The hottest Diplomacy Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top World Politics Topics

Disgrace

The Cosmopolitan Globalist • 32 implied HN points • 19 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Diplomacy
  1. The discussions between the US and Russia could lead to a new peace deal for Ukraine, but many worry that Ukraine's interests are not being prioritized. It seems like decisions are being made without including Ukraine.
  2. Some people are really angry and feel betrayed by the US government because they think it’s ditching Ukraine to get close to Russia again. This has made many in Ukraine question their future and safety.
  3. There’s a sense that Trump is making concessions that might hurt Ukraine and Europe in the long run. People are concerned this will encourage Russia to continue its aggressive actions and undermine NATO's unity.

Three Different Articles on the War Between Israel and Hamas

Fisted by Foucault • 104 implied HN points • 25 Jan 24
🌍 World Politics Diplomacy
  1. The article discusses South Africa's personal connection to defending Palestine and its efforts at the International Court of Justice, seeking to address the Israel-Palestine conflict.
  2. Germany's commitment to Israel's security as a 'reason of state' is explored, reflecting on the historical context and political decisions made by Angela Merkel.
  3. Former Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert's take on the Gaza conflict and his perspective on the root cause behind the terrorist attacks in Israel.

It Gets Worse.

Trying to Understand the World • 11 implied HN points • 06 Aug 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Diplomacy
  1. Western leaders often focus on self-preservation rather than making tough decisions, like in the Ukraine crisis. This can lead to delays in addressing real issues while they try to avoid blame.
  2. The effectiveness of NATO is questionable as countries have different views and priorities, so collective decisions may become hard to reach. This divides their strategic interests and weakens their unity.
  3. The West has a blind spot towards understanding the motivations and reactions of others, especially Russia, leading to poor decision-making and unexpected consequences in international relations.

China looks to turn a page with Japan, Britain, and Israel.

Pekingnology • 49 implied HN points • 22 Oct 24
🌍 World Politics Diplomacy
  1. China is trying to improve its relationships with Japan, Britain, and Israel. They want to start fresh and strengthen cooperation in various areas.
  2. India has made progress with China by reaching an agreement on their long-standing border issues. This could help ease tensions between the two countries after years of conflict.
  3. The recent diplomatic talks indicate a shift in the way these countries engage with China, focusing on mutual respect and cooperation to address challenges together.
Get a weekly roundup of the best Substack posts, by hacker news affinity:

Gaza and the nomos of the earth

Gray Mirror • 127 implied HN points • 18 Oct 23
🌍 World Politics Diplomacy
  1. Standards enforce themselves without need of law or power.
  2. International governance may need updating to align with natural laws of nations.
  3. Using a multipolar nomos could potentially offer solutions to conflicts like the one in Gaza.

Ukraine's Counter-Offensive: Setting Expectations

Comment is Freed • 138 implied HN points • 30 Jul 23
🌍 World Politics Diplomacy
  1. Putin's determination to avoid loss in the war has had heavy consequences for both Ukraine and Russia.
  2. The success of Ukraine's offensive relies on their armed forces liberating territory to have a significant impact on Putin's positions.
  3. Ukraine faces challenges in their offensive due to Russian formidable defenses, coordination issues, and the need for caution in military progress assessments.

Wars Within Wars: Deep State/Counter State, 4th Estate, AI & SPQR (Part One)

Dr. Pippa's Pen & Podcast • 37 implied HN points • 02 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Diplomacy
  1. There was a possibility for peace in Ukraine, with leaders agreeing to negotiate, but actions by the US and UK changed that.
  2. The introduction of long-range weapons by the US and UK means they are now seen as direct targets by Russia, escalating the danger.
  3. Many experts agree this war is unwinnable for Ukraine, so continuing the fight raises serious concerns about a larger conflict, including nuclear risks.

Kissinger: America’s Most Prolific War Criminal

The Reactionary • 101 implied HN points • 01 Dec 23
🌍 World Politics Diplomacy
  1. Henry Kissinger rose to power from humble beginnings, becoming a prominent figure in American foreign policy.
  2. Kissinger employed unethical tactics, including manipulation of peace negotiations, to advance his career.
  3. Kissinger was complicit in the illegal bombing of Cambodia, resulting in devastation and death for thousands of innocent civilians.

