The hottest Conflict Studies Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top World Politics Topics

SITREP 10/10/24: From Bad to Worse for Ukraine Amid New Surge of Russian Advances

Simplicius's Garden of Knowledge • 13029 implied HN points • 11 Oct 24
🌍 World Politics Conflict Studies
  1. Ukraine's situation is worsening as they struggle against renewed Russian advances. Zelensky is seeking support from allies to end the conflict but is facing growing pressures.
  2. There are discussions about a potential ceasefire, but Zelensky is caught between showing strength and the reality of needing to make concessions. He wants to maintain the appearance of not giving up land.
  3. Infighting and low morale are rising among pro-Ukrainian supporters. Many feel that the West won't provide the necessary support to achieve victory against Russia.

SITREP 10/5/24: Post-Ugledar Landscape Unfurls into Dark Ukrainian Future

Simplicius's Garden of Knowledge • 13848 implied HN points • 06 Oct 24
🌍 World Politics Conflict Studies
  1. Ukrainian troops are facing major issues, like mutinies and lack of resources. Many soldiers are unwilling to fight due to insufficient training and equipment.
  2. The fall of Ugledar shows how serious the losses are for Ukraine. Brigades are being dramatically reduced in numbers, with some units losing nearly all their members.
  3. There's a growing sentiment among Ukrainian soldiers and officials that negotiations might be necessary to end the conflict. Many are feeling the emotional and physical toll of the ongoing war.

The Militarisation of Scandinavia & the Great Northern War 2.0

Glenn’s Substack • 1838 implied HN points • 06 Sep 24
🌍 World Politics Conflict Studies
  1. Scandinavia is shifting from a peaceful region to a frontline for the US military, which might lead to more conflicts. Countries like Norway are hosting US military bases, causing Russia to feel threatened.
  2. The history shows that when one country's security increases, it often makes neighboring countries feel less secure, leading to a security competition. This was the case during the Cold War with Finland and Sweden acting as neutral states to reduce tensions.
  3. NATO's expansion, including Sweden and Finland joining, is seen by some as a major mistake. It might actually increase tensions rather than provide security, as past experiences suggest that surrounding a country with military alliances can provoke it.

DWN Interview with Harald Kujat: Ukraine Support Without Peace Strategy

Glenn’s Substack • 659 implied HN points • 08 Sep 24
🌍 World Politics Conflict Studies
  1. Neither Ukraine nor Russia can truly win the war. Both sides are unlikely to achieve their political goals, and ongoing support from the West may not change the military balance.
  2. Ukraine's recent offensive into Russian territory may turn out to be a risky move rather than a game-changer. The action could lead to greater military challenges as Ukraine stretches its resources thin.
  3. A peaceful resolution to the conflict seems increasingly distant. Both sides have strong preconditions for negotiations, and external factors like upcoming U.S. elections could impact the situation further.

God Help Us, Let's Try To Have An Opinion On The War In Gaza

Astral Codex Ten • 6332 implied HN points • 18 Nov 25
🌍 World Politics Conflict Studies
  1. It’s important to have an opinion about the war in Gaza, as it affects many people and their lives. Engaging with this topic helps us understand the broader implications and human experiences involved.
  2. Different perspectives on the conflict exist, and it's crucial to listen to various viewpoints. This can help us form a more balanced and informed opinion.
  3. Expressing our thoughts on such a complex issue can be challenging, but it encourages dialogue and understanding. It’s okay to seek clarity and ask questions as we navigate this situation.
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Putin's Sudan

Diane Francis • 899 implied HN points • 19 Aug 24
🌍 World Politics Conflict Studies
  1. Sudan is currently experiencing a brutal civil war that has caused many civilian deaths and destruction, especially in its capital, Khartoum.
  2. Media attention has mostly focused on other conflicts, like the wars in Ukraine and Gaza, which means Sudan's crisis is often overlooked.
  3. Russia, under Putin, is involved in Sudan by providing mercenaries and exploiting its resources, worsening the humanitarian situation.

NATO invades Russia?

Glenn’s Substack • 739 implied HN points • 22 Aug 24
🌍 World Politics Conflict Studies
  1. NATO's involvement in the war may blur the lines between a proxy war and direct conflict, raising concerns about escalation.
  2. Russia has been cautious in its response to NATO actions, as retaliating could lead to a larger global conflict.
  3. The recent invasion of Kursk by Ukraine and NATO has led to significant Ukrainian casualties and weakened defensive positions, with NATO's role now more apparent.

Chartbook 400: Murder not crisis - Why Israel's starvation of Gaza is exceptional in a global context.

