The hottest World Politics Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top World Politics Topics

World roundup: October 24 2023

Foreign Exchanges • 668 implied HN points • 25 Oct 23
🌍 World Politics Middle East Asia Africa Europe Americas
  1. A study suggests significant glacier melting in western Antarctica is likely unavoidable due to warming ocean water.
  2. Issues in the Israel-Palestine conflict continue, with Gazan casualties increasing and international calls for a ceasefire facing opposition.
  3. The Biden administration accuses Iran of facilitating recent attacks on US military personnel in Iraq and Syria, leading to increased surveillance activities.

US pressures Saudi Arabia to sell oil in dollars, not Chinese yuan, amid Israel negotiations

Geopolitical Economy Report • 717 implied HN points • 13 Aug 23
🌍 World Politics Oil trade China relations
  1. The US is pressuring Saudi Arabia to continue pricing its oil in dollars, not Chinese yuan, as part of negotiations involving Israel.
  2. The petrodollar system plays a key role in maintaining the hegemony of the US dollar, ensuring steady demand for the currency worldwide.
  3. Saudi Arabia's relationship with China is strengthening, leading to discussions about potentially selling oil in yuan, which could impact global economic dynamics.

Russia leaves neoliberal West to join World Majority - Economists Radhika Desai and Michael Hudson explain

Geopolitical Economy Report • 717 implied HN points • 20 Apr 23
🌍 World Politics Geopolitics International relations Neoliberalism Global South
  1. Russia is turning away from the West and moving towards integration with the 'World Majority' in the Global South.
  2. There is a shift towards a multipolar world order, with countries like China and Russia promoting a move away from Western finance capitalism towards a more socialist global majority.
  3. Keynes' proposals for a new international financial system, including bancor and International Clearing Union, are being revisited by China and show a push away from the dominance of the US dollar.

The Next Sinister Stage of Ethnic Cleansing in Gaza

Pen>Sword • 579 implied HN points • 20 Nov 23
🌍 World Politics Ethnic Cleansing Genocide Humanitarian Aid Refugees International Law
  1. Israeli military violence in Gaza has led to a landscape conducive to ethnic cleansing. Genocide and ethnic cleansing, while related, have distinct focuses – people vs. land.
  2. The destruction of hospitals and medical infrastructure in Gaza is a central component of the ethnic cleansing program, forcing Palestinians to flee due to lack of healthcare.
  3. Israel's promotion of 'voluntary migration' of Palestinians from Gaza is deceptive and a direct consequence of genocidal violence, aiming to push Palestinians out of their land against their will.
Get a weekly roundup of the best Substack posts, by hacker news affinity:

China report excoriates 'US hegemony', war crimes, CIA coups, 400 foreign interventions

Geopolitical Economy Report • 777 implied HN points • 25 Feb 23
🌍 World Politics Political Military Economic Cultural
  1. The Chinese government criticized US hegemony and its destructive impacts around the world.
  2. China highlighted the US history of violence and expansion through military means, including hundreds of interventions and wars since independence.
  3. The report also addressed the economic, technological, and cultural aspects of US hegemony, pointing out coercive tactics and manipulation in various fields.

The Demise of the Liberal International Order and the Return of Great Power Rivalry

Glenn’s Substack • 99 implied HN points • 10 Jun 24
🌍 World Politics International relations Geopolitics Power Dynamics Conflict Studies Diplomacy
  1. The liberal international order is in decline, which means the traditional alliances and cooperation among countries are weakening. This shift is leading to more competition between powerful nations.
  2. The situation in Ukraine has escalated, showing how tensions between countries are rising and affecting global stability. This is a sign that countries are prioritizing their own interests over collaboration.
  3. The future of US-European relations is uncertain as old partnerships are tested. There's a growing need for these nations to rethink their strategies for dealing with one another and the new world dynamics.

Devant la guerre

Global Inequality and More 3.0 • 1087 implied HN points • 05 Dec 24
🌍 World Politics International relations War Studies Historical Analysis Political theory Peace Studies
  1. E. H. Carr's book highlights how the international system can be unfair and lead to conflict. He sees similar patterns in past events and today's world.
  2. Carr argues that for peace to last, stronger nations need to share power and resources with weaker ones. If they don't, it creates resentment and can eventually lead to war.
  3. The current situation with Russia shows parallels to what happened with Germany before World War II. Both situations involved dissatisfied powers that used force to change their circumstances.