Vlad's Wagner

Diane Francis • 139 implied HN points • 18 Nov 21
🌍 World Politics Diplomacy
  1. Russia is using its energy supply as a weapon against Europe. This means they might cut off energy to pressure other countries.
  2. Illegal migration is part of Russia's strategy at the Polish-Belarusian border. This could create more tensions in the region.
  3. The Wagner Group, a private military organization, is expanding its influence by working with countries like Mali. This raises concerns about their activities in Europe and beyond.

Netanyahu Thinks Israel Won!

John’s Substack • 12 implied HN points • 24 Jun 25
🌍 World Politics Diplomacy
  1. Netanyahu believes Israel has won, but that might not be true. Despite his optimism, the situation is more complicated.
  2. Recent US strikes did not eliminate Iran's nuclear capabilities. In fact, it could make it easier for Iran to develop nuclear weapons.
  3. Israel faces ongoing attacks from Iranian drones and missiles, showing that the conflict is still very active and unresolved.

Blinken In Ukraine

Dana’s Newsletter • 19 implied HN points • 07 Sep 23
🌍 World Politics Diplomacy
  1. U.S. Secretary Blinken impressed by Ukrainian counter strikes on Russian forces.
  2. Ukraine may receive rocket artillery systems from the U.S. for deeper strikes into Russian lines.
  3. Blinken emphasizes U.S. support for Ukraine to win, highlighting the importance of preventing Russia from expanding borders.

Russian Missiles

Dana’s Newsletter • 19 implied HN points • 16 May 23
🌍 World Politics Diplomacy
  1. Russia launched a heavy air assault on Ukraine, targeting Kyiv with 18 missiles, all of which were intercepted.
  2. Ukraine is receiving more weapons and support from European countries like Germany and the UK.
  3. The upcoming Ukrainian counteroffensive aims to take back territories in south-eastern Ukraine, potentially cutting off Russia's land bridge to Crimea.

Responding to criticisms, and the Senate "national security" bill

Michael Tracey • 71 implied HN points • 13 Feb 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Diplomacy
  1. The war in Ukraine has resulted in a significant disaster with high casualties and impacts on Russia and US relations.
  2. The Senate passed a large 'national security' bill for Ukraine, Israel, and the Indo-Pacific, highlighting the prioritization of war expenditures.
  3. There seems to be a lack of realistic and articulate strategies in resolving the war, with many stakeholders barreling forward with attritional warfare.

Strictly Business

Gideon's Substack • 21 implied HN points • 24 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Diplomacy
  1. Trump sees Ukraine as a failing business, not a cause to support. He wants to cut his losses and move on rather than help Ukraine.
  2. Russia's relationship with China is strengthening as a result of the war. This shows that America's efforts to weaken Russia have not paid off.
  3. Europe needs to find common ideals and reasons to fight together. Without that, they risk being stuck in a cycle of paying off threats without resolving the bigger issues.

‘NETANYAHU IS FINISHED’

Seymour Hersh • 92 implied HN points • 12 Oct 23
🌍 World Politics Diplomacy
  1. The belief that Netanyahu could control Hamas has led to a compromise in Israeli security.
  2. Decades ago, there was a policy of American presidents looking the other way as Israel built an atomic bomb.
  3. The post discusses recent events in Israel from the perspective of someone with inside knowledge of national security.

Kiev Must Surrender To Russia!

C.O.P. Central Organizing Principle. • 12 implied HN points • 28 May 25
🌍 World Politics Diplomacy
  1. Kiev should consider surrendering to Russia to save lives. It's suggested that the current leadership may be leading people into danger.
  2. Past actions by leaders like Trump have shown a lack of genuine desire for peace, especially with military strikes being prioritized over diplomacy.
  3. Russia is unlikely to engage positively with the US after recent events and is focused on its military goals in Ukraine.

Hillbilly Diplomacy

A Biologist's Guide to Life • 20 implied HN points • 28 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Diplomacy
  1. America's good reputation is at risk due to poor diplomatic behavior from leaders like Trump and Vance. Their aggressive treatment of visiting officials can harm relationships with allies.
  2. Russia's invasion of Ukraine is a clear fact, and ignoring or misrepresenting it is seen as an ethical failure. Acknowledging this reality is crucial for proper diplomatic responses.
  3. Effective diplomacy requires understanding and managing delicate situations with care. Loud or aggressive behavior, especially in tense moments, can escalate conflicts and undermine U.S. interests.

The US Surrenders!

