The hottest Defense Substack posts right now

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Top World Politics Topics

Japan isn't quite "back", but it has a fighting chance

Noahpinion • 11000 implied HN points • 22 Feb 24
🌍 World Politics Economic Policy Defense Immigration Industrial Policy Corporate culture
  1. Japan's stock market is rallying due to foreign investment, but the real economy is struggling with recession and weak manufacturing and exports.
  2. Japan is increasing defense spending and bringing in foreign workers to address labor shortages, however, concerns remain about assimilation and potential backlash.
  3. Japan needs to focus on reclaiming its position in key industries like electronics, developing a software industry and EVs, and reforming its corporate culture to boost economic growth.

Ukraine War, 11 February 2024

Sarcastosaurus • 1985 implied HN points • 11 Feb 24
🌍 World Politics Conflict Military International relations Defense Government
  1. The West's failure to supply enough artillery ammunition to Ukraine has led to Russian advances with adapted assault tactics, exploiting their advantage in resources.
  2. General Syrsky assumed command of ZSU in Kyiv, taking steps like rushing reserves to Avidiivka and making strategic appointments.
  3. The situation in Avidiivka is critical, with intense air strikes by the Russian Air-Space Force supporting a ground attack, putting Ukrainian positions at risk.
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Weekend Listening: The Real Team America

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 2026 implied HN points • 03 Feb 24
🌍 World Politics Defense Terrorism National Security Leadership
  1. There is growing concern over potential conflicts involving the U.S., China, Russia, and other nations, which could escalate into a global war.
  2. Many Americans, including influential figures like business leaders and journalists, are investing in innovative defense technologies to strengthen national security.
  3. Innovation in software is seen as crucial for modern defense, enabling the development of advanced weapon systems and vehicles with AI and autonomous capabilities.

Weekend Listening: Should America Continue to Aid Ukraine?

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 894 implied HN points • 24 Feb 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy Defense Public Opinion Legislation Political Views
  1. The costs of the war between Russia and Ukraine have been extremely high, with many casualties and significant financial support from the U.S.
  2. Public opinion in America has shifted over the past two years, with a majority now opposing additional funding to support Ukraine.
  3. Debates center around the importance of America's role in Ukraine, the effectiveness of aid packages, and the state of the war in Ukraine.

What if NATO became a world government?

The Novelleist • 380 implied HN points • 13 Mar 24
🌍 World Politics Global Governance Peacebuilding Defense
  1. NATO serves as a defense pact among countries, fostering collective security.
  2. For NATO to act effectively as a global government, member countries must uphold their defense spending commitments.
  3. In a scenario where NATO evolves into a world government, it could potentially facilitate global peace by pooling resources and deterring aggression.

Putin Invites Top Russian Correspondents For Candid War Q&A + SitRep Updates

Simplicius's Garden of Knowledge • 7409 implied HN points • 14 Jun 23
🌍 World Politics Military Diplomacy Conflict Geopolitics Defense
  1. Putin held a press conference with top Russian correspondents for a candid Q&A about the war.
  2. During the chat, Putin made interesting admissions about deficiencies in the Russian army and production of modern systems.
  3. Putin hinted at Russia's future plans in Ukraine, mentioning that they will depend on the situation and outcome of Ukraine's counter-offensive.

Staggering Towards the Abyss

imetatronink • 4402 implied HN points • 29 Jul 23
🌍 World Politics Conflict Military Alliances Defense
  1. The US may struggle to establish air superiority against Russia due to Russian air defenses.
  2. American air power may not be able to sustain prolonged warfare against peer adversaries like Russia, China, or Iran.
  3. There is increasing military coordination between Russia, China, and Iran, hinting at joint defense against possible attacks.

When the Old-Timers Go Marching In (Part 1) [i]

Black Mountain Analysis • 569 implied HN points • 26 Jan 24
🌐 International Military Conflict Defense Modernization Alliance
  1. The article discusses the use of old air defense missile systems in recent wars, highlighting their continued relevance and effectiveness despite their age.
  2. Various countries have modernized the 2K12 Kub (SA-6) system, improving detection range, reliability, and engagement capabilities to extend the system's service life.
  3. In conflicts like the Yemen civil war, the 2K12 system has been utilized, showcasing potential for ambushing and targeting coalition aircraft with modified IR-homing missiles.

THE SHOW NOTES: NFL Ratings Dominance, Obama's Warning to Biden, & Where’s The Defense Secretary?

