The hottest World Politics Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
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Afro-Palestinians in the West Bank: A Tale of Occupation and Intersectionality

Pen>Sword • 379 implied HN points • 15 Nov 23
🌍 World Politics Occupation Intersectionality Identity Discrimination
  1. Afro-Palestinians in the West Bank represent a unique intersection of identity and resilience in a region filled with complex struggles for justice and liberation.
  2. Despite facing challenges within Palestinian society and the broader Israeli-Palestinian conflict, Afro-Palestinians have managed to preserve their rich cultural heritage through music, dance, and storytelling.
  3. The Afro-Palestinian narrative adds a crucial layer to the broader understanding of the Palestinian struggle, highlighting the complexity of their identity and the need for a more inclusive vision of justice in the region.

BRICS challenges US 'dollar dominance', Saudi considers selling oil in other currencies: New multipolar economic order

Geopolitical Economy Report • 578 implied HN points • 21 Jan 23
🌍 World Politics BRICS Oil trade Economic Order
  1. BRICS is working to challenge the dominance of the US dollar by creating a fairer system of monetary exchange.
  2. Saudi Arabia is considering selling its oil in currencies other than the US dollar, indicating a shift away from the petrodollar system.
  3. Prominent economist Zoltan Pozsar highlights the emergence of a new multipolar economic order that challenges the exorbitant privilege of the US dollar as the international reserve currency.

Saying "Hamas Just Needs To Surrender" Is Saying "We'll Kill Kids Until We Get What We Want"

Caitlin’s Newsletter • 1625 implied HN points • 09 Mar 24
🌍 World Politics Conflict Humanitarian Aid Genocide International relations Military Actions
  1. Saying 'Hamas Just Needs To Surrender' equates to endorsing killing children until demands are met.
  2. The US and Israel view civilian casualties in Gaza as Hamas's fault for not yielding to military demands.
  3. US aid to Gaza is used as leverage to pressure Hamas, supporting the starvation and coercion of Gazan civilians.
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Westerners Have An Absolutely Psychotic View Of Airstrikes

Caitlin’s Newsletter • 1853 implied HN points • 09 Jan 24
🌍 World Politics War Global Conflict Military Media Humanitarian Crisis
  1. Many Westerners have a distorted view of airstrikes, believing them to be more civilized and humane than other forms of killing.
  2. There is a discrepancy in the language used by media to describe attacks based on whether they are done 'remotely' or close up.
  3. The use of military explosives in bombings causes immense suffering and should not be seen as less brutal or vicious just because they are carried out from a distance.

The Empire Depends On Our Unwillingness To Look At Its Crimes

Caitlin’s Newsletter • 1732 implied HN points • 07 Feb 24
🌍 World Politics Imperialism Propaganda Empire Geopolitics Media
  1. The empire relies on people's unwillingness to face its crimes, as looking directly at the unpleasant truth can shatter their worldview.
  2. Mass media propaganda aims to build a worldview loyal to establishment power structures and trap individuals in power-serving echo chambers.
  3. Creating awareness about the empire's atrocities and encouraging people to critically examine the status quo can help break the cycle of indoctrination and bring about change.

US 'neo-imperialist' dollar scheme explained by economist Yanis Varoufakis

Geopolitical Economy Report • 538 implied HN points • 04 Feb 23
🌍 World Politics Geopolitics Imperialism International relations Economic Systems Globalization
  1. Economist Yanis Varoufakis explains the US dollar's role in 'neo-imperialism' and how it finances a significant trade deficit worldwide.
  2. Varoufakis challenges the austerity measures imposed by EU/IMF during his time as Greece's finance minister, expressing concerns about the loss of national sovereignty.
  3. Varoufakis continues his activism, forming a political movement, campaigning for Julian Assange's release, and advocating for a new global economic order.

If Israel Wants To Be An "Independent Nation", Let It Be An Independent Nation

Caitlin’s Newsletter • 1583 implied HN points • 15 Mar 24
🌍 World Politics Israel U.S. Relations Political Influence
  1. Israel's dependence on the US is crucial for its existence as a nation.
  2. The term 'independent nation' for Israel is debated in the context of its reliance on external support.
  3. The geopolitical implications of Israel's relationship with the US highlight the complexities of its 'independent' status.

The county’s billion pound battle

NN Journal • 377 implied HN points • 05 Dec 23
🌍 World Politics Government Local government
  1. The two unitary authorities are in a dispute over how to handle the billion pound debts from the former council.
  2. Audits for councils' accounts are delayed due to a lack of professionals, leading to national issues.
  3. The debt standoff impacts financial sustainability, and overspending in children's services is a major concern.

Who speaks of the Armenians?