C.O.P. Central Organizing Principle. • 18 implied HN points • 13 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Diplomacy
  1. Trump has lost a lot of power in his dealings with Russia, making him appear weak. This puts Russia in control of peace talks and future negotiations.
  2. The U.S. economy is struggling, similar to how Rome fell in the past. There are calls to cut military spending and close bases abroad to improve the situation.
  3. Trump is in a difficult position, being blamed for economic problems and conflicts. Both Democrats and Republicans seem to want him to take the fall for these issues.

Covenants, Without the Sword

Unpopular Front • 59 implied HN points • 27 Jan 24
🌍 World Politics Diplomacy
  1. International Court of Justice rulings can impact a nation's legitimacy and response.
  2. Israel's existence is tied to international support and legal arrangements, not just military force.
  3. The concept of genocide in conflicts like the one in Israel raises complex moral and legal questions.

Still Bakhmut

Comment is Freed • 107 implied HN points • 26 Mar 23
🌍 World Politics Diplomacy
  1. The results of Russia's war efforts have fallen short of expectations and the costs have been immense.
  2. The Putin-Xi summit demonstrated Russia's growing dependence on China and weakened position on the global stage.
  3. The battle for Bakhmut is crucial in the Russia-Ukraine conflict, with both sides facing challenges and uncertain outcomes.

A Victory Parade Without Victories - Take Two

Comment is Freed • 93 implied HN points • 10 May 23
🌍 World Politics Diplomacy
  1. The Moscow victory parade lacked its usual grandeur and was scaled down significantly.
  2. Putin's military efforts in Ukraine have been met with little success and he faces challenges of mobilization and dwindling resources.
  3. Putin continues to blame the West for the conflict, but Russia's fight appears more heroic than hopeful.

Iran-Israel with Glenn Greenwald

John’s Substack • 8 implied HN points • 28 Jun 25
🌍 World Politics Diplomacy
  1. There was a discussion on the topic of the Iran-Israel war. It covered various viewpoints and insights on the situation.
  2. Glenn Greenwald hosted the conversation, highlighting different aspects of the conflict.
  3. A link was provided for viewers to watch the full show and engage with the content.

Russo-Ukrainian War: The Flaming Olive Branch

Big Serge Thought • 8 implied HN points • 17 Jun 25
🌍 World Politics Diplomacy
  1. Negotiations in the Russo-Ukrainian War seem unproductive, like a show rather than real peace talks. Each side has different goals that don't match up, which makes agreeing on anything very hard.
  2. Russia's strategy focuses on slowly wearing down Ukraine through continuous military advances, while Ukraine's responses are more about gaining support from Western allies. They don't really agree on what negotiations should achieve.
  3. Recent Ukrainian attacks on Russian assets show innovation, but they may not change the overall outcome of the war. The core issues of military strength and sustainability remain unresolved, meaning the fighting will continue.

Eyeless in Gaza

Gideon's Substack • 62 implied HN points • 09 Oct 23
🌍 World Politics Diplomacy
  1. Israel's military and intelligence services failed to anticipate and respond effectively to Hamas's invasion from Gaza.
  2. Hamas's motive for the attacks was to show Israel as weak, leading to potential escalation of conflict.
  3. Criticism is directed towards Netanyahu's leadership for internal political divisions, contributing to the current crisis.

The Chaos President

Political Currents by Ross Barkan • 20 implied HN points • 27 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Diplomacy
  1. The war in Ukraine is very complex and similar to World War I, with no clear paths to victory for either side. Ending the conflict may require tough negotiations between both countries.
  2. The current U.S. administration seems careless about escalating tensions, especially by sending long-range weapons. This approach raises concerns about the risk of a nuclear conflict.
  3. If a new president does not prioritize finding a peaceful solution, the ongoing suffering for both Ukrainians and Russians will continue, while the U.S. remains heavily involved.

BLINKEN’S BATTLE HYMN

Seymour Hersh • 76 implied HN points • 07 Jun 23
🌍 World Politics Diplomacy
  1. US Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken emphasizes no ceasefire in Ukraine to avoid legitimizing Russia's actions.
  2. Blinken advocates for a lasting peace solution in Ukraine, critiquing the idea of a ceasefire that could benefit Russia.
  3. Blinken appears to have a strong anti-Russian stance, prioritizing support for Ukraine against Russia.

YOU CAN’T TALK TO A PRESIDENT THAT WAY!

Seymour Hersh • 53 implied HN points • 23 Nov 23
🌍 World Politics Diplomacy
  1. President John F. Kennedy's legacy was overshadowed by his support for the war in South Vietnam.
  2. The Vietnam War saw devastation with millions of tons of bombs dropped, escalating under President Lyndon Johnson.
  3. Kennedy's diplomatic success with Khrushchev during the Cuban Missile Crisis was overshadowed by subsequent decisions made by Johnson during the Vietnam War.