Erick Erickson's Confessions of a Political Junkie • 707 implied HN points • 08 Jan 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government Election International relations Defense Leadership
  1. NFL dominated TV ratings with 93 of top 100 broadcasts last year
  2. Biden's Defense Secretary was hospitalized without notifying the administration, causing communication issues
  3. Biden's campaign fundraising is not meeting expectations, causing concerns within the team

Film Room: How Auburn's defense has been so dominant so far in SEC play

The Auburn Observer • 373 implied HN points • 22 Jan 24
🎾 Sports Basketball Defense Statistics Efficiency Team Dynamics
  1. Auburn's defense in SEC play has been dominant, holding most opponents to 65 points or fewer.
  2. Bruce Pearl expressed early concerns about their defense, but now they are performing exceptionally well.
  3. Auburn's defense leads the SEC in efficiency, field goal percentages, and turnover rate, showcasing a strong team commitment to defensive play.

The Ball Screen Coverage Spectrum

Hoop Vision • 452 implied HN points • 09 Jan 24
🎾 Sports Basketball Coaching Defense
  1. Guarding the ball screen is a crucial decision for coaches in basketball.
  2. Teams have different approaches to defending the ball screen, falling on a spectrum.
  3. Success in basketball can be influenced by defensive strategies like being aggressive or sagging off the ball handler.

Observations: Auburn 93, LSU 78

The Auburn Observer • 393 implied HN points • 14 Jan 24
🎾 Sports Basketball Analysis Team Dynamics Defense
  1. Auburn basketball is winning consistently and by double digits in a season with many upsets among ranked teams.
  2. Auburn's defense creating havoc is a key factor in their recent success, with steals leading to significant points off turnovers.
  3. Coach Bruce Pearl remains modest about the team's success, recognizing areas for improvement despite strong performances.

Friday mailbag: Quarterback ideas abound

Purple Insider • 353 implied HN points • 12 Jan 24
🎾 Sports Football Coaching Drafting Offense Defense
  1. Attributes to look for in a rookie quarterback include production, arm talent, toughness, leadership skills, and athleticism.
  2. When considering changes to the coaching staff, focus may be on positions like running backs coach based on past performances.
  3. Signing a veteran quarterback can still lead a team to a Super Bowl, as proven by recent veteran QBs who competed in the Super Bowl.

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.

Stacking the Back: A lesson from the Rams.

MatchQuarters • 334 implied HN points • 11 Jan 24
🎾 Sports Football Coaching Defense NFL
  1. The Los Angeles Rams improved their defense by diversifying their defensive coverages.
  2. The Rams' focus on developing talent internally rather than making high draft picks has paid off.
  3. Defensive Coordinator Raheem Morris made impactful strategic decisions that helped the Rams shut down opponents' key offensive weapons.

The idea that Trump will undermine NATO conflicts with everything Trump actually did while he was in office

Michael Tracey • 111 implied HN points • 22 Feb 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy Defense International relations Presidency Media
  1. The idea that Trump will undermine NATO conflicts with his actual actions while in office, such as expanding NATO and increasing funding for it, showing a more supportive stance towards the alliance.
  2. Focusing on Trump's actual policy record is more factual and rational than getting caught up in his campaign rhetoric or social media posts, helping provide a clearer picture of his presidency.
  3. Despite common assumptions, Trump's support for American hegemony, including through NATO, does not align with the belief that he would dismantle the alliance, as evidenced by his actions and policies.

Seaplanes Bring Out the Worst in the Potomac Flotilla

CDR Salamander • 1257 implied HN points • 17 Jul 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Military Defense Congress Acquisition National Security
  1. During wartime, aircraft are crucial and seaplanes historically played a role in rescuing flyers in distress.
  2. The ShinMaywa US-2 seaplane is seen as a modern, versatile, and necessary asset for military operations.
  3. Issues in military acquisition systems can hinder the procurement of vital equipment like seaplanes.

Leaked Pentagon Document Claims Russian Hacktivists Breached Canadian Gas Pipeline Company

Zero Day • 1259 implied HN points • 09 Apr 23
🌍 World Politics Intelligence Military Defense Conflict
  1. A leaked Pentagon document suggests Russian hacktivists breached a Canadian gas pipeline company, with the ability to cause an explosion and instructions from the FSB.
  2. The hackers claimed to have caused damage to the Canadian facility, including increasing valve pressure and disabling alarms, aiming to impact income, not cause loss of life.
  3. US authorities are investigating the authenticity of the leak, which included several documents about Russia's war plans and intelligence on various countries.