The hottest World Politics Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
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Top World Politics Topics

Why Do Progressives Like Islam?

Fake Noûs • 395 implied HN points • 02 Mar 24
🌍 World Politics Progressivism Islam
  1. Progressives support Muslims as part of their focus on oppressed groups like women, blacks, and the poor.
  2. The definition of oppressed groups for progressives has expanded over the years to include Muslims as important.
  3. Leftists have a foundation in advocating for those who are marginalized and have continued this trend with Muslims.

Let Them Eat Dirt

The Chris Hedges Report • 416 implied HN points • 08 Feb 24
🌍 World Politics Genocide Humanitarian Crisis International Law Human Rights United Nations
  1. The final stage of Israel's genocide in Gaza, mass starvation, is happening with international community not intervening.
  2. Israel's actions in shutting down UNRWA and preventing humanitarian aid are considered war crimes and defiance of international law.
  3. Starvation in Gaza is causing immense suffering and death, leading to extreme hunger and destitution among the population.

Frogs, liverwurst & spaghetti

Diane Francis • 439 implied HN points • 20 Jun 22
🌍 World Politics Energy Policy European Union Military Strategy Food security Economic Sanctions
  1. Europe is facing serious problems with energy, food, and cost of living due to the war in Ukraine. Countries like France, Germany, and Italy are realizing they must work together to support Ukraine and their citizens.
  2. Rising prices and energy shortages are causing anger among voters across Europe. These issues are becoming important topics in upcoming elections and are making it harder for leaders to govern.
  3. To solve their problems, European countries need to find alternative energy sources and help Ukraine more. It's crucial for them to increase military support to fight back against Russian aggression.

The Biden doctrine in Gaza: bomb, starve, conceal, deceive

Aaron Mate • 392 implied HN points • 08 Mar 24
🌍 World Politics Conflict Humanitarian Crisis International relations
  1. The US is deploying military aid to Gaza as a public relations stunt, while hiding weapons transfers to Israel.
  2. The aid delivery to Gaza, touted by Biden, is a ruse that serves to prolong Israel's attacks and doesn't address the root issue.
  3. The White House is backing Israel's blockade of Gaza and expediting arms transfers in contradiction to public statements, focusing on political optics rather than real aid.

The Finnish Presidential Election 2024 - a short overview

Ahpocalypse Now • 58 implied HN points • 25 Jan 24
🌍 World Politics Election Foreign Policy Candidates Presidency Ideologies
  1. The Finnish Presidential Election involves nine candidates and may go to a second round if no one gets over 50% of the votes.
  2. The President of Finland serves as a moral leader, unifying figure, and representative in high-level international meetings.
  3. The top contenders in the election include Jussi Halla-aho, Pekka Haavisto, and Alexander Stubb, each with unique backgrounds and potential outcomes.
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Economist Michael Hudson explains inflation crisis and Fed's secretive $4.5 trillion bank bailout

Geopolitical Economy Report • 438 implied HN points • 08 Jan 22
🌍 World Politics Geopolitics Foreign Policy Diplomacy International relations Global Economics
  1. Economist Michael Hudson explains the global inflation crisis, pointing out the flaws in how inflation is measured in the US
  2. The Federal Reserve's $4.5 trillion bank bailout violated regulations and was directed towards big banks such as JP Morgan Chase and Citibank
  3. China and Russia are working on creating independent financial systems to reduce reliance on the US-controlled financial system

Top Links 372 China's New Year spending, the history of the growth paradigm, outlaw electric trikes and the Autobiography of Red

Chartbook • 400 implied HN points • 18 Feb 24
🌍 World Politics China Economic Growth
  1. China's Lunar New Year holiday saw increased travel and spending, surpassing pre-pandemic levels despite economic growth concerns.
  2. The post focuses on topics like the history of the growth paradigm, outlawing electric trikes, and the Autobiography of Red.
  3. The information shared in the post is intended for paid subscribers only.

🔅 Who Leads Africa's Billionaire Club? & South Africa's Presidential Advisory Scandal

baobabnewsletter • 58 implied HN points • 25 Jan 24
🌍 World Politics Africa South Africa Economy Fashion International relations
  1. Dangote still leads Africa's billionaire club with a fortune of $13.9 billion.
  2. South Africa's President removed Thabi Leoka from his advisory panel over a questionable PhD from LSE.
  3. A man confessed to starting a deadly fire in Johannesburg as a cover-up for a murder, highlighting the issue of hijacked buildings.

Jerusalem

backstory • 387 implied HN points • 24 Feb 24
🌍 World Politics Conflict Religion Territory Culture Migration
  1. Jerusalem is a complex city with deep historical, cultural, and political tensions.
  2. The experiences of individuals in Jerusalem reflect the ongoing conflicts and challenges in the region.
  3. The city's diversity is evident in encounters with different groups and their varied perspectives and experiences.

