The hottest Diplomacy Substack posts right now

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The Long Road to a Western Sahara Resolution

The Cosmopolitan Globalist • 6 implied HN points • 28 Feb 26
🌍 World Politics Diplomacy
  1. The United States shifted from backing a referendum to promoting Morocco’s 2007 autonomy proposal, and decades of steady US diplomacy were key to getting the UN to endorse that approach.
  2. Morocco’s patient, skillful diplomacy—revising its plan, courting partners, and winning international support—gradually changed the balance of opinion and helped secure UN backing for autonomy under Moroccan sovereignty.
  3. Significant obstacles remain because the Polisario and Algeria reject the UN-endorsed path and could block negotiations, so patient, consistent diplomacy and inclusive talks that give Sahrawis a real voice are still essential to avoid another stalemate.

Chartbook 345 A "house of cards"? Russia's war economy in 2025.

Chartbook • 1659 implied HN points • 14 Jan 25
🌍 World Politics Diplomacy
  1. Russia's war economy appears strong on the surface but has significant underlying weaknesses, making it fragile. This could mean trouble for its long-term stability.
  2. High inflation and rising interest rates are putting pressure on the Russian economy, leading to financial instability. Many key sectors are struggling as costs soar.
  3. While sanctions affect Russia, the country still manages to generate substantial revenue from oil and gas exports. This suggests its financial situation may not be as dire as some predict.

Did Iran Just Sneak Out Critical Nuclear Material from Fordow?

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 709 implied HN points • 23 Jun 25
🌍 World Politics Diplomacy
  1. Iran moved 16 cargo trucks to its Fordow nuclear site just before a US attack, sparking concerns about their contents.
  2. Experts worry that Iran may have secretly relocated critical nuclear materials before the bombing.
  3. The US's military strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities were claimed to be a success, but the situation is more complex than it seems.

Michael Oren: Trump Takes a Wrecking Ball to the Middle East Status Quo

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 1451 implied HN points • 06 Feb 25
🌍 World Politics Diplomacy
  1. Trump believes the main issue in the Middle East isn't a Palestinian state, pushing against decades of U.S. policy. He argues that a different approach is needed.
  2. He proposed that the U.S. could take control of Gaza and develop it, suggesting Palestinians could relocate to another country. This idea has sparked both support and backlash.
  3. Trump aims for peace in the region without a Palestinian state, similar to prior agreements with other Arab nations. Critics warn this could lead to more conflict and displacement.
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Re-Designating the Houthis Is a Major Error

Eunomia • 668 implied HN points • 17 Jan 24
🌍 World Politics Diplomacy
  1. The Biden administration's decision to re-designate the Houthis as terrorist group is causing harm to the people of Yemen.
  2. The re-designation undermines efforts to prevent famine in Yemen and could strengthen the Houthis' power.
  3. Re-listing the Houthis as terrorists risks reigniting conflict and will have severe consequences for innocent Yemenis.

World roundup: February 7 2024

Foreign Exchanges • 569 implied HN points • 08 Feb 24
🌍 World Politics Diplomacy
  1. On February 7, 1992, the Maastricht Treaty was signed by 12 European Community member states, deepening European integration and contributing to the formation of the European Union.
  2. In Israel-Palestine, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu rejected Hamas's ceasefire proposal and expressed the intention to continue military actions until achieving 'absolute victory'.
  3. On February 7, 1497, Dominican friar Girolamo Savonarola conducted the notorious 'Bonfire of the Vanities' in Florence, burning thousands of luxury items, including books.

Israel's Ayatollahs

Diane Francis • 999 implied HN points • 09 Nov 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Diplomacy
  1. A high-ranking Israeli minister suggested using a nuclear bomb against Gaza, which shocked many. This led to calls for the Prime Minister to take stronger action against such extremist views.
  2. There is a growing concern within Israel that the current government, heavily influenced by religious extremists, is eroding democratic values and the rule of law.
  3. Many Israelis, including minorities, are feeling trapped and divided due to the current political situation. While they may stay united during the war, the future after the conflict is uncertain and could lead to further chaos.

How close is war with Iran?

Bad News • 1159 implied HN points • 03 Mar 23
🌍 World Politics Diplomacy
  1. The prospect of war with Iran is increasing, especially with recent comments from U.S. Ambassador to Israel and new military operations.
  2. The U.S. and Israel are collaborating on military exercises and contingency plans against Iran, indicating a serious military posture.
  3. The U.S. military's Support Sentry plan shows a strategic framework for potential military action against Iran, with consequences beyond war.

