tel Aviv after South Africa filed its ICJ application.

Western sanctions failing: EU imports more Russian gas, China beats US tech war

Geopolitical Economy Report β€’ 916 implied HN points β€’ 08 Sep 23
🌍 World Politics Sanctions Economic Warfare
  1. Western sanctions are backfiring as EU is importing Russian gas at record levels and China advances in tech despite US restrictions.
  2. Sanctions are seen as a key weapon in the new Cold War, but not all countries are equally affected - smaller nations suffer more than industrial giants like China and Russia.
  3. Despite US and EU sanctions, Europe is importing record amounts of Russian natural gas and China is excelling in high-tech chip production, showcasing the limitations and unintended consequences of sanctions.
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German leftist lawmaker says US soldiers and nukes must leave her country

Geopolitical Economy Report β€’ 916 implied HN points β€’ 01 Apr 23
🌍 World Politics International relations Military Nuclear Weapons Geopolitics
  1. German Left Party lawmaker Sevim Dağdelen called for US soldiers and nuclear weapons to leave Germany, emphasizing the need for a shift in the relationship with the US.
  2. Dağdelen addressed the Bundestag, highlighting concerns about US military bases in Germany operating as extraterritorial areas outside German law, and called for an end to this situation.
  3. She criticized Germany's alignment with US foreign policy decisions, such as supporting NATO actions in Ukraine and failing to condemn the US war of aggression in Iraq, calling for a more independent stance on international issues.

Mexico's Cartel Map 2024

CrashOut by Ioan Grillo β€’ 569 implied HN points β€’ 03 Jan 24
🌍 World Politics Cartels Mexico President Violence
  1. Cartels in Mexico are larger and more powerful than street gangs, controlling entire territories and influencing local governance.
  2. The division of cartels is analyzed in three levels: major transnational cartels, powerful regional cartels, and local cartels.
  3. Cartel control varies in intensity across different areas in Mexico, with some places experiencing more overt control while others have quieter, but still impactful, operations.

Is `Global Development' dead?

An Africanist Perspective β€’ 910 implied HN points β€’ 11 May 23
🌍 World Politics Global Development
  1. There is a critique on the slow death of global development, focusing on the failures of the Western establishment, missing the economic changes in developing countries since the 1980s.
  2. The piece discusses the problem of deagrarianization and deindustrialization in many low-income countries, emphasizing the importance of industrialization for economic development.
  3. The narrative of perpetual stagnation in Africa and elsewhere in the developing world is challenged by highlighting significant improvements in developmental outcomes in the last three decades.

China’s Rural Reform: A History Not Designed but Discovered

Pekingnology β€’ 113 implied HN points β€’ 03 Dec 25
🌍 World Politics Political Economy International relations Governance Policy Analysis
  1. China's rural reform was not planned but happened by chance. Farmers' actions led to changes that officials didn't expect.
  2. The reforms showed that farmers were the real drivers of change, as they started using new methods and stood up against outdated rules.
  3. Policymaking during this time was reactive and focused on listening to farmers instead of following strict plans. This helped create a more flexible and innovative agricultural system.

China Capitulates

Diane Francis β€’ 919 implied HN points β€’ 21 Aug 23
🌍 World Politics International relations Geopolitics Economic Policy Diplomatic Strategy
  1. China's economy is facing serious issues like high unemployment and a faltering currency, partly due to mistakes made by its government. It has realized that battling the U.S. economically is not a winning strategy.
  2. Historically, China has had a troubled relationship with Russia, and its current closeness to Moscow is hurting its ties with the West. To improve its situation, China is now working to distance itself from Russia and fix its foreign policy.
  3. China's leaders are trying to mend relations with the U.S. and other countries to strengthen their economy. This shift shows they understand the importance of cooperation instead of conflict.

