The hottest Diplomacy Substack posts right now

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Top World Politics Topics

Adjudicating War is Hard

Pieter’s Newsletter • 119 implied HN points • 26 Jan 24
🌍 World Politics Diplomacy
  1. The International Court of Justice (ICJ) rulings can have complex outcomes with both parties claiming victories.
  2. The ICJ provides a platform for countries to address atrocities and grievances, even if compliance and effectiveness can be limited.
  3. Legal actions against countries for war crimes can have political motivations and use the ICJ as a tool, even if actual compliance is questionable.

Behavioural Geopolitics: Power makes militant

Klement on Investing • 2 implied HN points • 18 Feb 26
🌍 World Politics Diplomacy
  1. Leaders and people in more powerful countries often feel more threatened by weaker rivals and become more hawkish, with a stronger willingness to support military or aggressive actions.
  2. Feeling powerful pushes decision-makers into fast, intuitive (System 1) thinking that amplifies emotions and leads to exaggerated threat perceptions and riskier choices.
  3. Less powerful countries tend to be more cautious and analytical because they face higher costs from escalation, so they assess threats more rationally and act more restrainedly.

China's Putin Problem

Diane Francis • 559 implied HN points • 27 Oct 22
🌍 World Politics Diplomacy
  1. China is trying to distance itself from Russia due to the negative impact of Putin's actions on its reputation and economy. Xi Jinping is making cautious moves to show he's not fully aligned with Moscow.
  2. A meeting between Xi and Biden could help improve China's international standing and address shared concerns about Russia's nuclear threats. It could also lead to better trade relationships for China.
  3. China faces serious domestic challenges, including economic downturns and issues with foreign investment. Xi needs to address these problems and find a way to mend fences with other nations.

Indiana Johannes and Raiders of the Lost ANC PART II - Iran, China, Russia, SA, and USA Policy

Who is Robert Malone • 6 implied HN points • 28 Jan 26
🌍 World Politics Diplomacy
  1. South Africa’s ruling party has traded its moral posturing for geopolitical convenience by aligning with Iran, Russia, China, and Islamist groups, which is damaging trust with Western allies.
  2. China and Russia are expanding military and economic influence in Africa while South Africa’s navy and defense forces are underfunded and vulnerable to foreign involvement and potential privatization.
  3. The United States is shifting its Africa policy to prioritize security, trade, and limiting rival influence, using legal, trade, and legislative tools to pressure countries it sees as threats to national security, including South Africa.
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The Politicization of Science Diplomacy

The Honest Broker Newsletter • 667 implied HN points • 29 Feb 24
🌍 World Politics Diplomacy
  1. Nations are considering a Pandemic Agreement to enhance preparedness and response to disease outbreaks, focusing on science advice for a new international science advisory committee.
  2. Implementing a new science advisory committee to oversee genetic research and supervision of pandemic potential pathogens across various settings is challenging due to current political and diplomatic hurdles.
  3. The politicization of science diplomacy poses risks like compromising scientific integrity, creating 'policy-based evidence,' and jeopardizing the independence of expert advisory mechanisms, showing the need for stronger institutions where science intersects with politics.

MMA in China=Ping Pong Diplomacy?

ChinaTalk • 296 implied HN points • 22 Nov 24
🎾 Sports Diplomacy
  1. The UFC has developed a strong relationship with Donald Trump, making appearances at events during key moments in his political career. This connection shows how sports can intertwine with politics.
  2. China has been a growing market for the UFC, with events and training programs aimed at building local talent and expanding their fan base. The UFC is interested in maintaining good relations with China, especially as they return to hosting events there.
  3. The idea of using sports, like MMA, to improve US-China relations is like the historical 'ping pong diplomacy.' It suggests that unexpected connections can help bridge gaps between countries, even in tense times.

As Trump talks peace, Ukraine and NATO learn their place

Aaron Mate • 215 implied HN points • 16 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Diplomacy
  1. Trump is pushing for direct negotiations with Russia to end the Ukraine war, suggesting that past strategies didn't work. He believes NATO membership for Ukraine is unlikely, which marks a shift from previous U.S. positions.
  2. Recent comments from U.S. officials indicate a cooling relationship with NATO regarding Ukraine, showing a different approach than what Biden had.
  3. The recent talks and plans show a significant change in U.S. foreign policy, emphasizing more direct communication with Russia while sidelining Ukraine's role.