Putin Wants to Destroy Ukraine. Can Trump Stop Him?

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 463 implied HN points • 13 Aug 25
🌍 World Politics Diplomacy
  1. Putin doesn't see Ukraine as a real country, which complicates any peace talks. He wants to control Ukraine to make Russia stronger.
  2. Past U.S. presidents often misjudge Putin's intentions, which leads to bad decisions in dealing with Russia.
  3. Any meeting between the U.S. and Russia about Ukraine needs to include Ukraine itself, or it won't be fair or effective.

Why Kupyansk Matters

Comment is Freed • 102 implied HN points • 18 Dec 25
🌍 World Politics Diplomacy
  1. Russia pushes a story that its bigger forces and readiness to take heavy losses make victory inevitable, and that idea encourages fatalism about Ukraine’s chances.
  2. Western media and some policymakers repeat this framing, which creates pressure to accept deals that would hand over Ukrainian territory.
  3. Ukrainian resistance at places like Kupyansk shows the picture isn’t so clear, and those defensive successes weaken Moscow’s claim of inevitable victory and change the political calculations.

The United States should decouple it’s West Africa policy from France

An Africanist Perspective • 1128 implied HN points • 19 Aug 23
🌍 World Politics Diplomacy
  1. Decoupling the United States' West Africa policy from France could benefit both sides by strengthening relations and providing mutual economic and geopolitical advantages.
  2. The rise in anti-French sentiment in Africa could lead to a wider anti-West sentiment, potentially impacting America's standing in the region and relationships with individual African countries.
  3. Public opinion in African states is becoming increasingly important in shaping foreign policy decisions, highlighting the need for major global powers to have capable allies and engage meaningfully with the region.

China’s Germany watchers take stock of Berlin’s uneasy turn

Pekingnology • 98 implied HN points • 23 Dec 25
🌍 World Politics Diplomacy
  1. Germany is facing deep domestic strains: political fragmentation, rising far‑right and new populist forces, and a government struggling to deliver policies, all of which fuel social unease.
  2. Germany is making a clear security pivot with big increases in defence spending, conscription and deployments, and a more securitised outlook that mixes tough rhetoric on China with economic pragmatism.
  3. The room for China–EU and China–Germany cooperation is narrowing as Europe increasingly frames China as a systemic rival and ties China policy to Russia and transatlantic dynamics, even though trade and two‑way investment remain substantial.

Henry Huiyao Wang: Why China-Canada trade and global cooperation are now ripe for progress

Pekingnology • 52 implied HN points • 20 Jan 26
🌍 World Politics Diplomacy
  1. China and Canada are moving to deepen practical economic and strategic ties, with tariff deals on electric vehicles and canola, an energy dialogue, security cooperation, and a renewed currency-swap arrangement.
  2. Both countries publicly recommit to multilateralism and plan to work together on UN and WTO reform and on plurilateral initiatives to support Global South development.
  3. A pragmatic "selective engagement" approach, backed by business interest and large diaspora links, creates a window to boost trade, investment, travel and people-to-people exchanges while balancing other partnerships.

Ukrainian General Syrskyi Describes Aims and Goals of Kursk Operation in First-Ever CNN Interview

Glen’s Substack • 39 implied HN points • 06 Sep 24
🌍 World Politics Diplomacy
  1. Ukrainian General Syrskyi explained that the Kursk operation aims to stop Russian forces from launching new attacks and to boost Ukrainian morale.
  2. He noted that Ukrainian troops have successfully halted Russian advances in the Pokrovsk direction, showing that their strategy is working.
  3. Syrskyi emphasized the need for Ukraine to be smarter in warfare due to Russia's material advantages, focusing on effective tactics and high-tech weaponry.

Russia's World War III

Diane Francis • 1159 implied HN points • 07 Aug 23
🌍 World Politics Diplomacy
  1. A recent meeting in Jeddah with global leaders, excluding Russia, highlighted the widespread recognition of Russia's aggressive role in the Ukraine war.
  2. Putin's actions have severe consequences beyond Ukraine, affecting global food and energy supply, and creating instability in other regions, especially Africa.
  3. The meeting served as a crucial step for countries to come together to stop Putin, showing that this war is not just a regional issue but a global problem that needs collaboration to solve.

