The hottest Diplomacy Substack posts right now

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Stopping the Slaughter

Diane Francis • 419 implied HN points • 03 Oct 22
🌍 World Politics Diplomacy
  1. Putin and Zelensky both seem unwilling to negotiate, even as the war continues to escalate with more conflict on the ground.
  2. Both Russia and Ukraine want to achieve better positions before any talks, which makes it hard to find common ground for peace.
  3. The situation could lead to risky outcomes, including the potential use of nuclear weapons, so finding a resolution is very important.

A new kind of world order. Not order as a final state but ordering as a process.

World Game • 8 implied HN points • 26 Dec 25
🌍 World Politics Diplomacy
  1. The Western or American-led global order seems to be declining, but it’s unclear what will replace it.
  2. A Chinese world order isn’t a foregone conclusion, since even Chinese authorities don’t seem to believe in imposing one single model.
  3. We’re moving into an era of radical skepticism and pluralism where there won’t be a single unified order — instead, ordering will be an ongoing process.

JJM vs John Bolton on Venezuela

John’s Substack • 8 implied HN points • 06 Jan 26
🌍 World Politics Diplomacy
  1. The discussion centered on a reported U.S. plan to abduct Venezuela’s president, raising clear legal and ethical concerns.
  2. Two commentators tackled the same issues but reached sharply different conclusions about whether such an operation would be justified or wise.
  3. The exchange shows that U.S. intervention in Venezuela deeply divides expert opinion and fuels a broader debate over foreign policy and interventionism.

Germany's Wrongdoing

Diane Francis • 659 implied HN points • 27 Feb 22
🌍 World Politics Diplomacy
  1. Germany has a history of making poor choices that negatively impact global affairs. This includes decisions from the previous century that still resonate today.
  2. The country has been criticized for not confronting or holding Russia accountable for its actions. Many believe this attitude shows a lack of strength.
  3. Germany's choice to depend heavily on Russian energy sources has raised concerns, especially during times of geopolitical tension. This dependency is seen as a risky move for the future.

Master Diplomats Biden and Blinken: A Case Study in Professional Class Screwups

Michael Tracey • 171 implied HN points • 20 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Diplomacy
  1. Biden and Blinken faced criticism for their approach to diplomacy, with many saying they failed to connect with other nations effectively. Their methods often seemed to worsen U.S. relationships, especially with countries like China.
  2. Biden's emphasis on rallying support for Ukraine was seen as a low bar for success. He admitted that his policies heightened nuclear risks, which raises concerns about their effectiveness in avoiding major conflicts.
  3. Despite some positive views on the Afghanistan withdrawal, Biden's handling of the situation led to a significant drop in his approval ratings. Many believe he struggled to communicate the positives of this decision.
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Trump’s choice in Ukraine: make peace, or ‘crush the Russians’

Aaron Mate • 176 implied HN points • 12 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Diplomacy
  1. Trump wants to make peace in Ukraine and plans to meet with Putin to discuss it. He believes the conflict needs to be resolved as it’s become a disaster.
  2. This approach is very different from the current U.S. administration, which is hesitant to engage with Russia diplomatically.
  3. While many view Russia's actions as aggressive, Trump thinks there should be a conversation to find a resolution rather than continuing the war.

Tulsi Gabbard confirmed; Trump threatens Gaza ceasefire

Aaron Mate • 148 implied HN points • 12 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Diplomacy
  1. Tulsi Gabbard is now in charge of US intelligence, despite previous criticisms about her views on intelligence. It's a surprising turn of events for someone who often went against mainstream narratives.
  2. Trump is putting pressure on the ceasefire deal in Gaza, which could have significant implications for the region. His stance may affect ongoing peace efforts.
  3. The discussion includes perspectives from various commentators, highlighting different views on these political developments. It's important to hear differing opinions for a better understanding of the situation.

Damaging US Relationships for Nothing

Phillips’s Newsletter • 149 implied HN points • 04 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Diplomacy
  1. Recent actions by the US government have hurt its relationships with neighboring countries like Canada and Mexico. These actions were supposedly in response to issues like illegal immigration and drug trafficking.
  2. There seems to be a mismatch between the tough talk from US leaders and the actual outcomes of their policies. Instead of strong responses, there might be more backlash than effective solutions.
  3. Some parts of the US press seem to have lost their ability to report independently. This raises concerns about the overall health of public discourse and journalism in the country.

Bioweapons Treaty Update - Progress!