Connecting the Dots this Week: Vanessa Beeley, Cynthia Chung and Dr. Aaron Good

Matt Ehret's Insights • 393 implied HN points • 20 Jan 24
🌍 World Politics Geopolitics Energy Policy
  1. Upcoming radio show with Vanessa Beeley, Cynthia Chung, and Dr. Aaron Good discussing geopolitics, energy policy, and inside jobs.
  2. Past shows include interviews with historian Anton Chaitkin and Space Commune's Alex Dimitrios, available online.
  3. Additional documentaries and work available on platforms like Amazon and Canadian Patriot.

Asia's Great Power Wars

ChinaTalk • 815 implied HN points • 13 Feb 25
🌍 World Politics International relations Geopolitics Historical context Conflict resolution
  1. East Asian countries have a long history of peaceful coexistence, unlike Europe, where wars were common. They managed to build relationships based on respect and understanding, even with power imbalances.
  2. Many conflicts in East Asia were driven by internal issues rather than outside threats. Most dynasties fell because of internal problems, showing that the real danger often comes from within rather than from other nations.
  3. The idea that smaller nations have to band together against a bigger power like China isn't always true. East Asian countries often engage with China on their own terms, navigating relationships carefully without treating it as a direct threat.

Russian Revisionism

Diane Francis • 699 implied HN points • 18 Sep 23
🌍 World Politics Geopolitics Disinformation Conflict International relations History
  1. Russia has a long history of spreading misinformation to hide the truth about its actions and policies. This dishonesty is a key part of its government strategy.
  2. Two major false narratives are currently promoted by Russia: one is that it is a great empire deserving of pride, and the other is that Ukraine is not a real country invaded by Russia for noble reasons.
  3. Disinformation tactics include tailoring messages to different groups and undermining Ukraine's efforts, showing how Russia manipulates information to divert blame and distract from its own wrongdoings.

Bulls and bears: a nuclear update

Everything is Light • 373 implied HN points • 26 Jan 24
🌍 World Politics Energy Nuclear Renewables Trade Policy
  1. Energy security is a global concern and nuclear energy is crucial for societal progress.
  2. Many countries are investing in expanding nuclear energy generation, with significant projects underway in Asia, Europe, and North America.
  3. Despite past reservations, some nations like Japan and Italy are reconsidering nuclear power, while others like Denmark and Singapore are exploring options.

Freedom is not the preserve of the "Christian" West

Writing from London • 393 implied HN points • 18 Jan 24
🌍 World Politics Freedom West Trump Putin Christianity
  1. Freedom is not solely associated with the 'Christian' West.
  2. The clash of civilisations hypothesis linking Western Christianity to freedom has been disproven in the age of Trump and Putin.
  3. The Russian invasion of Ukraine challenges the idea of the West as Christendom and exposes threats from Russia and evangelical Christian support for Trump.

Mexico's AMLO sent Biden letter blasting US 'interventionism' and funding of opposition groups

Geopolitical Economy Report • 697 implied HN points • 10 May 23
🌍 World Politics Interventionism Regime Change Opioid Crisis
  1. Mexico's President AMLO criticized US 'interventionism' and funding opposition groups, feeding tension between the two countries.
  2. CIA-associated organizations like USAID have a history of supporting right-wing opposition groups in various countries to challenge governments that challenge US foreign policy interests.
  3. AMLO advocates for cooperation and friendship in US-Mexico relations, opposing far-right US politicians who push for military intervention in Mexico over issues like drug trafficking.

South Africa accuses Israel of genocide

A Lawyer Writes • 412 implied HN points • 11 Jan 24
🌍 World Politics Israel South Africa International Court of Justice Genocide
  1. South Africa is asking the International Court of Justice to order Israel to halt military operations in Gaza and stop harming Palestinian civilians.
  2. Israel's Prime Minister stated that they are fighting Hamas terrorists, not the Palestinian population, and are complying with international law.
  3. The legal action includes detailed interim measures being sought by South Africa, with the court hearing taking place in The Hague.

What exactly is South Africa getting from its diplomatic dalliance with Russia and other BRICS states?