The China-is-not-Russia Summit

Diane Francis • 879 implied HN points • 16 Nov 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Diplomacy
  1. The US and China are trying to improve their relationship to avoid conflicts and create rules for their economic competition. Both countries want to cooperate for their own benefits.
  2. China's economy is struggling, while the US is doing better, leading China to change its approach, especially after distancing itself from Russia. This change shows China's focus on economic connections over military alliances.
  3. During the summit, the leaders emphasized the importance of communication and addressing shared concerns. This effort aims to ease tensions and strengthen their crucial trading relationship.

Another Psychopath For US Secretary Of State

Caitlin’s Newsletter • 1774 implied HN points • 19 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Diplomacy
  1. The role of Secretary of State often attracts people with ruthless traits. This is because the job requires supporting aggressive foreign policies rather than focusing on peace.
  2. U.S. political parties, like Democrats and Republicans, often seem to oppose each other, but they usually agree on many harmful policies. They maintain this illusion of choice to keep people feeling like they have control.
  3. Both Donald Trump and Joe Biden represent similar types of political evil. The perception that Trump is unique is misleading; in reality, his actions are aligned with traditional Republican policies.

The Invisible Inspectors: How Artificial Intelligence Is Quietly Reinventing Biological Weapons Monitoring

Who is Robert Malone • 7 implied HN points • 01 Mar 26
🌍 World Politics Diplomacy
  1. AI can combine six data streams—genomic surveillance, open-source literature mining, supply-chain and procurement tracking, environmental biosensors, financial/behavioral analysis, and predictive modeling—into a continuous, evidence-based early-warning system that functions like a new form of Biological Weapons Convention verification.
  2. These AI monitoring tools are powerful triage systems but have real limits: they cannot prove intent, will produce false positives and negatives, may miss wholly clandestine programs, and create privacy and misuse risks that demand clear legal and international governance.
  3. A retrospective look at the COVID-19 origins shows such an integrated system would likely have produced convergent signals (genomic oddities, data removal, funding and procurement patterns, environmental hints) that could have improved early investigation, and current political momentum offers a chance to build and govern these capabilities if sustained diplomacy and investment follow.

Ukraine Opens Up A New War At Sea

Phillips’s Newsletter • 131 implied HN points • 01 Dec 25
🌍 World Politics Diplomacy
  1. Ukraine has recently launched attacks against Russian oil tankers in the Black Sea, suggesting they want to expand their naval operations. This indicates a significant escalation in the maritime aspects of their conflict.
  2. One attack even targeted a Turkish-owned tanker carrying Russian oil off the coast of Senegal, highlighting the global impact of these naval actions.
  3. These events show that Ukraine is willing to operate far from its borders, possibly changing the dynamics of the war at sea and impacting international shipping.

West votes against democracy, human rights, cultural diversity at UN; promotes mercenaries, sanctions

Geopolitical Economy Report • 797 implied HN points • 26 Nov 23
🌍 World Politics Diplomacy
  1. The West voted against promoting democracy, human rights, and cultural diversity at the United Nations while supporting mercenaries and sanctions.
  2. In a UN session, resolutions condemning unilateral coercive measures (sanctions), promoting a democratic international order, and respecting human rights and cultural diversity were passed despite opposition.
  3. Another resolution condemned the use of mercenaries to violate human rights and impede peoples' right to self-determination, passing with majority support.

Zelensky resists ceding Donbas, after abandoning it years ago

Aaron Mate • 107 implied HN points • 12 Dec 25
🌍 World Politics Diplomacy
  1. Zelensky is publicly refusing to cede the Donbas to Russia and has suggested holding a national vote or elections so Ukrainians can decide the region's fate.
  2. A Ukrainian-administered referendum would likely exclude most people who now live in Donbas because they are under Russian control, so such a vote wouldn’t capture the region’s current residents.
  3. Ukraine had earlier chances—most notably the 2015 Minsk accords—to keep Donbas inside Ukraine with limited autonomy (and forego NATO aspirations), but successive governments rejected that compromise and pursued military options instead.

This Week in Canada: Mark Carney Pitches a Zionist-Palestinian State

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 579 implied HN points • 27 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Diplomacy
  1. Mark Carney, the Prime Minister of Canada, is shifting Canada's focus from the U.S. to Europe in foreign policy. This change comes in response to tensions with the U.S., especially regarding trade issues.
  2. Carney’s administration proposes new speech rules aiming for clearer communication, which has stirred up discussion and controversy. He even suggested the idea of a Zionist-Palestinian state, which has caught attention.
  3. Toronto recently experienced very high temperatures, making the city decide it was too hot for swimming. This reflects how extreme weather is affecting daily life.