Who is Robert Malone • 10 implied HN points • 20 Dec 25
🌍 World Politics Diplomacy
  1. The U.S. is pushing to strengthen the Biological Weapons Convention by adding a verification regime with real teeth to stop the development of biological weapons.
  2. Officials are proposing to use AI and modern tools to boost transparency, confidence-building, supply-chain monitoring, early detection, attribution, and DNA synthesis screening to improve BWC implementation.
  3. Relying on AI for verification brings political, legal, technical, and data-security challenges, so trusted data, transparent models, and broad international cooperation will be needed to make it work.

The Venezuela Crisis and Europe

John’s Substack • 7 implied HN points • 07 Jan 26
🌍 World Politics Diplomacy
  1. US policy toward Venezuela and its posturing over Greenland can directly affect European security and political alignments.
  2. How the US handles those two issues will influence Europe's strategic calculations and potential shifts in alliances.
  3. Ongoing public debates are examining these developments to clarify their consequences for European politics and stability.

Trump could be in China for Sept. 3 WW2 commemoration & military parade, Chinese opinion leaders suggest

Pekingnology • 67 implied HN points • 25 Jun 25
🌍 World Politics Diplomacy
  1. China is suggesting that Trump should visit for a big World War II anniversary event on September 3. It would be a good chance to remember the friendship between the U.S. and China during the war.
  2. Two Chinese leaders believe Trump's visit could bring peace and stability to the world. They think that having him join other leaders like Putin at the event could show unity among powerful nations.
  3. This visit could help improve chilly U.S.-China relations. By recalling their history of working together, it could encourage both countries to avoid conflict in the future.

Some Perspective Is In Order

Fisted by Foucault • 141 implied HN points • 28 Jan 25
🌍 World Politics Diplomacy
  1. The US has damaged the Nordstream pipeline that linked Russia and Germany, raising geopolitical tensions.
  2. Trump's interest in buying Greenland might be a way to pressure European countries to spend more on defense.
  3. While the EU supports Ukraine against Russian aggression, there are questions about who might really be the threat to Europe.

Wang Yi at Munich Security Conference

Pekingnology • 132 implied HN points • 15 Feb 25
🌍 World Politics Diplomacy
  1. The world is becoming multipolar, meaning many countries will have more equal power instead of just a few dominating. This is a positive change that can lead to more fairness among nations.
  2. It's essential to follow international laws and treat all countries equally, regardless of their power. Respecting each other's sovereignty helps maintain peace and stability.
  3. Cooperation, openness, and working together are key to solving global problems. Countries should not isolate themselves but instead collaborate for a better future.

Overcoming the underwhelming history of America's Africa Policy

An Africanist Perspective • 138 implied HN points • 04 Jan 23
🌍 World Politics Diplomacy
  1. America's Africa Policy has been hindered by persistent bad habits and missed opportunities, such as neglecting to leverage connections with the large Black population for strategic alliances.
  2. There have been successes in US-Africa relations, like President George W. Bush's PEPFAR and various commercial initiatives, but the policy needs to prioritize state-building, support developmental agendas, and streamline objectives.
  3. To enhance US-Africa relations, it is crucial to align policy with African institutions, cultivate a strong domestic pro-Africa constituency, and acknowledge the region's significance in the global context.

Economist Michael Hudson explains inflation crisis and Fed's secretive $4.5 trillion bank bailout

Geopolitical Economy Report • 438 implied HN points • 08 Jan 22
🌍 World Politics Diplomacy
  1. Economist Michael Hudson explains the global inflation crisis, pointing out the flaws in how inflation is measured in the US
  2. The Federal Reserve's $4.5 trillion bank bailout violated regulations and was directed towards big banks such as JP Morgan Chase and Citibank
  3. China and Russia are working on creating independent financial systems to reduce reliance on the US-controlled financial system

Zelensky’s 'Victory Plan' is a sign of defeat

Aaron Mate • 200 implied HN points • 21 Oct 24
🌍 World Politics Diplomacy
  1. Zelensky warned that some Western countries wanted a long war in Ukraine, even if it meant Ukraine could suffer severely.
  2. He chose to ignore this warning and sided with Western leaders who pushed for ongoing fighting instead of peace.
  3. Now, Zelensky seems to be facing the consequences of that choice, feeling abandoned by those same allies he listened to.