We Should All Be Twice as Rich: All of Us, Every Single One

Welcome to Absurdistan β€’ 904 implied HN points β€’ 09 Jul 23
🌍 World Politics BRICS Climate change Economic Growth Marxism
  1. BRICS countries are setting an alternative to the U.S. dollar for world trade
  2. The de-growth agenda promoted by the West is rejected by countries like BRICS who prioritize growth and using resources for their people
  3. Environmental movements pushing for de-growth promote chaos, misery, and crime, leading to societal decline

I’m back, and asking: why shouldn’t Cambridge be the size of Bristol?

The Newsletter of (Not Quite) Everything β€’ 904 implied HN points β€’ 12 Jul 23
🌍 World Politics Urban planning Economy Housing policy Regional Development
  1. The idea of expanding cities like Cambridge to the size of Bristol is being considered for economic growth.
  2. Historically, English cities have transformed in size as economic conditions change, showing potential for growth.
  3. Challenges like housing affordability and lab space need to be addressed for cities like Cambridge to thrive as tech hubs.

Grooming gangs: the rape and pimping of vulnerable girls by men that escaped justice, and the myth that fascists cracked the case

Julie Bindel's podcasts and writing β€’ 904 implied HN points β€’ 05 Apr 23
🌍 World Politics Social Issues Media Coverage Ethnicity Sexual Abuse Racism
  1. The grooming gang issue involves the rape and pimping of vulnerable girls by men who often escape justice.
  2. The myth that fascists cracked the grooming gang cases is debunked, as it was survivors, former police, and advocates who exposed the atrocities.
  3. Ethnicity of perpetrators in grooming gangs is relevant, but not in the way racists claim; male violence towards females is the core issue.

Reform and Development of Global Governance; Xi meets Venezuelan President; EU to probe PRC EV subsidies; Apple and Tesla risks; No property tax on agenda

Sinocism β€’ 904 implied HN points β€’ 14 Sep 23
🌍 World Politics Global Governance China Europe United States Venezuela
  1. China proposes reforms for global governance, highlighting global security, sustainable development, human rights, and strengthening the U.N.
  2. China upgrades relations with Venezuela to a strategic partnership, signing cooperation deals related to the Belt and Road Initiative.
  3. The EU launches an investigation into potential subsidies for Chinese electric vehicles, which could impact German interests.

The Biggest Under-Reported Story of 2025

Phillips’s Newsletter β€’ 137 implied HN points β€’ 18 Nov 25
🌍 World Politics International relations Geopolitics Military Strategy Conflict Diplomacy
  1. China is increasing its support for Russia in the war, which could significantly impact the situation in Ukraine.
  2. Unlike Russia, China has the vast resources to supply weapons and support, making a prolonged conflict more likely.
  3. Under Donald Trump's presidency, US support for Ukraine has decreased, allowing China to step up its backing for Russia.

How America Can Use Sports Diplomacy to Promote Human Rights in the Gulf

The Liberal Patriot β€’ 511 implied HN points β€’ 16 Jan 24
🌍 World Politics Sports Human Rights Diplomacy Foreign Relations International cooperation
  1. Human rights in Gulf states shouldn't just be criticized, but strategically approached through sports diplomacy.
  2. The US should strengthen its ties between sports diplomacy and human rights to promote liberal values.
  3. Encouraging human rights through sports in Gulf countries can lead to substantive change and advancements in the region.

Commentator

Castalia β€’ 459 implied HN points β€’ 31 Jan 24
🌍 World Politics Middle East Iran relations US Foreign Policy Ukraine war
  1. The conflict between Israel and Hamas is now viewed as a proxy war between the U.S. and Iran, with rising tensions and escalating military actions on both sides. The focus is shifting towards political solutions as military options reach their limits.
  2. In Ukraine, there's a growing sentiment of 'Ukraine Fatigue' among Western supporters, but it's crucial to continue support because the war is tied to Ukraine's identity and survival as a nation against Russian aggression.
  3. There's a significant challenge in achieving a stable future for Gaza, where military leadership remains intact, and the humanitarian crisis continues. Any resolution will need to balance military actions with realistic political agreements.