2023 Weekly Discussion Thread #6: Wang Yi in Europe; US-China; Struggle 斗争; Bao Fan; Football and Semiconductors corruption

Sinocism • 963 implied HN points • 17 Feb 23
🌍 World Politics Diplomacy
  1. Consider the implications of the US-China balloon incident and potential Biden-Xi phone call or Blinken-Wang Yi meeting.
  2. Reflect on how the visit of US deputy assistant secretary of defense for China to Taiwan will be viewed by PRC policymakers.
  3. Analyze what Wang Yi may achieve at the Munich Security Conference and during his visit to Russia.

International law is dying. We’ll miss it when it’s gone.

Nonzero Newsletter • 519 implied HN points • 07 Jul 25
🌍 World Politics Diplomacy
  1. International law is losing its importance, and many people aren't paying attention to this issue. Without it, we might see more conflicts and instability in the world.
  2. The law against using force in international relations is crucial but is often ignored. This law is supposed to limit war, allowing it only in cases of self-defense.
  3. People underestimate the power of international law because it regulates behavior through shared beliefs rather than always needing enforcement. Norms can influence our actions just as much as laws do.

Talking Iran with The Judge

John’s Substack • 8 implied HN points • 27 Feb 26
🌍 World Politics Diplomacy
  1. A guest on the 'Judging Freedom' show discussed U.S. misadventures and interventions around the globe.
  2. The conversation focused mainly on Iran and the risks associated with U.S. policy toward that country.
  3. There was a clear hope that President Trump will avoid initiating military action or "pulling the trigger" against Iran.

Chinese Diplomacy Steps In It Yet Again

Drezner’s World • 923 implied HN points • 23 Apr 23
🌍 World Politics Diplomacy
  1. China's wolf warrior diplomacy seems to be evolving under Xi Jinping's third term.
  2. Chinese Ambassador Lu's recent comments on post-Soviet countries' sovereignty were widely condemned.
  3. The ambassador's remarks create diplomatic challenges, potentially impacting China's relations with Europe and Russia.

Trump Is A Whiny Little Chicken Hawk.

C.O.P. Central Organizing Principle. • 36 implied HN points • 14 Jan 26
🌍 World Politics Diplomacy
  1. Donald Trump is accused of secretly directing Ukrainian strikes, even attempts on Putin, and using US military and diplomatic channels to shape Western responses at the UN.
  2. Russia's Oreshnik missile is described as a game-changing conventional weapon that can surgically hit military targets, undermining nuclear deterrence and outpacing Western defenses.
  3. The West is portrayed as escalating the conflict with proxies, sanctions, and nuclear saber-rattling while repeating historical patterns of aggression, and the writer argues this approach is dangerous and that Trump must be removed to avoid disaster.

The Biggest Under-Reported Story of 2025

Phillips’s Newsletter • 137 implied HN points • 18 Nov 25
🌍 World Politics Diplomacy
  1. China is increasing its support for Russia in the war, which could significantly impact the situation in Ukraine.
  2. Unlike Russia, China has the vast resources to supply weapons and support, making a prolonged conflict more likely.
  3. Under Donald Trump's presidency, US support for Ukraine has decreased, allowing China to step up its backing for Russia.

How America Can Use Sports Diplomacy to Promote Human Rights in the Gulf

The Liberal Patriot • 511 implied HN points • 16 Jan 24
🌍 World Politics Diplomacy
  1. Human rights in Gulf states shouldn't just be criticized, but strategically approached through sports diplomacy.
  2. The US should strengthen its ties between sports diplomacy and human rights to promote liberal values.
  3. Encouraging human rights through sports in Gulf countries can lead to substantive change and advancements in the region.

The Iran war is Trump’s unconditional surrender to Israel

Aaron Mate • 544 implied HN points • 21 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Diplomacy
  1. Trump has aligned closely with Israel, sidelining US intelligence to justify military actions against Iran. This relationship raises concerns about dangerous foreign influence.
  2. Despite a US intelligence assessment stating that Iran is not pursuing nuclear weapons, Trump and his team have promoted false information, echoing Israeli claims.
  3. Iran continues to reject demands for unconditional surrender and insists on its right to self-defense. Trump's military actions may actually push Iran to pursue nuclear capabilities.