An Africanist Perspective • 692 implied HN points • 27 May 23
🌍 World Politics Diplomacy Geopolitics International relations Foreign Policy
  1. South Africa's exclusion from the G7 Summit suggests a decline in its global influence and ability to engage as a middle power.
  2. Historically, South Africa missed opportunities to establish itself as a key player in Africa, affecting its ability to leverage regional influence.
  3. To enhance its geopolitical position, South Africa can focus on building strong continental partnerships, particularly in sectors like trade, security, and climate issues.

Cellular Walkie-Talkies.

News Items • 412 implied HN points • 09 Jan 24
🌍 World Politics Global Economy Economic Impact East Asia Global Trade
  1. War over Taiwan would have a significant cost in blood and treasure, surpassing previous global crises like the war in Ukraine and Covid pandemic.
  2. A conflict in Taiwan would devastate its economy by around 40%, impacting other major economies like China and the US.
  3. The global GDP would suffer a significant 10.2% decline, with countries like South Korea and Japan most affected.

Party reform plan; Central Social Work Department 中央社会工作部; Qin Gang speaks with Ukraine FM; TikTok

Sinocism • 687 implied HN points • 16 Mar 23
🌍 World Politics Reform Financial system International relations
  1. A reform plan involving new Party bodies has been introduced to better control key parts of the system.
  2. The Central Financial Work Committee will impact the financial system, focusing on reducing corruption.
  3. The creation of the Central Commission for Science and Technology raises concerns about science and technology collaborations with other countries.

Strategic Blindness

The Cosmopolitan Globalist • 21 implied HN points • 25 Jan 26
🌍 World Politics Geopolitics Security Alliances Intelligence Strategy Foreign Policy Institutions
  1. Intelligence often exists but leaders fail to act because they expect certainty, stick to predecided plans, and worry more about political optics than reality.
  2. Institutions that rely on outdated models—the 'Maginot mindset'—become brittle and can’t adapt to new forms of attack or surprise, so material strength alone is not enough.
  3. Weakening alliances, the dollar’s long-term status, and sustained gray‑zone pressure show that hard power used transactionally backfires; democracies need to shift from top‑down control to enabling distributed, adaptive responses.

WHAT IS TRUMP’S GAMBIT IN VENEZUELA?

Seymour Hersh • 41 implied HN points • 08 Jan 26
🌍 World Politics Geopolitics Foreign Policy International Security Energy Politics U.S. Policy Latin America
  1. The Venezuela operation wasn’t just about ousting Maduro — it aimed to cut China off from cheap Venezuelan oil and weaken rivals’ access to energy.
  2. Top U.S. officials framed the action as a superpower prerogative, saying the U.S. can set the rules in its hemisphere and enforce embargoes to control resources.
  3. This approach traces back to a Cheney-era energy strategy, showing the move is driven by long-standing energy geopolitics and could be used next against other suppliers like Iran.

What Xi Believes

ChinaTalk • 919 implied HN points • 10 Jan 25
🌍 World Politics Chinese 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.

Appeasement at Munich

Thinking about... • 775 implied HN points • 14 Feb 25
🌍 World Politics International relations Conflict Studies Military History Diplomacy Geopolitics
  1. History shows that appeasing aggressors can lead to greater conflicts. Just like in 1938, giving in can make things worse in the long run.
  2. Ukraine’s resistance has changed the situation. By fighting back, they have prevented further aggression and have kept a major conflict from escalating.
  3. If the U.S. supports appeasement, it risks creating a stronger aggressor. A Russian victory over Ukraine could lead to more wars and even nuclear threats in the future.

Coalition of the Starvers

Séamus Malekafzali • 456 implied HN points • 15 Jan 24
🌍 World Politics Yemen Military conflict Humanitarian Crisis
  1. The US and UK targeted Yemeni territory held by the Houthi-led government to stop a blockade in the Red Sea.
  2. The Houthi movement in Yemen aims to pressure Israel to stop the genocide in Gaza and lift the blockade on the Gaza Strip.
  3. There is frustration in reporting on the Yemen conflict, with many not fully understanding the context and goals of the actions in the Red Sea.

Global Risks Report 2024

AI Supremacy • 334 implied HN points • 07 Feb 24
🌍 World Politics Global Risks Geopolitical Conflicts AI
  1. The Global Risks Report 2024 provides insights from various leaders and explores severe risks to economies over the next two and ten years due to governance systems being stretched.
  2. Some top global risks for 2024 include China's debt crisis, conflicts in the Middle East, potential banking crises in the U.S., and mismanagement of AI in military applications.
  3. The World Economic Forum highlights environmental threats, societal polarization, cyber insecurity, and economic challenges as key risks from 2024 to 2034.