Wrong Side of History • 731 implied HN points • 19 Nov 24
🌍 World Politics International relations Conflict Studies Human Rights Historical Analysis Geopolitics
  1. The Armenian genocide in 1915-1917 is often overlooked, despite its horrific nature. Many Armenians fear that the hatred from that time still exists, leading to more violence.
  2. The conflict between Armenia and Azerbaijan has roots in historical tensions, but it intensified with recent wars over the Nagorno-Karabakh region. Many civilians have suffered and been forced to flee.
  3. Azerbaijan has significant oil and gas resources that influence its global relationships, often overshadowing its human rights abuses. Western countries continue to engage with Baku for energy supplies, ignoring its actions against Armenians.

The Ceasefire Charade

The Chris Hedges Report • 591 implied HN points • 16 Jan 25
🌍 World Politics Middle East Conflict Palestine Israel Diplomacy
  1. Israel often makes agreements with the Palestinians that it does not keep. This leads to renewed violence after initial phases.
  2. There is ongoing suspicion and blame between Israel and Hamas over who is breaking ceasefire terms. Both sides have different interpretations of the deals.
  3. Historically, peace agreements have often not been fulfilled, leading to continued conflict and suffering for the people involved.

Introducing the Symposium

The Cosmopolitan Globalist • 7 implied HN points • 10 Feb 26
🌍 World Politics International Order Geopolitics China relations Foreign Policy Global Governance Security Economic Order
  1. A weekly, open 'Symposium' will replace the strict Middle East course model, offering a new global topic each week with shorter required readings so subscribers can drop in when a topic interests them.
  2. An optional expository writing module will follow the discussion, is cumulative, and asks participants to commit to attending regularly so writing feedback can build over time.
  3. The inaugural session asks whether the liberal international order has collapsed, features Terry Glavin as guest, and comes with an extensive curated reading list, speeches, debates, and study questions to guide the conversation.

Weekend Edition.

News Items • 235 implied HN points • 27 Jan 24
🌍 World Politics Russia Venezuela Immigration Presidential Election
  1. Russian citizens are mobilizing in support of an antiwar candidate for the presidential election against Putin.
  2. Over 2.3 million migrants have been released into the United States at the southern border under the Biden administration.
  3. President Biden is considering using new emergency authorities to shut down the border if Congress passes a bipartisan immigration plan.

Cash crops, marketing boards, and agricultural policy failures in Africa

An Africanist Perspective • 455 implied HN points • 18 Feb 23
🌍 World Politics Agriculture Development Trade Africa Policy
  1. Improving agricultural productivity in Africa is crucial for economic development. Policymakers need to shift towards policies that support small-scale farmers and focus on local value addition before exports.
  2. The role of the state in African agriculture needs to be reconsidered. Historical policies like marketing boards have had both positive and negative impacts, and there is a need for open-mindedness towards government involvement in the sector.
  3. African cash crop producers face challenges in benefiting from their produce due to the structure of international commodity markets. African governments must invest in value addition and convince buyers to support local processing to boost sectoral margins.

Ukraine 9

Sour Milk • 255 implied HN points • 14 Jan 24
🌍 World Politics Ukraine Conflict Reconstruction International relations Military
  1. Ukraine has suffered significant losses in soldiers and citizens, with America spending billions on a war with unclear objectives.
  2. Blackrock and other powerful entities stand to benefit financially from the conflict in Ukraine, while soldiers on the frontlines face a bleak reality.
  3. The appointment of wealthy individuals like Penny Pritzker and corporate entities like Blackrock for Ukraine's reconstruction raises concerns about ulterior motives and the future of the nation.

Europe’s animal welfare reforms are under threat

Open Philanthropy farm animal welfare research newsletter • 439 implied HN points • 28 Sep 23
🌍 World Politics Animal Welfare European Union Advocacy Legislation Reforms
  1. Europe's animal welfare reforms are at risk of being abandoned by the EU.
  2. Influential farm lobby groups and free traders are major factors in the potential abandonment.
  3. Advocates are mobilizing to push the European Commission to uphold its commitments and continue pursuing animal welfare reforms.

China builds global alternative as US-led financial order decays

Geopolitical Economy Report • 438 implied HN points • 29 May 23
🌍 World Politics Global Development Climate action Economic Systems Neoliberalism
  1. China is building a global economic alternative while the US-led neoliberal financial order weakens.
  2. Understanding historical context is key to grasping China's development path and its impact on the global economy.
  3. Facing challenges, the world can find hope in alternative economic models and a shift away from Western domination.