Nyhetsbrev steigan.no 14.07.2025

steigan.no • 6 implied HN points • 14 Jul 25
🌍 World Politics Diplomacy
  1. A tiny portion of the world's population holds most of the wealth. Just 1.6% of adults own nearly half of the world's wealth, while many have very little.
  2. Wealth inequality is growing globally, and it is heavily affecting economies like Europe and Latin America, where wealth is declining for many.
  3. Many conflicts, like those in the Middle East, highlight the imbalance of power and wealth. Countries often prioritize their own interests over humanitarian concerns.

The Tectonic Plates Are Moving in Europe

John’s Substack • 13 implied HN points • 15 Feb 25
🌍 World Politics Diplomacy
  1. The political situation in Europe is changing quickly and is very important to watch. Events happening now could have big effects on the future.
  2. The Trump administration's actions towards Ukraine and Europe show a clear effort to work with Russia regarding the Ukraine conflict. This indicates a shift in international relations.
  3. Understanding these movements in international politics can help us predict what might happen next in Europe and beyond. It’s a good time to pay attention to global news.

The Alaska Meeting, the Washington Summit, and the View from Abroad

The Cosmopolitan Globalist • 4 implied HN points • 20 Aug 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Diplomacy
  1. There is confusion around the U.S. foreign policy, especially regarding Ukraine. The president's statements often seem nonsensical and change quickly.
  2. European leaders are feeling anxious and unsure about their security, with worries that the U.S. might not be a reliable ally anymore.
  3. The recent summit in Washington left Europe feeling humiliated, as they watched the U.S. prioritize discussions with Russia over their own concerns.

One Step at a Time: The Stages of War

Comment is Freed • 81 implied HN points • 26 Feb 23
🌍 World Politics Diplomacy
  1. The duration of the war and the steps involved are uncertain, with constant speculation about its eventual end.
  2. Both sides are preparing for potential offensives, with the outcome of each stage shaping the next.
  3. Diplomatic efforts for peace face challenges due to differing priorities and the complexity of issues like war crimes and border demarcation.

Nyhetsbrev steigan.no 05.07.2025

steigan.no • 6 implied HN points • 05 Jul 25
🌍 World Politics Diplomacy
  1. Russia is increasing military operations in Ukraine on two fronts, putting pressure on Ukrainian reserves and threatening to expand the conflict into new regions.
  2. Western nations, particularly the US, are showing signs of pulling back military support for Ukraine, causing concerns about the country's ability to defend itself.
  3. The recent NATO summit suggests a shift away from unconditional support for Ukraine's NATO membership, which could complicate its situation and peace negotiations.

Mr. Sima Nan goes to the U.S. Embassy

Pekingnology • 60 implied HN points • 09 Jul 23
🌍 World Politics Diplomacy
  1. Sima Nan, known as a critic of the U.S., attended an Independence Day event at the U.S. Embassy in Beijing, indicating unusual non-governmental interactions between China and the U.S.
  2. The enthusiastic defense and publicizing of the event by Sima Nan may help reduce the taboo around attending such events at the U.S. embassy, bringing unusual attention and normalization.
  3. The diplomat who invited Sima Nan likely earned praise for public diplomacy for bridging divides and facilitating interactions between individuals with differing ideologies.

Chinese, U.S. Readouts of Qin-Blinken meeting in Beijing

Pekingnology • 60 implied HN points • 18 Jun 23
🌍 World Politics Diplomacy
  1. The meeting between Chinese and U.S. officials in Beijing emphasized the importance of open communication to stabilize their relationship.
  2. China highlighted the need for the U.S. to respect its core interests, especially regarding the Taiwan issue.
  3. Both sides agreed to continue high-level exchanges, maintain dialogue, and work towards stabilizing China-U.S. relations.

Vụ cướp khẩu trang

Thái | Hacker | Kỹ sư tin tặc • 59 implied HN points • 08 Sep 21
🌍 World Politics Diplomacy
  1. Some individuals and organizations are dedicated to helping Vietnam during the COVID-19 pandemic by procuring and distributing medical supplies like masks.
  2. Government agencies can sometimes unintentionally overshadow or interfere with grassroots efforts to support the community.
  3. It is important to recognize and appreciate the contributions of all individuals working towards a common goal, without the need for excessive self-promotion or exploitation.