Comment is Freed

Comment is Freed, by Sam and Lawrence Freedman, focuses on providing in-depth analysis and commentary on global political events, policy analysis, and state affairs, with a significant focus on conflicts like the Russo-Ukraine War, tensions between Israel and Gaza, and Russian internal dynamics. It also explores election politics, strategies in conflicts, and broader geopolitical strategies.

Global Politics Policy Analysis Foreign Affairs Military Strategies Geopolitical Conflicts Election Politics Strategy and Tactics Government and Governance

The hottest Substack posts of Comment is Freed

And their main takeaways

Capabilities and Commitments: The Integrated Review and AUKUS

29 implied HN points • 14 Mar 23
  1. Historically, defense reviews aimed to align capabilities with commitments by often cutting back on commitments due to financial constraints.
  2. Complexity of international security has led to periodic reviews that also consider broader security concerns like cyberattacks and information campaigns.
  3. Recent events, such as Russian aggression against Ukraine, have necessitated a reevaluation of defense strategies and reinforced the importance of investments in nuclear-submarine building.

Finding a Role: how the UK Military Contribution to the Iraq War was decided

30 implied HN points • 18 Feb 23
  1. The UK's military contribution to the Iraq War was largely discretionary and influenced by US requests.
  2. The decision for the UK's military involvement came primarily from the Armed Forces.
  3. The UK ended up with a long-term commitment in Iraq due to insufficient questioning of the military advice.

YIMBYs, NIMBYs and the Battle for the Soul of the Tory Party

32 implied HN points • 27 Nov 22
  1. Government is facing internal conflicts over Brexit, immigration, and planning.
  2. Brexit fans are realizing the potential threat if GDP growth remains slow.
  3. Debates on immigration show the growing need for migrant labor in certain sectors.

AUKUS and Alliance

29 implied HN points • 03 Dec 22
  1. Australia, UK, and US formed AUKUS to build nuclear submarines
  2. Nuclear submarines are more advanced and suitable for countering Chinese Navy
  3. The deal with AUKUS annoyed France and caused diplomatic tension

On writing about command

22 implied HN points • 21 Aug 22
  1. Lawrence Freedman has a new book coming out on the politics of military operations.
  2. He discusses the process of writing the book and his inspiration from other works in the field.
  3. Freedman explores the concept of command and how it has evolved over time.
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How to change your mind

29 implied HN points • 06 Jan 22
  1. Changing your mind can take time and reflection.
  2. Steel-manning is a helpful practice to understand alternative views.
  3. Being open to considering opposing arguments can lead to a more nuanced understanding of debates.

How bad does it need to get?

9 HN points • 14 Jun 23
  1. The NHS is facing a crisis with long wait times and increasing demand for treatment.
  2. There is a lack of physical capacity like hospital beds and diagnostic equipment to support increased activity in the NHS.
  3. Issues with staffing, including high turnover rates and lack of experienced personnel, are worsening the capacity problems in the healthcare system.

Send us questions!

12 implied HN points • 15 Feb 23
  1. They are looking for questions from readers for a Q+A session.
  2. They won't have a midweek post this week due to half term.
  3. They are planning to film the Q+A session to see if it works better than typing.

Is Russia Preparing For War?

16 implied HN points • 10 Jan 22
  1. There is an intensive period of diplomacy to prevent a potential war between Russia and Ukraine.
  2. Russia is making demands for a new European security order, including not expanding NATO into certain regions.
  3. The situation is complex and there are uncertainties around Russia's military buildup, potential objectives, and negotiation possibilities.

Waiting for Gray

14 implied HN points • 16 Jan 22
  1. Speculation swirls around Sue Gray's report to describe events at No 10 where Prime Minister Johnson was involved.
  2. It is important for reports like Gray's to present facts carefully and fully without unnecessary commentary.
  3. Gray's report may influence whether actions at No 10 are seen as legitimate or illegitimate, even if they were technically legal.

How do we get a new Prime Minister?

13 implied HN points • 12 Jan 22
  1. The article discusses how Boris Johnson could apologize without admitting to lying or breaking the law.
  2. The author anticipated Johnson's statement before PMQs.
  3. To read the full post, a subscription to Comment is Freed with a 7-day trial is needed.

Welcome to Comment is Freed

11 implied HN points • 03 Jan 22
  1. Place for Sam and Lawrence Freedman to share ideas and reactions to events
  2. Monthly free posts for all subscribers, paid subscribers get at least three additional pieces
  3. Sam focuses on UK policy and politics, while Lawrence focuses on foreign affairs and background history

Has diplomacy with Russia failed this week?

4 implied HN points • 14 Jan 22
  1. Diplomacy with Russia this week did not lead to any noticeable changes in the NATO-Russia standoff.
  2. Russia demanded that the US halt NATO expansion, but the US refused.
  3. The diplomatic efforts did not yield a resolution as both sides held their expected positions.

Coming soon

0 implied HN points • 24 Dec 21
  1. Sam Freedman is launching a newsletter about Politics + policy analysis.
  2. The newsletter will be available soon at samf.substack.com.
  3. Subscribe to stay updated on Sam Freedman's content.