The hottest Foreign Policy Substack posts right now

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2025: A Jewish Perspective

In My Tribe • 622 implied HN points • 24 Dec 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy
  1. Israel wants peace but faces deep rejectionism from militant movements that refuse a Jewish state, so responsibility for many civilian deaths lies with groups like Hamas rather than Israel.
  2. Older right-leaning Jews welcome moves against campus antisemitism and DEI and appreciate strong US support for Israel, but they fear heavy-handed tactics could alienate allies and that American backing may not be durable.
  3. Rising antisemitism reflects a broader ideological crisis where Jews become scapegoats, and the suggested remedy is stronger security measures — more intelligence, strict law enforcement, and aggressive action against terrorists — rather than just education.

March 7, 2026

Letters from an American • 31 implied HN points • 08 Mar 26
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy
  1. The president’s public demand for Iran’s “unconditional surrender” and shifting goals show chaotic decision-making with little planning for the aftermath, escalating violence and risking wider regional conflict and global disruption.
  2. The administration is pushing military-style interventions in the Western Hemisphere—calling for an anti-cartel coalition, convening right-wing allies, and openly threatening Cuba—which signals expanded U.S. aggression beyond the Middle East.
  3. Lawmakers and reporters warn that the president’s actions often align with Russian interests, and concerns about ties linked to the Epstein files and reports of Russia aiding Iran raise serious national security and motive questions.

It Shouldn't Have Taken This Much For Mainstream Voices To Start Speaking Up About Gaza

Caitlin’s Newsletter • 4302 implied HN points • 29 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy
  1. Many mainstream voices are finally speaking out about the situation in Gaza, which is seen as a significant shift. It shows that more people are recognizing the severity of the crisis.
  2. The actions and consequences in Gaza have been incredibly harsh and brutal, yet it took a drastic increase in suffering for some to finally react. People are questioning why it took so long for this awareness to grow.
  3. There's a need for society to reflect on its values and beliefs, as past silence on such grave issues indicates a deeper problem. It's important to push for significant changes to prevent similar situations in the future.

The Emperor Has No Brains

TK News by Matt Taibbi • 15573 implied HN points • 21 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy
  1. There's a lot of military tension right now, and the actions being taken could either mean nothing or signal serious problems ahead. It's a risky situation for everyone involved.
  2. Joe Biden's recent appearances and decisions have raised questions about who is really leading NATO and whether he is in control of the situation.
  3. With more advanced weapons being used in the conflict, the potential for escalation is high, and it’s important to pay attention to how this affects global relations.

Bound to Lose

John’s Substack • 16 implied HN points • 14 Mar 26
🌍 World Politics Foreign Policy
  1. A military campaign by the US and Israel against Iran is portrayed as likely to fail and unwinnable.
  2. The Israel lobby is described as a powerful force that shapes and steers US foreign policy decisions.
  3. Those two points are connected: the lobby’s influence helps drive policies that increase the chances of entering a costly, hard-to-win conflict with Iran.
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With largest build-up since Iraq, Trump threatens to go to war for Israel

Aaron Mate • 139 implied HN points • 19 Feb 26
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy
  1. The U.S. has mounted the largest military build-up in the Middle East since the 2003 Iraq invasion, concentrating about one-third of the Navy — including two aircraft carriers — around the Persian Gulf.
  2. The administration is pressuring Iran to abandon its missile deterrent aimed at Israel while offering no sanctions relief.
  3. Even though the president says talks could produce a deal in days, the big build-up and his past behavior make some form of U.S. military action against Iran likely.

Note to Readers & a Twitter War News List

God's Spies by Thomas Neuburger • 80 implied HN points • 02 Mar 26
🌍 World Politics Foreign Policy
  1. Expect more frequent, shorter updates as the Iran war evolves, with quicker notes during active phases.
  2. The conflict could become dangerously large in scope — Israel might be at risk if Iran’s missile advantage overwhelms defenses and the fighting escalates.
  3. A public, actively curated Twitter/X list of Middle East sources is available for real-time tracking; it mixes opinionated and analytical feeds and often posts official announcements and cell-phone footage, so use judgment when following.