Chartbook • 7238 implied HN points • 27 Jul 25
🌍 World Politics Conflict Studies
  1. The Israeli government is accused of deliberately starving the people of Gaza, with evidence suggesting a plan to force them to flee or face severe hardship. This raises serious concerns about genocide.
  2. Unlike other regions experiencing hunger, the situation in Gaza is described as a direct result of intentional policies by a powerful state, rather than an unintended consequence of conflict.
  3. The entire population of Gaza, about 2.1 million people, is at risk of acute food insecurity, showcasing an exceptional circumstance of mass starvation that stands apart from other global hunger hotspots.

NATO's Nemesis

Diane Francis • 979 implied HN points • 11 Jul 24
🌍 World Politics Conflict Studies
  1. NATO needs to step up its strength and resolve in the face of threats like Putin's actions. The alliance was formed to counter aggressiveness similar to what we see today.
  2. To truly support Ukraine, NATO should declare a clear path for Ukraine’s membership. This would reduce Putin's motivation to continue the war.
  3. NATO’s military budget is significantly larger than Russia’s, which shows that if united, the alliance could effectively counter Putin’s aims.

Seoul Mates

Doomberg • 5493 implied HN points • 03 Jul 25
🌍 World Politics Conflict Studies
  1. Korea had a long time of isolation from the world, making it mysterious to outsiders. This started in the 1600s due to fear of invasions and took a few centuries to end.
  2. After World War II, Korea was split into North and South at the 38th parallel based on a simple map, which led to conflict. This division wasn't meant to last but ended up becoming permanent.
  3. Current global tensions with North Korea and its ties to Russia can affect relations between the two Koreas. History shows that wars can lead to changes in borders and reunification might be possible in the future.

The Ultimate Deception: How Trump and Bibi Outfoxed Iran

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 4780 implied HN points • 13 Jun 25
🌍 World Politics Conflict Studies
  1. Trump and Netanyahu were straightforward in their plans against Iran, avoiding complex political language. This clear communication was crucial in their strategy.
  2. Iran's top military leaders, who had threatened Israel, believed they were safe and went about their normal lives without fear. This showed a miscalculation of the threat posed by Israel.
  3. The consequence for Iran's leaders was severe, as they were ultimately targeted and eliminated, illustrating the risks of underestimating an opponent.

The Taiwan posts

Noahpinion • 9706 implied HN points • 09 Jan 25
🌍 World Politics Conflict Studies
  1. Taiwan has a unique culture that combines influences from both Chinese and Japanese traditions. It's famous for its delicious food and vibrant nightlife, making it a fun place to visit.
  2. Taiwan's public health system is highly effective, demonstrated by how well they handled the COVID-19 pandemic. They used strict measures and technology to keep their population safe.
  3. Taiwan is a progressive society, leading in areas like gender equality and LGBTQ+ rights. It's known for being tolerant and open-minded, setting an example in a region often dominated by conservatism.

Putin's Third Front

Diane Francis • 739 implied HN points • 27 Jun 24
🌍 World Politics Conflict Studies
  1. Putin opened a new front in his conflicts by forming a security agreement with North Korea. This relationship is meant to counteract Western influence.
  2. The agreement between Russia and North Korea has worried several countries in the region, including China, Japan, and South Korea. South Korea's president criticized it as a dangerous move.
  3. The partnership raises tensions since both countries have histories of war, and it could lead to an arms race in the region.

To Future Generations: They Knew. They All Knew What Was Happening In Gaza.

Caitlin’s Newsletter • 2621 implied HN points • 09 Aug 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Conflict Studies
  1. People in power, like politicians and reporters, knew what was happening in Gaza all along. They had the same information as everyone and chose to ignore it.
  2. Supporting genocide is wrong, no matter what your background is. Calling out or shunning those who advocate for violence against civilians should apply to everyone equally.
  3. The views of those affected by conflict matter. Many people want peace instead of prolonged suffering, but it often feels like they're ignored by those in charge.

Our Sixty Days of Nuclear Chicken Have Begun

TK News by Matt Taibbi • 10440 implied HN points • 20 Nov 24
🌍 World Politics Conflict Studies
  1. The situation in Ukraine is getting riskier as peace talks are expected after Trump's inauguration. This is causing both Russia and the U.S. to escalate their military actions.
  2. Recent attacks involving U.S.-made ATACMS missiles have heightened tensions and alarmed Russian media. They are worried about this being a significant moment in history.
  3. There's a growing fear that we might be approaching a major conflict, with some comparing it to the dangers of the Cuban Missile Crisis. A nuclear response from Russia is now more likely, raising serious concerns.

