The hottest World Politics Substack posts right now

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Australia's electoral system is broken, especially NSW's. Less than one in three NSW voters receive lower house representation, because of Australia's under-reported wasted vote problem.

Wheel’s Substack • 19 implied HN points • 23 Mar 23
🌍 World Politics Electoral Systems
  1. Less than one in three NSW voters receive lower house representation due to wasted votes.
  2. The preferential voting system does not prevent wasted votes, leading to undemocratic outcomes.
  3. Australia's electoral system is flawed and experts are defensive about acknowledging its issues.

Vocabulary of Mutiny, Mafia and Misery

Natto Thoughts • 19 implied HN points • 28 Jun 23
🌍 World Politics Russian history Political crisis Global Influence
  1. The vocabulary surrounding the Prigozhin mutiny in Russia includes terms like 'bardak', 'bezobrazie', and 'bespredel' which reflect different levels of mess, outrage, and lawlessness.
  2. Commentators have drawn parallels between the current Russian conflicts and the criminal world, using terms like 'razborki' and 'ponyatiya' to describe power struggles and unwritten codes of conduct.
  3. People have evoked historical events like the Time of Troubles and the Russian Civil War to make sense of the Prigozhin drama, highlighting similarities and warning against the potential consequences of conflicts like the Kornilov mutiny.

Back Story Newsletter

Dana’s Newsletter • 19 implied HN points • 30 May 23
🌍 World Politics Ukraine Russia Turkey NATO
  1. Ukraine faced unprecedented air attacks from Russia in Kyiv, emphasizing the need for more air defense supplies.
  2. Tensions flare in Kosovo with Serb protesters attacking NATO forces amid conflict with Russia over Kosovo's independence.
  3. Erdogan tightens his grip on power in Turkey after a contentious election marked by anti-immigration rhetoric and concerns about LGBTQ rights.

Finnish news recap, week 15: 24 questions edition

Ahpocalypse Now • 19 implied HN points • 18 Apr 23
🌍 World Politics Government Foreign Policy Security Autonomy Leadership
  1. The government formation process in Finland involves sending 24 questions to other parties to find potential partners.
  2. The Åland demilitarization issue is a long-standing and complex topic due to historical conflicts between nations.
  3. Political leadership changes are happening in Finland, including resignations and potential successors being discussed.

Russian Missiles

Dana’s Newsletter • 19 implied HN points • 16 May 23
🌍 World Politics Conflict International relations Military Diplomacy Warfare
  1. Russia launched a heavy air assault on Ukraine, targeting Kyiv with 18 missiles, all of which were intercepted.
  2. Ukraine is receiving more weapons and support from European countries like Germany and the UK.
  3. The upcoming Ukrainian counteroffensive aims to take back territories in south-eastern Ukraine, potentially cutting off Russia's land bridge to Crimea.
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America's skilled immigration crisis

Rahul’s Newsletter • 19 implied HN points • 04 Sep 23
🌍 World Politics Immigration India USA Global Leadership
  1. America's skilled immigration crisis is closing the door on top talent, leading to long-term repercussions.
  2. Current green card backlog for Indian workers has reached over 1.8 million cases, with wait times exceeding 100 years.
  3. America needs to address its immigration system to maintain its global leadership and technological dominance by streamlining the process for skilled immigrants.

On Imperialism

Nathan’s Substack • 19 implied HN points • 06 Sep 23
🌍 World Politics Imperialism BRICS Foreign Policy Allies Global Economy
  1. Empires often make enemies without realizing it, despite thinking they have many friends.
  2. Economic sanctions by one country can lead to unexpected consequences, pushing other nations to protect or distance themselves from the imposing nation's financial systems.
  3. Nations should be cautious in imposing their values on others, as historical empires have unintentionally faced negative outcomes by doing so.

