The hottest Conflict Studies Substack posts right now

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Top World Politics Topics

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

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 1010 implied HN points • 30 Jun 25
🌍 World Politics International relations Conflict Studies Middle East Geopolitics Military Affairs
  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.

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 International relations Military Affairs Geopolitics Diplomacy 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 International relations Conflict Studies Military Affairs Geopolitics Security 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 Ultimate Deception: How Trump and Bibi Outfoxed Iran

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 4780 implied HN points • 13 Jun 25
🌍 World Politics Middle East Diplomacy Military Strategy International relations 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 price of poker just went up

Unreported Truths • 35 implied HN points • 13 Jun 25
🌍 World Politics International relations Conflict Studies Security Studies Nuclear Politics
  1. Israel has launched a major attack on Iran's military and nuclear facilities. This move is seen as an all-out war rather than a warning, aiming to destroy Iran's nuclear capabilities and leadership.
  2. The attack has so far resulted in significant damage to Iran, including the confirmation of top military officials' deaths. However, Iran has not retaliated effectively, and its air force has been heavily impacted.
  3. While Israel has gained a tactical advantage, the long-term consequences of this attack are uncertain. It remains to be seen if Israel's strategy will lead to a significant change in Iran's nuclear ambitions or if it will strengthen Iran's resolve to pursue a nuclear program.
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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 International relations Conflict Studies Human Rights Foreign Policy Historical Analysis
  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.

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 International relations Conflict Studies Military Strategy Geopolitics Middle East
  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.

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 International relations Conflict Studies Geopolitics War Analysis Middle East
  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.

Why Israel Hit Iran Now

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 1029 implied HN points • 13 Jun 25
🌍 World Politics International relations Military Affairs Geopolitics Conflict Studies Nuclear policy
  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.

The Militarisation of Scandinavia & the Great Northern War 2.0

Glenn’s Substack • 1838 implied HN points • 06 Sep 24
🌍 World Politics Geopolitics Military Affairs International relations Conflict Studies Security 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.

Iran, Israel, USA and World War 3 | Chris Hedges | UNAPOLOGETIC

The Chris Hedges Report • 125 implied HN points • 20 Jun 25
🌍 World Politics International relations Conflict Studies Geopolitics War Analysis
  1. The conflict between Israel and Iran could have serious consequences, including the risk of drawing the USA into a larger war.
  2. There are concerns about whether the shifting priorities of Israel and the Pentagon are genuine or just a cover for ongoing issues in the region.
  3. The actions of Arab states in response to the situation may lead to negative consequences for them in the future.

Top Links 761 The limits of China's domestic market. Gold digging in Syria. African drone poliferation & the making of Balamory.

Chartbook • 343 implied HN points • 06 Jun 25
🌍 World Politics International relations Global Economy Geopolitics Conflict Studies Cultural Studies
  1. China's domestic market has limitations that affect its overall economic growth. Understanding these limits can help us see potential challenges for China's future.
  2. There is ongoing gold mining in Syria, which raises questions about the human and environmental cost. It's important to be aware of the impacts of such activities in conflict zones.
  3. African countries are increasingly using drones, which could change security dynamics on the continent. This shift might lead to both opportunities and risks for the region.

The US is no longer our ally

Erik Examines • 179 implied HN points • 17 Feb 25
🌍 World Politics International relations Geopolitics Foreign affairs Conflict Studies
  1. The US is seen by some as no longer being a reliable ally, with divisions in its political landscape affecting international relationships. This raises concerns about how the US approaches foreign policy and engages with other countries.
  2. There's a belief that the US government is siding with far-right movements in Europe and challenging democratic norms. This shift is viewed as a significant change from past US leadership which was more aligned with traditional allies.
  3. Historical parallels are drawn to past aggressive actions by leaders, showing a worry that current US politics might lead to similar conflicts. Many people prefer to cling to the familiar, but change is coming whether they like it or not.

DWN Interview with Harald Kujat: Ukraine Support Without Peace Strategy

Glenn’s Substack • 659 implied HN points • 08 Sep 24
🌍 World Politics International relations Geopolitics Conflict Studies European Politics Security Studies Diplomacy
  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.

Georgia On My Mind

Doomberg • 6668 implied HN points • 09 Feb 25
🌍 World Politics Geopolitics International relations European Politics U.S. foreign policy 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.

The Taiwan posts

Noahpinion • 9706 implied HN points • 09 Jan 25
🌍 World Politics Geopolitics International relations Conflict Studies Public Policy
  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 Sudan

Diane Francis • 899 implied HN points • 19 Aug 24
🌍 World Politics International relations Conflict Studies Geopolitics Humanitarian Issues Foreign Policy
  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 International relations Military Affairs Geopolitics Conflict Studies Diplomacy
  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.

Our Sixty Days of Nuclear Chicken Have Begun

TK News by Matt Taibbi • 10440 implied HN points • 20 Nov 24
🌍 World Politics International relations Conflict Studies Nuclear policy Geopolitics Military Strategy
  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.

