The hottest Diplomacy Substack posts right now

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Top World Politics Topics

What Europe Can do in a Worst-Case Scenario

Phillips’s Newsletter • 83 implied HN points • 05 Dec 24
🌍 World Politics Diplomacy
  1. European countries need to carefully consider their actions in the ongoing Ukraine war. Their support is crucial and impacts the situation significantly.
  2. The Trump administration's plans for Ukraine lack solid security guarantees. This may put European states in a tough spot, as they might have to back plans that don't benefit them or Ukraine.
  3. Many of Trump's proposed peace plans for Ukraine have been evident for a while. Understanding these plans early can help Europe prepare for possible outcomes.

The UN Screws the Palestinians

John’s Substack • 7 implied HN points • 20 Nov 25
🌍 World Politics Diplomacy
  1. The recent UN resolution does not give Palestinians a real chance at self-determination.
  2. The resolution places Gaza under the control of the US and Israel, which many see as unfair.
  3. There is a strong belief that these actions contribute to ongoing violence and suffering in Gaza.

Christmas for China-Japan relations

Pekingnology • 71 implied HN points • 25 Dec 24
🌍 World Politics Diplomacy
  1. China and Japan are improving their relationship after years of tension. High-level meetings between their leaders are helping to foster better communication and understanding.
  2. There is a focus on youth exchanges and cultural connections to strengthen friendship between the two countries. Schools and local events can play a big part in bringing people together.
  3. China has made travel easier by removing visa requirements for Japanese citizens, and Japan is also easing its visa rules for Chinese visitors. This will encourage more tourism and personal connections between the nations.

The Hot Minute War (Part One)

Dr. Pippa's Pen & Podcast • 29 implied HN points • 16 Jun 25
🌍 World Politics Diplomacy
  1. The ongoing conflict between Israel and Iran could either lead to major destruction or a peaceful agreement that reduces tensions. It's a critical time for both sides.
  2. Israel and Iran may both resort to extreme measures, which could have disastrous results for themselves and the world. If they use weapons of mass destruction, public opinion will turn against them.
  3. Negotiation is still possible, and it could be the key to resolving the situation. With so much at stake, both sides need to consider what they stand to gain from making a deal.

The Geneva Nothingburger

Diane Francis • 359 implied HN points • 17 Jun 21
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Diplomacy
  1. The summit between Biden and Putin achieved little, mainly setting up future meetings rather than resolving any immediate problems. It seems like both leaders had different goals that weren’t really met.
  2. Biden’s tough talk didn’t seem to faze Putin, who has a track record of ignoring agreements and continuing aggressive actions. The meeting didn’t convince anyone that Putin will change his behavior.
  3. There are ongoing threats from Russia, especially with their actions in Ukraine and cyberattacks, but the focus from some in the media was more on soundbites than serious questions about these issues. This summit didn't really address the real dangers.
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Winter is Coming ...

Diane Francis • 279 implied HN points • 08 Nov 21
🌍 World Politics Diplomacy
  1. Vladimir Putin uses a type of conflict called 'hybrid warfare' where he attacks without using direct military force. This means he uses tactics like propaganda and threats instead of sending in soldiers.
  2. As winter comes, Putin is making moves that could put pressure on Europe. This is part of his strategy to hurt his enemies without crossing certain lines.
  3. Understanding these tactics is important because they can have big effects on political situations and global stability, especially during cold months.

Putin Goes to India

John’s Substack • 5 implied HN points • 05 Dec 25
🌍 World Politics Diplomacy
  1. The Ukraine war is causing problems for everyone's relationships, especially between the US, India, and Russia. This conflict is making things tense.
  2. Because of the Ukraine war, India and Russia are getting closer together. This could affect the balance of power in the region.
  3. India can't fully depend on Russia to help deal with China anymore. The situation is changing, and India needs to adapt.

Israel's Hidden War

Diane Francis • 359 implied HN points • 03 Jun 21
🌍 World Politics Diplomacy
  1. Israel faces a major internal conflict between those wanting a democratic society and ultra-orthodox Jews who prefer a theocracy. This clash is growing due to the increasing Haredi population, which could soon dominate.
  2. A new coalition government in Israel is formed to remove the current Prime Minister, but the alliance is fragile. It's a reflection of the deep divisions in Israeli society, where Arabs and ultra-orthodox citizens feel marginalized.
  3. The education system in Israel is failing many children, especially among Haredim and Arab Israelis. Without reforms, many kids will not be prepared for today’s job market, threatening Israel's future as a technological leader.