Talk Tough & Carry a Little Stick

John’s Substack • 7 implied HN points • 03 Jan 26
🌍 World Politics Diplomacy
  1. Trump talks tough and keeps a "tough guy" image, but his military actions have been limited pinpricks that avoid dragging the U.S. into another forever war.
  2. Peace negotiations over Ukraine are largely Kabuki theater for public opinion, while the real contest is on the battlefield where Russia currently holds the advantage.
  3. Taiwan is a dangerous flashpoint in East Asia, but a full-scale war seems unlikely soon because neither side would win and both therefore have strong incentives to avoid fighting.

The China Shock 2.0 that isn’t

Beijing Channel • 9 implied HN points • 22 Dec 25
🌐 International Diplomacy
  1. Rising Chinese export value often reflects moving up the value chain and more domestic value added, so higher export numbers don’t just mean cheap goods flooding markets.
  2. Many developing countries import parts and equipment from China that let them export more; gross import figures alone don’t show whether those flows harm or help local economies.
  3. Rather than being passive victims, many developing countries actively manage ties with China—deepening trade, negotiating deals, and protecting specific sectors—so claims of a broad, systematic shock need careful, sector-level, value-added evidence.

David and Goliath

Diane Francis • 479 implied HN points • 21 Apr 22
🌍 World Politics Diplomacy
  1. The battle in Ukraine's Donbas region is crucial, with intense fighting expected as both sides prepare for a high-stakes conflict. Ukraine is determined to defend its territory, drawing on strong morale and support from Western allies.
  2. Russia may have military advantages in terms of size and equipment, but Ukraine has key factors like knowledge of the terrain and the backing of NATO. This battle is seen as a turning point that could affect the outcome of the war.
  3. Even if Russia wins in Donbas, the ongoing conflict could exhaust its military and weaken Putin's regime over time. A prolonged fight could also lead to economic repercussions for Russia and impact global markets.

Sino-Soviet Split 2.0

ChinaTalk • 370 implied HN points • 05 Mar 24
🌍 World Politics Diplomacy
  1. The partnership between Russia and China may not be as strong as it seems, with a 75% chance of it collapsing due to differing views on separatism.
  2. China and Russia have different perspectives on separatism, with China focusing on maintaining territorial unity while Russia supports separatist movements in neighboring regions.
  3. The stability of the alliance between China and Russia is questionable, and smart diplomatic maneuvering by democracies can help exploit the ideological cracks between these two powerful autocracies.

JJM vs. Kishore Mahbubani

John’s Substack • 5 implied HN points • 15 Jan 26
🌍 World Politics Diplomacy
  1. John J. Mearsheimer and Kishore Mahbubani appeared together on Tom Switzer’s podcast "Switzerland" on December 21, 2025.
  2. They focused on the rise of China and debated how the United States should respond to that challenge.
  3. They also covered a range of other geopolitical issues, speaking as friends and intellectual rivals.

Iran Update

The Cosmopolitan Globalist • 5 implied HN points • 09 Jan 26
🌍 World Politics Diplomacy
  1. A nationwide wave of protests has spread to all provinces, starting in Tehran’s bazaar over a collapsing currency and rising food prices but quickly turning into broad anger at the clerical regime with people from many walks of life joining in.
  2. The government has moved to crush the unrest with brutal repression — dozens reported killed, thousands arrested, crackdowns in markets and hospitals, and a near-total internet blackout — highlighting a deep legitimacy crisis even without a single coherent leadership.
  3. International responses are mostly rhetorical warnings and condemnations while Iranian leaders insist protesters are foreign-backed; opposition figures have urged people onto the streets and parts of the financial sector appear sympathetic, but decisive outside action remains unclear.

Siberia

Diane Francis • 539 implied HN points • 07 Feb 22
🌍 World Politics Diplomacy
  1. Xi Jinping and Vladimir Putin met during the Beijing Winter Olympics to discuss their stance against NATO's expansion. They are wary of NATO and want to strengthen their partnership.
  2. Their joint statement was long and detailed, showing they are serious about their alliance. However, Xi did not fully endorse everything Putin does.
  3. The meeting highlights the growing relationship between Russia and China, especially as both face challenges from the West. They aim to support each other in various ways.

Xmas Eve with The Judge

John’s Substack • 8 implied HN points • 24 Dec 25
🌍 World Politics Diplomacy
  1. Free speech is eroding across Western countries and that decline is presented as a serious threat to democratic life.
  2. There are signs of a renewed aggressive U.S. foreign policy — from talk of annexing Greenland to harsher actions in Cuba and Venezuela and risky naval moves that could provoke China.
  3. Tensions over Israel are growing both inside the Republican Party and between leaders, with claims like Trump being labeled the "first Jewish president" and pressure from Netanyahu to attack Iran raising the risk of new Middle East conflict.