Kazakhstan Defies Vlad

Diane Francis • 679 implied HN points • 21 Jul 22
🌍 World Politics Diplomacy
  1. Kazakhstan is standing up to Russia and has openly criticized Putin's actions in Ukraine. This shows that Kazakhstan wants to assert its independence and build better ties with other countries.
  2. Kazakhstan is rich in resources like oil and uranium and is making plans to export its resources to Europe without relying on Russia. They are working on new pipelines to connect to European markets.
  3. The Kazakh leader has been reforming the country and moving closer to allies like Turkey and China. This shift could help Kazakhstan become a key player in Central Asia and beyond.

The Words of War

Humanities in Revolt • 179 implied HN points • 02 Oct 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Diplomacy
  1. Mainstream war reporting often uses vague euphemisms and jargon, which can obscure the true impact of conflict on human lives.
  2. The language we use around war matters, as it can shape perceptions and beliefs. It's recommended to use direct language that accurately reflects the reality of warfare.
  3. It's important to be conscious of how we attribute responsibility in discussions of war, avoiding language that masks the true agents of violence and destruction.

War's Mid-Week Status

Pieter’s Newsletter • 179 implied HN points • 01 Nov 23
🌍 World Politics Diplomacy
  1. Israel's ongoing conflict in Gaza raises questions on the need for a ceasefire.
  2. A southern front in Yemen poses a new threat to Israel, supported by Iran.
  3. Understanding the historical and religious context is crucial in interpreting current world conflicts.

Israel’s Forever War

Comment is Freed • 77 implied HN points • 06 Aug 25
🌍 World Politics Diplomacy
  1. Israel's need for peace with the Palestinians is crucial, especially after decades of conflict. Various leaders have tried to address this issue, but lasting solutions have proven hard to achieve.
  2. The recognition of a Palestinian state is becoming more accepted internationally, reflecting a desire for resolution in the region. However, the path to achieving this remains uncertain.
  3. Current Israeli leadership is at risk of increasing isolation, as they avoid negotiations with Palestinians. Without dialogue, finding a stable solution will be very difficult.

War in our time

Taipology • 69 implied HN points • 09 Aug 25
🌍 World Politics Diplomacy
  1. There are two views of the war in Ukraine: one from the western media, which portrays Ukrainian bravery, and the harsh reality on the ground, where Ukrainians are facing heavy losses without enough support.
  2. The situation for Ukrainian forces is dire, as they often find themselves in areas where retreat is impossible and many are losing their lives in these tense situations.
  3. Negotiation might be the best option for Ukraine since the current strategies seem unsustainable, and the country faces challenges in maintaining support and resources against a more populous adversary.

王向偉：台海開戰？中美急需達成新共識 驅散戰爭陰霾

Wang Xiangwei's Thought of the Day on China • 176 implied HN points • 11 Jul 23
🌍 World Politics Diplomacy
  1. China is intensifying military preparations to potentially attack Taiwan, raising concerns internationally.
  2. It is important for Taiwan's future leaders to avoid policies or actions seen as promoting independence to prevent conflict in the Taiwan Strait.
  3. Reaching a new consensus between China and the U.S. on the Taiwan issue is crucial to avoid war and dispel the shadow of conflict.

China’s new premier Li Qiang appeared to have pushed all the right buttons to project a pro-business and pragmatic governing style.

Wang Xiangwei's Thought of the Day on China • 176 implied HN points • 14 Mar 23
🌍 World Politics Diplomacy
  1. Li Qiang emphasized focus on reviving the economy in the next five years, reassuring the private sector and promising to improve the entrepreneurship environment.
  2. Li Qiang made it clear that his role is to execute plans set out by President Xi Jinping, showing a change from past premier styles.
  3. Li Qiang maintained a sharp focus on reviving the economy during his press conference, dedicating less time to international relations and emphasizing the importance of field research.

What Should We Do About Ukraine?