Don’t Get Distracted by the Israel-Palestine Thing

Anxiety Addiction & Ascension • 98 implied HN points • 26 Oct 23
🌍 World Politics Global Conflict Media influence
  1. Don't let focus on hot conflicts like Israel-Palestine distract from the impact of soft wars like the COVID vaccine issue.
  2. The global media complex often highlights hot war body counts while downplaying the casualties of the ongoing soft war.
  3. Stay aware of the bigger picture to not get caught up and distracted by specific geopolitical conflicts.

The Temptations of Carl Schmitt

The Upheaval • 816 implied HN points • 14 Feb 23
🌍 World Politics Totalitarianism Political theory Authoritarianism Nihilism Critical Theory
  1. Carl Schmitt's ideas have made a resurgence in disaffected political circles, especially on the right, reflecting a trend of his concepts becoming more mainstream.
  2. Schmitt's study of political chaos in post-World War I Germany offers insights into today's political, cultural, and spiritual upheavals.
  3. Schmitt's concept of 'friend-enemy distinction,' the central domain of politics, ties into today's identity politics and struggles for power.

Zelensky’s 'Victory Plan' is a sign of defeat

Aaron Mate • 200 implied HN points • 21 Oct 24
🌍 World Politics Geopolitics Conflict International relations Diplomacy Security
  1. Zelensky warned that some Western countries wanted a long war in Ukraine, even if it meant Ukraine could suffer severely.
  2. He chose to ignore this warning and sided with Western leaders who pushed for ongoing fighting instead of peace.
  3. Now, Zelensky seems to be facing the consequences of that choice, feeling abandoned by those same allies he listened to.

China - It's Over

How the Hell • 571 implied HN points • 01 Sep 23
🌍 World Politics Economic Crisis Political Dynamics Foreign Relations
  1. China's economic history has been tumultuous with periods of violence and disastrous economic policies.
  2. China's economic growth was more about mean reversion than a miracle, and now faces a crisis due to overinvestment in real estate and debt levels.
  3. China's economic model is facing a severe crisis leading to potential defaults, financial panic, and political instability.

Western societies are being replaced by people who hate Western civilization

The Dossier • 372 implied HN points • 12 Mar 24
🌍 World Politics Immigration Cultural values Population Assimilation
  1. Western societies are facing a threat as their foundations are crumbling due to low birthrates and values mismatch with incoming populations.
  2. France and Western Europe are experiencing significant demographic shifts, potentially becoming Muslim majorities in the future.
  3. The decline in birthrates and import of people with differing values are major challenges that overshadow other political and ideological disputes in the West.

Talk Tough & Carry a Little Stick

John’s Substack • 7 implied HN points • 03 Jan 26
🌍 World Politics Foreign Policy Geopolitics Diplomacy Military Strategy Armed Conflict East Asia U.S. Policy
  1. Trump talks tough and keeps a "tough guy" image, but his military actions have been limited pinpricks that avoid dragging the U.S. into another forever war.
  2. Peace negotiations over Ukraine are largely Kabuki theater for public opinion, while the real contest is on the battlefield where Russia currently holds the advantage.
  3. Taiwan is a dangerous flashpoint in East Asia, but a full-scale war seems unlikely soon because neither side would win and both therefore have strong incentives to avoid fighting.

Are Drones the Future of War?

Comment is Freed • 60 implied HN points • 29 Jun 25
🌍 World Politics Conflict War Military Technology Geopolitics
  1. Drones are changing how wars are fought, especially seen in the Russo-Ukraine War. They are becoming more common for spotting and hitting targets without needing a pilot on the front line.
  2. Drones have been used in conflicts for many years, but recent advances have made them easier and cheaper to use. This allows smaller groups or insurgents to use drones to challenge stronger armies.
  3. The technology and tactics of drone warfare are evolving quickly, with both sides in the Ukraine conflict producing millions of drones. They're now often used for direct attacks and support in battle, showing their growing importance in modern warfare.

Dubai's Planned $32 Billion Mega Airport Project

Tamer’s Substack • 25 HN points • 29 Apr 24
🌍 World Politics Infrastructure Development Economy
  1. Dubai plans to build new terminals at the Al Maktoum International Airport to become the largest airport in the world, with a capacity for over 260 million passengers.
  2. The project will cost around $34 billion and include 400 boarding gates, five parallel runways, and create a new city around the airport with housing for up to a million people.
  3. Dubai aims to transition air traffic from the current busiest airport in the world, Dubai International Airport, to Al Maktoum, ensuring continuous development for future generations.

