The hottest Diplomacy Substack posts right now

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Top World Politics Topics

China deepens ties with Venezuela, challenging US 'hegemonic mindset'

Geopolitical Economy Report • 837 implied HN points • 16 Sep 23
🌍 World Politics Diplomacy
  1. China and Venezuela have deepened their strategic partnership, challenging the hegemonic mindset and sanctions imposed by the US.
  2. Venezuela has significant economic potential due to its vast oil and gas reserves, attracting interest from China as a reliable energy partner.
  3. The growing alliance between Venezuela and China symbolizes a shift towards South-South cooperation, emphasizing mutual development and multipolarity in today's global landscape.

Putin's Amigo

Diane Francis • 579 implied HN points • 14 Dec 23
🌍 World Politics Diplomacy
  1. Nicolas Maduro, the president of Venezuela, is a strong ally of Putin and has worsened his country's economy despite its oil wealth.
  2. Maduro has allowed Russian companies and military groups to operate in Venezuela, contributing to his regime's security and resource extraction.
  3. Recently, Maduro claimed land in Guyana and threatened invasion, which is seen as a distraction from his own economic issues and has raised tensions in the region.

America First?

John’s Substack • 12 implied HN points • 17 Feb 26
🌍 World Politics Diplomacy
  1. Negotiations to end the wars in Ukraine and Iran are mostly performative because the parties’ goals are far apart and meaningful compromise looks unlikely.
  2. The US is relying on inexperienced, partisan private figures rather than seasoned diplomats to run major foreign-policy talks, a sharp contrast with how other great powers handle diplomacy.
  3. Israel and its lobby are exerting strong pressure for US action against Iran despite Iran not posing a clear threat and broad international opposition, highlighting serious ineptitude in US policymaking.

Chris Hedges: War With Iran

The Chris Hedges Report • 469 implied HN points • 22 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Diplomacy
  1. War can bring many unpredictable problems that are hard to control. Once it starts, things can spiral out of hand quickly.
  2. The past wars in the Middle East taught us that strong military actions may not bring peace or a good outcome. Ignoring local people's feelings can lead to more resistance.
  3. A war with Iran could lead to even more violence and retaliation, affecting many lives. The military doesn't seem prepared for what comes next.
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Chinese balloon was not spying, US gov't admits months after manufactured crisis

Geopolitical Economy Report • 797 implied HN points • 21 Sep 23
🌍 World Politics Diplomacy
  1. The US government admitted that the Chinese balloon incident was not related to spying, but likely due to strong winds, debunking the initial accusations.
  2. The media and US government exaggerated the situation, using it to create a Cold War-like propaganda against China, though evidence later proved otherwise.
  3. Despite the claims of surveillance capabilities, subsequent analysis showed that the balloon's sensors were never activated over US territory, making the entire scandal a manufactured crisis.

China's Russia

Diane Francis • 1059 implied HN points • 22 Jun 23
🌍 World Politics Diplomacy
  1. The Russia-Ukraine War may lead to the breakup of Russia, similar to the Soviet-Afghanistan War. Russia is losing allies and financial resources, which could cause some regions to want independence.
  2. China has a significant interest in the resource-rich areas of Russia, especially Manchuria, which used to belong to China. As Russia weakens, China might look to reclaim these lands, boosting its own economy.
  3. The partnership between China and Russia is changing. China is distancing itself from Russia after the Ukraine invasion and is cautiously moving towards the West, showing it might not support Russia like before.

What's The Least Bad Alternative?

John’s Substack • 8 implied HN points • 24 Feb 26
🌍 World Politics Diplomacy
  1. There is serious debate about whether the US could or would launch a military attack on Iran.
  2. There’s no clear conclusion on whether an attack will happen, and leaders appear to face only bad choices rather than a viable option.
  3. Given the two bad alternatives, the least bad choice is to refrain from attacking Iran.

The game theory of Trump's tariff threats

Silver Bulletin • 978 implied HN points • 04 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Diplomacy
  1. Trump's tariff threats focus on Canada and Mexico, two neighbors that depend heavily on the U.S. for trade. This puts the U.S. in a position of power, even if such threats can backfire.
  2. The economics suggest that while tariffs might hurt all involved, Canada and Mexico would suffer significantly more than the U.S. This creates a dangerous imbalance in trade negotiations.
  3. Trump's approach may work as a short-term tactic, but it risks future relations with Canada and Mexico, leading to resentment and potential retaliation if pressured too much.

