The hottest World Politics Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top World Politics Topics

US now world's top LNG exporter, as Europe boycotts cheaper Russian gas

Geopolitical Economy Report • 398 implied HN points • 08 Jan 23
🌍 World Politics Energy Europe Russia Trade Geopolitics
  1. The USA is now the top exporter of liquefied natural gas (LNG) alongside Qatar.
  2. Europe has replaced Asia as the main market for US LNG due to boycotting cheaper Russian gas, causing energy prices in Europe to soar.
  3. Significant US LNG importers in Europe include France, Spain, Britain, the Netherlands, and Italy, resulting in economic chaos and geopolitical tensions.

Europe: Some Good News And Some Bad

Phillips’s Newsletter • 158 implied HN points • 11 Jul 25
🌍 World Politics International relations Military Strategy Geopolitics European Politics Defense Policy
  1. Europe is starting to think about being more independent from the USA for defense. They're making steps like setting up a military headquarters to help Ukraine on their own terms.
  2. Even with some positive signs, Europe is moving slowly and has not done enough for Ukraine, especially as attacks from Russia increase. They could have been more proactive in supporting Ukraine sooner.
  3. The situation in Ukraine shows that mistakes have been made and now the people there are paying the price. European countries need to learn from these failures and act quickly.

A woman in power: Valentina Matvienko

kamilkazani • 294 implied HN points • 27 Jul 23
🌍 World Politics Russian Politics Soviet history
  1. Valentina Matvienko began her career in the Soviet Youth Committee and later transitioned to the Communist Party.
  2. Matvienko gained notoriety for her ability to drink more than grown men, earning her the nickname Valya the Glass.
  3. During Perestroika, Matvienko joined the Soviet unelected through the NGO quota and led the Committee to Protect Women, Family, Motherhood, and Childhood.
Get a weekly roundup of the best Substack posts, by hacker news affinity:

Ukraine Conflict Monitor

Ukraine Conflict Monitor • 294 implied HN points • 09 Jun 23
🌍 World Politics Ukraine conflict Military operations
  1. The collapse of the Nova Kakhovka Dam impacts military operations in the Kherson Oblast, allowing for potential redeployment of Russian forces.
  2. Ukrainian efforts to conduct a river-crossing operation across the Dnipro faced challenges due to the heightened military presence and destruction of the dam.
  3. The destruction of the dam temporarily restricts Ukrainian operations, impacting their ability to engage Russian forces in the Kherson direction.

Russia's 9/11

Diane Francis • 1039 implied HN points • 15 Aug 22
🌍 World Politics Geopolitics Military Affairs International relations Conflict Studies National Security
  1. Yellow ribbons in Kherson show resistance against Russian control and upcoming fake votes for annexation. Many residents are defying Russian authority despite risks of jail or worse.
  2. Russia is staging referenda in occupied regions like Kherson and Zaporizhzhia to legitimize their claims while fighting continues. Ukraine's President says no talks will happen if these votes occur.
  3. Ukrainians remain hopeful about winning the war, with a strong desire to reclaim all their territories, including Crimea. Many reject ideas of surrendering or compromising with Russia.

Ukraine's Superiority

Diane Francis • 779 implied HN points • 01 Dec 22
🌍 World Politics Geopolitics Military International relations Conflict History
  1. Ukraine struggled a lot during World War II and played a huge role in fighting against Hitler, but this is often ignored by Russia. This history shows how strong and resilient Ukrainians are.
  2. Despite being outnumbered, Ukraine has shown strong strategic abilities in defending against Russia. Their quick adaptations helped them gain the support of NATO and other allies.
  3. Even with tough conditions, Ukrainians remain determined and united, wanting to achieve victory. Their focus is on rebuilding and joining the European Union, showing their hope for the future.

Europe angry that US profits from Ukraine proxy war while destroying EU economy

Geopolitical Economy Report • 458 implied HN points • 30 Nov 22
🌍 World Politics Energy crisis Economic Impact Global Alliances
  1. EU leaders are frustrated that the US is profiting from the Ukraine proxy war by selling weapons and expensive natural gas, causing economic distress in Europe.
  2. The US prioritizes its new cold war with China over EU interests, leading Europe to feel like an afterthought in US policy.
  3. Historically high energy prices in Europe are threatening to bankrupt industries, pushing companies to consider moving their operations to the United States.

"Trump's Alarming Rhetoric: A Gift to Putin"

Unmasking Russia • 137 implied HN points • 12 Feb 24
🌍 World Politics Foreign Relations Security Alliances NATO Russia
  1. Trump's alarming rhetoric towards NATO raises concerns about the future of transatlantic security if he were to win the election.
  2. The need to address foreign interference in democratic institutions becomes urgent with Trump's willingness to align with Putin and seek assistance in the upcoming election.
  3. Trump's criticism of allies and questioning of NATO's value highlight the uncertainty of U.S. foreign policy and its implications for international stability.