A Tribute to Saint Alexei, Patron Saint of Liberal Democracy

Fisted by Foucault • 393 implied HN points • 20 Feb 24
🌍 World Politics Democracy Russia Murder Liberalism Dictatorship
  1. Saint Alexei, a figure representing liberal democracy, faced challenges in his past but ultimately embraced the principles and mission of liberal democracy, symbolizing a transformation and dedication to the cause.
  2. The narrative highlights the conflict between Saint Alexei and Russian leaders, shedding light on the struggle for liberal democracy in a political environment filled with corruption and oppression.
  3. The portrayal of Saint Alexei as a hero and martyr underscores the importance of his mission to bring liberal democracy to Russia and the sacrifices made by individuals in this pursuit.

Who sabotaged Nord Stream pipelines? US boasts 'tremendous opportunity' to weaken Russia. CIA knew

Geopolitical Economy Report • 199 implied HN points • 10 Oct 22
🌍 World Politics Russia United States Europe Germany Ukraine
  1. Nord Stream pipelines were sabotaged before EU Baltic Sea pipeline opened, creating an opportunity to weaken Russia.
  2. US officials, like Secretary of State Blinken, openly saw the pipeline sabotage as a chance to reduce dependence on Russian energy.
  3. The sabotage of Nord Stream coincides with the US & Europe benefiting economically and strategically by increasing gas exports to replace Russian energy supplies to Europe.

The World At Eleven.

Trying to Understand the World • 9 implied HN points • 17 Dec 25
🌍 World Politics Media Geopolitics Governance Journalism Polarization Information
  1. When media were few and tightly regulated, coverage tended to be calmer and more focused, which helped people actually understand complex events.
  2. Lowering barriers in media and politics created strong incentives to shout, sensationalize, and grab attention, so outsiders and politicians favor outrage over careful explanation.
  3. The world is far more complicated than old Cold War frames, and that complexity, combined with attention-driven media and careerist politicians, makes reasoned understanding and responsible statesmanship increasingly rare and dangerous.

The Reeds and the Silt

Justin E. H. Smith's Hinternet • 362 implied HN points • 17 Mar 24
🌍 World Politics Ethnic conflict Colonialism Cultural heritage Nationalism Imperialism
  1. The article discusses the Siberian Battalion, a group of fighters from various Turkic and Mongolic ethnic groups in Russia fighting against their own country, with a focus on a soldier named Vargan.
  2. The text delves into the historical and cultural significance of the mouth harp, known as the 'Vargan', connecting it to traditional Sakha culture and the broader history of musical instruments.
  3. Kant's writings on Laplanders and Yakuts highlight his observations on ecosystemic balance and the interconnection between relative and absolute ends in nature, showing his perspective on northern cultures and regions.

Judicial coup in Argentina: Corrupt judges conspire with media oligarchs to ban Cristina Kirchner from office

Geopolitical Economy Report • 159 implied HN points • 09 Dec 22
🌍 World Politics Judicial system Corruption
  1. Argentina's former President Cristina Fernández de Kirchner was banned from office after being sentenced to prison, leading to accusations of a judicial coup by corrupt judges and media oligarchs.
  2. Leaked messages revealed a conspiracy involving corrupt Argentine prosecutors, right-wing opposition politicians, conservative media corporations, and former intelligence officers colluding against Kirchner.
  3. The $44 billion debt Argentina owes to the International Monetary Fund was highlighted as a mechanism of control and dependency on economic and political policies, impacting the country's economic situation and political landscape.

Wang Jisi on The Relationship Between National Security and Other National Objectives

Pekingnology • 64 implied HN points • 22 Jun 25
🌍 World Politics International relations National Security Economic Policy Geopolitics Conflict Studies
  1. National security is very important, but it needs limits. We should not let the pursuit of security take away freedom and wealth.
  2. Economic growth helps improve security, but too fast growth can cause unrest, especially in poorer countries. It's important for nations to balance growth and stability.
  3. The resources a country spends on military don't always equal better security. There are complex factors at play that influence how safe a nation really is.

Zelensky is literally selling Ukraine to US corporations on Wall Street

Geopolitical Economy Report • 219 implied HN points • 09 Sep 22
🌍 World Politics Foreign Relations Neoliberalism Economic Policy Class conflict
  1. Ukraine's President Zelensky is opening up the country to US corporations on Wall Street for exploitation through a selloff program.
  2. Zelensky invited foreign corporations to invest billions in the country's projects, emphasizing economic opportunities.
  3. Critics liken Zelensky's actions to extreme neoliberal policies, highlighting concerns over labor rights and economic inequality.