Israel's Angst

Diane Francis • 759 implied HN points • 16 Oct 23
🌍 World Politics Diplomacy
  1. Both Israelis and Palestinians face difficult lives under their governments. Many people in both groups are unhappy with their leaders, and they want a change to find a peaceful solution.
  2. The ongoing conflict is causing a severe humanitarian crisis in Gaza. Many innocent civilians are suffering due to the violence and harsh conditions imposed by the war.
  3. There is a pressing need for a two-state solution and international cooperation to reduce tensions. Without action to promote peace, the cycles of violence will continue to harm both communities.

Why Palestine Can't Deliver Peace

Richard Hanania's Newsletter • 3096 implied HN points • 26 Jan 24
🌍 World Politics Diplomacy
  1. Most Palestinians hold extreme views on the conflict with Israel, hindering the possibility of peace.
  2. For peace to be achievable, Palestinian society needs to be less hostile towards Jews and able to prevent extremists from derailing negotiations.
  3. Israel must be confident in the stability of a new Palestinian state and its ability to address internal opposition to ensure lasting peace.

January 17, 2026

Letters from an American • 33 implied HN points • 18 Jan 26
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Diplomacy
  1. The president announced tariffs on countries protecting Greenland to force a sale, using economic coercion rather than economic rationale and risking a trade war with U.S. allies.
  2. European leaders and citizens pushed back hard, with emergency EU meetings, threats of countermeasures, and large protests in Copenhagen and Nuuk, while other countries like Canada are moving ahead with independent trade ties.
  3. The administration’s broader authoritarian tactics — proposing a U.S.-led "Board of Peace," launching politicized investigations, and deploying agents against protesters — are drawing legal limits and eroding public support.

'Quietly Working' Doesn't Work

Eunomia • 452 implied HN points • 09 Jan 24
🌍 World Politics Diplomacy
  1. 'Quietly working' strategy of Biden towards Gaza issue is not credible.
  2. Biden is not effectively leveraging his power to influence Israel in the Gaza conflict.
  3. The president's dishonesty on his efforts adds insult to the situation.

South Korea Steps Up

Diane Francis • 779 implied HN points • 14 Aug 23
🌍 World Politics Diplomacy
  1. South Korea has increased its support for Ukraine, marking a significant shift in its international stance. This is partly due to South Korea's own history of being affected by Russian aggression during the Korean War.
  2. The country has been exporting military supplies to Ukraine and is officially joining its alliance, showcasing its readiness to confront threats from North Korea and Russia.
  3. A South Korean soldier, Sgt Kim Jae-kyung, has actively campaigned for support of Ukraine, reminding people that South Korea received help from many nations in its own time of need.

Biden bombs Yemen so Israel can bomb Gaza

Speaking Security • 393 implied HN points • 26 Jan 24
🌍 World Politics Diplomacy
  1. Biden is bombing Yemen in response to attacks by the Houthi movement disrupting global shipping.
  2. An easy solution to the crisis would be for Biden to end Israel's military offensive with a single phone call.
  3. The ongoing bombings in Yemen by the US-backed coalition and Biden's actions are deemed cruel and ineffective.

US woos India's far-right PM Modi to help wage new cold war on China

Geopolitical Economy Report • 737 implied HN points • 24 Jun 23
🌍 World Politics Diplomacy
  1. The US is seeking India's help in forming an alliance against China, even though India's Prime Minister Modi has links to far-right Hindu-supremacist groups.
  2. Modi's BJP party and regime in India have a history of inciting violence against minorities and undermining left-wing activism.
  3. The US aims to use India to weaken the BRICS bloc and isolate China and Russia, with efforts to sway India away from its traditional non-aligned foreign policy.

