The hottest European Politics Substack posts right now

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Top Links 650 Why Europe and India are still buying Russian energy. Friedman and Schwartz disaggregated. Cuba in Africa and the decline of the all-nighter.

Chartbook • 386 implied HN points • 15 Feb 25
🌍 World Politics International relations Energy Politics Geopolitics European Politics
  1. Europe and India continue to purchase Russian energy because it remains cheap and reliable. This reliance is significant even amidst global tensions.
  2. The discussion includes analysis from Friedman and Schwartz, providing insights into different perspectives regarding energy purchases.
  3. There are broader topics addressed, like Cuba's role in Africa and cultural shifts such as the decline of late-night activities, suggesting a variety of social dynamics at play.

What Europe Should Have Done To Prepare For With Trump

Phillips’s Newsletter • 146 implied HN points • 03 Mar 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics International relations Military Policy Political parties European Politics
  1. Europe needs to prepare for possible changes in U.S. support, especially if a populist leader who is not pro-NATO comes to power. This could affect their security and NATO's strength.
  2. The divide between U.S. political views on support for Ukraine and European perspectives is growing. European countries, especially those near Russia, see the war as a direct threat.
  3. If the U.S. reduces support for Ukraine, Europe must step up its military production and planning. Countries need to work together to ensure they can defend themselves effectively.

Why is Europe Staying in an Abusive Relationship?

Phillips’s Newsletter • 174 implied HN points • 28 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Relations Political Analysis International relations Trump presidency European Politics
  1. Europe feels trapped in a bad relationship with Trump, similar to how people stay in abusive situations due to fear and intimidation.
  2. Many European leaders don't recognize the unhealthy dynamics at play, which causes them to excuse Trump's actions instead of addressing their own weaknesses.
  3. To truly protect themselves, Europe needs to acknowledge the reality of this relationship and start acting more independently and confidently.

Things Worth Remembering: ‘He Died Standing Up’

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 5634 implied HN points • 05 Jan 25
🌐 International Terrorism European Politics
  1. Ten years ago, a terrible attack happened at Charlie Hebdo, killing many people, including the editor. It was one of the worst attacks on free press in recent history.
  2. The world seemed to unite in support for the victims, but not everyone was truly in favor of defending free speech. Many participated in demonstrations but didn't stand up for the values that were attacked.
  3. The notion of freedom of speech is worth defending, even if it comes at a cost. True support for the press means standing firmly by the principles, not just holding pencils in solidarity.

Germany’s Neglect of National Interests

Glenn’s Substack • 939 implied HN points • 10 Sep 24
🌍 World Politics Nationalism International relations European Politics Security Studies Political theory
  1. Germany's current approach to foreign policy often neglects its own national interests, which could lead to negative consequences for the country.
  2. There is a historical pattern of Germany sacrificing its interests for external powers, similar to its past under France and now the US.
  3. A rise in nationalism may occur as a reaction to this neglect, with people seeking to reclaim control over their national identity and sovereignty.
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DWN Interview with Harald Kujat: Ukraine Support Without Peace Strategy

Glenn’s Substack • 659 implied HN points • 08 Sep 24
🌍 World Politics International relations Geopolitics Conflict Studies European Politics Security Studies Diplomacy
  1. Neither Ukraine nor Russia can truly win the war. Both sides are unlikely to achieve their political goals, and ongoing support from the West may not change the military balance.
  2. Ukraine's recent offensive into Russian territory may turn out to be a risky move rather than a game-changer. The action could lead to greater military challenges as Ukraine stretches its resources thin.
  3. A peaceful resolution to the conflict seems increasingly distant. Both sides have strong preconditions for negotiations, and external factors like upcoming U.S. elections could impact the situation further.

Georgia On My Mind

Doomberg • 6668 implied HN points • 09 Feb 25
🌍 World Politics Geopolitics International relations European Politics U.S. foreign policy Conflict Studies
  1. The end of unipolarity makes Europe vulnerable and could lead to significant changes in global power dynamics.
  2. Georgia's political turmoil shows the influence of outside forces like the EU and Russia in the region.
  3. A shift towards a multipolar world means countries need to focus more on their own national interests rather than trying to solve every global issue.

German Dysfunction

Diane Francis • 1079 implied HN points • 05 Aug 24
🌍 World Politics International relations Geopolitics European Politics Defense Policy Security Studies
  1. Germany, despite being the richest and largest economy in Europe, has been slow to take charge in defending against Russian aggression.
  2. Recent military budget cuts indicate a lack of commitment to support Ukraine effectively, raising concerns about Germany's leadership role in Europe.
  3. Historical factors like post-war guilt and strong business ties to Russia influence Germany's cautious stance towards military involvement.