Finnish News Recap, Week 26: Nazi Drama Continues edition

Ahpocalypse Now • 19 implied HN points • 05 Jul 23
🌍 World Politics Government International relations Policies Foreign affairs Political Events
  1. Controversial Finnish Minister resigned due to Nazi joke scandal and controversial comments, facing backlash internationally
  2. Festival in Finland revoked VIP tickets of a party MP for transphobic comments, sparking debate on culture wars and cancel culture
  3. Other Finns Party ministers under scrutiny for past hostile comments, as Pride March in Helsinki draws large crowd and Joe Biden plans visit to Finland

🔅 Zambia's Debt Relief, Bill Gates Gets Schooled on Afrobeats, Leicester Exhibition Wins Museum 'Oscars', Sierra Leone Heads to the Polls

baobabnewsletter • 19 implied HN points • 26 Jun 23
🌍 World Politics Museums Elections
  1. Zambia secured debt relief from creditors, setting a precedent for developing nations.
  2. Bill Gates learned about Afrobeats before visiting Nigeria, impressed by the music scene.
  3. Leicester exhibition on Ugandan-Asians won a prestigious museum award, celebrating cultural heritage.

Hacker “Bentley” indicted; China weaponizing vulnerabilities; Journalists suspect poisoning; Breakfast on the Verge of the Apocalypse; Free WIFI in China comes with a cost; Disinformation wins a round

Natto Thoughts • 19 implied HN points • 08 Sep 23
🌍 World Politics Russia China Disinformation Journalism
  1. Russian hackers 'Bentley' have used Trickbot and Conti malware to steal funds, leading to indictments and sanctions from the US and UK.
  2. China has a system that nationalizes vulnerability disclosures, sharing data with agencies like the CNCERT/CC and Ministry of Public Security, raising concerns.
  3. Journalist Elena Kostyuchenko suspected of being poisoned, highlights the dangers faced by critical journalists in Russia, with a forthcoming book 'I Love Russia'.

Skepticism about Russian Internet Cutoff, Backpack Nukes, and Cybersecurity Awards

Natto Thoughts • 19 implied HN points • 13 Jul 23
🌍 World Politics Internet Governance National Security Cybersecurity Nuclear Weapons
  1. There are doubts about Russia's readiness to operate its own internet independently, despite claims of conducting a test cutoff.
  2. Debates over internet governance and fragmentation are ongoing, with Russia seeking ITU oversight instead of a multi-stakeholder approach.
  3. Some cybersecurity awards programs may be more about advertising than indicating actual excellence in cybersecurity.

What if Trump Wins?

Comment is Freed • 66 implied HN points • 16 Mar 24
🌍 World Politics Defense International relations Security
  1. There is a growing concern about the international situation, specifically due to challenges in Ukraine, militarization in Russia, and tensions with Iran and China.
  2. There is a debate about increasing defense spending in the UK to address urgent security needs, but economic conditions and political decisions are factors affecting this.
  3. Europe is considering how to cope with the potential return of Donald Trump to power after the next US presidential elections, with uncertainties around polls, legal cases, and candidate health.

This is a panel discussion I took part in with former UK Ambassador Craig Murray and other diplomats, activists and journalists following the first day of Julian Assange's final appeal hearing.

The Chris Hedges Report • 69 implied HN points • 21 Feb 24
🌍 World Politics Julian Assange Panel Discussion Journalists
  1. Panel discussion participants included Chris Hedges and former UK Ambassador Craig Murray.
  2. The discussion focused on diplomats, activists, and journalists following Julian Assange's final appeal hearing.
  3. There was an emphasis on the importance of support through reader subscriptions for publications like The Chris Hedges Report.

Psalm 137 On My Mind

Gideon's Substack • 21 implied HN points • 21 Feb 25
🌍 World Politics Middle East International Conflict Political Commentary Human Rights
  1. The film 'No Other Land' focuses on the struggles of villagers facing eviction in Masafer Yatta. It shows how they resist demolitions and try to maintain their community despite the challenges.
  2. The film presents a local view of the conflict and highlights feelings of injustice, but lacks broader political context. This can shift viewers' sympathies without understanding all sides.
  3. In conflicts like this, it's common to see only your own perspective. Broader understanding can be hard to achieve, but it's necessary for lasting peace.

What is Yi Gang trying to say in his 1st interview after retiring from PBoC?