Trump's Flaws Make Him Good at the Middle East

Richard Hanania's Newsletter • 1414 implied HN points • 19 Nov 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy
  1. Trump has had notable success in the Middle East, an area that has challenged many previous leaders. This shows that his approach is different from traditional methods.
  2. His relationship with leaders like President Ahmed al-Sharaa of Syria reflects a shift in US policy that some might find surprising.
  3. The traits that help him succeed in the Middle East are often seen as flaws elsewhere, suggesting that a different style can sometimes be effective.

Putin's Hungarian

Diane Francis • 839 implied HN points • 04 Jul 24
🌍 World Politics Foreign Policy
  1. Viktor OrbĂĄn is now leading the EU for six months, but he's got a close relationship with Russia, making him an outsider in European politics.
  2. OrbĂĄn suggested a ceasefire in Ukraine, but his request doesn't align with EU policies and seems irrational given the past invasions.
  3. He's faced criticism for undermining EU values and institutions, raising concerns about the potential impacts on Europe during his presidency.

Divided America is Vulnerable in War

TK News by Matt Taibbi • 5251 implied HN points • 23 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy
  1. Divided opinions in America make the country weaker when it comes to dealing with war. It’s hard to focus on fighting when people can't agree.
  2. Trump's recent military action in Iran has raised concerns about his decision-making and whether it fits with his past promises of avoiding new conflicts.
  3. America's ability to go to war now faces more challenges than before, as internal disagreements may prevent a united front in global matters.

Decline and Fall

The Chris Hedges Report • 621 implied HN points • 27 Dec 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy
  1. The U.S. risks repeating the British Empire’s decline as widespread physical and social deterioration, complacent elites, and increasing militarism weaken the nation and raise the risk of catastrophic conflict.
  2. A modern eugenics-like push is reemerging through pronatalist policies, harsher immigration controls, and tech-driven embryo selection, concentrating decisions about who is considered "fit" to belong to society.
  3. Political leaders ignore systemic poverty and blame the poor while turning to force, spectacle, and hypernationalism, which deepens inequality, corrodes democracy, and accelerates national decay.

Let's Start 2026 with a Bang

The DisInformation Chronicle • 460 implied HN points • 02 Jan 26
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy
  1. The U.S. State Department announced bans and potential deportations for individuals tied to efforts to censor and suppress American viewpoints, including the leader of the Center for Countering Digital Hate.
  2. Leaked internal CCDH documents showed the group’s leadership pursued goals like “killing Musk’s Twitter” and prompting EU/UK regulation, suggesting political aims beyond fighting online hate.
  3. Those revelations generated major media and public attention across the Atlantic, led to a BBC interview, and triggered tangible government and diplomatic consequences.

Deadlocks and Credibility

Bet On It • 140 implied HN points • 12 Feb 26
🌍 World Politics Foreign Policy
  1. The usual worry that countries will take a deal and then betray it is backward; leaders often refuse even to pretend to negotiate on core principles, and that refusal is what keeps many deadlocks in place.
  2. Publicly changing a fundamental stance would be a credible signal of real internal change and would likely trigger major domestic upheaval, so such shifts are rare and unlikely to be mere tricks.
  3. Grandstanding and ideals (Idealpolitik) shape international behavior more than cynical bargaining, so simple payoffs or bribes usually won’t break entrenched conflicts.

This Week in Canada: The Enemy of My Enemy Is My New Friend

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 352 implied HN points • 20 Jan 26
🌍 World Politics Foreign Policy
  1. The prime minister’s visit to China is the first full official trip by a Canadian leader since 2017, marking a notable restart of high-level ties.
  2. Canada is leaning toward China because its relationship with the United States feels less predictable, and Ottawa wants more options and flexibility.
  3. The ceremonial reception and the deal Carney brought home show Canada is being pragmatic and willing to diversify partnerships after years of tension, including the collapse in relations following the detention of two Canadians.

Weekend Update #170: Russian Advances Are Slower Than The Battle Of The Somme

Phillips’s Newsletter • 274 implied HN points • 01 Feb 26
🌍 World Politics Foreign Policy
  1. Russia is suffering extremely high casualties while gaining very little territory, so its offensive is grinding forward at a slow and costly pace.
  2. Russia’s economy and technological base are weak and losing steam, making it hard for Moscow to sustain a successful long-term war effort.
  3. The U.S. president’s public closeness to Putin and optimistic portrayal of talks is giving Russia political cover, undermining tougher action and feeding Ukrainian mistrust.

