John’s Substack

John's Substack focuses on deep analyses and updates on international conflicts, especially in Gaza and Ukraine, implications of US foreign policy, and critiques of mainstream narratives on international relations. It features interviews with and insights from John J. Mearsheimer on geopolitical issues and the realist perspective on state behaviors.

International Relations US Foreign Policy Geopolitical Conflicts Israeli-Palestinian Conflict Russia-Ukraine War Genocide Accusations Realist Theory International Law and the ICJ Media and Public Perception Geopolitical Strategizing

The hottest Substack posts of John’s Substack

And their main takeaways

Israel and Nuclear Weapons

5 implied HN points • 03 Mar 25
🌍 World Politics International relations Middle East Security Studies Geopolitics
  1. Israel has a nuclear deterrent that plays a crucial role in its national security. This means that having nuclear weapons helps protect Israel from potential threats.
  2. The competition between Israel and Iran is significantly influenced by nuclear weapons. This rivalry affects both countries' strategies and military decisions.
  3. Understanding how nuclear weapons shape international relations is key to grasping the complexities of Middle Eastern politics. It adds another layer to the security concerns in the region.

The Shootout at The White House

12 implied HN points • 01 Mar 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government Elections Policy International relations Political Commentary
  1. A serious conflict occurred at the White House involving President Zelensky and US leaders. This conflict sparked a lot of discussion about its impact on international relations.
  2. Experts, like LTC Danny Davis, are discussing what the exchange means for Ukraine's future and America's role in global affairs. It highlights the tensions in current political climates.
  3. People are watching to see how these events will shape future interactions between the countries involved. The outcomes could affect many lives and political dynamics.

Talking Ukraine with Former Ukrainian Journalist of the Year: Diana Panchenko

5 implied HN points • 27 Feb 25
🌍 World Politics International relations Conflict Studies Geopolitics Media Coverage War Analysis
  1. The discussion covers the origins and current status of the Ukraine war. It's important to understand how the conflict started to grasp its present situation.
  2. The podcast features insights from experienced journalists, shedding light on various perspectives about the war. Listening to experts can give a deeper understanding of complex issues.
  3. The podcast title 'War & Peace: Reloaded' suggests a reflective approach on the themes of conflict and resolution. It emphasizes the ongoing struggles and the search for peace in Ukraine.

Germany and Genocide

38 implied HN points • 16 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political speech International relations Free speech Activism
  1. Germany has a strong stance against supporting extremist political parties like the AfD, but there's a contradiction in its actions regarding international issues.
  2. The German government's support of Israel in the Gaza conflict raises questions about its commitment to free speech and protests within Germany.
  3. This situation highlights the ongoing debate about the values that different countries uphold and how they apply them in various contexts.
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Turning the Tide in Ukraine, but Not in the Middle East

8 implied HN points • 22 Feb 25
🌍 World Politics International relations Conflict Studies Geopolitics Foreign Policy Security Studies
  1. U.S. policy is changing significantly towards Ukraine and Russia, showing a shift in approach. This suggests new strategies may be developing to address the conflict in that region.
  2. However, U.S. policy towards Israel remains stagnant and hasn't adapted despite changes elsewhere. This could indicate a complex and possibly outdated perspective on the Middle East.
  3. The differences in U.S. foreign policy highlight how different regions can have vastly different responses from the same country. It's important to understand these nuances in global politics.

Talking about a Ukraine Deal on CNN

8 implied HN points • 20 Feb 25
🌍 World Politics International relations Geopolitics Conflict resolution Diplomacy
  1. The U.S. and Europe have different views on how to end the Ukraine war. It's important to understand these differences for better solutions.
  2. A new deal between Russia and the U.S. seems to be forming, which will impact Ukraine's response.
  3. Discussing these topics publicly can help shed light on the complexities of international relations, especially regarding conflicts.

The Tectonic Plates Are Moving in Europe

13 implied HN points • 15 Feb 25
🌍 World Politics International relations Geopolitics Conflict Studies Diplomacy Global Affairs
  1. The political situation in Europe is changing quickly and is very important to watch. Events happening now could have big effects on the future.
  2. The Trump administration's actions towards Ukraine and Europe show a clear effort to work with Russia regarding the Ukraine conflict. This indicates a shift in international relations.
  3. Understanding these movements in international politics can help us predict what might happen next in Europe and beyond. It’s a good time to pay attention to global news.