👉🏼 Reminder 💬

The Cosmopolitan Globalist • 2 implied HN points • 11 Jan 26
🌍 World Politics Diplomacy
  1. The CG reading group meeting starts in two hours and is scheduled for 4:30 pm Paris time on Sunday.
  2. The discussion will focus on current events—especially Venezuela—and will also cover Greenland, events in Iran, and the Monroe Doctrine.
  3. All subscribers are welcome with no reading list; a Zoom link is provided and you can ask not to be called on if you prefer.

Lebanon Ceasefire Gives Israel Victory in Gaza

God's Spies by Thomas Neuburger • 70 implied HN points • 29 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Diplomacy
  1. The ceasefire with Hezbollah allowed Israel to focus on its actions in Gaza. This situation has lessened pressure on Israel and helped its military strategy.
  2. There are plans for Israeli settlers to occupy land in Gaza, which some see as an opportunity for real estate development amid ongoing conflict.
  3. Despite the violence, some Israeli leaders express a positive outlook on settling in Gaza, believing it could solve housing issues while ignoring the humanitarian crisis.

New World Disorder

Diane Francis • 199 implied HN points • 11 Apr 22
🌍 World Politics Diplomacy
  1. The war in Ukraine has split countries into three groups: those supporting Ukraine, those backing Russia, and those unsure of where to stand. This division shows how global politics have changed since the Cold War.
  2. Many countries, while condemning Russia's actions, are hesitant to take strong action against it, often due to their own interests. Countries like India and Turkey try to balance their relationships with both Russia and the West.
  3. The current situation highlights that there is no simple 'world order' anymore. Instead, countries act based on local politics and their own needs, which can lead to instability and conflicts.

China’s Russia Dilemma

The Upheaval • 315 implied HN points • 02 Mar 23
🌍 World Politics Diplomacy
  1. China has not yet sent any arms to Russia, despite alleged considerations.
  2. China is conflicted about supporting Russia due to conflicting economic and diplomatic interests.
  3. Chinese material military support could significantly impact the Ukraine conflict in Russia's favor.

Can Trump do a deal with Iran?

Comment is Freed • 68 implied HN points • 27 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Diplomacy
  1. A ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah offers a chance for better relations in the Middle East. This could lead to discussions about Gaza and possibly Israel recognizing Saudi Arabia.
  2. There is a possibility of talks between the U.S. and Iran, especially if Trump can position himself as a deal-maker. However, the complex history and current tensions make this challenging.
  3. Trump's approach to the Palestinian situation might not align with desires for full Palestinian rights. Normalizing relations with Saudi Arabia and Israel could depend on addressing these concerns.

Needle Diplomacy

Diane Francis • 379 implied HN points • 15 Mar 21
🌍 World Politics Diplomacy
  1. Countries are competing to provide vaccines for COVID-19 to gain influence over others. The U.S., China, and Russia have different strategies in this vaccine race.
  2. China is using its vaccine distribution to strengthen ties with developing nations while downplaying its own role in the pandemic's start. This behavior is part of a larger strategy to expand its influence.
  3. The U.S. is collaborating with India, Japan, and Australia through the 'Quad' to counter China's aggressiveness in Asia. This alliance aims to provide vaccines and strengthen political and military ties.

Israel Attacks Iran: An Open Source Investigation

The Corbett Report • 25 implied HN points • 14 Jun 25
🌍 World Politics Diplomacy
  1. Israel carried out attacks on Iran as part of a military operation, claiming it was necessary for its survival. This led to immediate retaliation from Iran using drones and missiles against Israel.
  2. The situation escalated from long-standing tensions over Iran's nuclear program, with accusations of Iran rapidly advancing toward creating nuclear weapons. In reality, many intelligence reports have suggested that Iran is not close to developing a nuclear bomb.
  3. Responses from international powers could shape the future of this conflict. Many countries, including Russia and China, condemned Israel's actions, which could lead to a broader regional war depending on how countries react going forward.

Yan Xuetong in 2015: Generalization of Diplomatic Concepts Harms the World's Understanding of China

Pekingnology • 64 implied HN points • 12 Dec 24
🌍 World Politics Diplomacy
  1. Overgeneralizing diplomatic terms makes it hard to understand their true meaning. It's like saying everything is important, so nothing feels special anymore.
  2. China's diplomatic concepts have lost their original focus and clarity due to this overgeneralization. This confusion can lead to problems in how other countries perceive China's foreign policies.
  3. To fix this, China needs better coordination among its government departments when using these concepts. This will help ensure everyone is on the same page and can communicate clearly.