Niall Ferguson: The Beginning of the End of the Ukraine-Russia War

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 1080 implied HN points • 26 Nov 25
🌍 World Politics Foreign Policy
  1. The U.S. proposed a 28-point peace plan with a Thanksgiving deadline that is informal and being revised as talks continue.
  2. Negotiations have involved leaked documents, meetings in Geneva and Abu Dhabi, and many outside parties, while both sides keep fighting to gain leverage.
  3. Both Ukraine and Russia now need a respite from war, so this initiative may have a better chance of working than skeptics think.

Israel Is Beginning To Choke On Its Own Lies

Caitlin’s Newsletter • 3585 implied HN points • 08 Aug 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy
  1. Israel is planning a major military takeover of Gaza, which many see as forced displacement of Palestinians rather than voluntary migration. Starving a population to make them leave is as harmful as violence.
  2. Trump has the power to influence the situation in Gaza, but he has chosen to ignore the ongoing atrocities, which many believe makes him complicit.
  3. The lies and propaganda surrounding the conflict are becoming unsustainable, and public sentiment is shifting. People are starting to see through the misinformation and questioning the narratives being presented.

Spoils of War?

Doomberg • 382 implied HN points • 07 Jan 26
🌍 World Politics Foreign Policy
  1. A Pro Tier presentation called "Spoils of War? The Oil & Gas Potential of Venezuela" focuses on Venezuela's oil and gas resources and stresses their strategic importance, noting the timing is relevant because of recent events there.
  2. Venezuela's role in Trump's agenda has been highlighted as important, with attention to that connection going back to before his inauguration.
  3. The detailed analysis is behind a paywall and available only to Pro subscribers, requiring an upgrade or sign-in to access the full presentation.

We Need To Talk About Judeo-Christian Terrorism

JoeWrote • 48 implied HN points • 06 Mar 26
🌍 World Politics Foreign Policy
  1. The United States and Israel have carried out attacks that deliberately harm civilians, including repeat "double-tap" strikes, and these actions can be seen as state terrorism that causes horrific suffering.
  2. Extremist strains within parts of Christian and Jewish communities openly justify or celebrate mass violence, and that religious support helps legitimize and drive these attacks.
  3. Government justifications for war are often inconsistent or misleading, so people need to confront and challenge the political and religious supporters who defend these crimes.

Trump’s Best Friend in Europe May Lose His Election

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 217 implied HN points • 02 Feb 26
🌍 World Politics Foreign Policy
  1. Viktor Orbán has built a right‑wing supermajority and ruled for years, but his hold on power looks vulnerable and opponents could beat him in the April election.
  2. PĂŠter Magyar and his Tisza party have been doing grassroots relief like delivering firewood and shovels in poor villages, showing they can fill gaps left by the government and gain political momentum.
  3. OrbĂĄn is a key European ally of Donald Trump, so his potential defeat would have implications beyond Hungary and could reshape international political alignments.

No, "tactical surprise" is not a good reason to ignore the Constitution, Congress, or the American people before starting a war (ANY war, not just the one we're in now)

Unreported Truths • 19 implied HN points • 15 Mar 26
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy
  1. The Constitution gives Congress the power to declare war, so presidents shouldn’t skip Congress or the public just to preserve a claimed tactical advantage.
  2. Arguments that lawmakers will leak plans or that debate would give the enemy time are weak and don’t justify hiding broad war aims from Congress.
  3. Pure tactical surprise rarely delivers lasting victory, and military success alone can’t solve political problems, so leaders should require clear goals, risks, and timelines before committing to war.

Weekend Update #169: A Corruption Riddle Solved

Phillips’s Newsletter • 327 implied HN points • 25 Jan 26
🌍 World Politics Foreign Policy
  1. The Board of Peace is built so its chairman has near-total control over large sums with little oversight, creating a clear risk that seized or donated funds could be funneled to the chair for personal or political use.
  2. Zelensky used his Davos speech to warn that the United States under Trump cannot be relied on, urging Europe to stop waiting for America, build its own strength, and recognize Ukraine’s central role in European security.
  3. Ukraine’s 2026 military plan aims to inflict very heavy Russian casualties—targeting up to 50,000 per month—while reducing Ukrainian losses through tighter management, precision operations, and intelligence-driven tactics.