The Typology of China Envy

Taipology • 202 implied HN points • 19 Jul 25
🌍 World Politics Geopolitics International relations Economic Policy Global Trade Nationalism
  1. China has made huge progress, lifting 800 million people out of poverty, and now its economy is too big to ignore. This might change global power dynamics.
  2. Different people have strong and varied opinions about China's growth and political policies, ranging from skeptics to supporters, and these views are shifting as China becomes a more prominent player in the world.
  3. The situation in Taiwan is complex, and while there’s concern about potential conflicts, there’s also hope that China will prioritize peace due to its economic interests.

Ignore What Western Officials Say About Israel; Watch Their Actions Instead

Caitlin’s Newsletter • 1667 implied HN points • 13 Feb 24
🌍 World Politics Israel Gaza US Policy International relations Government actions
  1. It's important to focus on the actions of Western officials regarding Israel, rather than their words.
  2. Many officials express concern publicly about Israel's actions, but their lack of concrete actions speaks volumes.
  3. By observing the actual movements of money, weapons, and resources, one can uncover the true intentions of officials.

Small State Power: Be Like Denmark

Phillips’s Newsletter • 226 implied HN points • 16 Jul 25
🌍 World Politics International relations Military Policy Eastern Europe Defense Spending
  1. Denmark is showing that even small countries can have a big impact, especially with their support for Ukraine and military investments. Their strong public finances make it easier for them to spend on defense.
  2. Unlike some larger nations, Denmark has rapidly stepped up its military capabilities after feeling pressures from geopolitical changes. They are making big announcements about new equipment and strategies regularly.
  3. Denmark sets a good example for other European countries by investing in defense and collaborating with allies. They are proving that it's important to act quickly and seriously in security matters.

Transcript: Tony Keller

Lean Out with Tara Henley • 235 implied HN points • 25 Jan 24
🌍 World Politics Immigration Policy Economy Government Labor
  1. In Canada, there has been a shift in the bipartisan, pro-immigration consensus, largely influenced by recent policy changes.
  2. The rapid population growth due to high immigration levels is putting pressure on infrastructure, housing, and business productivity in Canada.
  3. Addressing the skilled labor imbalance in immigration by recruiting high-skilled workers can help mitigate negative impacts on low-wage workers and the economy.

Wallerstein Constant

kamilkazani • 334 implied HN points • 29 Nov 23
🌍 World Politics History Geopolitics Warfare Diplomacy
  1. The siege of Mariupol was a significant tragedy in 2022, shedding light on the city's complex history and industrial importance.
  2. Crimean Khanate had a unique political structure, different from the Ottoman Empire, with elements of a military democracy.
  3. Crimean Khanate was ethnically diverse, hosting various groups and languages, and eventually succumbed to Russian influence in the 18th century.

Syria’s Christians: ‘We Have No Reason to Trust Al-Jolani’

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 667 implied HN points • 13 Dec 24
🌍 World Politics Middle East Religion Conflict Human Rights International relations
  1. Syria's Christians feel uncertain about their future, especially after a new rebel group took control. They are worried about persecution due to the rebels' past actions.
  2. Many Christians in Syria have experienced violence and loss, which has left them fearful for their safety. They worry about what will happen next under the new leadership.
  3. Trust in the new rebel leader, Al-Jolani, is very low among the Christian community. They see him as a threat rather than a protector.

You Have Already Taken A Side On Israel-Palestine (Whether You Admit It Or Not)

Caitlin’s Newsletter • 1578 implied HN points • 02 Mar 24
🌍 World Politics Israel-Palestine Ethnic Cleansing Injustice Neutrality Human Rights
  1. It's important to take a stance on the Israel-Palestine issue, whether you are aware of it or not.
  2. Being neutral can sometimes inadvertently support the oppressor rather than help the oppressed.
  3. Standing against injustice like genocide and ethnic cleansing should be a fundamental position, even amidst complex issues.

Growing Energy Concerns

Vietnam Weekly • 255 implied HN points • 11 Jan 24
🌍 World Politics Energy Aviation Vietnam Economic Implications
  1. Energy worries are mounting in Vietnam due to a possible electricity shortage from May through July.
  2. Vietnam is considering importing power from Laos and coal from neighboring countries to address energy challenges.
  3. Airlines in Vietnam are facing struggles with reduced routes, low demand, high airfares, and operational issues as the Lunar New Year approaches.

Meryl Nass on WHO "Tyranny Treaty"

Kevin’s Newsletter • 432 implied HN points • 15 Sep 23
🌍 World Politics UN Pandemic Corruption Activism Propaganda
  1. Dr. Meryl Nass is speaking out against the WHO "Tyranny Treaty" and facing backlash for prescribing ivermectin and hydroxychloroquine to COVID patients.
  2. Dr. E. Michael Jones is critical of the Anti-Defamation League and Elon Musk is supporting the hashtag #BanTheADL.
  3. There is ongoing criticism of NATO's role in Libya and the Washington Post's framing of the catastrophe.