Nagorno-Karabakh update: September 21 2023

Foreign Exchanges • 727 implied HN points • 22 Sep 23
🌍 World Politics Diplomacy
  1. A new status quo in the south Caucasus region is emerging following recent events in Nagorno-Karabakh.
  2. A ceasefire has been declared between Azerbaijan and Karabakh, with Karabakh authorities agreeing to disarm their defense forces and remove Armenian military forces.
  3. Concerns about potential ethnic cleansing and the implications for Armenia's diplomatic relationships are key issues arising from the situation.

What Ukraine Is Teaching Worcester, Massachusetts

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 278 implied HN points • 18 Aug 25
🌐 International Diplomacy
  1. U.S. cities like Worcester are learning disaster relief strategies from Kherson, Ukraine, instead of just providing aid. This reverse exchange highlights valuable lessons in emergency management.
  2. The partnership between Kherson and Worcester has expanded beyond just emergency relief. They've started sharing knowledge in areas like healthcare and veteran services.
  3. Despite Kherson being in a war zone, the collaboration shows how cities can support each other creatively. Even in tough conditions, they find ways to share impactful solutions.

The Demise of the Liberal International Order and the Return of Great Power Rivalry

Glenn’s Substack • 99 implied HN points • 10 Jun 24
🌍 World Politics Diplomacy
  1. The liberal international order is in decline, which means the traditional alliances and cooperation among countries are weakening. This shift is leading to more competition between powerful nations.
  2. The situation in Ukraine has escalated, showing how tensions between countries are rising and affecting global stability. This is a sign that countries are prioritizing their own interests over collaboration.
  3. The future of US-European relations is uncertain as old partnerships are tested. There's a growing need for these nations to rethink their strategies for dealing with one another and the new world dynamics.

What exactly is South Africa getting from its diplomatic dalliance with Russia and other BRICS states?

An Africanist Perspective • 692 implied HN points • 27 May 23
🌍 World Politics Diplomacy
  1. South Africa's exclusion from the G7 Summit suggests a decline in its global influence and ability to engage as a middle power.
  2. Historically, South Africa missed opportunities to establish itself as a key player in Africa, affecting its ability to leverage regional influence.
  3. To enhance its geopolitical position, South Africa can focus on building strong continental partnerships, particularly in sectors like trade, security, and climate issues.

Appeasement at Munich

Thinking about... • 775 implied HN points • 14 Feb 25
🌍 World Politics Diplomacy
  1. History shows that appeasing aggressors can lead to greater conflicts. Just like in 1938, giving in can make things worse in the long run.
  2. Ukraine’s resistance has changed the situation. By fighting back, they have prevented further aggression and have kept a major conflict from escalating.
  3. If the U.S. supports appeasement, it risks creating a stronger aggressor. A Russian victory over Ukraine could lead to more wars and even nuclear threats in the future.

What Venezuela Means

KERFUFFLE • 35 implied HN points • 04 Jan 26
🌍 World Politics Diplomacy
  1. International rules that limit war and protect state sovereignty are fragile but crucial; giving them up risks more violence and lawlessness.
  2. Those who cheer the end of a rules-based order underestimate how quickly that leads to a darker world where the strong oppress the weak.
  3. The recent military attack on Venezuela is a warning sign that this shift is happening, and people in safer countries shouldn't assume they're insulated.

Ukraine and Goliath

Diane Francis • 999 implied HN points • 25 May 23
🌍 World Politics Diplomacy
  1. Ukraine is gaining international support by meeting with world leaders. This has helped them secure financial aid and military resources to strengthen their fight.
  2. The battle in Bakhmut has exposed weaknesses in Russia's military. While it has been costly, it has delayed Russian advances and boosted Ukraine's strategic planning.
  3. Ukraine is preparing to improve its air force with advanced jets and defense systems. This will help protect its skies and enhance its military capabilities against Russia.

Dossier Center Investigation: Through diplomatic channels

Unmasking Russia • 334 implied HN points • 04 Feb 24
🌍 World Politics Diplomacy
  1. The son of Russian Security Council Secretary Nikolai Patrushev managed to cope with sanctions by receiving help from the family of the Norwegian ambassador, who provided ships for his work on the Arctic shelf.
  2. Nikolai Patrushev, a former FSB director and influential figure in Russia, has family members involved in important business dealings related to offshore projects in the Arctic.
  3. Connections between the son of the Norwegian ambassador to Russia and Andrey Patrushev are revealed in business transactions involving companies related to the Arctic shelf and oil and gas fields.

