The hottest Diplomacy Substack posts right now

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Top World Politics Topics

Is a Peace Deal in Ukraine Possible?

John’s Substack • 7 implied HN points • 20 Feb 26
🌍 World Politics Diplomacy
  1. Two experts debated whether a peace agreement over the Ukraine war is possible, presenting sharply opposing views.
  2. One side argued a negotiated peace with Europe, Ukraine, and the US could be reached, while the other said no deal is possible and the war will be decided on the battlefield, ending in an armistice that creates a frozen conflict.
  3. The event measured audience opinion with a pre- and post-debate poll to see if views shifted, but the poll results were not disclosed.

The Putin Pivot

Diane Francis • 839 implied HN points • 04 May 23
🌍 World Politics Diplomacy
  1. Countries around the world are stepping away from Putin as his army struggles in Ukraine. People are noticing the ongoing violence and loss of life.
  2. Russia's military is facing big problems, including shortages of ammo and low morale among troops. Many soldiers are unhappy and refuse to fight without proper support.
  3. The battle for Crimea is key for both Ukraine and Russia. If Ukraine can regain control of Crimea, it could lead to a major shift in the war and possibly impact Putin's power.

Geopolitical game changer: China's Iran-Saudi peace deal is big blow to petrodollar and US economic hegemony

Geopolitical Economy Report • 518 implied HN points • 23 Mar 23
🌍 World Politics Diplomacy
  1. China's successful sponsorship of peace talks between Saudi Arabia and Iran deals a significant blow to the petrodollar system that has supported US economic hegemony.
  2. The peace deal encourages stability and economic cooperation in the region, potentially leading to the integration of Saudi Arabia and Iran into systems like BRICS and the Shanghai Cooperation Organization.
  3. The agreement reflects a growing shift towards a multipolar world where countries like China, Russia, Saudi Arabia, and Iran are seeking closer economic and strategic ties, challenging traditional US dominance.
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January 14, 2026

Letters from an American • 24 implied HN points • 15 Jan 26
💾 History Diplomacy
  1. On January 14, 1784, the Confederation Congress finally ratified the Treaty of Paris, formally securing American independence after long, difficult negotiations.
  2. American negotiators exploited rivalries among European powers and negotiated terms that set the Mississippi as the western boundary, secured valuable fishing rights, and required prisoner repatriation and restitution promises.
  3. The ratification showed how weak the national government under the Articles of Confederation was, and true nation-building did not begin until the stronger federal system created by the 1788 Constitution.

John Bolton: Why America Needs Greenland

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 709 implied HN points • 03 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Diplomacy
  1. The idea of the U.S. buying Greenland isn't new, and Trump has talked about it several times, suggesting it's important for national security.
  2. Greenland has historical ties to U.S. security interests, especially since World War II, when it helped protect against threats in the North Atlantic.
  3. Ambassador John Bolton believes there's a strong case for the U.S. to pursue this acquisition, although he thinks Trump's approach has complicated things.

Xi blasts US ‘containment, encirclement’ of China, Foreign Ministry slams 'hysterical neo-McCarthyism'

Geopolitical Economy Report • 518 implied HN points • 08 Mar 23
🌍 World Politics Diplomacy
  1. President Xi Jinping condemned the US-led Western attempt to contain, encircle, and suppress China.
  2. Foreign Minister Qin Gang criticized the US for pursuing 'hysterical neo-McCarthyism' and aiming to contain and suppress China in all aspects.
  3. Chinese leaders are making assertive statements, signaling a shift in their approach towards standing up against US policies and defending China.

Iran Will Strike Back Hard

John’s Substack • 16 implied HN points • 30 Jan 26
🌍 World Politics Diplomacy
  1. Peace talks over Ukraine are mostly kabuki theater, and the conflict is likely to be settled on the battlefield.
  2. A US attack on Iran seems doubtful because military force can’t reliably produce regime change, and Iran could retaliate in ways that would be hugely costly for Israel, the US, and the global economy.
  3. There’s real uncertainty about what the US will do next, especially under Trump, and that uncertainty ties into a bigger question about whether the US is entering a Cold War 2.0 with China and Russia.

German lawmaker denounces Ukraine 'proxy war' and US 'terrorist attack' on Nord Stream pipelines

Geopolitical Economy Report • 538 implied HN points • 24 Feb 23
🌍 World Politics Diplomacy
  1. German lawmaker Sevim Dağdelen criticizes NATO's involvement in Ukraine as a 'proxy war' and highlights the EU acting as 'vassals' to the US.
  2. Dağdelen condemns the economic war against Russia and calls for Europe to assert its independence and prioritize diplomacy to end the conflict in Ukraine.
  3. The lack of outrage over the alleged US 'terrorist attack' on the German-Russian Nord Stream pipelines illustrates Germany's subservience to the US, revealing the need for truth and peace initiatives to counter war propaganda.

