The hottest Diplomacy Substack posts right now

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Top World Politics Topics

The Madness Goes On and On

John’s Substack • 8 implied HN points • 20 Dec 25
🌍 World Politics Diplomacy
  1. A public discussion focused on how the West is handling diplomacy with Russia and Ukraine.
  2. That Western diplomacy is described as surreal and disconnected from practical reality.
  3. This approach is predicted to cause prolonged, deadly serious trouble and instability for a long time to come.

Le Figaro Interview

John’s Substack • 7 implied HN points • 27 Dec 25
🌍 World Politics Diplomacy
  1. An interview was published in Le Figaro Magazine on 12 December 2025. It was presented as a featured piece in that issue.
  2. High-resolution images of the interview are embedded and can be clicked to enlarge for easier reading.
  3. The post includes links and visible engagement counts (e.g., 132, 54, 26), indicating shares and reader interaction.

Ukraine abandoned, Gaza destroyed

Aaron Mate • 166 implied HN points • 24 Oct 24
🌍 World Politics Diplomacy
  1. The situation in Gaza is getting worse due to ongoing destruction from Israel.
  2. Ukraine is facing neglect, with calls for younger soldiers to take more risks in the conflict.
  3. There's a contrast between the struggles of Gaza and Ukraine, highlighting a lack of support for both regions.

As US floats revival of Istanbul talks, Zelensky and Starmer scramble

Aaron Mate • 100 implied HN points • 28 Feb 25
🌍 World Politics Diplomacy
  1. The US is considering restarting peace talks that were previously halted in Istanbul. This might open new discussions about resolving tensions.
  2. Zelensky and Starmer are actively trying to persuade Trump to support continued military action. They appear to be concerned about losing momentum in their efforts.
  3. The situation is dynamic as different leaders are scrambling to respond to changes in the political landscape. This could impact international relations significantly.
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Campaign to Stop Killer Robots fired its government relations manager to protect relationship with Austria, says former employee

All-Source Intelligence Fusion • 366 implied HN points • 08 Nov 23
🌍 World Politics Diplomacy
  1. The Campaign to Stop Killer Robots fired a government relations manager over comments about Israel's actions in Gaza.
  2. The firing occurred just before a significant vote by the United Nations General Assembly on autonomous weapons.
  3. There were conflicts of interest and controversy surrounding the termination, including involvement of Austria and Palestine.

Finnish news recap, week 18: Zelensky in Finland edition

Ahpocalypse Now • 78 implied HN points • 09 May 23
🌍 World Politics Diplomacy
  1. Ukrainian President Zelensky visited Finland and met with its leaders and other Nordic leaders.
  2. Finland announced a new package of military aid for Ukraine and discussed facilitating Ukraine's NATO accession.
  3. Internal governmental negotiations in Finland involved different political parties, including discussions on state-funded broadcasting corporation and program independence.

Pakistan coup regime bans Imran Khan, dissidents killed, as US eyes China ties, Israel normalization

Geopolitical Economy Report • 139 implied HN points • 26 Oct 22
🌍 World Politics Diplomacy
  1. Pakistan's military-dominated regime, with US backing, banned former PM Imran Khan from office causing protests.
  2. The US is pressuring Pakistan to weaken ties with China, arm Ukraine, and recognize Israel, following the coup.
  3. The unelected coup regime in Pakistan is seeking a strategic partnership with the US, potentially softening relations with China.

"Jimmy Carter's Jewish Problem"

Michael Tracey • 106 implied HN points • 15 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Diplomacy
  1. Jimmy Carter faced backlash for his book 'Palestine: Peace Not Apartheid,' with critics accusing him of anti-Semitism without strong evidence from the book itself. Many of his statements seem more accepted today than they were in 2006.
  2. Carter's presidency was marked by efforts to achieve peace between Israel and Egypt, but many felt he didn't do enough for Palestinian self-determination during his time in office.
  3. After leaving office, Carter engaged in significant diplomatic work in the Israel-Palestine conflict, often acting as a mediator and seeking peace, which contrasted with some aspects of his presidency.

The Deep Humiliation of Watching My President Accept A Made-Up Major Award

I Might Be Wrong • 8 implied HN points • 10 Dec 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Diplomacy
  1. The World Cup draw is mostly a dull, staged event that can’t naturally generate excitement.
  2. FIFA created and handed Trump a bogus "FIFA Peace Prize" as a transparent, manipulative bit of flattery.
  3. That stunt shows organizations will pander to powerful hosts and exposes an embarrassing shift in America’s standing and how it is courted internationally.

