The hottest Foreign Policy Substack posts right now

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Top World Politics Topics
steigan.no 6 implied HN points 27 Nov 24
  1. NATO countries have been avoiding diplomatic talks with Russia despite ongoing violence and deaths. This decision has been presented to the public as morally justifiable, but it could have helped reduce conflict and potentially led to peace.
  2. Politicians and media have created a narrative where diplomacy is seen as betrayal and continuing the war is viewed as virtuous. This setup has led to a long conflict aimed at weakening Russia by prolonging the war, even at the cost of Ukrainian lives.
  3. There is growing discontent among the Ukrainian population regarding the war, and many do not support continuing to fight. The harsh reality is leading to calls for peace and negotiations, but those advocating for this are often criticized or labeled negative terms.
steigan.no 6 implied HN points 25 Nov 24
  1. The Global South is struggling with climate change but lacks the financial support needed to combat it. Richer countries need to step up and provide real help instead of just promises.
  2. Many jobs today seem unnecessary or 'bullshit' and don't contribute meaningfully to society. People are starting to question the value of these roles in improving lives and communities.
  3. Economic sanctions used by powerful countries can harm innocent people and hinder development in targeted nations. This strategy often acts as a substitute for traditional warfare, leading to long-lasting negative effects.
Pen>Sword 59 implied HN points 27 Aug 23
  1. Denmark is taking steps to ban Quran burnings in response to widespread anti-Muslim protests and hate crimes.
  2. Free speech has been misused as an excuse for Islamophobic actions, such as Quran burnings, in Denmark and other Western democracies.
  3. Pressure from Muslim-majority nations and organizations is pushing Denmark to address Islamophobia, showing the impact of external pressure on the treatment of Muslim minorities in Western nations.
Diane Francis 519 implied HN points 15 Apr 21
  1. Biden's decision to withdraw troops from Afghanistan was seen as smart, but his handling of the situation with Putin and Ukraine was not viewed the same way. Engaging in talks without firm actions may show weakness.
  2. Putin operates by different rules and often violates agreements, making it hard for the West to effectively respond. The trust in diplomacy alone is misplaced when dealing with aggressive actions.
  3. To genuinely challenge Putin, the U.S. needs to adopt a stronger stance. This involves military readiness and severe economic sanctions rather than just discussions or temporary measures.
steigan.no 7 implied HN points 14 Nov 24
  1. Fyresdal plans to build a huge data center that could create 100 new jobs and change the community forever. It will involve significant investments in construction and infrastructure.
  2. Turkey's president, Erdoğan, announced that Turkey has cut all ties with Israel, emphasizing a commitment to hold Israel accountable for its actions in Gaza.
  3. Trump has chosen John Ratcliffe to lead the CIA, who is known for advocating strong surveillance powers and has a tough stance on China.
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Diane Francis 419 implied HN points 16 Aug 21
  1. The U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan shows that military actions alone can't solve complex political issues. After years of involvement, the Afghan government fell apart quickly without Western support.
  2. History shows that invading countries often leads to more problems, like the rise of terrorist groups. Similar mistakes made in Iraq created chaos and suffering that continue today.
  3. Effective ways to fight terrorism might be better funding for early warning systems and surveillance instead of waging wars. Wars rarely lead to peace and stability.
Diane Francis 459 implied HN points 06 May 21
  1. Jamal Khashoggi was a journalist who was killed gruesomely in a Saudi consulate, which raised international outcry. His death highlighted serious issues with human rights in Saudi Arabia.
  2. Jared Kushner and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman worked together closely, reshaping alliances in the Middle East. Their relationship had significant implications for U.S. foreign policy and the potential sale of nuclear technology.
  3. Despite controversies and ethical questions surrounding Kushner's dealings during the Trump administration, he has continued to amass wealth and influence in the region, showing how personal and political interests can intertwine.
steigan.no 6 implied HN points 18 Nov 24
  1. The World Bank is facing scrutiny for losing track of up to $41 billion in climate funds, which raises concerns about transparency and accountability in climate financing.
  2. Fish farming can harm natural ecosystems because it reduces fish diversity and can lead to disease, highlighting the need for better management of aquaculture.
  3. The political landscape around Ukraine and Russia is tense, with concerns that escalating conflicts could further complicate relations and lead to dangerous consequences.
Diane Francis 459 implied HN points 19 Apr 21
  1. Putin is focused on creating chaos and doesn't want peace or cooperation with the West. He sees opportunities to pressure Ukraine and other countries while the world leaders struggle to understand his motives.
  2. Dugin's ideas from 1997 have guided Russia's aggressive actions and ambitions to form a Eurasian Empire. His strategies have played out in global events, showing how he anticipated and influenced major geopolitical shifts.