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

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 3366 implied HN points • 10 Feb 25
🌍 World Politics International relations Conflict Studies Global Governance
  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 Middle East International relations Conflict Studies Political Ideologies U.S. foreign policy
  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.

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

John’s Substack • 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.

Israel Pushes New Atrocity Narrative Just As Ceasefire Deadline Approaches

Caitlin’s Newsletter • 2030 implied HN points • 22 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics International relations Civil Rights Government Policy Media Analysis 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.

NATO's Nemesis

Diane Francis • 979 implied HN points • 11 Jul 24
🌍 World Politics International relations Geopolitics Military Alliances Conflict Studies Eastern Europe
  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.

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 International relations Political theory Human Rights Geopolitics 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.

Putin's Third Front

Diane Francis • 739 implied HN points • 27 Jun 24
🌍 World Politics International relations Conflict Studies Security Studies Geopolitics Military Alliances
  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.

Davos Impressions and Ukraine: Dealing with a Cult

Phillips’s Newsletter • 124 implied HN points • 25 Jan 25
🌍 World Politics Geopolitics International relations Global Issues Conflict Studies Political Analysis
  1. Visiting Davos can give insights into the current global situation, though the information may not be completely reliable. It helps in understanding different perspectives on important issues.
  2. There's a perception that American views on Ukraine are somewhat cult-like, focused mainly on understanding their leader's thoughts. This can create a narrow viewpoint.
  3. European leaders seem to recognize the danger of this mindset surrounding Ukraine but often try to appease it instead of addressing the underlying issues.

China Waits

Diane Francis • 1638 implied HN points • 08 Apr 24
🌍 World Politics International relations Geopolitics Conflict Studies Foreign Policy Security 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.

Appeasement at Munich

Thinking about... • 775 implied HN points • 14 Feb 25
🌍 World Politics International relations Conflict Studies Military History Diplomacy Geopolitics
  1. History shows that appeasing aggressors can lead to greater conflicts. Just like in 1938, giving in can make things worse in the long run.
  2. Ukraine’s resistance has changed the situation. By fighting back, they have prevented further aggression and have kept a major conflict from escalating.
  3. If the U.S. supports appeasement, it risks creating a stronger aggressor. A Russian victory over Ukraine could lead to more wars and even nuclear threats in the future.

Turning the Tide in Ukraine, but Not in the Middle East

John’s Substack • 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.

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 Political Opinions International relations Human Rights Media Critique 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.

Ukraine Collapses & NATO Escalates

Glenn’s Substack • 439 implied HN points • 04 Jul 24
🌍 World Politics International relations Military Affairs Conflict Studies Geopolitics Diplomacy
  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.

The Tectonic Plates Are Moving in Europe

John’s Substack • 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.

The Vatnik Tell

Phillips’s Newsletter • 128 implied HN points • 31 Dec 24
🌍 World Politics International relations Conflict Studies Political theory Geopolitics Security Studies
  1. The term 'non-aligned' is a key point in discussions about Ukraine's future and its relationships with NATO and Russia.
  2. For Ukraine to maintain this 'non-aligned' status, it can't join NATO or host foreign troops for security.
  3. The statements from different speakers show a consistent view that Ukraine must stay clear of foreign military influence to avoid escalating tensions.

Talking Ukraine on "The Deep Dive"

John’s Substack • 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.

Did NATO provoke Russia's invasion of Ukraine?

Glenn’s Substack • 239 implied HN points • 28 Jun 24
🌍 World Politics International relations Conflict Studies Geopolitics Security Studies Foreign Policy
  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.

Top Links 654 Ukraine's trillions in critical minerals. The economics of crime. Chinese science at war.

Chartbook • 300 implied HN points • 19 Feb 25
🌍 World Politics International relations Geopolitics Conflict Studies Resource Management Global Economics
  1. Ukraine has a lot of valuable minerals underground that could have big economic impacts.
  2. There are complex relationships between crime and economics that are worth exploring.
  3. China is currently facing challenges in its scientific community, impacting its global standing.

Putin's 143 Million Prisoners

Diane Francis • 1139 implied HN points • 22 Jan 24
🌍 World Politics International relations Conflict Studies Political Movements Government Systems Human Rights
  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.

Putin, Ukraine, and the World

Diane Francis • 959 implied HN points • 03 Feb 24
🌍 World Politics International relations Conflict Studies Geopolitics Security Issues
  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.

Who speaks of the Armenians?

Wrong Side of History • 731 implied HN points • 19 Nov 24
🌍 World Politics International relations Conflict Studies Human Rights Historical Analysis Geopolitics
  1. The Armenian genocide in 1915-1917 is often overlooked, despite its horrific nature. Many Armenians fear that the hatred from that time still exists, leading to more violence.
  2. The conflict between Armenia and Azerbaijan has roots in historical tensions, but it intensified with recent wars over the Nagorno-Karabakh region. Many civilians have suffered and been forced to flee.
  3. Azerbaijan has significant oil and gas resources that influence its global relationships, often overshadowing its human rights abuses. Western countries continue to engage with Baku for energy supplies, ignoring its actions against Armenians.