Diplomacy That Is Going Nowhere

John’s Substack • 7 implied HN points • 14 Dec 25
🌍 World Politics Diplomacy
  1. Diplomatic efforts are unlikely to produce a peace deal right now because the main parties’ demands are deeply opposed and neither side is willing to compromise.
  2. A high-profile US 27-point peace proposal is being promoted, but Russia has not accepted it and has publicly rejected the plan as unacceptable.
  3. Real diplomacy will likely only become possible after a major battlefield development forces both sides toward an armistice, probably turning the hot war into a frozen conflict.

World Order on the Line

Diane Francis • 379 implied HN points • 31 Jan 22
🌍 World Politics Diplomacy
  1. The United Nations Security Council is having a very important meeting, the biggest since the Cuban Missile Crisis. This shows how serious the situation is right now.
  2. The United States is pushing to label Russia as an 'aggressor state'. They want to discuss sanctions against Russia and even consider kicking them out of the UN.
  3. This emergency session highlights the tension in global politics and how countries are trying to respond to conflicts. It is a critical moment for international relations.

My Talk at the European Parliament

John’s Substack • 10 implied HN points • 19 Nov 25
🌍 World Politics Diplomacy
  1. The speaker discussed the challenges Europe is facing in the future. They believe the situation looks quite worrying.
  2. The talk was held at the European Parliament, suggesting its importance in addressing European issues.
  3. A transcript and video of the presentation are available for those interested in more details.

End of Year Review: the Russo-Ukraine War

Comment is Freed • 99 implied HN points • 29 Dec 24
🌍 World Politics Diplomacy
  1. The Russo-Ukraine War is a prolonged conflict with no clear solution in sight. Both sides are struggling with ongoing military challenges and the need to adapt strategies.
  2. Ukraine continues to resist despite facing tough circumstances, while Russia shows urgency in its operations but has faced significant casualties. There's a conversation about whether Russia can sustain its fighting force in the long term.
  3. US support for Ukraine has been mixed, with concerns about military aid and restrictions on how it can be used. This might affect Ukraine's chances of a successful outcome, especially if the leadership changes.

Xi Closes the Door for the Next Generation of Analysts

ChinaTalk • 415 implied HN points • 22 Jun 23
🌍 World Politics Diplomacy
  1. Xi Jinping's policies are limiting opportunities for aspiring China watchers under his leadership.
  2. The avenues that previous generations had to study and work in China are becoming increasingly scarce.
  3. The restrictions imposed by the Chinese government, particularly under Xi's rule, are impacting international relations and understanding of China.

Yan Xuetong on China–U.S. talks, Ukraine, and international order without global leadership

Pekingnology • 41 implied HN points • 24 Jun 25
🌍 World Politics Diplomacy
  1. China-U.S. relations depend on U.S. actions, especially regarding tariffs and trade negotiations. If the U.S. reduces tariffs significantly, a major agreement between the two could happen.
  2. Technological competition is crucial in China-U.S. relations. The U.S. fears China's advancements and is actively limiting access to technology for Chinese students to maintain its edge in tech innovation.
  3. Europe is seeking more independence in global affairs and may take on a stronger leadership role, especially in the context of the Ukraine conflict. This shift indicates a desire for Europe to rely less on the U.S. for security and strategic guidance.

Russian Roulette

Diane Francis • 399 implied HN points • 09 Dec 21
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Diplomacy
  1. Russia's military actions led to important talks with the US President, which highlights the seriousness of the situation.
  2. Biden warned that any invasion of Ukraine could hurt the Russian economy significantly.
  3. The tension between NATO and Russia shows the need for discussions about security for both sides.

Putin's Refugee Weapon

Diane Francis • 339 implied HN points • 04 Mar 22
🌍 World Politics Diplomacy
  1. Ukraine and Russia agreed on temporary cease-fires to help refugees escape. This is a good humanitarian move but may also play into Putin's strategies.
  2. The cease-fires allow refugees to seek safety while allowing Russia to continue its attacks elsewhere.
  3. There's concern that these safe corridors could distract from the broader violence happening in Ukraine.

