The hottest World Politics Substack posts right now

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German domestic intelligence services are now targeting political dissidents considered guilty of "delegitimising" the state, in yet another ominous development reminiscent of the DDR

eugyppius: a plague chronicle • 113 implied HN points • 18 Mar 24
🌍 World Politics Surveillance Authoritarianism
  1. German domestic intelligence services are targeting political dissidents for 'delegitimising' the state, resembling oppressive practices of the past.
  2. The concept of 'Delegitimisation of the State' has been introduced, restricting certain political dissent akin to past authoritarian regimes.
  3. Criticism and comparisons between the Federal Republic and the DDR are now being monitored by the Federal Office for the Protection of the Constitution (BfV).

Video: Aaron Maté debates Ukraine / + latest on Gaza

Aaron Mate • 119 implied HN points • 23 Feb 24
🌍 World Politics Ukraine Gaza Israel Occupation Debate
  1. Aaron Maté participated in a debate on Al Jazeera's "Up Front" about Ukraine with a Member of Parliament and a political scientist, which was edited down to 25 minutes for broadcast.
  2. Aaron Maté also had a weekly interview with Judge Andrew Napolitano addressing Netanyahu's post-war Gaza plan, US support for Israeli occupation, and the latest updates on Ukraine.
  3. Aaron Mate's work is reader-supported, and individuals can subscribe to receive new posts and support his work.

The war in Ukraine is a giant disaster and Putin should not be valorized for it

Michael Tracey • 122 implied HN points • 12 Feb 24
🌍 World Politics Russia Ukraine NATO War Power Dynamics
  1. The ongoing war in Ukraine is seen as a huge disaster, and there are concerns about the support for Putin and his actions that led to this conflict.
  2. There has been a noticeable shift from simply understanding Russia's grievances to actively endorsing and supporting them, especially in the context of the war in Ukraine.
  3. Criticism is voiced against the exaltation of Putin and the belief that his invasion of Ukraine was morally justified, with a call for a critical view of all parties involved in the conflict.
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What’s happening with the Lower Murray’s levees? Not enough, opposition MPs say

Murray Bridge News • 19 implied HN points • 09 Jan 24
🌍 World Politics Floods Disaster Management Government Response Infrastructure
  1. Opposition MPs are concerned about the future of the levee network along the Lower Murray.
  2. Many levees along the Lower Murray were breached or overtopped during recent floods, causing damage to farmland.
  3. The government has committed to a three-year project to improve levee bank management on the River Murray and Gawler River.

Beijing Reiterates Readiness to Resume Mainland Tourists to Taiwan

Pekingnology • 52 implied HN points • 30 Nov 24
🌍 World Politics International relations Cross-strait relations Geopolitical Strategy
  1. Beijing wants to let its tourists visit Taiwan again, despite military tensions. They're ready to make this happen if Taipei lifts its ban on group tours.
  2. Taiwan's tourism industry is pushing its government to allow group tours to mainland China, but the government blames Beijing for the current restrictions.
  3. Both sides are blaming each other for the obstacles to tourism, but they both seem interested in resuming travel and improving relations.

2024

Black Lodges • 19 implied HN points • 08 Jan 24
🌍 World Politics Revolution Capitalism Palestine
  1. The writer expresses urgency for action towards total revolution.
  2. There is a strong rejection of soft cultural approaches and a call to oppose capitalist powers.
  3. The writer emphasizes the importance of sharing and supporting the publication.

Chris Hedges Livestream Q&A Tonight on the Future of The Middle East, 4:00pm PT / 7:00pm ET

The Chris Hedges Report • 47 implied HN points • 18 Dec 24
🌍 World Politics Middle East International relations Conflict resolution Media Studies Public Discourse
  1. Chris Hedges will host a live Q&A about the future of the Middle East. It happens at 4:00pm PT / 7:00pm ET.
  2. People can ask questions during the livestream, but you need to be a paid subscriber to participate.
  3. Make sure your questions are short and direct so they can be easily read during the show.

As Alternative für Deutschland approach 40% support in East Germany, a right-leaning CDU faction announce plans to break away from the Union and found a new party that will cooperate with AfD

eugyppius: a plague chronicle • 131 implied HN points • 06 Jan 24
🌍 World Politics Elections Political parties Conservatism Coalitions Political landscape
  1. Alternative für Deutschland is gaining significant support in East Germany, close to 40% in some states.
  2. A right-leaning CDU faction plans to break away and form a new party that will cooperate with AfD.
  3. This split could change the political landscape in Germany, with potential impact on the traditional parties.