Germany's World War III

Diane Francis • 659 implied HN points • 23 Jan 23
🌍 World Politics Geopolitics Military Affairs International relations Security Studies European Politics
  1. Germany is hesitating to send military help to Ukraine, especially with tanks. Many believe this delay is tied to Germany's historical guilt from World War II.
  2. Germany's political decisions have made the situation worse, as they prioritize their own concerns over supporting Ukraine and the alliance against Russia.
  3. The need for Ukraine to regain its territory, especially Crimea, is urgent, and some leaders argue that supporting Ukraine more decisively can help democracy and stability in the region.

Don't Equate The Violence Of The Oppressor With The Violence Of The Oppressed

Caitlin’s Newsletter • 1010 implied HN points • 19 Mar 24
🌍 World Politics Conflict Genocide Occupation Military Oppression
  1. Don't equate the violence of the oppressor with the violence of the oppressed. The oppressor is the ultimate source of violence from both sides.
  2. The oppressor has moral responsibility for both their violence and the violence of the oppressed. Ending oppression will lead to a cessation of violence.
  3. The focus should be on demanding the oppressor to stop being violent and oppressive, as they are the cause of the violence. The violence of the oppressor is a cause, while the violence of the oppressed is an effect.

deepculture ▪️ 104

deepculture • 157 implied HN points • 23 Jan 24
🌍 World Politics
  1. Get insights on what the world may look like in ten years from experts
  2. Consider how people prioritize their careers based on a report by Randstad
  3. Discover social media hooks for Reels and Tik Tok from Angie Gensler

China Crumbles

The Dollar Endgame • 199 implied HN points • 16 Dec 23
🌍 World Politics China Economy Debt Real Estate Banks
  1. China's real estate market is facing significant challenges, with existing home prices dropping and outstanding property loans declining.
  2. Major developers like Evergrande and Country Garden are struggling with debt obligations and bankruptcy proceedings.
  3. Moody's downgrade of China's credit outlook indicates that the turmoil in the real estate sector is starting to impact the broader economy and banks.

How Western sanctions blow back, hurting Europe, deepening Asian integration

Geopolitical Economy Report • 378 implied HN points • 11 Jan 23
🌍 World Politics Sanctions Europe Asia Trade Global Finance
  1. Western sanctions against Russia led to increased trade with Asia but devastated Europe's economy
  2. Sanctions typically have a low success rate in changing the behavior of targeted states
  3. Sanctions can backfire and lead to unintended consequences like Russia's increased self-sufficiency and deepening Asian integration

European Union Reaches Agreement on New Repair Laws

Fight to Repair • 138 implied HN points • 08 Feb 24
🌍 World Politics European Union Legislation Advocacy Regulation
  1. EU has agreed on new repair laws requiring manufacturers to repair common household products and provide repair information to consumers.
  2. The new repair laws also allow consumers to borrow a device while theirs is being fixed and offer refurbished units as alternatives.
  3. Advocates are pushing for more expansive legislation beyond the new repair rules to increase repair accessibility and spare parts availability.

USGS includes Indigenous knowledge in Grand Canyon uranium study

The Land Desk • 137 implied HN points • 09 Feb 24
🌍 World Politics
  1. The USGS is now including Indigenous knowledge in their studies of uranium mining near the Grand Canyon, providing a more comprehensive view of potential impacts.
  2. There's a push for mining law reform, with a proposed Mining Regulatory Clarity Act potentially allowing mining operations on public land without proving the presence of valuable minerals, risking further environmental impacts.
  3. In Arizona, a bill has been introduced that aims to prohibit public funds from promoting actions like reducing greenhouse gas emissions or reusing water from human waste, sparking debate and criticism.

Brazil and Argentina preparing new Latin American currency to 'reduce reliance on US dollar'

Geopolitical Economy Report • 358 implied HN points • 24 Jan 23
🌍 World Politics Latin America United States International relations Financial system
  1. Brazil and Argentina are planning a new Latin American currency called the Sur to enhance regional trade and reduce reliance on the US dollar.
  2. The new currency proposal requires analysis of various factors like fiscal issues and economic size, with a cautious approach as it may take years to develop.
  3. The initiative stems from a shared desire to lessen dependence on the US dollar, driven by ideologically similar governments in Latin America.

Behavioural Geopolitics: How power changes people

Klement on Investing • 6 implied HN points • 04 Feb 26
🌍 World Politics Geopolitics International relations Political Psychology Governance Leadership Foreign Policy
  1. Power changes how people think: those with power rely more on fast, intuitive thinking and focus on core information, which helps quick decisions but makes them ignore peripheral details.
  2. Power brings downsides: it fuels overconfidence, reliance on personal experience, dehumanisation of subordinates, and a higher risk of corrupt or self‑serving behaviour, so unchecked power harms organisations.
  3. Who gets power often depends on perceived intelligence and social reputation rather than objective competence, and once in power people are seen as more competent, creating a self‑reinforcing cycle that makes governance and oversight essential.