Talking Ukraine on "The Deep Dive"

7 implied HN points • 18 Feb 25
🌍 World Politics International relations Geopolitics Conflict Studies Security Studies Diplomacy
  1. The discussion focused on Ukraine and its current situation. It's clear that the geopolitical context is quite complex and evolving.
  2. The conversation coincided with significant political developments, like Trump's announcement regarding Putin. This shows how quickly events can change the narrative around Ukraine.
  3. Engaging with experts such as military personnel provides deeper insights into the issues at hand. Their perspectives can help us understand the implications of political decisions.

Trump & Hegseth Shock on Ukraine

11 implied HN points • 13 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Trump Ukraine Foreign Policy Defense Europe
  1. Trump and Hegseth are proposing major changes to the US policy on Ukraine. They believe this could reshape how the US interacts with Europe.
  2. Hegseth mentioned that Ukraine is unlikely to join NATO soon. This reflects a shift in the US's approach to European alliances.
  3. Trump suggested that there might be potential talks with Putin about ending the conflict in Ukraine. This indicates a desire for negotiation rather than continued involvement.

Trying to Make Sense of Trump's Foreign Policy

9 implied HN points • 13 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy Trump administration Global Affairs U.S. Relations Conflict analysis
  1. Trump's foreign policy is still being evaluated since he has just started his presidency. It's important to understand how he approaches issues on a global scale.
  2. The discussion highlights key situations like Gaza and Ukraine that are pressing for US foreign relations. These areas are pivotal in figuring out how Trump will steer his policies.
  3. Analyzing Trump's moves now could give insights into how he might shape America's role in the world going forward. It's a time to watch closely for changes.

The Moral Bankruptcy of the West

84 implied HN points • 24 Dec 24
🌍 World Politics Human Rights Geopolitics International Law Middle East Conflict
  1. Recent reports accuse Israel of committing genocide in Gaza. Organizations like Human Rights Watch and Amnesty International have highlighted these issues.
  2. Countries like the United States, Britain, and Germany, which claim to care about human rights, are seen as supporting these actions rather than stopping them.
  3. Many human rights advocates and the media in the West have been unusually silent about the situation in Gaza, raising questions about their moral stance.

Donald Trump Wants Another Nakba

11 implied HN points • 31 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government Elections Policy International relations Political Analysis
  1. Donald Trump has shown support for aggressive actions against Palestinians in Gaza. He believes Israel should have the freedom to remove Palestinians from the area.
  2. Recent talks indicated that Israel made significant concessions to Hamas in a ceasefire. This shows a shift in dynamics that might affect the ongoing conflict.
  3. The conversation highlights the moral implications of U.S. foreign policy and how it shapes conflicts in the Middle East. It raises questions about ethics in international relations.

Talking Israel with the Judge

7 implied HN points • 06 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy Military Affairs Social Issues Political Commentary Elections
  1. The discussion was about Trump's approach to Israel and Ukraine. It happened just before Trump announced a controversial military plan for Gaza.
  2. The plan discussed was considered absurd and morally wrong, indicating strong disapproval.
  3. More details about this plan will be talked about in future discussions, suggesting it's an important topic to watch.

Israel Admits Failure in Gaza

16 implied HN points • 17 Jan 25
🌍 World Politics Middle East International relations Conflict resolution Geopolitics
  1. Israel has recognized that it has not defeated Hamas in Gaza. This shows a shift in the country's position and strategy.
  2. The recent ceasefire agreement allows Palestinians to return home and includes aid for Gaza, indicating a significant concession from Israel.
  3. Despite the agreement, there's uncertainty about whether the ceasefire will last, and Israel still lacks a clear plan to win the conflict in Gaza.

