The hottest World Politics Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
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Your year-end China-watching test

Pekingnology • 49 implied HN points • 20 Dec 25
🌍 World Politics U.S. Politics Historical Narratives Nationalism Identity politics Media Propaganda
  1. Americans are split between two founding stories—1776 (independence and state sovereignty) and 1865 (Civil War, emancipation, and a stronger federal nation)—and that dispute drives a lot of contemporary political identity.
  2. Attempts to build an inclusive national narrative have sometimes sidelined the cultural identity and interests of the majority, producing policies and symbolic changes that many people see as unfair and alienating.
  3. History is a political tool: when alternative views are suppressed and majority grievances are ignored, it can fuel nationalist backlash and deepen social fracture.

"Pay No Attention To That Genocide Right In Front Of Your Face"

Caitlin’s Newsletter • 1909 implied HN points • 05 Mar 24
🌍 World Politics Genocide Propaganda Government Humanity Palestine
  1. The message from dominant institutions is to ignore the genocide happening right in front of us and focus on less urgent matters.
  2. There is a call to defy orders by refusing to divert attention away from atrocities like the genocide in Gaza, despite pressure to do so.
  3. The author emphasizes the importance of refusing to play along with the diversion tactics and continuing to pay attention to ongoing atrocities like the genocide committed by Israel.

Is a Peace Deal in Ukraine Possible?

John’s Substack • 7 implied HN points • 20 Feb 26
🌍 World Politics Geopolitics Diplomacy Security War Foreign Policy Great powers
  1. Two experts debated whether a peace agreement over the Ukraine war is possible, presenting sharply opposing views.
  2. One side argued a negotiated peace with Europe, Ukraine, and the US could be reached, while the other said no deal is possible and the war will be decided on the battlefield, ending in an armistice that creates a frozen conflict.
  3. The event measured audience opinion with a pre- and post-debate poll to see if views shifted, but the poll results were not disclosed.
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Upheaval in Bashkortostan Signals the Beginning of the End of Putin’s Russia

Glen’s Substack • 19 implied HN points • 05 Sep 24
🌍 World Politics Geopolitics Nationalism Protests Russian Politics Environmentalism
  1. The protests in Bashkortostan started over environmental issues but are now pushing for independence. People want their land protected and feel it needs to be part of their national identity.
  2. Ignoring the unrest in Bashkortostan could be a mistake. Just like in Estonia years ago, these movements can lead to significant changes in government power and national independence.
  3. Bashkortostan is in a strategic location with a diverse population, making it a vital area for potential independence movements. If the protests grow stronger, it could inspire other regions in Russia to seek their own freedom.

Realism without the Tragedy?

Taipology • 55 implied HN points • 29 Nov 25
🌍 World Politics Geopolitics War Studies International relations Political theory Conflict resolution
  1. War often comes from the rise of new powers, and resisting this change can lead to conflict. It's important for existing powers to find a way to incorporate rising powers into the order to avoid war.
  2. Honor, fear, and interest are the main reasons for war, not just economics. Clear communication about boundaries is crucial to prevent misunderstandings that can lead to major conflicts.
  3. Current leaders may lack the imagination to see the dangers of nuclear war. We must remember the lessons of the past and not underestimate the consequences of modern warfare.

The chokepoint behind America’s AI boom

Definite Optimism • 44 implied HN points • 16 Dec 25
🌍 World Politics Geopolitics Trade Defense Supply Chains Technology Resources Foreign Policy
  1. China controls the vast majority of rare-earth refining and high-performance magnet production, creating a strategic choke point for advanced tech supply chains.
  2. The US AI boom and recent economic growth depend heavily on these critical minerals, and Chinese export controls exposed how vulnerable the US and its allies are, forcing urgent policy shifts.
  3. Addressing this requires a large, sustained industrial push to rebuild mining, refining, and manufacturing capacity in the West — a one-day summit or small measures won’t be enough.

Putin’s high-stakes space gamble aims to bring the US to the table

Glen’s Substack • 19 implied HN points • 05 Sep 24
🌍 World Politics Geopolitics Military Affairs International relations
  1. Russia is planning to set up a new anti-satellite system, which could threaten U.S. space assets and communications. They might even use a nuclear weapon in space, which would disrupt electronics on a wide scale.
  2. Putin aims to control low Earth orbit because it's crucial for modern warfare and global communication. This control could help him negotiate better with the U.S. over arms talks.
  3. The U.S. should ignore Putin's threats and focus on improving its own space defenses. It's important for the U.S. to have a strong plan in space to counter Russia's ambitions.

Which court could try Putin?