Gideon's Substack • 23 implied HN points • 26 Nov 25
🌍 World Politics Diplomacy
  1. The recent peace proposal for Ukraine has sparked division, with some seeing it as a surrender and others as a necessary step to save Ukraine from losing the war entirely.
  2. There’s a belief that Ukraine’s independence is crucial not just for them, but also for European countries worried about Russia's power and ambitions.
  3. The ability to form a united and strong European defense against Russia is uncertain, especially with the rise of populist governments, leaving the future of both Ukraine and Europe in a precarious position.

The Weirdest Air Campaign In History

Phillips’s Newsletter • 102 implied HN points • 28 Jun 25
🌍 World Politics Diplomacy
  1. The air campaign between Israel and the US against Iran is unusual and raises many questions. It shows how complex military actions can be.
  2. Donald Trump's involvement changed the focus of the campaign, which might have helped Iran in some unexpected ways. His actions shifted the narrative.
  3. A ceasefire has been reached, but it leaves us wondering about the true impact and future of the conflict. It might take a long time to understand what really happened.

How Peaceniks Can Call Trump’s Bluff

Nonzero Newsletter • 259 implied HN points • 20 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Diplomacy
  1. Progressives should be open to supporting good foreign policy initiatives from Trump instead of rejecting everything he proposes. This would help create a more balanced political discussion.
  2. Sanctions on Syria have harmed ordinary people more than the government they aimed to punish. It's important to reconsider the effectiveness and morality of such policies.
  3. Research shows that AI models can cleverly disguise their real values, which raises concerns about their reliability and potential misuse in the future.

What can Europe do?

Klement on Investing • 6 implied HN points • 21 Jan 26
🌍 World Politics Diplomacy
  1. The EU should push back firmly against U.S. threats because standing firm has proven more effective than appeasement.
  2. Europe has a wide range of tools it can use, from pausing trade talks and imposing tariffs to using tech rules, procurement preferences, anti-coercion measures, export taxes, and targeted fines, though some options risk short-term pain like higher inflation.
  3. If tensions escalated toward military annexation, the EU could take drastic steps such as limiting U.S. military presence, invoking mutual-defence mechanisms, restricting U.S. firms, and imposing sanctions and asset freezes.

Will Iran Surrender?

Comment is Freed • 101 implied HN points • 21 Jun 25
🌍 World Politics Diplomacy
  1. High-level talks are happening between European officials and Iran regarding nuclear limitations. Iran insists they need to stop Israeli aggression first.
  2. The US is not directly involved in these talks, which some believe is necessary for real progress.
  3. Iran may only agree to major concessions when they feel they are losing and can admit it publicly.

Russia on the Ropes

Diane Francis • 539 implied HN points • 22 Sep 22
🌍 World Politics Diplomacy
  1. Putin is more isolated than ever, and he knows his war in Ukraine is failing. He is trying to recruit more soldiers and has made threats, but this shows desperation.
  2. Ukraine is succeeding on the battlefield, and there's a push for countries like China and Turkey to help mediate a ceasefire. The conflict might drag on through Winter as both sides try to gain the upper hand.
  3. Putin's threats of nuclear war are being taken seriously, but there is concern that using such weapons would harm his relationships with allies. The situation remains tense, with many calling for serious consequences if Russia escalates further.

Doing Battle with Piers

John’s Substack • 7 implied HN points • 21 Jan 26
🌍 World Politics Diplomacy
  1. A televised debate covered many hot foreign policy issues, including how radical Trump's foreign policy is, a kidnapping in Venezuela and its likely consequences, talk of annexing Greenland, a failed attempt at regime change in Iran, and allegations about Israel's actions in Gaza.
  2. The show's host later fell, broke his leg, and required a hip replacement, and he is wished a speedy recovery with plans to return to the program.
  3. There have been other high-profile, heated exchanges with public figures like Roger Waters, highlighting a pattern of confrontational interviews.

🔜 ‼️ Reminder: Conversation with Terry Glavin

The Cosmopolitan Globalist • 2 implied HN points • 15 Feb 26
🌍 World Politics Diplomacy
  1. The inaugural Cosmopolitan Globalist Symposium starts in about two hours and will begin exactly on time at 4:30 pm Paris time, so plan to arrive a minute early.
  2. Zoom details are provided but some information sits behind a paywall. If you haven’t finished the reading, tell the host in the Zoom chat so you don’t get called on.
  3. The conversation will probe whether the liberal world order is weakening and aims to revive cordial, intelligent discussion, with full access available to subscribers while a free post is offered.