A proposal for the Israeli-Palestinian conflict

America in Crisis • 59 implied HN points • 23 Oct 23
🌍 World Politics Diplomacy
  1. US could strategically withdraw from parts of the world where its involvement is no longer needed, like Europe and the Middle East, and focus resources on other priorities.
  2. Separating Palestinians and Israelis could be a potential solution to the conflict, with options for Palestinians to emigrate in exchange for compensation.
  3. Involving Gulf countries like Saudi Arabia and Kuwait in the solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict could be achieved through leveraging American hegemonic power.

Beyond Deterrence

Comment is Freed • 98 implied HN points • 04 Dec 24
🌍 World Politics Diplomacy
  1. Deterrence has been a major concept in defense strategy, especially during the Cold War. It suggests that showing strength can prevent aggression from others.
  2. However, relying solely on deterrence can be tricky. Sometimes threats are not taken seriously, and it might not work in every situation.
  3. The ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine illustrates that a mix of deterrence strategies, like denying enemy advantages, is now more important as new forms of threats continue to arise.

You're Invited

The Cosmopolitan Globalist • 3 implied HN points • 09 Jan 26
🌍 World Politics Diplomacy
  1. The group's upcoming session will focus on recent events in Venezuela and may also cover Iran and other major global developments.
  2. Anyone is welcome to join a Zoom discussion on Sunday at 4:30 pm Paris time, and the group stresses that it's friendly and open to interested subscribers.
  3. Readers are invited to continue reading this post for free, with a paid subscription offered for additional content.

Ma Ying-jeou Urges Return to Cross-Strait Dialogue on “Peace Journey” Anniversary

Pekingnology • 45 implied HN points • 19 May 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Diplomacy
  1. Ma Ying-jeou emphasizes the need for peaceful dialogue between Taiwan and China. He believes that communication can help improve relations and resolve issues peacefully.
  2. He reflects on past successes in cross-Strait cooperation, highlighting how agreements and exchanges benefited both sides. These examples show that peaceful relations are possible.
  3. Ma urges current Taiwanese leaders to abandon aspirations for independence and instead focus on rebuilding cross-Strait relations for a safer and more stable future.

🌍🌏 GLOBAL EYES 👁️🌎

The Cosmopolitan Globalist • 7 implied HN points • 27 Nov 25
🌍 World Politics Diplomacy
  1. The U.S. 28-point peace plan, discussed with China and European partners, is reshaping negotiations and could pressure Ukraine into painful concessions.
  2. Putin is framing the war as a likely Russian victory, ruling out talks with Kyiv unless Ukraine cedes territory and using that stance to justify continued offensives.
  3. Leaked recordings of a U.S. envoy coaching Kremlin officials suggest U.S. diplomacy may be steering a deal that favors Russia, which alarms European and Ukrainian leaders.

Chess with Vlad

Diane Francis • 519 implied HN points • 15 Apr 21
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Diplomacy
  1. Biden's decision to withdraw troops from Afghanistan was seen as smart, but his handling of the situation with Putin and Ukraine was not viewed the same way. Engaging in talks without firm actions may show weakness.
  2. Putin operates by different rules and often violates agreements, making it hard for the West to effectively respond. The trust in diplomacy alone is misplaced when dealing with aggressive actions.
  3. To genuinely challenge Putin, the U.S. needs to adopt a stronger stance. This involves military readiness and severe economic sanctions rather than just discussions or temporary measures.

2024 Year in Review (Part 2)

Phillips’s Newsletter • 85 implied HN points • 26 Dec 24
🌍 World Politics Diplomacy
  1. Ukraine's Kursk offensive showed that surprises are still possible in modern warfare. This campaign was unexpected and changed the course of their struggle.
  2. In the first half of 2024, Ukraine faced tough challenges due to reduced U.S. aid and heavy losses in battles. However, they adapted and found ways to fight back effectively.
  3. The Russian military strategy of micro-advances faced setbacks, allowing Ukraine to regroup and launch a strong counter-offensive later in the year.

Putin Punks NATO

Diane Francis • 459 implied HN points • 14 Jun 21
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Diplomacy
  1. NATO is struggling to handle Russia's actions since the Soviet Union collapsed. Putin's tactics have weakened many democratic nations and are aimed at rebuilding Russian influence.
  2. Ukraine and Georgia should receive more support from NATO to defend against Russian threats. Granting them closer ties could help strengthen their security and better counter Russian aggression.
  3. NATO needs to develop a stronger strategy to deal with Russia and its ambitions. This includes addressing issues like Russian energy projects that threaten European security and taking decisive action against Russia's expansionist goals.