Hamas attacks Israel

Comment is Freed • 204 implied HN points • 08 Oct 23
🌍 World Politics Diplomacy
  1. Hamas attacks on Israel were well planned and orchestrated, not impulsive responses to recent events.
  2. Israel is facing political backlash and may form an emergency unity government with opposition parties for support.
  3. The conflict with Hamas poses challenges for Israel in terms of security, containment, and potential involvement of other groups like Hezbollah.

End of Year Review: the Middle East

Comment is Freed • 56 implied HN points • 09 Jan 25
🌍 World Politics Diplomacy
  1. The Middle East situation has been changing rapidly, especially with Iran's influence weakening and challenges faced by groups like Hamas and the Assad regime in Syria.
  2. Israel's strategy in the Gaza conflict has faced many criticisms, particularly for not clearly defining what victory looks like and for the high civilian casualty rates due to its military approaches.
  3. With leadership changes expected, particularly with Trump returning, the future of Israel-Palestine relations and Iran's stability could shift, bringing new challenges and potential for conflict.

Peking Playbook 20241124

Pekingnology • 67 implied HN points • 25 Nov 24
🌍 World Politics Diplomacy
  1. China's People's Liberation Army is focusing on military legal governance, encouraging its officers to read Xi Jinping's statements on this topic. They want to ensure the military follows the law properly.
  2. There will be new rules from the Chinese government about how internet algorithms work. The aim is to avoid showing too much of the same content and to protect workers in the gig economy.
  3. China has expanded its visa-free travel program to include 38 countries, making it easier for people to visit. This change is meant to boost tourism and improve international relationships.

THE FALL OF BASHAR ASSAD

Seymour Hersh • 60 implied HN points • 11 Dec 24
🌍 World Politics Diplomacy
  1. Bashar Assad's Syria had a complicated relationship with the US. Despite being labeled as a sponsor of terrorism, Syria was actually providing valuable intelligence against Al Qaeda.
  2. The US invasion of Iraq in 2003 was a controversial decision that didn't directly target the real source of terrorism, as Saddam Hussein was not associated with Islamist groups. This raised questions about the rationale behind the war.
  3. A little-known incident occurred during the Iraq War when American forces attacked Syrians on the border. Despite the deaths, Syria chose not to retaliate publicly, highlighting a tense but intricate geopolitical situation.

On the first true game theory war

Unreported Truths • 23 implied HN points • 23 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Diplomacy
  1. War involves both sides making decisions, and we can't control what the enemy does. This means our plans might not always work out as expected.
  2. Nuclear weapons change the rules of warfare, making countries less likely to be invaded because of the fear they bring. Knowing this, nations use complex strategies to navigate threats.
  3. The ongoing conflict between the U.S. and Iran shows how past actions and future risks create a tricky situation. Instead of easing tensions, aggressive actions can actually escalate the problem.

Britain admitted US/UK-backed Afghan Mujahideen were 'reactionary feudalists' driven primarily by class, not religion

Geopolitical Economy Report • 199 implied HN points • 04 Sep 21
🌍 World Politics Diplomacy
  1. British and US backed Afghan Mujahideen were motivated by class issues, not religion, as they resisted socialist reforms in Afghanistan.
  2. The US and UK orchestrated a strategy, starting in the 1970s, to draw the Soviet Union into the 'Afghan trap' by supporting far-right Islamist elements.
  3. Britain acknowledged in 1980 that Afghan Mujahideen fought against land reforms and wealth redistribution policies, revealing the conflict's class nature rather than purely religious.

Integrating Mental Health into Diplomacy

Life Coaching Curriculum & Soft Skills for Leadership • 19 implied HN points • 01 Feb 24
🏥 Health Politics Diplomacy
  1. Prioritize mental health in diplomatic strategies through inclusive policies and legislation
  2. Implement mental health education programs in schools to prepare the younger generation for global empathy and conflict understanding
  3. Incorporate mental health modules into diplomatic training to promote empathy and improve negotiation effectiveness

The Future of AI Diplomacy: Can The State Department Grok AI?

ChinaTalk • 133 implied HN points • 04 Mar 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Diplomacy
  1. AI can enhance diplomacy by streamlining bureaucratic tasks, providing accurate data for negotiations, and improving analysis processes.
  2. Risk management in the State Department varies for different tasks: while tasks like HR and IT services can run faster to match the private sector, activities like foreign assistance and passport services require a higher burden due to their public impact.
  3. Strategic use of transparency can be a strength for the U.S. in diplomacy, as seen in the Biden administration's doctrine. Leveraging transparency internally and externally can have strategic advantages over closed societies.