Europe's absent-minded revolution

Wrong Side of History • 759 implied HN points • 10 Dec 24
🌍 World Politics Migration Populism European Politics Cultural Issues Social Policy
  1. Europe is experiencing a political shift to the right, with right-wing populist parties gaining support and power in multiple countries. This reflects a broader public concern about immigration and economic challenges.
  2. The initial intent behind mass immigration to Europe was to fill labor gaps, but many assumptions about immigrants and their integration proved to be wrong. As a result, tensions have risen over the cultural and economic impacts of immigration.
  3. The debate over immigration in Europe is more about culture and community than economics. Many people value cultural sameness and fear the changes that immigration brings to their society.

The Not-So-Marvelous Mrs. Merkel

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 830 implied HN points • 12 Dec 24
🌍 World Politics International relations Political History European Politics
  1. Angela Merkel was once seen as a strong leader for Western democracy, especially during challenging times in 2016.
  2. Despite her efforts to do what she thought was right, Merkel's time in power is now viewed as having many mistakes.
  3. Her memoir reflects on her life and leadership, but she seems to avoid acknowledging her role in the issues that arose during her chancellorship.

Hitler's Avatar

Diane Francis • 2078 implied HN points • 01 Apr 24
🌍 World Politics International relations Geopolitics Military Strategy Conflict analysis European Politics
  1. Czech President Petr Pavel believes that Europe is in danger of war again, much like it was before World War II. He wants to support Ukraine to prevent further conflict.
  2. Pavel has organized the delivery of a lot of ammunition to Ukraine quickly because he thinks if Ukraine loses, Europe will also be at risk.
  3. European leaders are starting to take the threat from Russia seriously and are discussing actions they might need to take to prepare for possible conflict. Pavel advises readiness, not fear, regarding the situation.

How Can Ukraine's Security Be Guaranteed?

Comment is Freed • 86 implied HN points • 28 Jan 25
🌍 World Politics International relations Security Studies European Politics Conflict resolution Defense Policy
  1. Security guarantees are important for protecting vulnerable nations like Ukraine from aggression. They help reassure those nations that allies will come to their aid if needed.
  2. Ukraine's past experiences, like the Budapest Memorandum, make them skeptical about security promises. When international support was needed, Ukraine found itself largely abandoned.
  3. To truly deter future aggression, Ukraine needs strong commitments from NATO or a substantial multinational force. This could help prevent another attack and show that the international community stands with Ukraine.

Will Belgium become Europe's next hard-right government?

Gulf Stream Blues • 19 implied HN points • 18 Oct 24
🌍 World Politics Political Systems European Politics Federalism Nationalism
  1. Belgium is experiencing a rise in far-right politics, similar to trends in Italy and the Netherlands. This means more far-right parties could gain power in Europe.
  2. The New Flemish Alliance (N-VA) has been the largest party in Belgium for years, advocating for more regional control and less federal influence. They want a system where regions manage their own taxes.
  3. Belgium's complicated political system is affecting its unity, with ongoing debates about taxation and regional independence. Many believe the country functions more like separate states instead of a united nation.

What is "Anti-European" and what are the Costs of our Manichean Mindset?

Glenn’s Substack • 419 implied HN points • 21 Jun 24
🌍 World Politics International relations Military conflict European Politics Geopolitical analysis
  1. Open discussion about complex issues, like the war in Ukraine, is important. Without it, we can't find real solutions.
  2. Different countries have various views on what 'Europe' means, affecting how they see issues like democracy and values.
  3. The media often simplifies conflicts into good vs. evil, which can stop meaningful debate and compromise from happening.

An Analysis of AI Political Preferences from a European Perspective

Rozado’s Visual Analytics • 383 implied HN points • 28 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Bias AI Ethics Policy Analysis European Politics Political Ideologies
  1. Most AI models show a clear left-leaning bias in their policy recommendations for Europe and the UK. They often suggest ideas like social housing and rent control.
  2. AI models have a tendency to view left-leaning political leaders and parties more positively compared to their right-leaning counterparts. This means they are more favorable towards leftist ideologies.
  3. When discussing extreme political views, AI models generally express negative sentiments towards far-right ideas, while being more neutral toward far-left ones.

Macron's Manifesto

Diane Francis • 1139 implied HN points • 14 Mar 24
🌍 World Politics International relations Military Strategy European Politics Geopolitics Security Issues
  1. Macron believes Europe needs to support Ukraine strongly, even considering sending troops. He's pushing for unity among European nations to confront the threat from Russia.
  2. France aims to become Europe's military leader, filling the gap left by Germany's cautious approach. Macron emphasizes that Europe needs to strengthen its own defense capabilities.
  3. There's a growing realization among European leaders that they need to increase military spending. Countries like Poland are already looking to invest more in their defense amid the ongoing conflict.

Germany: A Political not an Industry Problem?

CDR Salamander • 1120 implied HN points • 30 Jan 24
🌍 World Politics Military European Politics Security International relations NATO
  1. Germany is facing a security challenge due to political issues more than industry problems.
  2. Europe struggles to defend against threats with minimal naval power from major Continental European nations.
  3. The lack of military strength in Europe, particularly in Germany, poses significant challenges due to demographic shifts, political disruptions, and economic factors.