The Folly of A War With Iran

The Chris Hedges Report β€’ 548 implied HN points β€’ 13 Jun 25
🌍 World Politics Geopolitics Military International relations Middle East Conflict
  1. A war with Iran could lead to severe consequences, as Iran has strong military alliances and resources, making it a tough opponent. It wouldn't be an easy conflict for Israel or the U.S.
  2. The potential conflict might not only distract from human rights issues in Gaza and the West Bank, but also escalate tensions in the entire region, possibly making alliances stronger between Iran, Russia, and China.
  3. Past military interventions have often resulted in unforeseen complications and long-term struggles. The belief that a quick military solution will work against Iran ignores the lessons learned from previous wars.

Biden's Cluster Munitions Blunder

Eunomia β€’ 884 implied HN points β€’ 07 Jul 23
🌍 World Politics Foreign Policy Human Rights Military International Law Allies
  1. Cluster munitions are inherently indiscriminate and pose a threat to civilians long after a war ends.
  2. Providing cluster munitions to Ukraine may lead to more harm than good, as they can maim and kill civilians and soldiers.
  3. Exporting cluster munitions contradicts previous condemnations of their use, creating political problems and potential hypocrisy.

The Philippines and the People's Republic at Center Stage with Ray Powell on Midrats

CDR Salamander β€’ 511 implied HN points β€’ 14 Jan 24
🌍 World Politics International relations Geopolitics National Security
  1. Serious developments are happening between The Philippines and the Peoples Republic of China in the Western Pacific.
  2. The Philippines is at the center of the main game in the Western Pacific.
  3. Ray Powell, with his extensive experience in the U.S. Air Force, is discussing the ongoing story between these two nations.

Ecuador's Gangster Insurgency

CrashOut by Ioan Grillo β€’ 511 implied HN points β€’ 14 Jan 24
🌍 World Politics Latin America Crime Television Propaganda
  1. Ecuador faced a gangster insurgency involving violent actions like seizing TV stations and kidnapping police officers.
  2. The gangsters used propaganda tactics like releasing videos to spread fear and intimidation among the public.
  3. The situation in Ecuador reflects a broader issue of crime wars in Latin America, with implications beyond its borders.

Xi Jinping, Emmanuel Macron & demographic β€œwarfare”

Laetitia@Work β€’ 491 implied HN points β€’ 20 Jan 24
🌍 World Politics Demographics Nationalism Gender Equality Economic Policies Social Impact
  1. Xi Jinping and Emmanuel Macron both urge their citizens to have more babies, but their approaches may fail.
  2. Discussions about birth rates should focus on essential issues like childcare, healthcare, and workplace equality.
  3. Boosting fertility involves supporting working mothers, fighting discrimination, and improving care infrastructures.

Talking With Elephants.

News Items β€’ 491 implied HN points β€’ 19 Jan 24
🌍 World Politics US Russia Iran Middle East China
  1. Only a third of Americans are willing to accept the results of the 2024 US election regardless of the outcome.
  2. AI-powered fake-detection software struggles to keep up with improving AI technology.
  3. Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg is leading efforts to create artificial general intelligence (AGI).

Top Links 809 About that dam in Tibet. Supermarketisation. The history of political arithmetic & China's "Five Major Homes".

Chartbook β€’ 400 implied HN points β€’ 24 Jul 25
🌍 World Politics Political History International relations Global Issues Political Economy Cultural Studies
  1. The post discusses a dam in Tibet, highlighting its significance and impact. It's an interesting look at how such projects can shape regions and communities.
  2. It mentions supermarketisation, which refers to the trend of making goods and services more widely available and accessible. This can change how people shop and interact with local businesses.
  3. The history of political arithmetic in China and its concept of 'Five Major Homes' is explored. This can help us understand China's governance and economic strategies better.

The Museveni Succession

An Africanist Perspective β€’ 732 implied HN points β€’ 13 Nov 23
🌍 World Politics Authoritarianism Succession
  1. Leaders in African countries face structural limits to their power and struggle to transform societies due to economic and social realities.
  2. Museveni's long tenure as Uganda's president has led to a decay in institutions, reliance on authoritarianism, and a failure to build a strong nation or economy.
  3. The succession dilemma in Uganda involves the options of a successor from outside the west, potential elite defections, or passing power to Museveni's son, each carrying different risks and implications.