A Lawyer Writes • 255 implied HN points • 08 Feb 24
🌍 World Politics International Law Global South
  1. The International Criminal Court cannot try Putin for the crime of aggression due to certain limitations.
  2. There is a push for the establishment of a strictly international tribunal to address justice for Putin's actions.
  3. Support for a new tribunal to try Putin has been shown by various international bodies, but challenges remain in the process.

SITREP

THREE SEVEN MAFIA • 1238 implied HN points • 22 Mar 23
🌍 World Politics Extremism
  1. Author is disengaging from social media due to content bans and drama
  2. Author focusing on long-form work like manuscripts and TV channel content
  3. The author sees their TV brand as a life's work and foundation for a vanguard movement

Weekend Listening: The Real Team America

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 2026 implied HN points • 03 Feb 24
🌍 World Politics Defense Terrorism National Security Leadership American Values
  1. There is growing concern over potential conflicts involving the U.S., China, Russia, and other nations, which could escalate into a global war.
  2. Many Americans, including influential figures like business leaders and journalists, are investing in innovative defense technologies to strengthen national security.
  3. Innovation in software is seen as crucial for modern defense, enabling the development of advanced weapon systems and vehicles with AI and autonomous capabilities.

The Putin Pivot

Diane Francis • 839 implied HN points • 04 May 23
🌍 World Politics Geopolitics Diplomacy Conflict International relations Military Strategy
  1. Countries around the world are stepping away from Putin as his army struggles in Ukraine. People are noticing the ongoing violence and loss of life.
  2. Russia's military is facing big problems, including shortages of ammo and low morale among troops. Many soldiers are unhappy and refuse to fight without proper support.
  3. The battle for Crimea is key for both Ukraine and Russia. If Ukraine can regain control of Crimea, it could lead to a major shift in the war and possibly impact Putin's power.

Putin's Nuclear Gambit

Diane Francis • 699 implied HN points • 19 Jun 23
🌍 World Politics Nuclear Safety International relations Military Strategy Geopolitical Conflicts Security Policy
  1. Putin's government is under pressure, and they have made nuclear threats that raise serious concerns in the West. The potential use of a nuclear power plant as a dangerous weapon makes the situation even more alarming.
  2. A nuclear attack or even an explosion at a nuclear facility could cause terrible fallout that would affect many countries, not just Ukraine. This poses huge risks to human health and the environment.
  3. Western countries need to respond more strongly to Russia's actions, like moving nuclear weapons to Belarus and occupying Ukraine's nuclear sites. Supporting Ukraine more aggressively could help prevent a nuclear disaster.

Geopolitical game changer: China's Iran-Saudi peace deal is big blow to petrodollar and US economic hegemony

Geopolitical Economy Report • 518 implied HN points • 23 Mar 23
🌍 World Politics Diplomacy Global Economics Peace
  1. China's successful sponsorship of peace talks between Saudi Arabia and Iran deals a significant blow to the petrodollar system that has supported US economic hegemony.
  2. The peace deal encourages stability and economic cooperation in the region, potentially leading to the integration of Saudi Arabia and Iran into systems like BRICS and the Shanghai Cooperation Organization.
  3. The agreement reflects a growing shift towards a multipolar world where countries like China, Russia, Saudi Arabia, and Iran are seeking closer economic and strategic ties, challenging traditional US dominance.

Imperialism: How the struggle of both classes and nations creates our world

Geopolitical Economy Report • 518 implied HN points • 09 Sep 23
🌍 World Politics Imperialism Capitalism Crisis Finance Economy
  1. Imperialism is a product of the struggle between classes and nations, impacting our world.
  2. Geopolitical economy helps in understanding international relations within the capitalist world system.
  3. The BRICS summit signifies an alternative economic vision based on cooperation and development, challenging traditional Western imperialism.

NY Times is wrong on dedollarization: Economist Michael Hudson debunks Paul Krugman's dollar defense

Geopolitical Economy Report • 518 implied HN points • 16 May 23
🌍 World Politics Geopolitics Currency International Trade Global Markets US Hegemony
  1. Economist Michael Hudson debunks Paul Krugman's arguments on de-dollarization, highlighting historical economic misconceptions by Krugman.
  2. Krugman dismisses the importance of controlling the world's reserve currency, arguing it's overrated, but fails to address the impact of capital flows on currency values.
  3. Krugman's defense of the US dollar relies on tautological reasoning, stating the dollar is powerful because it's widely used, without acknowledging geopolitical shifts away from the dollar.