Georgia On My Mind

Doomberg • 6668 implied HN points • 09 Feb 25
🌍 World Politics Conflict Studies
  1. The end of unipolarity makes Europe vulnerable and could lead to significant changes in global power dynamics.
  2. Georgia's political turmoil shows the influence of outside forces like the EU and Russia in the region.
  3. A shift towards a multipolar world means countries need to focus more on their own national interests rather than trying to solve every global issue.

China Waits

Diane Francis • 1638 implied HN points • 08 Apr 24
🌍 World Politics Conflict Studies
  1. China is benefiting from Russia's war by getting cheap energy while avoiding direct involvement. It is using this situation to increase its influence while waiting for the right moment to act.
  2. If Russia's power weakens, China may try to take back areas like Manchuria, which holds many resources. This territory has been historically important to China.
  3. While Russia struggles in the war, China is carefully repositioning itself to strengthen its economy and global influence, especially as it faces challenges from the West.

A Farewell To Arms Supplies.

Trying to Understand the World • 8 implied HN points • 11 Mar 26
🌍 World Politics Conflict Studies
  1. Strategy must start with a clear, unambiguous end-state you can measure, because without a defined goal you can't know what plans or resources are needed.
  2. Operational plans have to show how actions will actually produce political outcomes and must be grounded in a realistic understanding of the target society; wishful assumptions (like crude modernization theory or expecting “people like us” to take over) usually fail.
  3. War is fundamentally attritional and asymmetric: victory depends on preserving the specific capabilities tied to your objectives, and logistical, industrial and political limits can defeat even a technologically superior power.

Niall Ferguson: Israel’s Attack Restores the Credibility of the West

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 2944 implied HN points • 13 Jun 25
🌍 World Politics Conflict Studies
  1. Israel recently launched a major military operation against Iran, marking a new phase in their ongoing conflict. This involved air strikes and targeted assassination strikes against key Iranian military figures.
  2. The attacks were extensive, with hundreds of strikes involving around 200 fighter jets. Israel's approach shows they are willing to engage in significant military action.
  3. Iran's leadership has responded aggressively, warning of painful retaliation, and there are ongoing fears of escalating violence within Israel itself.

Ukraine Collapses & NATO Escalates

Glenn’s Substack • 439 implied HN points • 04 Jul 24
🌍 World Politics Conflict Studies
  1. NATO is struggling in Ukraine and needs to either negotiate or increase its military involvement.
  2. The situation is tense and we may be close to a direct conflict between NATO and Russia.
  3. Political issues in Western countries are worsening, but NATO continues to escalate the situation instead of seeking dialogue.

Only Liars And Manipulators Say Gaza Isn't Starving

Caitlin’s Newsletter • 1671 implied HN points • 24 Aug 25
🌍 World Politics Conflict Studies
  1. Reports from Gaza show that many people, especially children, are severely malnourished due to a lack of food. Medical professionals are witnessing firsthand the devastating effects of starvation.
  2. The UN has declared the famine in Gaza as man-made, urging immediate action to address the crisis. Despite this, some officials have dismissed these findings, claiming they are false.
  3. Continuous denials from Israel about starving civilians raise questions about the truth of their actions. If a country repeatedly has to deny such claims, it likely suggests there's something serious happening.

Bombs Rain Down—and a Divided Israel Unites Behind the War

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 2388 implied HN points • 15 Jun 25
🌍 World Politics Conflict Studies
  1. Israelis are feeling a loss of hope that outside help will come to save them, and they realize they have to rely on themselves in this tough time.
  2. The sound of war has completely changed the atmosphere in Israel, where once peaceful nights are now filled with the noise of jets and missile attacks.
  3. Families are having to find safety together during air raids, which shows how the conflict is impacting daily life for everyone involved.

Andrew Roberts: The Historical Case for Trump’s Gaza Plan

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 3366 implied HN points • 10 Feb 25
🌍 World Politics Conflict Studies
  1. Countries that start aggressive wars often lose their sovereignty or governments when they are defeated. This is shown in history with several examples.
  2. The world often assumes the Palestinians still have the right to govern themselves, but their actions in conflict could change that.
  3. Historical precedents show that unprovoked attacks lead to significant consequences for the attackers, often resulting in loss of power and territory.

Destruction Grows From Idealist Hearts

Freddie deBoer • 3743 implied HN points • 15 Jan 25
🌍 World Politics Conflict Studies
  1. The situation in Syria was complicated, with many different groups fighting for power, making it hard to identify who the 'good guys' were.
  2. Ideas like the Arab Spring, which aimed to promote freedom, often failed because they didn't take into account the local issues and conflicts that already existed.
  3. Many people in the U.S. tried to solve problems in the Middle East with big ideas, but found out that the reality was much more complex than they thought.

