The hottest Diplomacy Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top World Politics Topics

US blew up Nord Stream pipelines connecting Russia to Germany, journalist Seymour Hersh reports

Geopolitical Economy Report • 558 implied HN points • 11 Feb 23
🌍 World Politics Geopolitics Energy Warfare Alliances Diplomacy
  1. The US government, with the help of CIA, Navy divers, and NATO member Norway, reportedly destroyed the Nord Stream pipelines connecting Russia to Germany.
  2. There were denial from the White House and CIA about the covert operation, illustrating how they can legally lie to the public about such actions.
  3. US's planning to destroy Nord Stream began before Russia invaded Ukraine, with the operation executed by US Navy divers placing explosives on the pipelines during NATO exercises.

Taiwan separatists lose key ally, Honduras recognizes China - just 12 small countries remain

Geopolitical Economy Report • 478 implied HN points • 16 Mar 23
🌍 World Politics International relations Diplomacy Geopolitics Foreign Policy Alliances
  1. Honduras has shifted its diplomatic recognition from Taiwan to China, leaving just 12 small countries supporting Taiwan separatists
  2. The majority of the global population resides in countries recognizing the People's Republic of China while Taiwan is acknowledged officially only by a handful of countries
  3. The decision by Honduras to break ties with Taiwan and embrace China is largely driven by economic factors, especially China's offered assistance in dealing with Honduras' significant economic challenges

"Israel is heading towards street battles between the far right and families of hostages"

Informer • 235 implied HN points • 05 Feb 24
🌍 World Politics Conflicts Governance Diplomacy Military Human Rights
  1. Israel's political class is preparing for early elections as unity in politics fades.
  2. The tension in Israel is escalating as families of hostages demand their return over the war objective of 'destroying Hamas'.
  3. Recent incidents and realizations are exposing the truth behind the war in Israel, leading to potential street battles and difficult political decisions.
Get a weekly roundup of the best Substack posts, by hacker news affinity:

Russia vs. Ukraine & the West: Who Has a Firmer Grip on Reality?

John’s Substack • 6 implied HN points • 30 Jan 25
🌍 World Politics Conflict International relations Geopolitics Diplomacy Security
  1. Russians have a clearer understanding of the war in Ukraine, which affects their strategy and decision-making.
  2. The differences in perspective between the Russians, Ukrainians, and the West could make it harder to reach a peace agreement.
  3. Having a firmer grip on reality might give Russia an advantage in negotiations.

The Hostage Deal

The Cosmopolitan Globalist • 7 implied HN points • 17 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy Middle East Diplomacy Conflict analysis Political strategy
  1. The recent hostage deal includes a 42-day ceasefire, during which Israel will withdraw from specific areas of Gaza while facilitating the release of hostages in exchange for Palestinian prisoners.
  2. Trump's involvement seems to have pressured Netanyahu into accepting terms he initially rejected, leading to criticism from both Israeli right and left about the potential ramifications of the deal.
  3. While the deal allows for the safe return of hostages, there are concerns that it may strengthen Hamas's position and capability to wage further attacks in the future.

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 Foreign Policy Intelligence Military Diplomacy Elections
  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.

Wallerstein Constant

kamilkazani • 334 implied HN points • 29 Nov 23
🌍 World Politics History Geopolitics Warfare Diplomacy
  1. The siege of Mariupol was a significant tragedy in 2022, shedding light on the city's complex history and industrial importance.
  2. Crimean Khanate had a unique political structure, different from the Ottoman Empire, with elements of a military democracy.
  3. Crimean Khanate was ethnically diverse, hosting various groups and languages, and eventually succumbed to Russian influence in the 18th century.

Russia's Suicide

Diane Francis • 1518 implied HN points • 04 Aug 22
🌍 World Politics Geopolitics Energy Economics Conflict Diplomacy
  1. Putin underestimated Europe's ability to find new energy sources after his invasion of Ukraine. He thought Europe would rely on Russia, but they quickly adapted and diversified their energy supply.
  2. Russia's economic future looks bleak as it can't easily replace the European market for its oil and gas. Without strong customers, the country faces economic isolation and declines.
  3. Putin's strategies have alienated Europe and lost trust globally. His flawed plans only strengthened NATO and made the world more united against his aggressive actions.

