The hottest World Politics Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top World Politics Topics

The age of assassins

Wrong Side of History β€’ 384 implied HN points β€’ 09 Jul 25
🌍 World Politics Terrorism Extremism Migration National Security Cultural Identity
  1. The rise of homegrown terrorism in Britain became evident after the suicide bombings in London, which highlighted the alienation of some young Muslim men.
  2. Mohammad Sidique Khan and his associates became radicalized despite being involved in community activities, showing how easily individuals can be influenced by extremist ideologies.
  3. The bombings marked a shift in public awareness about domestic threats, as people began to fear that suicide attacks might be a regular occurrence in Britain.
Get a weekly roundup of the best Substack posts, by hacker news affinity:

'World becoming more multipolar', Western hegemony declining, admits European Central Bank

Geopolitical Economy Report β€’ 757 implied HN points β€’ 22 Apr 23
🌍 World Politics Geopolitics Hegemony Global South
  1. Western hegemony is declining as the world shifts towards a more multipolar geopolitical landscape.
  2. European Central Bank President Christine Lagarde acknowledged the rise of China and the decline of US dollar hegemony.
  3. The US dollar system has negatively impacted the Global South, undervaluing currencies and creating financial crises.

Israel's Real Existential Threat

Diane Francis β€’ 699 implied HN points β€’ 26 Oct 23
🌍 World Politics Middle East Geopolitics Humanitarian Terrorism International relations
  1. Israel is facing a severe humanitarian crisis in Gaza after its military actions, causing widespread destruction and displacement of civilians. Many worry this could escalate the conflict and create a larger regional war.
  2. Iran and Russia are seen as key players in stirring conflict in the Middle East, with their actions indirectly putting pressure on Israel and its neighbors.
  3. Israel's approach to its military defense has led to backlash and a perception of double standards, affecting its relationships with neighboring countries and global opinion.

Yes, Biden broke a promise. And it's okay.

The Land Desk β€’ 432 implied HN points β€’ 16 Jan 24
🌍 World Politics Public Lands Energy Climate change Environmental Policy
  1. Biden has made some questionable decisions regarding public lands and energy, but he has also protected certain lands from fossil fuel energy development.
  2. Biden did not fulfill his promise to end oil and gas drilling on public lands, but he has taken significant actions to protect certain federal lands and reduce emissions.
  3. Judging politicians solely on promises kept or broken may not be productive; evaluating their policies and actions is more important.

President von der Leyen's WEF Speech Shows She Will Never Let a Good Crisis Go to Waste

THE FREEDOM BLOG β€’ 412 implied HN points β€’ 21 Jan 24
🌍 World Politics Geopolitics European Union Global Cooperation Censorship Disinformation
  1. President von der Leyen emphasizes the need for businesses and governments to collaborate in addressing the risks of misinformation and disinformation.
  2. The fight against misinformation should consider that it comes from various sources and political biases, not just easily identified malicious actors.
  3. Caution should be exercised in handing over internet regulation to a political elite, as it may lead to power grabs disguised as cooperation.

Economic solutions: How to go from financialized neoliberalism to a productive, sustainable economy

Geopolitical Economy Report β€’ 358 implied HN points β€’ 09 Feb 24
🌍 World Politics Financial system
  1. The discussion highlighted realistic alternatives to the neoliberal model of financialization and tangible policies to foster a productive, sustainable economy.
  2. A central idea was the need to reform the financial system to redirect lending towards sustainable production instead of predatory lending and speculation.
  3. The proposed economic solutions included transforming the financial system away from predatory practices, redesigning taxation to focus on economic rent, nationalizing land to eliminate rent, and implementing international currency systems focused on economic balance and stability.

South Korea Steps Up

Diane Francis β€’ 779 implied HN points β€’ 14 Aug 23
🌍 World Politics International relations Military Affairs Geopolitics Conflict Studies Diplomacy
  1. South Korea has increased its support for Ukraine, marking a significant shift in its international stance. This is partly due to South Korea's own history of being affected by Russian aggression during the Korean War.
  2. The country has been exporting military supplies to Ukraine and is officially joining its alliance, showcasing its readiness to confront threats from North Korea and Russia.
  3. A South Korean soldier, Sgt Kim Jae-kyung, has actively campaigned for support of Ukraine, reminding people that South Korea received help from many nations in its own time of need.

World roundup: January 26 2024

Foreign Exchanges β€’ 393 implied HN points β€’ 27 Jan 24
🌍 World Politics Israel-Palestine United Nations Genocide Humanitarian Aid International Law
  1. The United Nations' International Court of Justice issued a ruling in the genocide case brought by South Africa against Israel, requiring Israel to prevent genocidal acts in Gaza.
  2. The ruling also obliges Israeli leaders to prevent and punish incitement to genocidal acts, ensure delivery of basic services and humanitarian aid to civilians in Gaza.
  3. Israeli government must comply with the court's rulings, prevent evidence destruction, and allow investigators access to Gaza, submitting a report within one month.