Ceasefire or Not, Iran Looks for Ways to Reduce the Risk of a U.S. Reprisal

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 505 implied HN points • 24 Jun 25
🌍 World Politics Diplomacy
  1. Iran launched missiles at a U.S. military base in Qatar after the U.S. attacked Iranian nuclear sites. This act raised concerns about escalating military conflict in the region.
  2. Despite a ceasefire announcement by former President Trump, it was reported that Iran had not confirmed such an agreement and was considering further retaliation.
  3. U.S. officials were skeptical about Iran adhering to the ceasefire, expressing doubt that it would bring lasting peace and stability.

A Document For a New American Century (Part 1 of 2)

Fisted by Foucault • 81 implied HN points • 14 Dec 25
🌍 World Politics Diplomacy
  1. U.S. foreign policy has long been unpredictable, which makes it hard for other countries to plan and for alliances to be stable.
  2. The 2025 National Security Strategy signals a realist shift away from liberal globalism, stressing national sovereignty, bilateral deals, and an acceptance that U.S. global domination is limited.
  3. That shift contains a clear tension: the administration wants to avoid "forever wars" and not confront Russia and China simultaneously, yet still prevent rivals from dominating places like the Middle East, creating practical contradictions in policy.

Burkina Faso's new president condemns imperialism, quotes Che Guevara, allies with Nicaragua, Venezuela, Cuba

Geopolitical Economy Report • 857 implied HN points • 03 Aug 23
🌍 World Politics Diplomacy
  1. Burkina Faso's President Ibrahim Traoré takes a strong stand against imperialism and neocolonialism, inspired by revolutionary leaders like Thomas Sankara and Che Guevara.
  2. The new government in Burkina Faso has forged alliances with countries like Nicaragua, Venezuela, and Cuba, aiming to break free from Western dominance and historical colonial ties.
  3. Prime Minister Tambèla's visits to Venezuela and Nicaragua showcase Burkina Faso's efforts to strengthen ties with Latin American revolutionary movements, building on historical solidarity and shared struggles.

After Venezuela, Greenland Needs A Nuke.

JoeWrote • 54 implied HN points • 07 Jan 26
🌍 World Politics Diplomacy
  1. The U.S. government is using unilateral military force and public threats to control other countries, directly violating their sovereignty.
  2. That aggressive posture is eroding international norms and reviving imperialist doctrines, while allies, the media, and domestic politicians are not effectively checking it.
  3. Facing this threat, vulnerable nations may rush to acquire nuclear weapons or strengthen their militaries as the only reliable deterrent, even though that raises global danger.

January 19, 2026

Letters from an American • 35 implied HN points • 20 Jan 26
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Diplomacy
  1. The president privately and publicly pushed for control of Greenland and obsessively complained about the Nobel Prize, sending aggressive messages that ignore history, law, and diplomatic norms.
  2. He is actively undermining the post–World War II rules-based international order — backing autocrats, trying to seize Venezuelan assets, and proposing a self-styled “Board of Peace” that would concentrate power.
  3. Those moves have sparked broad alarm and calls for accountability from journalists, clergy, former officials, and allied governments, and have already prompted concrete responses like Denmark boosting troops in Greenland.

Israel: A Trap and No Endgame

Diane Francis • 799 implied HN points • 23 Oct 23
🌍 World Politics Diplomacy
  1. Israel is facing a complicated situation with no clear end goal, especially regarding the future of Gaza. The military actions may not solve the underlying issues and could make things worse for everyone involved.
  2. The humanitarian crisis in Gaza could lead to more terrorism and instability in the region if not properly addressed. There needs to be a solid plan for who will govern Gaza after Israel's military actions.
  3. The international community should push for negotiations that address the Palestinian issue. It's important for everyone in the region, including Arab states and Israel, to find a peaceful solution together.

Will Destroying Iran’s Nuclear Program Require a ‘Medieval Battle’?

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 519 implied HN points • 18 Jun 25
🌍 World Politics Diplomacy
  1. Israel might need to launch long air strikes on Iran to destroy its nuclear facilities, especially if the U.S. doesn't help.
  2. In 2018, Israeli spies found a lot of documents that revealed Iran's secret nuclear weapon plans, showing that they were more complicated than thought.
  3. Many undeclared nuclear sites across Iran could be hiding sensitive equipment or materials, making it harder to track their nuclear activities.