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 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 Diplomacy
  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

February 5, 2024: Russian Digest

Unmasking Russia • 235 implied HN points • 06 Feb 24
🌍 World Politics Diplomacy
  1. Russian forces destroyed a hotel in Ukraine, trapping civilians under rubble
  2. Millions of barrels of fuel made from Russian oil are still being imported to the UK through a refining loophole
  3. Turkey is demanding new gas discounts from Putin during his visit to Ankara

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

Informer • 235 implied HN points • 05 Feb 24
🌍 World Politics Diplomacy
  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.

It Profits a Nation Nothing to Give Its Soul for the Whole World . . . But for Greenland?

Gideon's Substack • 19 implied HN points • 22 Jan 26
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Diplomacy
  1. The push to "own" Greenland revives a long-standing American interest, but openly threatening an allied country to get it is unprecedented and alarming.
  2. The United States already has broad military access to Greenland, so trying to acquire it outright looks unnecessary and risks seriously damaging ties with Denmark and other European allies.
  3. The president’s unpredictable theatrics could either spur Europe to rearm and become more strategically independent—which might be beneficial—or alienate allies and push them toward rivals like China, with dangerous long-term costs.

The Ceasefire Charade

The Chris Hedges Report • 591 implied HN points • 16 Jan 25
🌍 World Politics Diplomacy
  1. Israel often makes agreements with the Palestinians that it does not keep. This leads to renewed violence after initial phases.
  2. There is ongoing suspicion and blame between Israel and Hamas over who is breaking ceasefire terms. Both sides have different interpretations of the deals.
  3. Historically, peace agreements have often not been fulfilled, leading to continued conflict and suffering for the people involved.

Trump the China Dove?

Nonzero Newsletter • 203 implied HN points • 01 Aug 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Diplomacy
  1. China is pushing for an international group to manage AI, while the US feels the need to strengthen its position in global AI dominance. Each country has a different approach to global governance.
  2. Many young Americans are using AI tools frequently, especially for brainstorming. This shift suggests that AI is becoming a regular part of people's work and daily life.
  3. There are concerns that AI is taking away entry-level jobs, leading to higher unemployment for new graduates. This trend is affecting traditional job training pathways.

Wallerstein Constant

kamilkazani • 334 implied HN points • 29 Nov 23
🌍 World Politics 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-China-Islam: The New Superpower?

Kevin’s Newsletter • 432 implied HN points • 01 Apr 23
🌍 World Politics Diplomacy
  1. Huntington's prediction of civilizational wars has some truth as US-led attacks unite Russia, China, and Islam.
  2. US pursued a war against traditional civilizations to impose neoliberalism globally.
  3. Russia-China alliance resists US empire as China maneuvers for peace while Russia stands strong militarily.

Academia's Putinverstehers

The Cosmopolitan Globalist • 15 implied HN points • 21 Jan 26
🌍 World Politics Diplomacy
  1. Some foreign-policy “realists” excuse Russian aggression by prioritizing “stability” and blaming NATO. That approach freezes conquest, rewards violence, and makes larger wars more likely.
  2. Treating Russia as a stable “great power” or a normal nation-state misreads its nature. It is an imperial, declining regime that relies on domination and extraction rather than consent.
  3. Denying the agency of invaded peoples and urging concessions sidelines their rights and emboldens aggressors. The sober answer is to make aggression fail materially so violence no longer pays.

Sunrise: Japan's Leap for Empire

Big Serge Thought • 3 implied HN points • 20 Feb 26
💾 History Diplomacy
  1. The Pacific War was a uniquely vast and complex conflict fought across a contiguous oceanic theater, using air, submarine, surface, and amphibious forces and often resembling positional, continental-style warfare despite being fought from the sea.
  2. Japan had no single coherent grand strategy; the protracted war in China turned into a crippling resource sink that forced mobilization, worsened Army–Navy rivalry, and pushed Tokyo into desperate, contradictory choices that made southern expansion and confrontation more likely.
  3. U.S. policy of escalating economic pressure—most importantly the effective oil embargo after Japan’s move into Indochina—helped corner Japan and create the political will for war, and the eventual American victory relied not just on industrial overmatch but on decisive early battles and operational innovations like the fast carrier task force, amphibious doctrine, and submarine warfare.

Russia's Suicide

Diane Francis • 1518 implied HN points • 04 Aug 22
🌍 World Politics 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.

Large islands, great powers

A User's Guide to History • 235 implied HN points • 17 Jan 24
🌍 World Politics Diplomacy
  1. Great powers can intimidate small neighbors without needing a claim of sovereignty.
  2. The proximity of a small neighbor to a great power can trigger intervention from another great power.
  3. Resolving conflicts between great powers and small neighbors may involve complex diplomatic agreements to maintain stability.

Ma Ying-jeou on Sanae Takaichi's recent remarks on Taiwan

Pekingnology • 64 implied HN points • 15 Nov 25
🌍 World Politics Diplomacy
  1. The remarks made by the new Japanese Prime Minister about Taiwan could lead to serious military concerns. This has upset China and stirred tensions between Japan and China.
  2. Japan's recent stance could remind people of its past militarism, which is a sensitive topic, especially for China. Making comments about military actions in Taiwan might not be wise and can cause more trouble.
  3. The concept of collective self-defense is complicated and usually requires discussions with the U.S. before any actions are taken. Some believe the Prime Minister's comments did not follow this important process.