Turkey's Russia

Diane Francis β€’ 939 implied HN points β€’ 03 Jul 23
🌍 World Politics Geopolitics International relations Regional conflicts Military Affairs
  1. Ramzan Kadyrov, a leader in Chechnya, has shown loyalty to Putin but could also cause trouble in the North Caucasus region. His past actions and armed forces make him a figure to watch closely.
  2. The North Caucasus is home to many non-Russian people who have faced harsh treatment. As Russia weakens, there could be movements for independence in this area.
  3. Many people in the North Caucasus are unhappy with Russia's military actions, especially since they have lost many young men in the conflict. This growing resentment might lead to changes in the region soon.

Biden bombs Yemen so Israel can bomb Gaza

Speaking Security β€’ 393 implied HN points β€’ 26 Jan 24
🌍 World Politics Conflict Military Humanitarian Diplomacy International relations
  1. Biden is bombing Yemen in response to attacks by the Houthi movement disrupting global shipping.
  2. An easy solution to the crisis would be for Biden to end Israel's military offensive with a single phone call.
  3. The ongoing bombings in Yemen by the US-backed coalition and Biden's actions are deemed cruel and ineffective.

US woos India's far-right PM Modi to help wage new cold war on China

Geopolitical Economy Report β€’ 737 implied HN points β€’ 24 Jun 23
🌍 World Politics Geopolitics Diplomacy Foreign Relations International Organizations Global Economy
  1. The US is seeking India's help in forming an alliance against China, even though India's Prime Minister Modi has links to far-right Hindu-supremacist groups.
  2. Modi's BJP party and regime in India have a history of inciting violence against minorities and undermining left-wing activism.
  3. The US aims to use India to weaken the BRICS bloc and isolate China and Russia, with efforts to sway India away from its traditional non-aligned foreign policy.

US legally owes Nicaragua reparations, but still refuses to honor 1986 Int'l Court of Justice ruling

Geopolitical Economy Report β€’ 737 implied HN points β€’ 29 Jun 23
🌍 World Politics US Relations International Law United Nations Reparations
  1. The United States legally owes Nicaragua reparations per a 1986 International Court of Justice ruling, but has yet to honor it, leading to the Nicaraguan government demanding action from the UN.
  2. The US conducted a terror war against Nicaragua's Sandinista government by arming Contras and destabilizing the nation, showcasing a history of US interventions, attacks, and economic blockades on Nicaragua.
  3. Despite the US boycotting the ICJ case and Nicaragua discontinuing proceedings in 1991, Nicaragua still holds the right to demand reparations as per the court's ruling, emphasizing the legal obligation of the US to pay the debt.

Why has fertility plummeted across East Asia?

The Great Gender Divergence β€’ 412 implied HN points β€’ 19 Jan 24
🌍 World Politics Education Gender Equality Cultural Evolution Economic Development
  1. Meritocratic civil service exams in East Asia led to heavy investment in education for social mobility.
  2. Education fever in East Asia sparked an arms race of intensive parenting, seen as costly and labor-intensive.
  3. Cultural liberalization and economic development in East Asia have weakened the pressure to bear multiple sons, leading to plummeting fertility rates.

Why does the US support Israel? A geopolitical analysis with economist Michael Hudson

Geopolitical Economy Report β€’ 617 implied HN points β€’ 13 Nov 23
🌍 World Politics Geopolitics Middle East International relations Foreign Policy Global Economy
  1. US support for Israel is primarily driven by geopolitical strategies and control over the Middle East region.
  2. The US sees Israel as a military base to exert control over oil reserves in the Middle East and maintain dominance in the global economy.
  3. Historical parallels can be drawn between the Crusades and current US strategies in the Middle East, indicating power struggles for oil resources and global control.

USA vs the world: Blockade on Cuba opposed by 97% of countries at UN

Geopolitical Economy Report β€’ 637 implied HN points β€’ 07 Nov 23
🌍 World Politics Geopolitics United Nations Sovereignty Human Rights
  1. The United States' embargo against Cuba is opposed by 97% of countries at the United Nations, with only Israel in support and Ukraine abstaining.
  2. The US has maintained a blockade against Cuba for over 60 years, with the goal of causing 'hunger, desperation, and overthrow of government'. This embargo costs Cuba an estimated $159 billion, roughly 150% of its GDP.
  3. Cuba suffers immense economic losses due to the US blockade, with $4.87 billion lost in just a year. The embargo directly harms the Cuban people and is considered a violation of human rights and an act of genocide by Cuba.