Talking the World with Piers Morgan

6 implied HN points • 01 Feb 25
🌍 World Politics Conflict International relations Geopolitics Peace Studies Sovereignty
  1. The interview focused on the current situations in Gaza and Ukraine. It's clear that both experts saw little hope for a better outcome in these conflicts.
  2. Both hosts discussed the implications of Donald Trump becoming president again. They believe this could change the dynamics of international relations significantly.
  3. Overall, the conversation left a serious tone. There's a strong feeling that many global issues remain unresolved and could worsen.

Russia vs. Ukraine & the West: Who Has a Firmer Grip on Reality?

6 implied HN points • 30 Jan 25
🌍 World Politics Conflict International relations Geopolitics Diplomacy Security
  1. Russians have a clearer understanding of the war in Ukraine, which affects their strategy and decision-making.
  2. The differences in perspective between the Russians, Ukrainians, and the West could make it harder to reach a peace agreement.
  3. Having a firmer grip on reality might give Russia an advantage in negotiations.

Tony Blinker's Battle with Reality

10 implied HN points • 10 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy Government Elections Diplomacy Public Opinion
  1. Tony Blinken is facing criticism over his role as Secretary of State, especially regarding his foreign policy decisions. Many believe he is struggling to defend his actions.
  2. The conversation touches on Israel's plans to expand into neighboring territories, which has raised concerns in the international community.
  3. There are discussions about the significant influence of the Israel lobby on American politics, highlighting the power dynamics at play.

Gloom & Doom with the Judge

5 implied HN points • 24 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Judicial Foreign affairs Government Elections Political Commentary
  1. The conversation emphasized the serious issues in the Middle East and Ukraine. It highlighted how these conflicts continue to affect global politics.
  2. There was a focus on what former President Trump might do regarding these conflicts in the future. This creates uncertainty about how U.S. foreign policy could change.
  3. Overall, the talk maintained a gloomy tone while trying to provide insights. The aim was to inform listeners about the current state of world affairs.

Talking International Politics in the Netherlands

6 implied HN points • 19 Jan 25
🌐 International Politics Europe Middle East Media Trump
  1. The discussion highlighted the current state and future direction of Europe, emphasizing various political dynamics. It's important to understand how these changes could shape the continent.
  2. A significant part of the conversation focused on Israel's actions in Gaza, raising questions about international responses and implications. These situations often create complex discussions in global politics.
  3. They also speculated on what might happen if Trump returns to power, considering the potential impact on both the U.S. and international relations. It's a topic that many find intriguing and concerning.

Putin Challenges the West to a Duel

10 implied HN points • 21 Dec 24
🌍 World Politics Geopolitics Military Affairs International relations Conflict Studies Diplomacy
  1. Putin is seen as directly challenging Western countries, hinting at a serious conflict. This creates tension and uncertainty in international relations.
  2. There's a focus on the situation in Ukraine, highlighting ongoing concerns and unsettling discussions about war.
  3. The dialogue around these issues feels bleak, suggesting that problems are expected to persist into the future.

Off to A New Year with the Judge!

7 implied HN points • 03 Jan 25
🎙 Podcasts Media Interviews Culture Conversations Current affairs
  1. A new year brings new challenges, and it's important to reflect on ongoing issues. Staying aware of these challenges helps us understand where we might be headed.
  2. Conversations about current events and their implications are crucial. Engaging with different perspectives can enrich our understanding.
  3. Consistent discussions with knowledgeable individuals, like Judge Napolitano, can offer valuable insights. These dialogues can help clarify complex topics in an ever-changing world.

Giving Thanks to the Judge

15 implied HN points • 30 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy Media Criticism Political Commentary Judicial system International relations
  1. Trump's foreign policy decisions seem different from his campaign promises, especially regarding the Ukraine war.
  2. There's ongoing discussion about Israel's issues and claims of anti-Semitism in American institutions.
  3. The Judge's podcast offers an alternative perspective to mainstream media, which is seen as failing the public recently.

Bad Ideas on Ending the Ukraine War

10 implied HN points • 17 Dec 24
🌍 World Politics International relations Conflict resolution Geopolitics War Studies Diplomacy
  1. Many Western leaders have unrealistic ideas about how to end the Ukraine war. They often don’t fully consider the perspectives and motivations of Russia.
  2. There is a strong sense that the Western approach to the conflict is disconnected from reality. This can lead to poor decisions and a longer-lasting war.
  3. Addressing the conflict might require a more pragmatic and honest discussion about the interests of all parties involved. It's important to find common ground to achieve peace.