When Ukraine Is Over ...

Trying to Understand the World • 8 implied HN points • 15 Jan 25
🌍 World Politics International relations Conflict resolution Diplomacy Geopolitics Security Studies
  1. Ending a war is complicated and involves different types of agreements. There are various steps to consider, like ceasing hostilities and addressing the conflict's root causes.
  2. Negotiations can be tricky since different parties might have different motivations and understandings. What one side sees as an agreement, the other might see as a temporary measure.
  3. For peace to happen, all involved must genuinely want to end the fighting and agree on terms that are acceptable to everyone. If there’s not real commitment, even signed agreements may not hold up.

Sino-Soviet Split 2.0

ChinaTalk • 370 implied HN points • 05 Mar 24
🌍 World Politics Alliances Geopolitics Autocracies 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.

Ukraine's Korea Solution

Diane Francis • 619 implied HN points • 24 Apr 23
🌍 World Politics Global relations Conflict resolution Diplomacy International Affairs Geopolitics
  1. The US and China need to work together to find a peaceful solution to the Ukraine conflict. This cooperation could help stabilize both their economies.
  2. Ukraine is preparing for a counter-offensive with significant military support, showing strong resistance against Russia. This shift is causing worry among Russian leaders.
  3. Getting China involved in the peace process is crucial. A deal that benefits both sides could prevent future conflicts and lead to a lasting peace, similar to the situation in South Korea.

China's Putin Play

Diane Francis • 759 implied HN points • 23 Feb 23
🌍 World Politics Geopolitics International relations Diplomacy Military conflict National Strategy
  1. China is trying to stay neutral in the conflict between Russia and Ukraine, but this might be a way to take advantage if Russia weakens. They haven't condemned Russia, but they aren’t fully supportive either.
  2. China’s recent peace plan for Ukraine seems more like empty promises without real solutions. It ignores important demands from Ukraine and doesn't really help end the violence.
  3. Despite buying energy from Russia, China realizes that siding with Putin could hurt their own economy in the long run. They need to balance their relationships to avoid negative consequences.

Trump or Biden: Who is Best for China?

Sinification • 176 implied HN points • 09 Feb 24
🌍 World Politics China US Foreign Policy Diplomacy Alliances
  1. A second term for Biden may mean a more stable relationship with China, but also potential challenges like increased competition and pressure on Chinese scientific innovation.
  2. A second term for Trump could ease external strategic pressure faced by China, but it might lead to a tougher stance on China and increased complexity in economic and security rivalry.
  3. The Trump administration's policies might reduce some external strategic pressure on China, create more space for international alliances, and exert less pressure on China in the ideological field compared to the Democrats.

Chindia Ruins Russia

Diane Francis • 679 implied HN points • 23 Mar 23
🌍 World Politics International relations Geopolitics Economic Policy Diplomacy
  1. Russia's economy is suffering due to price caps on its oil, leading to a big financial gain for China and India, who buy oil at lower prices.
  2. China and India are increasing their energy imports from Russia while maintaining a neutral stance on the war in Ukraine, which is helping reshape global power dynamics.
  3. Despite being rivals, China and India are benefiting from Russia's struggles, showing a stark contrast between their economic growth and Russia's shrinking economy.

A Janus-Faced Administration

Policy Tensor • 334 implied HN points • 27 Feb 23
🌍 World Politics Foreign Policy Diplomacy Global Conflicts International relations
  1. The Biden administration is combining dovish domestic policies with a muscular foreign policy, particularly against Russia and China.
  2. The Inflation Reduction Act includes significant tax credits for energy transition and corporate investments, aiming to drive a sustainable energy shift.
  3. The administration's approach in foreign policy, particularly regarding Ukraine and China, is raising questions about the effectiveness of the strategy and potential risks in escalating tensions.