Scraping the Barrel: Attrition and Cannibalization

Big Serge Thought • 12 implied HN points • 13 Aug 25
🌍 World Politics Conflict International relations Military Strategy Geopolitics Diplomacy
  1. Ukraine is in a tough spot in the war, facing serious losses and a manpower crisis. Fewer soldiers are available to defend key areas, leading to a weakened front.
  2. The military strategies are backfiring as Ukraine tries to expand its army instead of just replacing lost soldiers. This creates gaps in defense and increases vulnerability to attacks.
  3. Constant pressure from Russian forces is pushing Ukraine into a defensive position. As they deal with multiple threats, their ability to fight back effectively is diminishing.

Israel/Gaza: Retrospect and Prospect

Comment is Freed • 130 implied HN points • 07 Jan 24
🌍 World Politics Middle East International relations Peace process
  1. The conflict between Israel and Hamas remains unresolved, with challenges in reaching lasting peace deals.
  2. There are divisions within the Israeli government on how to handle the situation, including differing views on the future of Gaza and the Palestinian Authority's role.
  3. Efforts from external parties, like the US, Europeans, and Arab states, are crucial in addressing the complexities of the Israel-Gaza conflict and finding potential solutions.

As Arab states seek peace, US insists that Syrians suffer

Aaron Mate • 208 implied HN points • 14 May 23
🌍 World Politics Syria Reconstruction Middle East
  1. Syria's re-admission to the Arab League signifies a rejection of U.S. interests in the region and highlights Arab states' independence.
  2. The U.S. is imposing sanctions to hinder Syria's reconstruction efforts, showing displeasure with the Arab League's move.
  3. U.S. sanctions on Syria are causing mass suffering for civilians, despite claims to help the Syrian people.

Cuba at UN: Biden continues Trump's criminal attacks and unconventional warfare

Geopolitical Economy Report • 159 implied HN points • 23 Sep 21
🌍 World Politics UN Reparations Colonialism Sovereignty
  1. Cuban President Díaz-Canel condemned US imperialism and highlighted the detrimental effects of US interventions worldwide.
  2. Cuba called for reparations for slavery and independence for Puerto Rico, urging an end to unjust US policies towards these issues.
  3. Díaz-Canel expressed solidarity with various countries and addressed critical global affairs, condemning foreign interference and unjust sanctions imposed by powerful nations.

Venezuela at UN: We must build 'new world without imperialism'

Geopolitical Economy Report • 159 implied HN points • 22 Sep 21
🌍 World Politics United Nations Imperialism Venezuela Global Cooperation
  1. Venezuela's President Maduro calls for a new world without imperialism, advocating for a multipolar system based on peace and cooperation.
  2. Maduro denounces the US and EU for imposing blockades and sanctions on Venezuela, affecting the country's economic freedom and rights.
  3. Despite challenges and sanctions, Venezuela strives to increase production and overcome obstacles, calling for the removal of all criminal sanctions imposed by the US and EU.

Latin America challenges neocolonial OAS, and US hegemony, at historic CELAC summit

Geopolitical Economy Report • 159 implied HN points • 22 Sep 21
🌍 World Politics US Hegemony Anti-Imperialism Multilateralism
  1. Latin American countries are challenging US hegemony and neocolonialism through regional organizations like CELAC, moving away from OAS.
  2. The CELAC summit marked a strong stance against US influence, with calls to end US colonialism in Puerto Rico and the blockade on Cuba.
  3. Venezuela's leadership, along with Cuba and Nicaragua, has been crucial in advancing multilateralism in Latin America, despite facing opposition.

Russia’s Total Victory Over NATO Part 3

Autodidact Obsessions • 4 implied HN points • 19 Nov 25
🌍 World Politics International relations Military conflict Global Security Geopolitics
  1. Ukraine is claiming to produce many missiles, but the actual data doesn't support that, with few reports of successful attacks on Russia.
  2. Russia is reportedly outproducing NATO in arms manufacturing across various categories, hinting at a potential long-term advantage.
  3. The casualty figures from both sides are disputed, with many suggesting higher Ukrainian losses than reported, leading to questions about the veracity of the numbers we've seen in the media.

Russia’s Total Victory Over NATO Part 1

Autodidact Obsessions • 4 implied HN points • 19 Nov 25
🌍 World Politics International relations Military Strategy Economics Geopolitics Arms Trade
  1. Russia has a strong industrial production capability, ranking high globally, especially in arms manufacturing. This strength is a key factor in their ongoing war efforts.
  2. Despite having a smaller economy than many nations, Russia's resources like oil and gas contribute significant value, which complicates its economic comparisons with larger countries.
  3. Russian manufacturing is thought to be underestimated when using dollar value metrics. Using purchasing power parity may show that Russia's industrial capacity is stronger than it appears at first glance.