Foreign Lobbying Is Booming in Trump’s Washington

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 102 implied HN points • 19 Feb 26
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy
  1. Foreign governments and companies are spending big on Washington lobbyists to get access to the Trump administration.
  2. Since the 2024 election there have been over 380 new foreign lobbying registrations, a higher total than in the comparable period under any of the last seven presidents.
  3. Critics say this boom clashes with "America First" goals, because tariff fights and new trade deals are creating lucrative opportunities for lobbyists to influence policy.

Big Trouble Ahead in Iran

John’s Substack • 49 implied HN points • 03 Mar 26
🌍 World Politics Foreign Policy
  1. The United States was pulled into the Iran war largely because of Israeli influence, and Iran did not pose a direct threat to the US.
  2. For the US and Israel to truly 'win' they'd need to remove Iran's leaders and install a government that answers to them, which is very unlikely.
  3. Iran only needs to survive politically to succeed; even heavy military damage won't matter if the regime endures or is replaced by a government that won't kowtow to the US and Israel.

March 5, 2026

Letters from an American • 32 implied HN points • 06 Mar 26
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy
  1. The president is acting unpredictably and trying to personally influence foreign leaders and military decisions, pressuring allies and claiming authority over other countries' leadership.
  2. The administration is facing growing legal and political setbacks at home, with courts ordering tariff refunds, lawsuits over new trade measures, and prosecutors backing away from politically driven inquiries.
  3. Testimony about the homeland security department exposed accusations of corruption, obstruction, and the politicized labeling of opponents as "domestic terrorism," prompting bipartisan outrage and calls for accountability.

Exxon Presents: Regime Change™

The Rubesletter by Matt Ruby (of Vooza) | Sent every Tuesday • 427 implied HN points • 05 Jan 26
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy
  1. U.S. moves on Venezuela are mostly about oil and profit, with big oil companies and military contractors standing to gain from regime change.
  2. Toppling a dictator can feel like a win, but forced regime change risks major instability and harm to ordinary Venezuelans even if some people celebrate.
  3. Political leaders are likely to wrap resource grabs in patriotic or populist language, normalizing militarized actions and ignoring the hypocrisy of criticizing 'socialism' while seizing foreign assets.

Trump Keeps His Promise on Iran. The World Is Safer for It.

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 4623 implied HN points • 22 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy
  1. Trump promised to stop Iran from getting nuclear weapons and acted on that promise with a military strike.
  2. The U.S. used powerful bombs to hit Iran's nuclear sites, which other countries might not have been able to damage as effectively.
  3. Despite some opposition from within his team, Trump made a bold choice to protect global safety.

Lawrence Wong’s Words, Heard in Stereo

Pekingnology • 135 implied HN points • 17 Feb 26
🌍 World Politics Foreign Policy
  1. Small states need to be masters of their own destiny, relying on resilience, social cohesion, and a clear commitment to self‑defence rather than size alone.
  2. Historical memories and great‑power narratives strongly shape regional reactions, so remarks about Japan or China can be amplified and interpreted through emotional, national lenses.
  3. Practiced diplomatic balance matters: staying principled and flexible lets a small country avoid dependency or unnecessary antagonism while navigating rising China–Japan tensions.

What Will the Future Look Like in the ‘New World Order?’ (w/ John Mearsheimer) | The Chris Hedges Report

The Chris Hedges Report • 174 implied HN points • 05 Feb 26
🌍 World Politics Foreign Policy
  1. A U.S. leader who favors unilateral use of military and economic power and dismisses international institutions and allies can dismantle the post‑war rules‑based order and leave the country isolated.
  2. The world has shifted from unipolarity to multipolarity with China as a formidable great power, making East Asia the primary strategic flashpoint and increasing the risk of dangerous crises despite deep economic ties.
  3. Eroding the rule of law at home and gutting soft‑power tools while doubling down on fossil‑fuel economics will weaken U.S. influence, harm long‑term competitiveness, and raise the chances of domestic authoritarianism or reckless foreign adventures.

Former CIA station chief requests imprisonment delay to prevent 'grave physical harm' from drug traffickers at FDC Miami

All-Source Intelligence Fusion • 447 implied HN points • 04 Jan 26
📰 News Foreign Policy
  1. A 69-year-old former CIA chief asked to delay his prison surrender, saying placement in FDC Miami would expose him to “grave physical harm” because many inmates are accused narcotics offenders from South America.
  2. He was convicted and sentenced to two concurrent 366-day terms for selling access to classified information through the lobbying firm BGR; the case drew sharp criticism from some former colleagues while his lawyer highlighted his prior covert service.
  3. After legal filings, the Bureau of Prisons corrected his facility designation on January 5 and his counsel withdrew the transfer motions, a development that occurred alongside other high-profile detention disputes such as the Robert Sensi matter.