Would Europe Be Better Off Without NATO?

Phillips’s Newsletter • 103 implied HN points • 13 Dec 24
🌍 World Politics International relations Security Studies European Politics Geopolitical Strategy
  1. Some people think NATO is very important for Europe, but others believe Europe should think about defending itself without relying on NATO.
  2. There are worries that NATO might not protect European interests and could even make things worse for Europe in a changing world.
  3. Many believe Europe should not ignore global threats and that it needs to rethink its security and defense strategies for the future.

Winter is Coming

Diane Francis • 959 implied HN points • 23 Nov 23
🌍 World Politics Geopolitics Conflicts International relations Security Issues European Politics
  1. Ukrainian President Zelensky warned that Russian forces are planning to attempt a coup in Ukraine by the end of 2023. He has already survived multiple assassination attempts.
  2. Zelensky stressed the importance of Ukraine's fight for freedom, stating that a Russian victory would threaten NATO countries like the Baltics and Poland.
  3. He urged global powers like China and the U.S. to pressure Russia to stop its aggression, highlighting the need for unity among Ukrainians and their allies.

What Europe is Missing.

Phillips’s Newsletter • 115 implied HN points • 26 Nov 24
🌍 World Politics Defense Policy International relations European Politics Security Studies Geopolitics
  1. European countries are starting to talk about their own military actions, especially regarding Ukraine. This shows a shift in how they view their defense responsibilities.
  2. There's a question about whether Europe can really defend itself without support from the USA. Many believe that it's not just about ability, but also mindset.
  3. The main issue isn't capability; it's whether European nations can picture themselves being independent in defense matters. It's more about perception than actual strength.

Poland's Alarm

Diane Francis • 919 implied HN points • 20 Apr 23
🌍 World Politics Geopolitics Military International relations Security European Politics
  1. Poland is increasing its military to protect against Russian threats, wanting to lead Europe in security efforts. This shows Poland's strong belief in standing up to aggressors.
  2. European leaders need to pay attention to warnings about rising threats from Russia and China. If they ignore these problems, it could lead to bigger issues for the whole continent.
  3. There is a need for unity among European countries to ensure their security. Smaller nations are stepping up while larger ones like Germany and France may not be doing enough.

Europe/Germany Has Failed (Because Ukraine Did Better Than Expected)

Phillips’s Newsletter • 91 implied HN points • 15 Oct 24
🌍 World Politics International relations European Politics National Security Military Strategy Geopolitics
  1. Europe has struggled to respond effectively to major challenges, leading to divisions and inaction among its countries and institutions.
  2. The 'Zeitenwende' speech by Germany's Chancellor Scholz marked a significant moment, but it hasn't led to the expected changes in Europe's stance after the invasion of Ukraine.
  3. There are doubts about whether Europe can succeed as a united entity in the face of these challenges, especially when relying on external influences to force action.

Germany's World War III

Diane Francis • 659 implied HN points • 23 Jan 23
🌍 World Politics Geopolitics Military Affairs International relations Security Studies European Politics
  1. Germany is hesitating to send military help to Ukraine, especially with tanks. Many believe this delay is tied to Germany's historical guilt from World War II.
  2. Germany's political decisions have made the situation worse, as they prioritize their own concerns over supporting Ukraine and the alliance against Russia.
  3. The need for Ukraine to regain its territory, especially Crimea, is urgent, and some leaders argue that supporting Ukraine more decisively can help democracy and stability in the region.

Germany's Folly

Diane Francis • 539 implied HN points • 27 Jan 22
🌍 World Politics International relations Energy Policy Nuclear Energy European Politics Geopolitics
  1. Germany is shutting down its nuclear plants, which is risky. This decision has made them rely more on energy from Russia.
  2. The move away from nuclear energy could harm Germany and Europe in the long run. It's raising concerns about energy security.
  3. This situation highlights the challenges of energy policy and its consequences on a country's independence and safety.

Saturday Commentary and Review #132

Fisted by Foucault • 220 implied HN points • 29 Jul 23
🌍 World Politics US Politics European Politics Cultural influence
  1. The 2024 US Presidential Election campaign is crucial, with Trump vs. US Elites as a central battle.
  2. There is a concerning rise in disability claims by college students, impacting education standards.
  3. The shift towards Americanization in UK politics and the EU, and the influence of German band Rammstein, reflect cultural and political changes.

Angela's Ashes

Diane Francis • 359 implied HN points • 27 Sep 21
🌍 World Politics International relations Political Leadership Geopolitics European Politics Conflict resolution
  1. Germany is in a tricky situation as it looks for a new chancellor after Angela Merkel. The process will take time, which leaves the country in uncertainty for a few months.
  2. Merkel's leadership is seen as problematic due to her close ties with Putin, especially with decisions like welcoming a large number of refugees and supporting the Nord Stream 2 pipeline.
  3. The next German government might struggle to deal with Europe’s challenges because it could be made up of several conflicting parties, potentially weakening Germany's position in the EU.