Syria after Assad

In My Tribe • 577 implied HN points • 09 Dec 24
🌍 World Politics Diplomacy
  1. Syria isn't ready for democracy yet. The country lacks the necessary conditions and institutions to support a democratic system.
  2. After Assad's fall, the rebel groups may struggle to unite due to their different ethnic and political backgrounds. Their divisions could lead to conflict among themselves.
  3. Syria has significant strategic importance to neighboring countries like Turkey, Iran, and Israel. These powers may influence Syria's future to protect their own interests.

Improve the world

A User's Guide to History • 216 implied HN points • 16 Jan 24
🌍 World Politics Diplomacy
  1. Different countries can have different views on civil and human rights, like same-sex marriage.
  2. History shows that change in societal views and laws can be influenced by external pressures.
  3. When advocating for rights, consider the potential impact and approach with caution and respect.

Ukraine's Korea Solution

Diane Francis • 619 implied HN points • 24 Apr 23
🌍 World Politics Diplomacy
  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 Diplomacy
  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 Diplomacy
  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.

Rejected Cabinet Nominees

Thinking about... • 468 implied HN points • 16 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Diplomacy
  1. Some cabinet nominees have been rejected by the Senate in the past, which shows that this is not a common but not unheard of process. It highlights the Senate's role in approving nominees through its 'advice and consent' power.
  2. There have been instances where nominees were found to have serious personal issues or lacked qualifications, leading to their withdrawal or rejection. This raises concerns about the suitability of some of today's nominees.
  3. The history of rejected nominees emphasizes the importance of maintaining standards for cabinet positions. Questions about past employment of undocumented workers should be a part of evaluating nominees, especially given current immigration policies.

Chindia Ruins Russia

Diane Francis • 679 implied HN points • 23 Mar 23
🌍 World Politics 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.

December 29, 2025

Letters from an American • 25 implied HN points • 30 Dec 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Diplomacy
  1. The U.S. has carried out strikes tied to drug trafficking in Venezuela that officials have not fully explained, and reporting indicates the CIA used drones to hit a remote port linked to a gang.
  2. Trump met with Zelensky at Mar-a-Lago after Russia launched heavy strikes on Kyiv; U.S. officials did not greet Zelensky while Trump praised and repeatedly consulted with Putin and pushed a peace approach critics say could cede Ukrainian territory.
  3. Documented past contacts between Trump allies and Russian interests, plus Russia’s economic strain from the war, suggest Putin is pushing for territorial concessions and sanctions relief, and critics worry Trump’s negotiating stance favors those Russian aims.

Weaponizing Antisemitism in Australia to Protect Israel

John’s Substack • 12 implied HN points • 28 Jan 26
🌍 World Politics Diplomacy
  1. Israel's prime minister publicly blamed Australia's prime minister for the Bondi Beach massacre, saying recognition of a Palestinian state had fueled antisemitism and endangered Australian Jews.
  2. Those accusations are presented as false, with no clear evidence that Australia's leadership or society is broadly antisemitic or that recognizing a Palestinian state caused the attack.
  3. The attackers appear more likely motivated by ISIS ideology or by the Gaza war and local ties to an Israeli-linked group rather than classical antisemitism, so their exact motive remains uncertain.

Will America Abandon the Kurds—Again?

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 533 implied HN points • 18 Dec 24
🌍 World Politics Diplomacy
  1. The Kurds in Syria are worried about a possible invasion by Turkish-backed forces and feel betrayed by the lack of support from the U.S.
  2. Despite efforts to negotiate with Turkey, Kurdish leaders believe all diplomatic talks have failed, leaving them in a desperate situation.
  3. Kurdish leaders have reached out to the U.S. for help, emphasizing their role as loyal allies and pleading for protection against the looming threat.

Kabuki Theater with Iran & Russia

John’s Substack • 8 implied HN points • 07 Feb 26
🌍 World Politics Diplomacy
  1. Talks between the US and Iran are unlikely to yield a real agreement because the core dispute — the US demanding Iran give up enrichment while Iran refuses — is basically irreconcilable.
  2. The negotiations often look like Kabuki theater: performative, ritualized talks that routinely go nowhere, much like past US–Russia negotiations.
  3. Even if a deal were reached, Israel would likely still see Iran as a target and pressure would remain for action, so the US would probably continue policies that target Iran as well.

No Way to Win in Iran

John’s Substack • 10 implied HN points • 01 Feb 26
🌍 World Politics Diplomacy
  1. The United States currently has no good military option against Iran, and launching a full-scale attack would be strategically unwise even though it remains possible.
  2. Israel has carried out major strikes on Iran both independently and with U.S. involvement, but it now appears reluctant to join a U.S.-only campaign.
  3. Israeli leaders pushed different U.S. presidents to act—failing with one and succeeding with another—suggesting political maneuvering where one side may be getting played.

A Janus-Faced Administration

Policy Tensor • 334 implied HN points • 27 Feb 23
🌍 World Politics Diplomacy
  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.