Is Israel Committing "Genocide" in Gaza?

Murtaza Hussain β€’ 511 implied HN points β€’ 12 Jan 24
🌍 World Politics Israel Gaza Genocide International Law
  1. The term 'genocide' has a specific legal definition involving the deliberate destruction of a group or part of it.
  2. In the case of Israeli actions in Gaza, public statements from officials raise questions about intent and motive for the severe suffering inflicted.
  3. An ICJ ruling of genocide against Israel could have significant international consequences, with implications for legal actions against Israeli officials and diplomatic relations.

How Cartels Invaded Chiapas

CrashOut by Ioan Grillo β€’ 589 implied HN points β€’ 20 Dec 23
🌍 World Politics Cartels Crime Mexico Border
  1. Chiapas in Mexico is facing a serious crisis due to cartel invasions, leading to violence, instability, and control over various aspects of society.
  2. The presence of cartels in Chiapas has caused significant disruption to the local economy, especially impacting cross-border trade and migration routes.
  3. The government's absence and historical lack of strong presence in the region have allowed armed groups to flourish, leading to a complex web of power struggles and violence.

The Year Poverty Began To End

Β‘Do Not Panic! β€’ 864 implied HN points β€’ 29 Sep 23
🌍 World Politics Poverty Covid response Economic Inequality Climate Denial
  1. Poverty rates in the richest countries significantly declined from 2020 to 2021, with millions lifted out of poverty.
  2. Government interventions during the pandemic reduced food insecurity and homelessness in countries like the US, UK, and Canada.
  3. The pandemic highlighted how economic structures favor the rich, and how emergency situations can lead to transformative policy responses.

The New York Times Runs a Bad Article on Globalization

Drezner’s World β€’ 864 implied HN points β€’ 21 Jun 23
🌍 World Politics Globalization Inequality Ukraine China Cold War
  1. The New York Times article on globalization was criticized for lacking evidence and exaggerating vulnerabilities
  2. Globalization has contributed to reducing global inequality, particularly due to the economic rise of China
  3. Fears about the negative impacts of global supply chains during the pandemic were largely exaggerated

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

Common Sense with Bari Weiss β€’ 505 implied HN points β€’ 24 Jun 25
🌍 World Politics International relations Military Conflicts Middle East Diplomacy U.S. foreign policy
  1. Iran launched missiles at a U.S. military base in Qatar after the U.S. attacked Iranian nuclear sites. This act raised concerns about escalating military conflict in the region.
  2. Despite a ceasefire announcement by former President Trump, it was reported that Iran had not confirmed such an agreement and was considering further retaliation.
  3. U.S. officials were skeptical about Iran adhering to the ceasefire, expressing doubt that it would bring lasting peace and stability.

Bernard-Henri LΓ©vy: Europe Must Unite or Die

Common Sense with Bari Weiss β€’ 992 implied HN points β€’ 19 Feb 25
🌍 World Politics Europe U.S. Relations Security Military International Affairs
  1. Europe needs to become more self-reliant since the U.S. can no longer be counted on for support. This means taking responsibility for their own security and not relying on American assistance.
  2. There's a sense of urgency for European nations to unite in response to challenges like the conflict in Ukraine. If they don't come together, they're likely to face further aggression from Russia.
  3. Currently, Europe lacks a solid plan for long-term security and support for Ukraine, which shows a weakness in their response to current threats. More decisive actions are needed to prepare for the future.

NATO Escalation & Propaganda Take Us to War

Glenn’s Substack β€’ 119 implied HN points β€’ 10 Jun 24
🌍 World Politics International relations Military Strategy Propaganda Geopolitics Conflict Studies
  1. NATO's actions are escalating tensions, which could lead to war. It's important to understand how military alliances affect global peace.
  2. Propaganda plays a big role in shaping public opinion about war. People need to be critical of the information they receive.
  3. Dialogue and conversation are crucial to prevent misunderstandings. Clear communication can help avoid unnecessary conflict.