Tony Blinker's Battle with Reality

John’s Substack • 10 implied HN points • 10 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy Government Elections Diplomacy Public Opinion
  1. Tony Blinken is facing criticism over his role as Secretary of State, especially regarding his foreign policy decisions. Many believe he is struggling to defend his actions.
  2. The conversation touches on Israel's plans to expand into neighboring territories, which has raised concerns in the international community.
  3. There are discussions about the significant influence of the Israel lobby on American politics, highlighting the power dynamics at play.

G2 World: West and China

Diane Francis • 579 implied HN points • 03 Apr 23
🌍 World Politics Geopolitics Diplomacy International relations Economic Policy Global Security
  1. China is becoming more influential in the world by forming new diplomatic relationships, especially in Central Asia and the Middle East. This shift helps China secure resources and trade routes.
  2. The conflict in Ukraine has weakened Russia's global standing, allowing countries like China and India to gain access to Russian resources at lower prices. As a result, China's influence continues to grow while Russia struggles economically.
  3. The global landscape is evolving into a bipolar world with the West and China as the main players. Both sides focus on economic stability and infrastructure development to support their interests.

Nyhetsbrev steigan.no 29.01.2025

steigan.no • 5 implied HN points • 29 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy Diplomacy National Security Election politics Military Affairs
  1. Norway plays a crucial role in supplying resources to the EU, particularly natural gas, which makes it an essential partner for European energy security.
  2. There's concern that without strong negotiations, Ukraine's existence could be threatened, highlighting the urgency of peace talks with Russia.
  3. A new AI model from China has been developed that challenges the US's dominance in technology, raising questions about the future of artificial intelligence development.

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 International relations Diplomacy Security Geopolitics Multilateralism
  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.

French ambassador: US 'rules-based order' means Western domination, violating international law

Geopolitical Economy Report • 498 implied HN points • 22 Nov 22
🌍 World Politics International relations US Relations Global Affairs Foreign Policy Diplomacy
  1. The 'rules-based order' is essentially a 'Western order', with the US and Europe dominating international institutions like the UN, World Bank, and IMF.
  2. There is concern in Europe about the US engaging in economic warfare against China, which could lead to a new cold war. Europe does not want to be forced to pick sides.
  3. It's important to understand and consider the interests of other major global stakeholders like China, India, and Brazil in creating a more balanced world, rather than maintaining Western hegemony.

Russia Has Lost the War

Diane Francis • 1039 implied HN points • 29 Aug 22
🌍 World Politics Geopolitics Military conflict International relations National Security Diplomacy
  1. Russia has faced significant losses in the conflict, both militarily and in public opinion. Many Russians are now aware that the war is not going as promised, and casualties are high.
  2. Ukraine is receiving strong support from Western countries and is strategically pushing back against Russian forces. Ukraine's leadership has rallied its people and the globe around a strong defense of their territory.
  3. Putin's attempts to control the narrative and gain support from allies are failing. Countries like China and India are distancing themselves, and the global stance against Russia's actions is getting stronger.

Peru coup: CIA agent turned US ambassador met with defense minister day before president overthrown

Geopolitical Economy Report • 438 implied HN points • 17 Dec 22
🌍 World Politics Diplomacy Government Oligarchy Corruption
  1. The US ambassador in Peru, a former CIA agent, met with the defense minister one day before the country's left-wing president was overthrown in a coup.
  2. The coup in Peru led to widespread protests, with the US government supporting the unelected regime that deployed military to crush demonstrations.
  3. The situation in Peru highlights the complex interactions between international politics, government institutions, and democratic processes.

The West vs. The Rest

Diane Francis • 599 implied HN points • 02 Mar 23
🌍 World Politics International relations Geopolitics Conflict resolution Diplomacy Global Governance
  1. China and India are becoming powerful players in the world, often supporting Russia instead of Ukraine. This creates a divide between the West, which supports Ukraine, and other countries that are more neutral.
  2. Many countries outside the West prioritize ending the war over winning it, fearing that it could escalate into something more dangerous. People in places like China and India want peace, even if it means giving up some territory.
  3. India is a key player in global politics and is being courted by both the US and Germany for its support. As it grows economically, its stance on issues like the Ukraine war will be important.