Let's Take AOC's Foreign Policy Vision Seriously

I Might Be Wrong • 9 implied HN points • 18 Feb 26
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Diplomacy
  1. She’s pitching an alternate foreign policy that centers working people and presented that vision at international forums like the Munich Security Conference.
  2. A few public gaffes — mixups about Taiwan, Venezuela, and trans-/trans-Atlantic wording — have dominated coverage and distracted from her substantive points.
  3. Her team and supporters want people to look past the slip-ups and engage seriously with the policy proposals she’s putting forward, including campaign-released clips and panels.

A Deep Dive on Iran

John’s Substack • 11 implied HN points • 14 Feb 26
🌍 World Politics Diplomacy
  1. A recent Netanyahu–Trump meeting disappointed Israeli expectations and revealed tensions between allies.
  2. There is no clear or credible military strategy to win a war against Iran, making any such plan highly risky and uncertain.
  3. Many experts are overconfident, claiming the US can easily solve the Iran problem by force and that Ukraine has the upper hand against Russia, despite evidence to the contrary.

January 16, 2026

Letters from an American • 28 implied HN points • 17 Jan 26
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Diplomacy
  1. He has accepted and displayed symbolic honors, like a Nobel medal and team gifts, to promote his personal achievements. He repeatedly claims credit for ending wars and uses these moments to bolster his image.
  2. He is pushing to "own" Greenland, saying ownership is psychologically important and suggesting that treaties or international law need not constrain him. His rhetoric treats territorial control like a real-estate deal rather than allied diplomacy.
  3. His Greenland demands have provoked strong bipartisan and allied pushback, with NATO partners increasing forces in the region and U.S. lawmakers moving to block any attack. Critics warn that trying to seize a NATO territory could collapse the alliance and risk wider conflict.

Zelensky’s hostility to peace triggers White House meltdown

Aaron Mate • 700 implied HN points • 02 Mar 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Diplomacy
  1. Zelensky showed anger towards US leaders when they suggested negotiating peace with Russia. He insisted there would be no compromises, showing a strong unwillingness to consider diplomacy.
  2. Zelensky has made misleading statements about his interactions with Putin, claiming agreements were ignored when in fact there were some exchanges. This raises questions about his commitment to peace.
  3. The recent conflict between Zelensky and US leaders indicates a shift in US support. There's a growing concern that Zelensky's approach may not be beneficial and could impact the future of Ukraine's relations with the US.

The Genocide in Gaza and Its Enablers

Eunomia • 334 implied HN points • 26 Jan 24
🌍 World Politics Diplomacy
  1. Biden's response to the war in Gaza shows the consequences of giving another state unlimited support.
  2. Many Democrats believe that Israel is committing genocide in Gaza, yet Western governments are hesitant to act on this evidence.
  3. Public confidence in Biden's ability to handle international crises is low, especially after his support for Israel during the Gaza conflict.

NATO + Ukraine

Diane Francis • 759 implied HN points • 10 Jul 23
🌍 World Politics Diplomacy
  1. NATO is discussing whether to commit to Ukraine's future membership, which many believe is crucial given Ukraine's sacrifices.
  2. Without a clear commitment from NATO, the ongoing conflict may continue longer than necessary.
  3. There's a strong call for NATO to provide Ukraine with a no-fly zone and air support immediately.

Another War for Israel?

John’s Substack • 11 implied HN points • 13 Feb 26
🌍 World Politics Diplomacy
  1. Trump appears to be seeking a negotiated deal with Iran to avoid using military force, focusing on limits to Iran's nuclear program rather than its full dismantlement.
  2. Israel, led by Netanyahu, demands total elimination of Iran's enrichment, long-range missiles, and support for proxies. It rejects limited agreements like the JCPOA, creating sharp friction with the U.S. approach.
  3. Pro-Israel forces in the U.S. are likely to push Trump toward military action despite it not being in American national interest, while Trump lacks a realistic way to force Israel's maximal demands on Iran.