JJM vs. Alexander Dugin

10 implied HN points • 10 Dec 24
🌍 World Politics International relations Political theory Geopolitics Conflict Studies
  1. Alexander Dugin is a major thinker in Russia and is considered influential in Russian politics, often linked to Putin.
  2. He has strong opinions on many topics, particularly the Ukraine war, and is known for being a controversial figure in the West.
  3. Dugin's ideas are complex and well-developed, and whether people agree with him or not, his work is likely to have a lasting impact.

Talking Syria & Ukraine with Glenn Diesen and Alexander Mercouris

6 implied HN points • 28 Dec 24
🌍 World Politics Conflict International relations Geopolitics Syria Ukraine
  1. Syria and Ukraine are both facing tough situations, and it looks like things won't get better in 2025.
  2. Talks about resolving conflicts in these regions seem unlikely to lead to positive outcomes anytime soon.
  3. Despite hopes for changes in leadership, like those from Donald Trump, the problems in Syria and Ukraine may remain unresolved.

Desperation Time in Ukraine

12 implied HN points • 24 Nov 24
🌍 World Politics International relations Conflict Studies Policy Analysis Military Strategy Geopolitics
  1. The situation in Ukraine is very serious and there is a sense of urgency. Many people are feeling desperate as the conflict continues.
  2. The Biden Administration's actions in Ukraine are being closely examined. There are concerns about how these decisions may affect the future of the country.
  3. Conversations around the conflict reveal a lot of different opinions and predictions. It's important to stay informed and understand the different perspectives involved.

"Going Underground" on Syria

7 implied HN points • 16 Dec 24
🌍 World Politics Middle East International relations Conflict Studies Political Analysis Geopolitics
  1. Syria is in a chaotic state, and understanding its situation is complex. The podcast discusses the past events and potential future of the country.
  2. The conversation focuses on the impact of the fall of Assad and what that means for the region. It's important to consider how this could change politics and stability.
  3. Experts are trying to analyze the broader implications of the Syrian conflict. This includes looking at how the situation affects neighboring countries and global politics.

Talking Syria & Russia with the Judge

7 implied HN points • 12 Dec 24
🌍 World Politics International relations Geopolitics Conflict Studies Regional politics Security Issues
  1. The discussion focused on the situation in Syria and its implications for Russia. It highlighted the interconnectedness of global events and how they impact each other.
  2. Understanding the dynamics in Syria can provide insights into Russia's strategies and motivations in the region.
  3. The conversation emphasized the importance of analyzing these geopolitical issues for a better grasp of current international relations.

US Foreign Policy under Trump II

9 implied HN points • 16 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy Elections Political strategy National Security International relations
  1. President-elect Trump's appointments will shape future US foreign policy. This could mean a shift in how the US engages with other countries.
  2. Trump's approach might bring a focus on national interests over global alliances. This could change existing relationships and agreements with other nations.
  3. The upcoming foreign policy changes may lead to increased tensions or cooperation with global powers. It’s important to stay alert to how these dynamics evolve.

A Tour d'Horizon with the Judge

5 implied HN points • 06 Dec 24
🌍 World Politics International relations Conflict Geopolitics Global Issues
  1. The conversation covers global issues in countries like Syria, South Korea, France, and Israel. Each country has its own complex situation that affects its people and politics.
  2. The discussion balances different viewpoints, encouraging listeners to think critically about international events. It's important to understand various perspectives to grasp the bigger picture.
  3. Topics like freedom and justice are essential, highlighting how they play out in different parts of the world. These themes help us understand the struggles many people face.

On Realism

9 implied HN points • 02 Nov 24
🌍 World Politics International relations Conflict Studies Global Issues Political theory
  1. Realism is a theory that helps us understand global conflicts by focusing on power and national interest.
  2. The essence of realism suggests that states prioritize their security and survival in an anarchic international system.
  3. In a discussion about realism, it's important to consider how it can be applied to current events and major global issues.