A New World Order

Diane Francis • 679 implied HN points • 14 Sep 23
🌍 World Politics Geopolitics Global Governance International relations
  1. A new global order is forming as powers like India and Saudi Arabia are stepping up, while Russia and China face challenges. This shift is changing how countries interact in the world.
  2. The G20 is evolving to include more voices from the Global South, especially after the African Union joined. This hints at a more balanced power dynamic in global discussions.
  3. India has been gaining influence, showing its potential as a leader for developing nations. It's boosting its economy and connections, moving ahead with significant projects like the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor.

Issue #1: Changing Greece

The Greek Analyst • 679 implied HN points • 28 Jul 23
🌍 World Politics Economic Development Legislation Investments Innovation
  1. Greece is seeing positive changes such as opening voting to its diaspora, a booming stock market, and substantial investments in startups and businesses.
  2. The maritime tech sector in Greece is experiencing growth, with acquisitions, expansions, and new investments indicating a promising future for the industry.
  3. The circular economy is becoming popular in Greece, with the launch of impact funds, international conferences, and government strategies focusing on sustainability.

China & Russia pledge 'changes not seen in 100 years': Xi & Putin take aim at US dollar hegemony

Geopolitical Economy Report • 677 implied HN points • 26 Mar 23
🌍 World Politics Geopolitics Trade Peace talks
  1. China & Russia are challenging US dollar hegemony by promoting trade in yuan and national currencies
  2. Bilateral trade between China and Russia is rapidly growing, hitting record highs and expected to surpass $200 billion in 2023
  3. Russia is expanding energy cooperation with China, exemplified by projects like the Power of Siberia gas pipeline

US Congress plots to save dollar dominance amid global de-dollarization rebellion

Geopolitical Economy Report • 677 implied HN points • 28 Jun 23
🌍 World Politics Geopolitics Global Economy International relations Financial system
  1. The US Congress held a hearing about the global movement toward de-dollarization, with concerns over challenges from China and Russia to the US financial system dominance.
  2. Lawmakers discussed how aggressive US sanctions weakened dollar dominance, pushing countries to seek alternative financial systems.
  3. Experts highlighted the economic benefits of the dollar's dominance, like lower borrowing costs and savings for the US economy, while warning about potential threats.

West vs the rest: World opposes sanctions, only US & Europe support them

Geopolitical Economy Report • 677 implied HN points • 09 Apr 23
🌍 World Politics Sanctions International Law Human Rights
  1. The UN Human Rights Council voted overwhelmingly to condemn sanctions, with only the US, UK, EU member states, Georgia, and Ukraine expressing support for unilateral coercive measures.
  2. Sanctions, violating international law, have a negative impact on human rights, especially affecting vulnerable populations like women, children, the elderly, and persons with disabilities.
  3. Global opposition against sanctions, with the majority of UN member states standing against unilateral coercive measures, demonstrates a clear West versus the rest divide in international relations.

Debunked: Media falsely claims China is building spy base in Cuba

Geopolitical Economy Report • 677 implied HN points • 18 Jun 23
🌍 World Politics China Cuba Diplomatic Relations
  1. The Pentagon confirmed that the media story of China building a spy base in Cuba is false, debunking claims made by anonymous US intelligence officials.
  2. China and Cuba denounced the false reports of a spy base as part of US spy agency information warfare to sabotage diplomacy and demonize them.
  3. The Pentagon's concern about the US losing a potential war with China, highlighted in recent war games, adds complexity to the information war waged on China by US intelligence agencies.

What Venezuela Means

KERFUFFLE • 35 implied HN points • 04 Jan 26
🌍 World Politics Sovereignty International Law Military Intervention Geopolitics Foreign Policy Diplomacy Security
  1. International rules that limit war and protect state sovereignty are fragile but crucial; giving them up risks more violence and lawlessness.
  2. Those who cheer the end of a rules-based order underestimate how quickly that leads to a darker world where the strong oppress the weak.
  3. The recent military attack on Venezuela is a warning sign that this shift is happening, and people in safer countries shouldn't assume they're insulated.