The Gathering Storm: Snatch-and-Grab Regime Change is the New New Normal

The Corbett Report • 28 implied HN points • 11 Jan 26
🌍 World Politics Diplomacy
  1. The Maduro abduction shows a new, bold 'snatch-and-grab' approach to regime change that sidesteps legal norms and leaves many questions about how it was carried out.
  2. Public US statements about seizing resources and ignoring international law reveal a 'mask off' imperial posture where unilateral force and resource grabs are openly justified.
  3. That precedent makes the world more dangerous by encouraging other states to copy these tactics, raising the risk of tit-for-tat raids, wider instability, and escalating conflict.

Can Ukraine find a deal that works?

Comment is Freed • 73 implied HN points • 29 Nov 25
🌍 World Politics Diplomacy
  1. Ukraine should not be rushed into arbitrary deadlines and must insist on clear rules for how any Russian input is used, so concessions don’t invite further demands.
  2. An initial 28-point proposal was tightened to 20 points and a negotiating process is underway, but the central sticking point remains Russia’s insistence on territorial concessions.
  3. Ukraine is resilient and will keep fighting, yet it has reasons to engage seriously in talks for a ceasefire; the West should keep military and economic pressure on Russia to encourage concessions while Ukraine picks acceptable terms without capitulating.

US admits weather pushed Chinese balloon off course, US shot down hobbyists' $12 balloon in $2M missile attack

Geopolitical Economy Report • 637 implied HN points • 19 Feb 23
🌍 World Politics Diplomacy
  1. US officials acknowledged the Chinese balloon they shot down was likely blown off course by unexpected weather.
  2. The US Air Force spent roughly $2 million using missiles to destroy a $12 hobbyist balloon, causing unnecessary expenditure.
  3. US intelligence officials later admitted that the Chinese balloon may have been diverted off course by weather, leading to a potential misunderstanding and an unnecessary military response.

What happened to the Gaza peace plan?

Comment is Freed • 62 implied HN points • 06 Dec 25
🌍 World Politics Diplomacy
  1. The peace plan is moving toward a second stage with an International Stabilisation Force meant to demilitarize Gaza, secure borders, and protect civilians, and detailed planning is already happening at a US-led coordination center.
  2. Political problems are blocking progress — the unrecovered remains of an Israeli and a dispute over whether the Rafah crossing should be two‑way are stalling implementation and complicating the return of Palestinian governance.
  3. Practical preparations (military specialists, NGOs, and EU oversight of crossings) exist, but growing violence, Israeli political disunity, and doubts about the ISF’s mandate threaten the plan’s momentum.

Ukraine's Zelensky admits he sabotaged Minsk peace deal with Russia, West blocked negotiations

Geopolitical Economy Report • 637 implied HN points • 12 Feb 23
🌍 World Politics Diplomacy
  1. Ukraine's Zelensky admitted to sabotaging the Minsk peace deal with Russia, using it to prepare for war instead of implementing it as agreed.
  2. The West, including former Israeli Prime Minister Bennett, has been reported to have blocked peace negotiations between Ukraine and Russia, favoring escalations over peace talks.
  3. Prior to Russia's invasion of Ukraine in 2022, the West rejected Moscow's demands for written security guarantees, sparking tensions and contributing to the conflict.

US ambassador arrogantly lectures China ‘threat’: ‘We’re the leader in this region (Asia)’!

Geopolitical Economy Report • 578 implied HN points • 04 Mar 23
🌍 World Politics Diplomacy
  1. US Ambassador Nicholas Burns showcased an arrogant and aggressive attitude towards China, declaring the US as the leader in the Indo-Pacific region.
  2. The US is focusing on competing with China in military power, economy, technology, and human rights, reflecting a rising tension between the two nations.
  3. There is a close relationship between US corporations and the State Department, with US diplomats highlighting the importance of collaboration with the private sector.

Saudi, Islam, Russia

Diane Francis • 799 implied HN points • 29 May 23
🌍 World Politics Diplomacy
  1. Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince MBS is a powerful player in global politics. He manages relationships with many major countries while balancing conflicts and alliances.
  2. MBS invited Ukraine's President Zelensky to speak about the struggles of Muslims under Russian control. This could change how Arab nations view their ties with Russia.
  3. MBS has increased Saudi wealth due to rising oil prices from the Ukraine conflict. His ambitious projects and power make him a key figure to watch in international affairs.