American Grand Strategy, Realism, and the Russo-Ukraine War

Comment is Freed • 167 implied HN points • 03 Sep 23
🌍 World Politics International Conflict Strategy Alliance Support
  1. Putin aims to keep the Russo-Ukraine War going until 2025, hoping for a change in US leadership.
  2. There is a debate in the US about the support for Ukraine and the focus on Pacific versus Atlantic strategic priorities.
  3. Realism in foreign policy involves assessing the situation practically, considering interests, and making grounded decisions.

🌍🌎🌏👁️ GLOBAL EYES

The Cosmopolitan Globalist • 4 implied HN points • 21 Nov 25
🌍 World Politics Ukraine Russia US Policy Peace talks Middle East Diplomacy Security
  1. Ukraine is under intense pressure to accept a U.S.-brokered 28-point peace framework that would cede territory, limit its military, and bar NATO membership, with threats to cut intelligence and weapons if it refuses. Many view the plan as forcing a humiliating surrender and Zelensky is publicly resisting it to defend sovereignty and dignity.
  2. European leaders are outraged by a rival proposal to use frozen Russian assets for American-led reconstruction while taking a large share of the profits, a move seen as unethical and likely to derail EU efforts to fund Ukraine. That proposal risks fracturing Western support and wrecking a reparations loan plan.
  3. Ceasefires in the Middle East remain fragile and the Phase II plan for Gaza — which depends on disarming Hamas, deploying an international stabilization force, and quickly rebuilding the Strip — faces huge political and operational hurdles. Without clear answers on who will govern, secure, and rebuild Gaza, the region risks renewed violence and a prolonged stalemate.

Why power makes leaders see threats everywhere

Klement on Investing • 1 implied HN point • 23 Jan 26
🌍 World Politics Geopolitics International relations Foreign Policy Political Psychology National Security Leadership
  1. When leaders or states gain more power they often start seeing even weaker competitors as threats.
  2. That growing fear can push them to take preventive actions, like foreign interventions, which outsiders may view as illogical.
  3. Behavioural geopolitics shows this power‑fear dynamic helps explain modern big‑power behavior and challenges the idea that great powers always act the same way.

Jihadistan

Diane Francis • 219 implied HN points • 26 Aug 21
🌍 World Politics Terrorism Geopolitics National Security International relations Middle East
  1. The situation in Afghanistan after the U.S. withdrawal could lead to more civil wars and a new home for terrorists, making Pakistan very vulnerable.
  2. Pakistan has a long history of harboring terrorists and is facing its own internal issues, which puts the region at greater risk.
  3. The Taliban's rise may increase challenges for Pakistan, India, and Iran, creating new tensions and potential conflicts in the area.

Remigration: A Review of Martin Sellner's Proposal to Reverse the Flow of Refugees and Save Europe

eugyppius: a plague chronicle • 109 implied HN points • 12 Mar 24
🌍 World Politics Migration Europe Culture Society Inequality
  1. Immigration throughout history has often resulted in serious disadvantages for the indigenous populations of destination lands.
  2. European elites have pursued liberalized immigration policies that may lead to Europeans becoming minorities in their own native lands.
  3. Mass migration is changing European societies and raising concerns about the future cultural and demographic landscape of Europe.

Russia says its Victory Day

That Damn Optimist • 204 implied HN points • 09 May 23
🌍 World Politics War Russia Ukraine Soviet Union
  1. The author reflects on the significance of Victory Day for their family, especially their grandpa who fought in the war.
  2. There is a complex mix of emotions around celebrating Victory Day due to current political events involving Russia and Ukraine.
  3. Honoring the memory of those who sacrificed and understanding the individual stories behind the mass tragedy of war is important.

I will moderate this event on Monday at 7:00 pm with Stella Assange, attorney Jennifer Robinson and Kristinn Hrafnsson, Editor-in-Chief of WikiLeaks, at The Frontline Club in London.

The Chris Hedges Report • 113 implied HN points • 16 Feb 24
🌍 World Politics Activism Extradition Press freedom Human Rights Government
  1. Event to be moderated by Chris Hedges in London with guests discussing Julian Assange's extradition appeal
  2. Julian Assange faces a potential 175-year sentence in the US for exposing war crimes
  3. Support for Assange's freedom campaign from various organizations and individuals globally

Los bancos de EEUU se enriquecieron durante la pandemia de Covid-19, mientras millones murieron

Geopolitical Economy Report • 119 implied HN points • 19 Jan 22
🌍 World Politics Economic Inequality Health Crisis Government Response Capitalism Banking Sector
  1. The US banks profited greatly during the Covid-19 pandemic despite millions dying, indicating a stark wealth disparity.
  2. Capitalist oligarchs gained $5 trillion during the pandemic while a vast majority of people suffered financially.
  3. The US government largely neglected its people during the pandemic, resulting in high death tolls and emphasizing the stark individualistic nature of the country's response.