UN and NATO Fail

Diane Francis • 459 implied HN points • 07 Apr 22
🌍 World Politics Diplomacy
  1. The UN Security Council is flawed because the countries in power can block any action against themselves. This makes it tough to hold countries like Russia accountable for their actions.
  2. NATO's requirement for unanimous approval among its members means that one country can stop any agreement. This creates a situation where important decisions can't be made, even if most countries agree.
  3. Despite clear evidence of war crimes, the international community struggles to punish such actions because of the veto power held by influential countries. This allows leaders like Putin to act without fear of consequences.

China launches Global South economic alliance to challenge US 'unilateralism' and 'cold-war mentality'

Geopolitical Economy Report • 378 implied HN points • 21 Jan 22
🌍 World Politics Diplomacy
  1. China is forming international alliances to counter US dominance and promote 'win-win cooperation'.
  2. The Group of Friends of the Global Development Initiative aims to advance sustainable and people-centered development goals, including reducing poverty and achieving carbon neutrality.
  3. The economic alliance includes countries like Cuba, Venezuela, and others, challenging US hegemony and contributing to the emergence of a more multipolar world.

Occupying Europe without Troops

Diane Francis • 499 implied HN points • 14 Feb 22
🌍 World Politics Diplomacy
  1. The situation with Russia and Ukraine is tense, with uncertainty about a possible invasion. Countries like France and Germany are trying to negotiate with Putin while others have pulled their diplomats out.
  2. Ukraine's leaders are considering not applying to join NATO, which could change the dynamics of their security relations. This decision is being discussed amid rising pressure from Russia.
  3. The reactions from various nations highlight the complexities of international diplomacy and the differing strategies to handle the crisis in Europe.

Saturday Commentary and Review #150

Fisted by Foucault • 404 implied HN points • 23 Dec 23
🌍 World Politics Diplomacy
  1. In Italy, there is growing discontent towards Brussels due to economic challenges.
  2. Poland has seen economic growth but political tensions with the EU due to social policies.
  3. Northern Ireland faces challenges with public funding and governance, possibly approaching a failed state status.

The Muslim World Has Failed the Uyghur

Pen>Sword • 139 implied HN points • 11 Jan 23
🌍 World Politics Diplomacy
  1. Muslim-majority governments and leaders have failed to support the Uyghur Muslims facing persecution in China.
  2. Some imams and scholars are using Islam to justify the genocide and horrors inflicted on the Uyghur people.
  3. The Uyghur diaspora and author Khaled A. Beydoun strongly condemn the Muslim nations and leaders who are supporting China's propaganda against the Uyghurs.

Venezuela and Iran sign 20-year cooperation plan, Maduro pledges joint 'anti-imperialist struggle'

Geopolitical Economy Report • 259 implied HN points • 12 Jun 22
🌍 World Politics Diplomacy
  1. Venezuela and Iran signed a 20-year cooperation agreement focusing on energy, technology, and trade, emphasizing an 'anti-imperialist struggle.'
  2. The agreement covers various sectors like science, technology, agriculture, oil and gas, petrochemicals, tourism, and culture.
  3. This pact showcases a trend of South-South cooperation against Western imperialism, with Iran and Venezuela facing common challenges like unilateral US sanctions.

Calling Vlad's Bluff

Diane Francis • 519 implied HN points • 13 Jan 22
🌍 World Politics Diplomacy
  1. Many people are not worried about the possible Russian invasion of Ukraine because they have other pressing issues, like rising gas prices and COVID-19. It shows how different countries prioritize their concerns.
  2. In Western Europe, there is a strong sense of disbelief about Putin's actions due to the trauma from past world wars. This reflects a hesitant attitude towards viewing Russia as a real threat.
  3. The idea that Russia is engaging in a 'slow-motion hybrid war' is becoming more accepted, but not everyone sees it as a significant danger yet. People seem to underplay the risks involved.

Trump And The Dirty Little Secret of US Power

Phillips’s Newsletter • 115 implied HN points • 06 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Diplomacy
  1. Trump has suggested that the U.S. could take over Gaza, comparing it to a vacation spot like the Riviera. This plan would involve displacing the current Palestinian residents.
  2. This idea echoes previous proposals where Trump showed interest in acquiring territories like Greenland and Canada. It seems he believes the U.S. should expand its territory.
  3. Trump's proposal has received support from some political figures, indicating a willingness among certain leaders to back controversial ideas related to U.S. power.