Those Who Condemn Hamas Lack Empathy And Humility

Caitlin’s Newsletter • 861 implied HN points • 26 Aug 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Conflict Studies
  1. People often judge Hamas without understanding the difficult lives they led. It's important to consider how their experiences shaped their actions.
  2. Both Israelis and Palestinians are affected by their environments and histories. We can't just label one side as good and the other as bad without seeing the bigger picture.
  3. Real change requires addressing the unfair systems in place. Just like history's major injustices, we need to recognize and change the structures that cause conflict.

Did NATO provoke Russia's invasion of Ukraine?

Glenn’s Substack • 239 implied HN points • 28 Jun 24
🌍 World Politics Conflict Studies
  1. NATO may have played a role in provoking Russia's invasion of Ukraine. This idea is supported by some evidence in discussions.
  2. The argument about NATO's involvement gets complicated because it can be mistaken for supporting Russia's actions. It's important to separate facts from opinions.
  3. Understanding these events requires looking at the facts without bias. People often mix up facts with the narratives they want to believe.

Putin's 143 Million Prisoners

Diane Francis • 1139 implied HN points • 22 Jan 24
🌍 World Politics Conflict Studies
  1. Putin's control over Russia is strong, but many Russians are unhappy with the war and rising costs of living. Polls show support for the war is dropping as more people face tough times.
  2. There's a growing anti-war movement, especially from the families of soldiers. These women are protesting in quiet ways and bringing attention to the high casualty rates in the military.
  3. Despite seeming powerful, Putin faces challenges from within Russia. Discontent among the public and elite feuds could threaten his ability to maintain control.

My Pacifist Grandfather Was Murdered by Iran. Here’s What the World Should Know.

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 1177 implied HN points • 22 Jun 25
🌍 World Politics Conflict Studies
  1. Albert Votaw was a passionate pacifist who dedicated his life to helping others through international aid work. He believed in peace and served his country in a non-military way during World War II.
  2. He had a rich life full of adventures, traveling the world with his family while working for USAID. His journey took him from post-war Europe to African nations and then to Lebanon.
  3. Albert's life tragically ended in 1983 when he was killed in Lebanon. His story highlights the dangers faced by those who work for peace and aid in conflict zones.

Putin, Ukraine, and the World

Diane Francis • 959 implied HN points • 03 Feb 24
🌍 World Politics Conflict Studies
  1. Putin is seen as a major force behind many global conflicts and issues today. His actions are not just limited to Ukraine but impacting many regions worldwide.
  2. There is a strong belief that Russia's corrupt government, or kleptocracy, needs to be dismantled to achieve peace. Tackling this is viewed as essential for global stability.
  3. The message emphasizes the importance of acknowledging Ukraine’s resilient people and their talent in the face of adversity. Supporting them is crucial for a healthier world.

At the Symbol of Israeli Science, a Cost Too Vast to Calculate

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 1043 implied HN points • 30 Jun 25
🌍 World Politics Conflict Studies
  1. A recent war with Iran caused a lot of destruction in Israel, with missiles hitting cities and research facilities. Many people were injured, and some were killed, highlighting the human cost of conflict.
  2. The Weizmann Institute, a key research center in Israel, suffered significant damage. This loss not only destroyed physical buildings but also years of valuable research that could have helped treat diseases like cancer.
  3. The devastation from the conflict shows how hard it is to measure the true cost of war. While some numbers can be counted, many personal stories and long-term impacts are much deeper and harder to assess.

Political Genocide

Diane Francis • 1019 implied HN points • 18 Jan 24
🌍 World Politics Conflict Studies
  1. South Africa accuses Israel of genocide but ignores serious actions by Russia, Iran, and China that also fit the definition of genocide. This suggests a selective focus in addressing global human rights issues.
  2. Israel was attacked by Hamas and retaliated against them, which does not mean they committed genocide. They took steps to protect civilians, which shows they were acting in self-defense.
  3. Labeling a country that is defending itself from genocide as guilty of genocide is legally confusing and not just, according to legal experts. It's important to differentiate between acts of war and acts of genocide.