Serving Tea To Nazis

The Ruffian • 276 implied HN points • 04 Mar 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Diplomacy
  1. Mandela's approach to negotiation involved humility and charm with adversaries.
  2. Skilled negotiators focus on giving face to the other party, making them feel respected and powerful.
  3. Engaging with adversaries, even those with extreme views, can lead to transformative outcomes and foster understanding.

Israel did it

The Cosmopolitan Globalist • 22 implied HN points • 13 Jun 25
🌍 World Politics Diplomacy
  1. Israel conducted a successful military operation against Iran, causing significant damage without reported casualties on their side.
  2. The author initially underestimated the situation, thinking the threat of an attack was exaggerated and almost sent a newsletter dismissing it.
  3. This event highlights the unpredictability of military actions and the importance of staying informed about rapidly changing news.

Wang Yi meets Allison, Merz, Kallas, Baerbock, Werthein, Rutte, Scholz, Barro, Albares, & Sa'ar in Munich

Pekingnology • 41 implied HN points • 15 Feb 25
🌍 World Politics Diplomacy
  1. Wang Yi, China's top diplomat, met with several key European leaders at the Munich Security Conference, discussing China's role in global issues and emphasizing the importance of multilateralism.
  2. Wang mentioned that China aims to strengthen its relations with Europe and support peace talks, particularly regarding the Ukraine crisis, highlighting mutual benefits and stability.
  3. The meetings reflected China's intention to foster cooperation and understanding with various countries, aiming for a peaceful multipolar world while reinforcing its foreign policy principles.

In Ukraine, US fears 'unacceptable' ceasefire

Aaron Mate • 229 implied HN points • 20 Mar 23
🌍 World Politics Diplomacy
  1. The US finds any ceasefire in Ukraine 'unacceptable' and even illegal.
  2. The US perceives Russia and China as top strategic rivals and fears a ceasefire would consolidate Russia's gains.
  3. A ceasefire in Ukraine could lead to serious negotiations to end the war permanently if all parties engage in good faith.

Scraping the Barrel: Attrition and Cannibalization

Big Serge Thought • 12 implied HN points • 13 Aug 25
🌍 World Politics Diplomacy
  1. Ukraine is in a tough spot in the war, facing serious losses and a manpower crisis. Fewer soldiers are available to defend key areas, leading to a weakened front.
  2. The military strategies are backfiring as Ukraine tries to expand its army instead of just replacing lost soldiers. This creates gaps in defense and increases vulnerability to attacks.
  3. Constant pressure from Russian forces is pushing Ukraine into a defensive position. As they deal with multiple threats, their ability to fight back effectively is diminishing.

🌍🌎🌏👁️ GLOBAL EYES

The Cosmopolitan Globalist • 4 implied HN points • 21 Nov 25
🌍 World Politics Diplomacy
  1. Ukraine is under intense pressure to accept a U.S.-brokered 28-point peace framework that would cede territory, limit its military, and bar NATO membership, with threats to cut intelligence and weapons if it refuses. Many view the plan as forcing a humiliating surrender and Zelensky is publicly resisting it to defend sovereignty and dignity.
  2. European leaders are outraged by a rival proposal to use frozen Russian assets for American-led reconstruction while taking a large share of the profits, a move seen as unethical and likely to derail EU efforts to fund Ukraine. That proposal risks fracturing Western support and wrecking a reparations loan plan.
  3. Ceasefires in the Middle East remain fragile and the Phase II plan for Gaza — which depends on disarming Hamas, deploying an international stabilization force, and quickly rebuilding the Strip — faces huge political and operational hurdles. Without clear answers on who will govern, secure, and rebuild Gaza, the region risks renewed violence and a prolonged stalemate.

Israel's Strategic Crisis

Comment is Freed • 147 implied HN points • 18 Oct 23
🌍 World Politics Diplomacy
  1. Israel is facing a strategic crisis due to challenges in Gaza and changing government dynamics.
  2. The possibility of a land war in Gaza presents significant challenges and concerns for Israel's government.
  3. Efforts are being made diplomatically, with a focus on humanitarian aid, ceasefire, and long-term political solutions in Gaza.

How The US Got Beaten In Its Own Game In Ukraine: The Full Story

Oz’s Newsletter • 19 implied HN points • 28 Dec 23
🌍 World Politics Diplomacy
  1. The US's plan to apply the Afghanistan playbook in Ukraine against Russia backfired.
  2. Russia's successful strategies, including using alternative international financial payment systems, led to major economic consequences for the US.
  3. The Ukraine war did not go as planned for the US, with Russia's military tactics proving effective and US efforts in the Middle East also facing challenges.