Coping with Trump

Comment is Freed • 77 implied HN points • 14 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Diplomacy
  1. Allies of the U.S. found it tough to deal with Trump during his first term, facing challenges in asserting their values against his right-wing stance.
  2. The relationship between Trump and leaders like Merkel showed a clash of confidence, with leaders trying to stand firm against his policies.
  3. Currently, due to changing global circumstances, allies are likely to take a less confrontational approach if Trump returns to power.

Notes on the News

The Cosmopolitan Globalist • 6 implied HN points • 03 Dec 25
🌍 World Politics Diplomacy
  1. Israel is racing a ticking clock because international support is weakening and regional alignments could shift quickly. It needs to repair its reputation and build strategic autonomy now before changes in U.S. politics or regional players make that much harder.
  2. U.S. domestic politics and rising isolationist or extremist factions threaten reliable American backing for allies. Silence from leaders on antisemitism or extremist groups risks normalizing those forces and accelerating the loss of support.
  3. Military accountability matters: unlawful orders and reprisals must be investigated and punished to prevent a culture of impunity. Remote or distant warfare is no excuse for war crimes, and policing the chain of command is essential to maintain moral authority and public trust.

Chinese, U.S. readouts of Xi-Biden meeting in Lima

Pekingnology • 94 implied HN points • 17 Nov 24
🌍 World Politics Diplomacy
  1. Xi and Biden talked about keeping a stable and cooperative relationship between China and the U.S. They agreed that communication is key to avoid conflicts.
  2. Both leaders emphasized the importance of respecting each other's positions and avoiding actions that could escalate tensions, especially regarding Taiwan.
  3. They highlighted working together on global challenges like climate change and artificial intelligence, showing that cooperation benefits everyone.

Putting Lipstick On A Pig

John’s Substack • 32 implied HN points • 25 Jun 25
🌍 World Politics Diplomacy
  1. Israel's recent military efforts did not achieve their main goals. They were unable to stop Iran's nuclear program or change its government.
  2. Attacking Iran may have made things worse for Israel, as now Iran is more likely to develop nuclear weapons.
  3. Iran managed to strike back effectively, hurting Israel's defenses and showing they were ready for a prolonged fight.

CIA intimidated Britain to force 'ally' to cut ties with China's Huawei

Geopolitical Economy Report • 119 implied HN points • 26 Aug 22
🌍 World Politics Diplomacy
  1. The CIA under the Trump administration pressured Britain to sever ties with Huawei, impacting the UK's economy and 5G infrastructure development.
  2. Despite British intelligence finding Huawei not to be a threat, the US forced the UK to ban the tech giant, prioritizing political motives over technical considerations.
  3. US exerted influence on other countries in the Five Eyes network to follow suit in banning Huawei, straining relationships and showcasing geopolitical power dynamics.

Putin's May 9 Move

Diane Francis • 239 implied HN points • 05 May 22
🌍 World Politics Diplomacy
  1. Putin's May 9 event is a big deal in Russia, celebrating their history. People are curious how he will talk about the situation in Ukraine.
  2. He has three main choices for his speech: claim victory, end the conflict, or escalate things further. Each option has big implications for the future.
  3. This speech will signal what direction Russia might take next regarding their Ukraine strategy. So, everyone is paying close attention.

Trump's Futile Efforts to Find a Diplomatic Solution to Ukraine

John’s Substack • 7 implied HN points • 26 Nov 25
🌍 World Politics Diplomacy
  1. Trump's efforts to negotiate peace in Ukraine face strong opposition from European and Ukrainian leaders. It's clear that getting everyone to agree on a deal is very complicated.
  2. Russia is also not willing to compromise on its key demands, making it harder to find a resolution.
  3. Ultimately, it seems the conflict in Ukraine will likely be resolved through military means rather than diplomacy.

Ukraine Derangement Syndrome

John’s Substack • 8 implied HN points • 16 Nov 25
🌍 World Politics Diplomacy
  1. Ukraine is facing serious problems on the battlefield that are getting worse. It's important to recognize that things are not going well.
  2. Ukrainian and Western leaders seem to ignore this reality. They continue to act as if everything is fine, which seems unrealistic.
  3. There is a feeling that the situation is out of control, and that there are no clear solutions to improve it.