David and Goliath

Diane Francis • 479 implied HN points • 21 Apr 22
🌍 World Politics Conflict Diplomacy Military International relations Geopolitics
  1. The battle in Ukraine's Donbas region is crucial, with intense fighting expected as both sides prepare for a high-stakes conflict. Ukraine is determined to defend its territory, drawing on strong morale and support from Western allies.
  2. Russia may have military advantages in terms of size and equipment, but Ukraine has key factors like knowledge of the terrain and the backing of NATO. This battle is seen as a turning point that could affect the outcome of the war.
  3. Even if Russia wins in Donbas, the ongoing conflict could exhaust its military and weaken Putin's regime over time. A prolonged fight could also lead to economic repercussions for Russia and impact global markets.

Sino-Soviet Split 2.0

ChinaTalk • 370 implied HN points • 05 Mar 24
🌍 World Politics Alliances Geopolitics Autocracies Diplomacy
  1. The partnership between Russia and China may not be as strong as it seems, with a 75% chance of it collapsing due to differing views on separatism.
  2. China and Russia have different perspectives on separatism, with China focusing on maintaining territorial unity while Russia supports separatist movements in neighboring regions.
  3. The stability of the alliance between China and Russia is questionable, and smart diplomatic maneuvering by democracies can help exploit the ideological cracks between these two powerful autocracies.

🔅 Lesley Lokko's Architectural Revolution & Kenya's IMF Lifeline

baobabnewsletter • 58 implied HN points • 19 Jan 24
🌍 World Politics Architecture Geopolitics Mining Wealth
  1. Lesley Lokko is the first African woman to win the prestigious RIBA gold medal and is revolutionizing the architectural world through academia and diversity.
  2. Kenya received a significant financial boost from the IMF to tackle economic challenges and debts, emphasizing the country's resilience amidst crises.
  3. Red Sea ship diversions due to conflicts in the area have increased fuel demand in African ports, creating congestion and soaring prices.

Making sense of Ethiopia's Tigray conflict

An Africanist Perspective • 118 implied HN points • 27 Jan 23
🌍 World Politics Conflict International relations
  1. The Tigray conflict in Ethiopia reveals the importance of understanding its historical origins to find lasting peace, rather than simplifying it as a battle between good and evil.
  2. The conflict resulted in immense human suffering and loss, with over 600,000 casualties and significant destruction, hindering the country's progress for years to come.
  3. The international dimension of the conflict, characterized by external involvement and geopolitical interests, played a significant role in shaping the course of the war and its resolution.

Taiwan Election Results: How Lai won, what China thinks, and what’s at stake for the DPP

ChinaTalk • 415 implied HN points • 14 Jan 24
🌍 World Politics Elections China Taiwan Cross-strait relations
  1. Current VP William Lai Ching-te of the Democratic Progressive Party won the Taiwan presidential election with over 40% of the vote.
  2. The DPP lost control of the legislature in Taiwan's election, falling from 61 to 51 seats.
  3. The Taiwan election was a referendum on DPP governance and internal issues like population crisis, high real estate prices, and military conscription.

Abortion in Cuba vs US shows which country is truly democratic

Geopolitical Economy Report • 299 implied HN points • 23 May 22
🌍 World Politics Abortion Democracy Socialism US Politics Healthcare
  1. Cuba's healthcare system, including abortion rights, is free and enshrined in a constitution voted on by the people, in contrast to the US where decisions are made by unelected judges.
  2. Cuba's democratic process involves grassroots participation and direct input from the masses in debates and referendums, showcasing a more participatory form of democracy compared to the US.
  3. Socialism in Cuba has led to the full actualization of reproductive rights for women, emphasizing the importance of socialism in ensuring democratic and reproductive freedom for all.

🔅 Africa's Wealth Gap & Shell's Nigerian Exit

baobabnewsletter • 58 implied HN points • 18 Jan 24
🌍 World Politics Oil industry Legal issues Elections
  1. Africa's wealth gap is severe, with the richest individuals holding more wealth than millions of people.
  2. Shell is exiting its onshore operations in Nigeria after a long history and facing pressure to address past environmental issues.
  3. Isabel dos Santos, once the richest woman in Africa, is facing numerous legal charges and financial struggles.

Alfred McCoy: Controlling the 'World Island'

God's Spies by Thomas Neuburger • 45 implied HN points • 08 Aug 25
🌍 World Politics Geopolitics Military Strategy International relations Colonial History Global Power
  1. Western powers have long tried to control Asia, referred to as the 'world island,' for its vast resources and strategic importance.
  2. Geopolitics, the use of geography for military and economic advantage, has shaped strategies for empire management throughout history.
  3. The U.S. has focused on dominating the Pacific coast to ensure its global influence, which is now challenged by China's growing presence and ambitions in the region.