The U.S. Needs Israeli Innovation for Our Defense

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 602 implied HN points • 23 Dec 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy
  1. American security relies on Israeli experience, technology, and close collaboration because those contributions make the United States safer.
  2. There is a sharp divide in conservative circles, with some saying Israel is an ally and others calling it a liability that drags the U.S. into wars.
  3. Critics ask what the U.S. gets from the relationship, but the practical defense benefits of partnering with Israel are presented as clear reasons to maintain it.

The Fall of Rome, Updated

Unsafe • 3871 implied HN points • 31 Jan 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy
  1. Evaluation of threats should consider what kills more U.S. citizens.
  2. Americans are being murdered by foreigners in the country and deployments need reevaluation.
  3. Border security should prioritize protecting American citizens and addressing illegal entry.

I Served in the CIA’s Zero Units in Afghanistan

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 922 implied HN points • 28 Nov 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy
  1. The CIA’s Zero Units were teams of Afghan recruits trained and run directly by the U.S. to hunt senior al-Qaeda and Taliban leaders, carrying out dangerous missions like night raids.
  2. A person from that program has been accused of a brutal attack, but one individual's actions should not be used to demonize all Afghan partners.
  3. These units created close, complicated ties between U.S. operatives and Afghan fighters and played a central role in counterterrorism efforts after 9/11.

A Ukrainian Victory Strategy

Phillips’s Newsletter • 169 implied HN points • 10 Feb 26
🌍 World Politics Foreign Policy
  1. Ukrainians are actively thinking through a strategic, nuanced plan for how to achieve victory.
  2. Some Western reporting, including recent Wall Street Journal pieces, misrepresents or misunderstands that strategy and promotes misleading narratives like claims about sending the youngest people to the front.
  3. There is a substantive Ukrainian strategic discussion underway that is more complex than many Western observers appreciate.

Upcoming Podcast: What Should I Ask State Department's Sarah Rogers?

The DisInformation Chronicle • 300 implied HN points • 11 Jan 26
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy
  1. The State Department announced bans and potential deportations for five foreign individuals accused of coordinating censorship and demonetization of American viewpoints, naming figures like Imran Ahmed of CCDH.
  2. Under Secretary Sarah Rogers spent weeks in Europe pressing counterparts to push back on laws like the UK Online Safety Act, which sparked sharp criticism from some European officials who called the U.S. actions a witch hunt.
  3. There will be a podcast interview with Under Secretary Rogers about her Europe trip and related First Amendment issues, and listeners—especially paid subscribers—are invited to submit questions for the conversation.

Mantic Monday: Judgment Day

Astral Codex Ten • 13283 implied HN points • 05 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy
  1. Elections can feel like a wild rollercoaster ride, creating a lot of anxiety and drama for everyone involved. Many people are so tense about the outcomes that it can affect their mental health.
  2. Prediction markets offer a way for people to bet on outcomes, but they can be unreliable. Sometimes, one big bet can skew results, leading to people misinterpreting the chances of candidates.
  3. In the end, elections are more than just picking leaders; they're a moment where everyone feels the weight of the future. It's a reminder of our shared hopes and fears, no matter our backgrounds.

The most dangerous man in America

Comment is Freed • 187 implied HN points • 04 Feb 26
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy
  1. Stephen Miller is the central power in the administration, shaping policy across immigration, economics, and national security and drafting many recent executive orders.
  2. The brutal Minneapolis killing showed public opinion can force a rare, temporary retreat, but ICE operations and broader repression have largely continued.
  3. Miller links Trump to the radical right and pushes an increasingly authoritarian agenda, and his closeness to the president makes him hard to remove despite repeated controversies.

It's A Genocide, But It's Also So Much More Than That

Caitlin’s Newsletter • 3460 implied HN points • 23 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy
  1. The situation in Gaza is not just a genocide; it's also a test of how much abuse people will tolerate without pushing back.
  2. It's a reflection of deeper issues like racism and imperialism that show who we really are as a society.
  3. This crisis can motivate people to seek real change and ask what kind of world they want to create in the future.