African Foreign Policy in a Multipolar Age

An Africanist Perspective • 376 implied HN points • 22 Dec 22
🌍 World Politics Foreign Policy Africa International relations Sovereignty Development
  1. Africa's growing population and demographic shift will increase its geopolitical importance in the future.
  2. African countries must focus on building strong states and state capacity to ensure physical safety, order, and effective regional cooperation.
  3. African leaders should be clear on their policy priorities, understand foreign actors' motivations, keep options open for partnerships, and promote healthy competition within Africa to advance the region's interests.

Introducing Geopolitical Economy Report: Multipolarista is evolving

Geopolitical Economy Report • 378 implied HN points • 08 Jan 23
🌍 World Politics Economics Media Analysis Journalism
  1. Multipolarista has evolved into Geopolitical Economy Report, a new independent media outlet for original journalism and analysis on international politics and economics.
  2. Geopolitical Economy Report is expanding with new team members and exciting projects planned including a regular show featuring economists like Michael Hudson and Radhika Desai.
  3. Editor-in-chief Ben Norton explains the changes and continuity in a video and podcast available on the platform.

The global defeat of democracy: geopolitics, and what to do about it

Wyclif's Dust • 1073 implied HN points • 02 Feb 24
🌍 World Politics Geopolitics International relations Authoritarianism Democracy
  1. Democracies face an international challenge from the new autocratic axis of China, Russia, Iran, and North Korea.
  2. International conflicts are a struggle for whose rules will prevail, America's or China's.
  3. Democratic systems need more 'weight' in decision-making and should balance policy populism with institutional elitism.

China Isolates Russia

Diane Francis • 919 implied HN points • 15 Sep 22
🌍 World Politics International relations Geopolitics Diplomacy Conflict Studies Regional Security
  1. China has distanced itself from Russia, especially after Putin's struggles in Ukraine. Xi Jinping assured Kazakhstan of support against potential Russian threats, showing he won't back Putin's aggressive moves.
  2. While China signed a partnership with Russia, it has not openly supported the war in Ukraine. Instead, China wants to keep good relations with Europe and the U.S., which means they won't provide military aid to Russia.
  3. Many Central Asian countries are growing closer to China while pulling away from Russia. As Russia's situation worsens, Beijing may look to expand its influence in regions previously dominated by Moscow.

China’s Growth Prospects, Part I

Japan Economy Watch • 279 implied HN points • 06 Sep 23
🌍 World Politics China Economy Growth Political
  1. China's growth prospects face uncertainty, with possibilities of a financial crash leading to years of slow growth, or a gradual deceleration of growth rates over time.
  2. China's growth rate has been slowing down as the country becomes more affluent, and the government's economic strategies may worsen the natural slowdown.
  3. Experts project China's growth rate to be around 4% for the next few years, and achieving even 4% growth would be considered significant given China's level of development.

BRICS or NATO? G20 or G77? Summits debate rapidly changing world order

Geopolitical Economy Report • 279 implied HN points • 24 Sep 23
🌍 World Politics Geopolitics International relations Global Economy Diplomacy United Nations
  1. The changing world order is reflected in the rapid pace of international summits like BRICS, G20, G77, and the UN General Assembly.
  2. Russia's pivot towards the Far East, specifically in Vladivostok, showcases a strong focus on development and economic collaboration with Asian countries.
  3. De-dollarization and the use of e-currencies, such as blockchain mechanisms, are potential avenues for creating alternative payment systems within the global majority.

Why it doesn't pay to make predictions

The Cosmopolitan Globalist • 16 implied HN points • 03 Jan 26
🌍 World Politics Geopolitics Forecasting International relations Latin America Political Commentary Global Security
  1. Predictions often fail, so it's wiser not to make firm forecasts when information is limited.
  2. There is a genuine hope that Venezuela can be stabilized quickly and become democratic and prosperous, but the outcome is uncertain.
  3. Global events can be wildly surprising, and while dramatic scenarios are tempting to imagine, it's better to admit uncertainty than pretend to know the future.

How North Korean Workers Tricked U.S. Companies into Hiring Them and Secretly Funneled Their Earnings into Weapons Programs

Zero Day • 1344 implied HN points • 20 Oct 23
🌍 World Politics North Korea Money Laundering Sanctions
  1. North Korean IT workers tricked US companies into hiring them to secretly funnel money to North Korean weapons programs.
  2. They used elaborate methods to conceal their identities, such as fake profiles, stolen documents, and VPNs.
  3. The FBI discovered the scheme, seized funds, and warned that North Korean activity is still ongoing.