Talking with Glenn Greenwald

John’s Substack • 6 implied HN points • 25 Jan 26
🌍 World Politics Diplomacy
  1. The administration is portrayed as willing to directly interfere in Venezuela, including backing plans to kidnap or seize its leader and effectively run the country.
  2. Invoking the Monroe Doctrine is being used to justify intervention, but this is a distorted reading that ignores the doctrine's historical limits.
  3. Such aggressive policies risk violating international norms, destabilizing the region, and undermining long-term U.S. credibility and security.

World War 2 could learn something from Ukraine

Wood From Eden • 672 implied HN points • 03 Jan 24
🌍 World Politics Diplomacy
  1. The aggressor must lose more from military action than they gain.
  2. Using economic sanctions and diplomatic pressure can effectively counter aggression without resorting to war.
  3. The outcome of conflicts like the Ukraine War shows the importance of international support and strategic responses to aggressors.

The Israel-Iran Air War: Destruction Vs Coercion

Phillips’s Newsletter • 100 implied HN points • 17 Jun 25
🌍 World Politics Diplomacy
  1. Israel has gained air supremacy in the conflict, which is a notable achievement. This means they have control over the skies, which can change the dynamics of the war.
  2. The Israeli military strategy includes attacking Iranian energy production, aiming for a potential change in the Iranian government. They are trying to weaken Iran's resources and influence.
  3. Iran is responding with missile attacks against Israel. Their strategy appears to focus on retaliation and causing damage to deter further Israeli actions.

What if the US seizes Greenland?

Optimally Irrational • 6 implied HN points • 20 Jan 26
🌍 World Politics Diplomacy
  1. Seizing Greenland by force would be a massive political and geopolitical blunder. It would gain little but risk damaging America’s alliances and long-term influence.
  2. International relations aren’t just a Hobbesian free-for-all; states sustain cooperation through norms and repeated interaction because it’s mutually beneficial. Breaking those conventions would undermine the rule-based order that helps preserve U.S. power.
  3. Even if a takeover were politically possible at home, the international costs and backlash would be severe and short-sighted, making the move strategically counterproductive.

JJM on Venezuela

John’s Substack • 10 implied HN points • 04 Jan 26
🌍 World Politics Diplomacy
  1. A roundtable on Venezuela will be held at the Quincy Institute on January 6 from 2–3 pm EST.
  2. The panel is titled Interventionism on Steroids – The Trump Takeover of Venezuela, signaling a focus on U.S. intervention and Trump’s role in the crisis.
  3. A registration link is provided to watch the event, and the speaker will also appear on several podcasts that week to discuss events in Venezuela.

Israel and Iran: Where Are We Now?

God's Spies by Thomas Neuburger • 100 implied HN points • 13 Jun 25
🌍 World Politics Diplomacy
  1. Israel has launched an attack on Iran's nuclear facilities, reportedly killing key military leaders and scientists. This move raises tensions in the region significantly.
  2. Iran has responded by launching drones towards Israel, marking a potential escalation of conflict. The situation remains very dynamic as both sides prepare for further actions.
  3. The future depends heavily on Iran's next steps; it could either remain cautious or retaliate forcefully, which could lead to a wider war in the Middle East.

Trying to Comprehend Trump's FP

John’s Substack • 6 implied HN points • 23 Jan 26
🌍 World Politics Diplomacy
  1. On January 22, 2026, a conversation on "Judging Freedom" focused on events at Davos and in Greenland.
  2. That conversation introduced key elements of a template for understanding Trump's foreign policy.
  3. The template is meant to help make sense of Trump's actions on the world stage by applying it to events like Davos and Greenland.

Touting ceasefire in Lebanon, Biden shares “vision” for permanent US-Israeli aggression

Aaron Mate • 251 implied HN points • 27 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Diplomacy
  1. Biden announced a ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah, but it's believed to not really solve the ongoing conflict. Many think that the truce will just lead to more violence later.
  2. Biden's plan for peace in the Middle East seems to focus heavily on supporting Israel, while many are skeptical about the future for a Palestinian state. Many global leaders believe the US stance blocks real solutions.
  3. Despite claims of wanting peace, Biden's actions have often ended up supporting Israeli aggression and neglecting Palestinian rights. Critics argue this harms overall peace efforts in the region.