Israel Pushes New Atrocity Narrative Just As Ceasefire Deadline Approaches

Caitlin’s Newsletter • 2030 implied HN points • 22 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Conflict Studies
  1. Israel is creating new stories about atrocities to justify continuing military actions in Gaza as ceasefire talks are approaching. This seems like a tactic to rally support for resuming violence.
  2. The claims being made by Israel lack evidence, and there is reason to believe that the children in question may have died as collateral damage from Israeli strikes rather than at the hands of Hamas.
  3. This narrative plays into a larger strategy to deflect attention from the ongoing violence in Gaza and justify actions by portraying Israel as a victim, while ignoring the suffering of many innocent people.

Why Israel Hit Iran Now

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 1029 implied HN points • 13 Jun 25
🌍 World Politics Conflict Studies
  1. Israel has been focusing on Iran's nuclear program for over 20 years, making it a major target. They believe that taking military action could lead to significant changes in Iran's government.
  2. Israel has started a large military operation aimed at destroying Iran's nuclear and missile capabilities. This includes targeting key leaders in Iran's military.
  3. The success of this operation is still uncertain, and it will take time to see if Iran's defenses can withstand the attacks from Israel's forces.

Between Western Hegemony & Eurasian Multipolarity

Glenn’s Substack • 179 implied HN points • 17 Jun 24
🌍 World Politics Conflict Studies
  1. NATO and Russia have had tensions for 30 years, leading to a potential conflict. It's important to understand this history to see how we got here.
  2. There is a growing idea of a multipolar world, especially in Eurasia, that could lead to more stability. Different countries working together can balance power and prevent wars.
  3. Shifting from a Western-dominated world to a multipolar approach might help create a more peaceful global environment. Looking beyond just one powerful nation can support better international relations.

She Stood Up for the Truth. Then the UN Fired Her.

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 1678 implied HN points • 03 Feb 25
🌍 World Politics Conflict Studies
  1. Alice Nderitu was a UN adviser on genocide prevention but lost her job for not calling Israel's actions against Hamas genocide. Her situation has raised concerns about political pressure within the UN.
  2. Some view Nderitu's dismissal as part of a larger issue of bias against Israel in UN discussions. A recent article praised her for not bending to political agendas.
  3. Nderitu spoke out after attending a memorial for Holocaust victims, connecting her experience to historical injustices and the importance of speaking the truth.

NATO's War on Ukraine

Glenn’s Substack • 199 implied HN points • 03 Jun 24
🌍 World Politics Conflict Studies
  1. NATO's actions in Ukraine are portrayed as helping the country, but many Ukrainians do not support these actions.
  2. The war policies often lead to more destruction in Ukraine, rather than improvement.
  3. Political propaganda tends to simplify conflicts into good versus evil to gain public support for war.

Either Watch The Footage Of Dead Kids In Gaza Or Stop Supporting Israel

Caitlin’s Newsletter • 1951 implied HN points • 04 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Conflict Studies
  1. People who support Israel need to understand the reality of the situation in Gaza. Watching footage of the suffering there is important to form an honest opinion.
  2. If someone hasn't seen the evidence of violence, their thoughts on the issue might be based on denial or avoidance. It's hard to genuinely engage with a topic without understanding the facts.
  3. It's not okay to express opinions on Gaza while ignoring the harsh truths. To have a meaningful conversation, people must confront the real consequences of their beliefs.

Putin Wants to Destroy Ukraine. Can Trump Stop Him?

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 463 implied HN points • 13 Aug 25
🌍 World Politics Conflict Studies
  1. Putin doesn't see Ukraine as a real country, which complicates any peace talks. He wants to control Ukraine to make Russia stronger.
  2. Past U.S. presidents often misjudge Putin's intentions, which leads to bad decisions in dealing with Russia.
  3. Any meeting between the U.S. and Russia about Ukraine needs to include Ukraine itself, or it won't be fair or effective.

China Waiting

Diane Francis • 179 implied HN points • 30 May 24
🌍 World Politics Conflict Studies
  1. China is closely watching the outcome of the war in Russia. They may have plans to reclaim territories they lost in the past.
  2. If Russia faces significant changes in leadership, it could lead to instability across its vast territory.
  3. The historical claim over areas like Manchuria could become a priority for China if Russia weakens.

Russia's World War III

Diane Francis • 1159 implied HN points • 07 Aug 23
🌍 World Politics Conflict Studies
  1. A recent meeting in Jeddah with global leaders, excluding Russia, highlighted the widespread recognition of Russia's aggressive role in the Ukraine war.
  2. Putin's actions have severe consequences beyond Ukraine, affecting global food and energy supply, and creating instability in other regions, especially Africa.
  3. The meeting served as a crucial step for countries to come together to stop Putin, showing that this war is not just a regional issue but a global problem that needs collaboration to solve.