Top Links 774 One Big Beautiful Giveaway. How Turkish pistols conquered US markets. The Chinese legacy of Fischer-Tropsch. Haiti's escalating crisis & "where the bombs fall".

Chartbook β€’ 429 implied HN points β€’ 19 Jun 25
🌍 World Politics International relations Global Issues Geopolitics Conflict Crisis Management
  1. Turkish pistols have become popular in the U.S. market, showing how global trade can shift consumer preferences.
  2. The Fischer-Tropsch process has a significant connection to China, highlighting its impact on industry and energy production.
  3. Haiti is facing serious challenges, and the discussion around it includes concerns about the consequences of conflict.

Radioactive Living β€” with grand views of San Francisco!

Yasha Levine β€’ 727 implied HN points β€’ 27 Feb 23
🌍 World Politics Environmental Impact
  1. Treasure Island in San Francisco has a radioactive past due to experiments with radioactive materials and ships contaminated with nuclear fallout.
  2. The island's history includes training with real radioactive materials, raising concerns about radiation exposure for residents and construction workers.
  3. Despite the radioactive risks, major developments and construction projects are ongoing on Treasure Island, leading to concerns about the spread of radioactive dust to surrounding areas.

Nagorno-Karabakh update: September 21 2023

Foreign Exchanges β€’ 727 implied HN points β€’ 22 Sep 23
🌍 World Politics Conflict Ceasefire Diplomacy Atrocities International relations
  1. A new status quo in the south Caucasus region is emerging following recent events in Nagorno-Karabakh.
  2. A ceasefire has been declared between Azerbaijan and Karabakh, with Karabakh authorities agreeing to disarm their defense forces and remove Armenian military forces.
  3. Concerns about potential ethnic cleansing and the implications for Armenia's diplomatic relationships are key issues arising from the situation.

Ecuador's Gangster Warlords and the Murder of a Presidential Candidate

CrashOut by Ioan Grillo β€’ 727 implied HN points β€’ 10 Aug 23
🌍 World Politics Crime Violence Corruption Elections
  1. Ecuador's democracy is impacted by gang violence, including the recent assassination of a presidential candidate.
  2. Gangsters in Ecuador have evolved into powerful political players, involving themselves in activities like drug trafficking and extortion.
  3. Crime wars involving mafia networks and corrupt security forces threaten the political and social fabric of Latin American societies.

Applied Math Versus Cartels

CrashOut by Ioan Grillo β€’ 727 implied HN points β€’ 21 Sep 23
🌍 World Politics Cartels Mexico Violence Recruitment Organized Crime
  1. Cartels in Mexico are one of the top employers with a large number of recruits that need to be replaced constantly to maintain their operations.
  2. Reducing cartel recruitment is crucial in lowering violence in Mexico and preventing youths from joining these criminal organizations.
  3. Mathematical modeling can provide insights into understanding and addressing the complex issue of organized crime in Mexico.

The U.S. Pivot to Asia: Cold War Lessons from Vietnam for Today

Through A Glass Darkly β€’ 353 implied HN points β€’ 08 Feb 24
🌍 World Politics Cold War Vietnam CIA
  1. The U.S. utilized paramilitary activities and psy-ops in Vietnam as part of the Cold War strategy.
  2. The CIA and Pentagon worked closely together in clandestine activities, blurring the lines between military and covert operations.
  3. The heroin trade in Vietnam was manipulated by the CIA for geopolitical purposes, leading to addiction among U.S. soldiers.

World roundup: October 26 2023

Foreign Exchanges β€’ 668 implied HN points β€’ 27 Oct 23
🌍 World Politics Middle East Asia Africa Europe Americas
  1. UN Secretary-General formed a new panel for AI concerns and a conference for rainforest protection was held in Congo.
  2. Israeli military conducted significant raids in northern Gaza, leading to numerous casualties and destruction.
  3. US announced new military aid for Ukraine and a secret US military operation in Lebanon is putting American personnel at risk.

Cleverly avoids contempt proceedings

A Lawyer Writes β€’ 373 implied HN points β€’ 30 Jan 24
🌍 World Politics Legal issues Immigration Policies Judicial Review Public interest
  1. High Court judge refrained from launching contempt proceedings against the home secretary despite serious errors in handling an entry clearance application.
  2. Home secretary acknowledged major errors made in the case and offered a sincere apology to the applicant and the tribunal.
  3. Decision was made not to initiate contempt proceedings due to acknowledgment of breaches, apology, unintentional nature of breaches, and measures taken to prevent recurrence.