Pekingnology • 71 implied HN points • 06 Feb 24
🌍 World Politics Economics Monetary Policy Currency Financial history Central Banking
  1. Yi Gang discussed the historical significance of Jiaozi, the first paper money, and its implications for currency policies
  2. He emphasized the importance of competition under constraints for a successful monetary system
  3. Yi Gang highlighted the necessity of establishing and enhancing modern central bank systems to maintain currency stability

Syrians in Jordan Return Home

The Weekly Gazette • 11 implied HN points • 21 Jun 25
🌍 World Politics Human Rights International relations Middle East Migration policy
  1. Many Syrians in Jordan are risking their legal status to visit their home country, with some planning to return and others facing a one-way trip. They want to see family but worry about losing their lives in Jordan.
  2. Jordan has different policies for who can travel back and forth to Syria, making it easier for some people like investors and students, while others face restrictions. This creates different realities for Syrian refugees.
  3. Some refugees feel torn between their lives in Jordan and their desire to return to Syria. They hope for better conditions back home but acknowledge they need more time before making a permanent move.

Kiev Must Surrender To Russia!

C.O.P. Central Organizing Principle. • 12 implied HN points • 28 May 25
🌍 World Politics International relations Military Affairs Diplomacy Conflict Studies Geopolitics
  1. Kiev should consider surrendering to Russia to save lives. It's suggested that the current leadership may be leading people into danger.
  2. Past actions by leaders like Trump have shown a lack of genuine desire for peace, especially with military strikes being prioritized over diplomacy.
  3. Russia is unlikely to engage positively with the US after recent events and is focused on its military goals in Ukraine.

Russia After Putin: Dictatorship, Democracy, or Chaos?

Natto Thoughts • 19 implied HN points • 14 Apr 23
🌍 World Politics Historical memory
  1. Russia's post-Putin future is uncertain, with scenarios ranging from dictatorship to democracy to chaos.
  2. The possibility of a democratic renewal in Russia is complicated by divisions in the opposition and the influence of the siloviki and other security forces.
  3. Memories and fears of chaos in Russia's history will likely shape decisions after Putin, with scenarios envisioning potential breakup or descent into chaos.

Supreme Command: Its not a Celebrity Contest

Phillips’s Newsletter • 70 implied HN points • 31 Jan 24
🌍 World Politics Military Leadership History Conflict
  1. General Zaluzhny was relieved of his military command in Ukraine, leading to speculation about the reasons behind it.
  2. There were tensions between President Zelensky and General Zaluzhny, with reports of Zaluzhny's imminent replacement circulating.
  3. The situation with General Zaluzhny reflects historical dynamics of leadership and command changes during times of crisis.

Politics' Final Form According to Fukuyama

Holodoxa • 59 implied HN points • 16 Jul 22
🌍 World Politics Liberalism Political theory Critique Ideology Democracy
  1. Fukuyama defends liberalism, emphasizing individual rights and the importance of moderation in governance.
  2. He critiques extreme positions like over-eager free market embrace and governmental enforcement of moral life.
  3. Fukuyama's portrayal of liberal and contra-liberal ideas is clear and organized, making the book a compelling read.

Nicaragua se sale de la OEA, arma golpista controlada por EEUU

Geopolitical Economy Report • 79 implied HN points • 19 Nov 21
🌍 World Politics Anti-Imperialism
  1. Nicaragua left the OAS denouncing it as a US-controlled tool of interference, highlighting a history of US influence in the organization
  2. The OAS is criticized for its role in controversial actions like supporting coups in Bolivia and Honduras, and recognizing figures like Juan Guaidó in Venezuela
  3. Nicaragua's exit from the OAS aligns with a regional trend towards reevaluation of the organization, with countries considering alternatives such as CELAC for a more independent representation

Stymied in Ukraine, Putin’s Government Resorts to Covert Sabotage and Panic-Mongering in the West

Natto Thoughts • 19 implied HN points • 10 Apr 23
🌍 World Politics Warfare Critical Infrastructure Psychological Warfare International relations
  1. Putin's government is resorting to covert sabotage and panic-mongering in the West, especially targeting Ukraine's allies, to sow panic and amplify discontent.
  2. Analysts speculate on Putin's determination to stay in power and continue the war in Ukraine, citing his mission to undo Soviet breakup humiliation and potentially recreate the Russian empire.
  3. Russia is engaging in psychological warfare globally, using a combination of cyber and physical attacks on critical infrastructure to erode morale in Ukraine and its supporters.