US invites authoritarian far-right regimes to 'Summit for Democracy'

Geopolitical Economy Report • 518 implied HN points • 03 Apr 23
🌍 World Politics Authoritarianism Democracy Geopolitical BRICS
  1. The US organized a 'Summit for Democracy' where several far-right, anti-democratic regimes were invited, including leaders from Israel, Poland, India, and Pakistan.
  2. Western media outlets have acknowledged the authoritarian nature of regimes like Netanyahu's in Israel, Duda's in Poland, and Modi's in India, despite their participation in the summit.
  3. The summit aimed to create a bloc against China and Russia, pressuring nations to sign statements denouncing these countries, revealing the US strategy to advance its geopolitical interests.

In Venezuela, activists cry foul after reported priest suicide

The Pillar • 294 implied HN points • 17 Jan 24
🌍 World Politics Human Rights Crime Government Corruption
  1. Fr. Josiah K'Okal was a Kenyan missionary living in Venezuela who advocated for the human rights of indigenous communities, particularly the Warao people.
  2. His death was ruled a suicide, but activists, media, and Catholics believe foul play was involved due to inconsistencies in the case.
  3. K'Okal's work to expose human trafficking and defend indigenous rights in a region plagued by criminal groups raised suspicions about the circumstances of his death.

They're Really Going To Try To Lay All The Blame For Gaza On Netanyahu

Caitlin’s Newsletter • 1816 implied HN points • 17 Mar 24
🌍 World Politics Israel-Palestine conflict Media Manipulation Foreign Relations Genocide Human Rights
  1. Blaming all of Gaza's issues on Netanyahu might be a way to avoid necessary changes.
  2. Critics argue that blaming Netanyahu alone overlooks the larger network of powerful entities involved in the Gaza situation.
  3. Increased online education is helping people see through biased narratives and support causes like Palestine.

On Palestine And The Worthlessness Of The Western Liberal

Caitlin’s Newsletter • 1862 implied HN points • 03 Mar 24
🌍 World Politics Israel-Palestine conflict Human Rights Foreign Policy
  1. Opposition to Israel's actions in Gaza is often paired with support for Israel's right to exist, despite its genocidal history.
  2. The idea of a Jewish ethnostate in historic Palestine without tyranny and abuse is contradictory; it would require a complete overhaul of Israel's systems.
  3. Many liberals want to maintain the status quo with a facade of justice, but lack a real push for actual change on various issues.

Tightening up rule 39

A Lawyer Writes • 255 implied HN points • 05 Feb 24
🌍 World Politics Human Rights International Law
  1. Battle lines drawn over interim measures by the European Court of Human Rights on the Safety of Rwanda (Asylum and Immigration) Bill
  2. Different interpretations of Clause 5 of the bill regarding compliance with interim measures by ministers vs officials
  3. Discussion on the need for procedural changes and reforms in using rule 39 measures by the European Court of Human Rights

How is Gaza offshore gas development tied to the Israeli invasion?

The Raven • 275 implied HN points • 24 Jan 24
🌍 World Politics Conflict Economics Energy Negotiations Resources
  1. Gas reserves off the Gaza coast have been a point of conflict between Israel and Palestinians.
  2. Palestinians have suffered economic losses due to the hindrance of gas exploitation in the region.
  3. Recent moves towards developing Gaza Marine seem tied to buying complicity, particularly with the PNA, while eliminating Hamas.

Chartbook 333 Asia in the age of polycrisis.

Chartbook • 844 implied HN points • 17 Nov 24
🌍 World Politics Geopolitics International relations Global Economy Regional conflicts Crisis Management
  1. Asia's fast-growing economies may appear to offer solutions to the West's challenges, but that's not the complete picture.
  2. The concept of 'polycrisis' is relevant to both Asia and the West, suggesting interconnected issues that affect both regions.
  3. Understanding these global challenges requires looking beyond regional success stories and recognizing the shared complexities.

IPP sentences: the fight continues

A Lawyer Writes • 275 implied HN points • 24 Jan 24
🌍 World Politics Legislation Reform Government Injustice
  1. Fresh attempts are being made to reform the IPP sentences during the committee stage of the Victims and Prisoners Bill in the House of Lords.
  2. An amendment proposed by Lord Moylan, supported by the Bar Council, aims to shift the burden of proof from the prisoner to the state in proving risk to the public.
  3. The proposed amendment by Lord Moylan is considered elegant, legally sound, and a risk-based solution for injustices caused by IPP sentences, according to barristers.

October 16 2023

S/FJ • 491 implied HN points • 16 Oct 23
🌍 World Politics Palestine Israel Gaza Occupation International relations
  1. Sasha Frere-Jones' memoir 'Earlier' was released recently with an excerpt in The New York Review and a chapter in Harper's
  2. Attended a Palestine rally in Times Square where the atmosphere was civil despite differing views
  3. Reflecting on various articles and documentaries about the Palestine-Israel conflict, including the perspective of Palestinian Youth Movement