Why Olaf Scholz is not a "peace Chancellor," why Ukraine still stands a good chance of getting their cruise missiles, and why the entire debate surrounding Taurus is such a riddle

eugyppius: a plague chronicle • 109 implied HN points • 05 Mar 24
🌍 World Politics International relations Military Aid Political Scandal Foreign Policy Alliances
  1. Olaf Scholz is not a 'peace Chancellor' as some perceive, with significant military aid to Ukraine, despite opposing certain weapons shipments. His low approval ratings and party struggle reflect the challenge he faces.
  2. The Taurus missile scandal in Germany has not conclusively hindered Ukraine's chances of acquiring cruise missiles. The leak has, however, intensified international pressure on Scholz to reconsider his stance.
  3. The debate surrounding the Taurus missile's significance has been plagued by the leak scandal, revealing security breaches and political consequences. The missile's effectiveness and the intense focus on it remain questionable.

Why doesn't the USA use its power to influence its weakest and neediest allies?

Demodexio • 132 implied HN points • 10 Dec 23
🌍 World Politics Foreign Policy Corruption Alliances Conflict Diplomacy
  1. USA government agencies often compete with each other, hindering effective foreign policy.
  2. Corruption in nominal allies undermines USA efforts, highlighting the need for harmony among agencies.
  3. Establishing a single point of contact with allies can prevent allies from playing different USA agencies against each other.

Weekly Retrospective #4

Novum Newsletter • 224 implied HN points • 26 Feb 23
🌍 World Politics War Globalization Power Dynamics International relations Conflict resolution
  1. Tea with the Mujahideen in Kabul revealed a blend of traditional values and globalized influences.
  2. The concept of 'Hyperpolitics' explores the extreme politicization of society without lasting mass movements.
  3. One year into the war in Ukraine, Russia's strategic pivot to the Global South is reshaping the geopolitical landscape.

The brutality of the Nigerian government

Demodexio • 132 implied HN points • 05 Dec 23
🌍 World Politics Corruption Human Rights International relations Global Security
  1. Nigeria faces issues of brutality by its government, particularly with the police unit SARS.
  2. The resource curse in Nigeria leads to corruption, lack of accountability, and a disconnect between rulers and citizens.
  3. The abundance of oil in Nigeria has fueled corruption, weakened the economy, and hindered development in other sectors like agriculture.

Feng Yujun on the Prospects of Russia-Ukraine war after Trump's reelection

Pekingnology • 49 implied HN points • 28 Nov 24
🌍 World Politics International relations Geopolitics Conflict resolution Peace Studies Military Affairs
  1. Trump's promise to end the Russia-Ukraine war in 24 hours is unrealistic and unlikely to happen.
  2. Russia has different strategies for the war, but its desire for land could lead to ongoing conflict rather than peace.
  3. A fair peace is essential for lasting peace; simply freezing the war would likely lead to future escalations.

Operation Rising Lion

The Cosmopolitan Globalist • 18 implied HN points • 13 Jun 25
🌍 World Politics Middle East Military Action Nuclear policy International relations Conflict analysis
  1. Israel has launched a major military operation called Operation Rising Lion, targeting Iran's nuclear facilities and military leadership. It involves extensive airstrikes and has already caused significant damage.
  2. Iran has responded to these attacks by launching drones and missiles toward Israel, indicating that they view this as an act of war. The situation is escalating rapidly and may involve further retaliation.
  3. International reactions are mixed, with various countries expressing alarm. The operation may disrupt ongoing diplomatic efforts regarding Iran's nuclear program and could lead to broader conflict in the Middle East.

How The US Got Beaten In Its Own Game In Ukraine: The Full Story

Oz’s Newsletter • 19 implied HN points • 28 Dec 23
🌍 World Politics Geopolitics Conflict Diplomacy Warfare Negotiation
  1. The US's plan to apply the Afghanistan playbook in Ukraine against Russia backfired.
  2. Russia's successful strategies, including using alternative international financial payment systems, led to major economic consequences for the US.
  3. The Ukraine war did not go as planned for the US, with Russia's military tactics proving effective and US efforts in the Middle East also facing challenges.

Subscriber Commentary and Review Thread (#14)

The Upheaval • 219 implied HN points • 07 Mar 23
🌍 World Politics Global Politics Terrorism Crisis Management
  1. The British government runs a program called Prevent that encourages people to report on their neighbors for having 'wrong' thoughts.
  2. Some taxpayer-funded documents have flagged seemingly harmless books and TV shows as signs of potential extremism.
  3. International Substack users may soon see new features like pricing in local currencies and alternative payment options.