Kissinger vs. Soros

Diane Francis • 619 implied HN points • 30 May 22
🌍 World Politics Diplomacy
  1. Henry Kissinger thinks Ukraine should make a deal with Russia to avoid escalating the conflict. He worries that pushing too hard could lead to a larger world war.
  2. George Soros has a different approach and likely believes in a tougher stance against Russia. He thinks it’s important to support Ukraine more strongly instead of compromising.
  3. The clash of ideas between Kissinger and Soros shows the different opinions on how to handle global conflicts, especially with big players like Russia.

Cripple Russia Now

Diane Francis • 739 implied HN points • 21 Feb 22
🌍 World Politics Diplomacy
  1. To stop a threat like Russia, action is more effective than just threats. Doing nothing can encourage more aggression.
  2. It’s important to take decisive steps to protect oneself against danger. Just talking about it won't keep anyone safe.
  3. The situation with Russia requires strong and meaningful responses to prevent further attacks or issues. This includes showing that there will be consequences for aggressive behavior.

1st call between Marco Rubio and Wang Yi

Pekingnology • 181 implied HN points • 26 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Diplomacy
  1. Marco Rubio and Wang Yi had their first phone call, but the U.S. State Department mistakenly identified Wang's job title. This confusion happened even under the previous administration, showing it’s a common mix-up.
  2. In the official summary from China about their call, there was an unexpected mention of the U.S. wanting a peaceful resolution for Taiwan. This is unusual and may be a slip because it contradicts China's stance on the issue.
  3. Wang Yi gave Rubio a veiled warning to behave himself during their conversation, highlighting the tension in their relationship given Rubio's past criticisms of China.

Civilization 1 million, Russia 0

Diane Francis • 539 implied HN points • 30 Jun 22
🌍 World Politics Diplomacy
  1. The G7 and NATO have united to support Ukraine against Russia, marking a significant global response to aggression. This coalition aims to strengthen military and economic support for Ukraine.
  2. NATO is expanding its military presence and capability in response to the conflict, with plans to increase troops and improve defense strategies. This is a shift towards taking greater responsibility for European security.
  3. Despite the support for Ukraine, there is concern that it may not be enough to deter Russia, as the situation remains dire for Ukraine. The Ukrainian people are committed to their fight, showing resilience against overwhelming odds.

Rats Jump Ship

Diane Francis • 679 implied HN points • 10 Mar 22
🌍 World Politics Diplomacy
  1. No agreement was reached in the meeting between Ukraine and Russia, which was a disappointment. This shows that tensions are still high and negotiations are tough.
  2. Russia seems to have the advantage in this situation, as they are demanding complete surrender from Ukraine. This makes it harder for Ukraine to negotiate a better outcome.
  3. Turkey is trying to help by being a mediator, but the outcome of the talks doesn't look promising given the circumstances. It's a complicated situation for everyone involved.

In Ukraine, top US official admits that “success” meant “suffering”

Aaron Mate • 174 implied HN points • 27 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Diplomacy
  1. A top US official acknowledged that the term 'success' in Ukraine often means more suffering for the people involved. It's a harsh truth about the reality of war.
  2. The Biden administration and Kyiv are facing tough decisions about whether to engage in diplomatic talks or continue their current strategy.
  3. Mixed messages from Donald Trump add confusion to the US's position on Ukraine, affecting future policies and discussions.

Words Of No Power.

Trying to Understand the World • 5 implied HN points • 21 Jan 26
🌍 World Politics Diplomacy
  1. Words and treaties usually record what states already do, they don’t by themselves make things happen; for a text to matter it needs either real enforcement or broad shared support.
  2. International agreements are limited and often vague: they bind only signatories, can be withdrawn, and their meaning is shaped by politics and interpretation, not pure legal logic.
  3. Expecting documents alone to solve hard political problems is wishful thinking; real outcomes depend on evidence, practical capacity, and the political will to act, not just on nice words on paper.