Japan GDP Ends 2021 Near Pre-Covid Level

Japan Economy Watch • 79 implied HN points • 16 Feb 22
🌍 World Politics Economy International relations Global Finance Government Policy Economic Impact
  1. Japan's GDP in 2021 was just 2% above its level from 14 years ago in 2007, showing a stagnant long-term economic performance.
  2. The growth Japan has seen has largely been dependent on government deficit spending, with private domestic demand remaining below pre-2007 levels.
  3. Economists predict Japan's GDP growth to continue in a saw-toothed pattern, with the economy expected to grow by 3.3% in 2022 and 1.8% in 2023, but still lagging behind other major economies like the US and Eurozone.

The Propaganda Campaign over Iran

John’s Substack • 10 implied HN points • 27 Jun 25
🌍 World Politics International relations Propaganda Middle East Conflict Government
  1. The narrative pushed by some governments can create a different version of reality, focusing on victories that may not align with the actual events.
  2. In discussions about conflicts, there can be a disconnect between what is presented in media and what really happens on the ground.
  3. Understanding the difference between government narratives and reality is important for forming an informed opinion.

Europe’s Need for Space Sovereignty: Launch

Ill-Defined Space • 19 implied HN points • 28 Feb 25
🌍 World Politics Space Policy International relations Defense Strategy Economic Cooperation
  1. Europe needs to take real steps towards being independent in space launches. Relying on other countries for rocket launches isn't a viable long-term strategy.
  2. The current state of Europe's launch industry is weak, with very few successful launches compared to other countries. More competition could lead to better innovation and technology.
  3. Europe has the talent and resources to improve its space industry, but it's not using them effectively. Making serious investments and diversifying options is crucial for real space sovereignty.

Sharp Decline in the Number of Foreigners in China Demands Serious Attention

Pekingnology • 105 implied HN points • 11 Jun 23
🌍 World Politics Foreign Relations Global Influence
  1. China must focus on attracting global talents to become a modern strong socialist nation.
  2. There is a significant decline in the number of foreigners from developed countries residing in China.
  3. Efforts are needed to enhance infrastructure, social acceptance, and streamlined procedures to accommodate foreign residents in China and promote positive international interactions.

The Mythic Rebellion: Why The Far Right Keeps Winning

The Bigger Picture • 2 HN points • 19 Jun 24
🌍 World Politics Immigration Class dynamics Cultural Exchange National Identity
  1. In Europe, the far right is gaining ground due to frustrations with technocratic institutions and the perception of multiculturalism as threatening traditional culture and identity.
  2. Immigration is a politically charged topic in Europe and the US due to differing cultural attitudes towards trust, individualism, and social networks.
  3. Collective grief and rituals are suggested as a way to address cultural wounds, honor identities, and navigate the complexities of multiculturalism and monoculturalism in Western societies.

The Choice

Comment is Freed • 88 implied HN points • 09 Sep 23
🌍 World Politics Government Healthcare Infrastructure Economy
  1. The government will need to spend over 45% of national income on public services, benefits, and debt repayments by the mid-2040s.
  2. There are limited options for the next government as previous strategies to avoid high costs are no longer viable.
  3. Despite potential economic growth, tough decisions and budget constraints lie ahead for the government.

The Minerva Julie: Unknowing Cover?

OSINT & Analysis by Oliver Alexander • 122 implied HN points • 12 Mar 23
🌍 World Politics International relations Sabotage
  1. The Minerva Julie, a Greek tanker, had suspicious movements near Nord Stream sites, raising questions about possible ties to Russian oil.
  2. There were signs of submarine activity near the Nord Stream pipeline, with naval vessels like USS Kearsarge and German ships conducting operations.
  3. The possibility that vessels like the Minerva Julie were used unknowingly to mask a submarine's involvement in the pipeline sabotage adds complexity to the situation.

The Great (Freedom) Reset Has Begun

QTR’s Fringe Finance • 75 implied HN points • 25 Nov 23
🌍 World Politics Global Economy Political Ideologies Civil Liberties
  1. Argentina's new president is bringing libertarian principles of small government and sound money into practice, setting an example for the world.
  2. The success or failure of Argentina's economic and social changes will provide lessons for other nations considering similar policies.
  3. The divide in the US between parties and the far left's radical views may lead to a shift towards libertarianism or conservatism, as seen in Argentina.