China Isolates Russia

Diane Francis • 919 implied HN points • 15 Sep 22
🌍 World Politics International relations Geopolitics Diplomacy Conflict Studies
  1. China has distanced itself from Russia, especially after Putin's struggles in Ukraine. Xi Jinping assured Kazakhstan of support against potential Russian threats, showing he won't back Putin's aggressive moves.
  2. While China signed a partnership with Russia, it has not openly supported the war in Ukraine. Instead, China wants to keep good relations with Europe and the U.S., which means they won't provide military aid to Russia.
  3. Many Central Asian countries are growing closer to China while pulling away from Russia. As Russia's situation worsens, Beijing may look to expand its influence in regions previously dominated by Moscow.

BRICS or NATO? G20 or G77? Summits debate rapidly changing world order

Geopolitical Economy Report • 279 implied HN points • 24 Sep 23
🌍 World Politics Geopolitics International relations Global Economy Diplomacy United Nations
  1. The changing world order is reflected in the rapid pace of international summits like BRICS, G20, G77, and the UN General Assembly.
  2. Russia's pivot towards the Far East, specifically in Vladivostok, showcases a strong focus on development and economic collaboration with Asian countries.
  3. De-dollarization and the use of e-currencies, such as blockchain mechanisms, are potential avenues for creating alternative payment systems within the global majority.

Christmas for China-Japan relations

Pekingnology • 71 implied HN points • 25 Dec 24
🌍 World Politics International relations Bilateral Relations Diplomacy Geopolitics Cultural Exchange
  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.

Is Somalia turning the corner?

An Africanist Perspective • 296 implied HN points • 03 Feb 23
🌍 World Politics Conflict Diplomacy International relations Peace Security
  1. There is cause for cautious optimism in Somalia as book fairs in Mogadishu, a property boom, weakening of Al-Shabaab, and regional cooperation signal positive changes.
  2. Somalia has a complex history of conflicts and irredentist desires that have contributed to its state of instability since the 1970s.
  3. Ethiopia and Kenya have historically had conflicting interests in Somalia, aiming for a weak central government to serve their own security interests despite the need for peace and stability in the region.

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

Pekingnology • 94 implied HN points • 17 Nov 24
🌍 World Politics International relations Diplomacy Bilateral Relations Global Issues Political Leadership
  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.

Offense not Defense

Diane Francis • 639 implied HN points • 22 Dec 22
🌍 World Politics Geopolitics War Diplomacy Military International relations
  1. Zelensky met with Biden and spoke to Congress, gaining support for Ukraine and pushing for more weapons to go on the offense against Russia. This move shows Ukraine's determination to regain control and not just defend.
  2. Despite Russia's threats and ongoing aggression, Zelensky believes a nuclear strike from Putin is unlikely, as it would endanger his own life. He focuses on the resilience and unity of the Ukrainian people during tough times.
  3. Sanctions against Russia are working, and there's a strong belief among Ukrainians that they will win the war. They remain hopeful and supportive of each other, continuing their celebrations and traditions even amid adversity.

Nuremberg not Negotiations

Diane Francis • 599 implied HN points • 19 Dec 22
🌍 World Politics International relations Conflict Studies Diplomacy Military Strategy Human Rights
  1. Negotiating with Putin is unlikely to lead to peace because he views the conflict as a way to regain control over Ukraine. A better approach is to intensify military efforts until he is defeated.
  2. Ukraine's recent successful strikes show its growing military capabilities and challenge Russia's strength, but some leaders are still pushing for negotiations, which might encourage Putin rather than stop him.
  3. History shows that wars typically end with one side defeated, not through friendly negotiations. Ukraine needs strong military support to secure its territories and ensure lasting peace.

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 Activism Human Rights Diplomacy Conflict resolution
  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.