  3. The best way to deal with Putin is not through diplomacy but by taking strong actions. Countries need to prepare to retaliate against Russia's moves and support Ukraine directly to deter further aggression.
Diane Francis 379 implied HN points 19 Aug 21
  1. The U.S. learned from the Soviet Union's mistakes in Afghanistan, realizing that trying to change a country's culture and society through force leads to failure.
  2. America's methods of foreign intervention have damaged its credibility, making allies nervous and other nations skeptical of U.S. reliability in crises.
  3. Instead of military force, America should focus on diplomatic and economic strategies to build relationships and influence other countries, similar to China's approach with projects like the Belt and Road Initiative.
The Weekly Gazette 7 implied HN points 06 Nov 24
  1. Wars often have long-lasting effects that can lead to more conflict. Decisions made by governments can come back to haunt them, affecting many people.
  2. Supporting certain groups in conflicts can backfire. For example, funding groups like Hamas can lead to more violence and problems later on.
  3. Understanding the history of conflicts helps us see why they happen. Lessons from the past can guide better choices for peace in the future.
steigan.no 7 implied HN points 04 Nov 24
  1. Mossad was reportedly spying on Italy's Prime Minister Meloni, raising serious concerns about national security and privacy. This has led to calls for an investigation by Italian authorities.
  2. Idaho has decided to stop offering COVID-19 vaccines in its health clinics, which is seen as a historical move reflecting growing skepticism about vaccine safety. This could signal a shift in public health policy across the U.S.
  3. A Ukrainian veteran warned that Ukraine needs to mobilize a significant number of troops soon or face potential defeat. This highlights the urgent and dire situation facing the Ukrainian military in the ongoing conflict.
steigan.no 5 implied HN points 24 Nov 24
  1. France is supporting Ukraine's military actions, allowing it to attack Russian territory without restrictions. This shows a significant commitment to helping Ukraine defend itself against perceived Russian aggression.
  2. There is a growing concern over the safety and ethics of popular weight loss drugs, with multiple lawsuits citing serious stomach problems. People are questioning whether manufacturers properly warned about the risks of these medications.
  3. New U.S. legislation targets pro-Palestinian organizations, allowing the government to revoke their tax-exempt status. This raises fears about political repression and the potential silencing of humanitarian voices related to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
steigan.no 7 implied HN points 02 Nov 24
  1. The media like the New York Times and BBC suggest that the West is losing the war against Russia in Ukraine. People in Ukraine are growing frustrated and wish for peace talks.
  2. Some notable figures caution that the current strategies in Ukraine are not working as losses continue to mount. This creates a sense of hopelessness among both soldiers and civilians.
  3. Critics argue that misinformation and propaganda in media affect public perception, pushing narratives that might not fully represent the truth of ongoing conflicts.
steigan.no 8 implied HN points 22 Oct 24
  1. Norway is providing a significant amount of money, 3.2 billion euros, to support democracy in various EU countries. However, many in Norway are concerned about the lack of funding for local services like schools and hospitals.
  2. The recent EU victory in Moldova's referendum was very narrow and reflects a divided opinion among the people. Many local voters opposed joining the EU, but overseas Moldovans influenced the result in favor of it.
  3. Israel's airstrikes in Lebanon have severely damaged financial institutions linked to Hezbollah. This has resulted in civilian evacuations and heightened tensions in the region, with many people affected by the ongoing conflict.
Kvetch 50 implied HN points 11 Feb 24
  1. Australia is considered a sub-imperial power, closely aligned with US leadership in an imperial order, rather than an exploited colony.
  2. The 'rules-based international order' post-WWII primarily serves US power abroad and manages public opinion, rather than benefiting humanity as a whole.
  3. Australia's defense and foreign policy operates under secrecy to maintain its role as a US sub-imperial power, putting US expectations above the interests of its own citizens.
John’s Substack 6 implied HN points 07 Nov 24
  1. The speaker recently returned from a trip to Europe and resumed their regular discussions on a show called 'Judging Freedom' with Judge Napolitano.
  2. They talked about concerning foreign policy issues that are currently affecting the world.
  3. The discussions are often seen as depressing due to the serious nature of the topics covered.
Diane Francis 359 implied HN points 08 Jul 21
  1. Biden's decision to waive sanctions on the Nord Stream 2 pipeline has been criticized as a major mistake, as it benefits Russia and threatens Ukraine's security.
  2. Putin has taken aggressive actions against Ukraine and the U.S. in response to perceived weakness from Biden, which has raised concerns in both countries.
  3. There are discussions about how to prevent Russia from using energy as a tool for coercion, but many believe these measures won't be effective against a determined Putin.
Diane Francis 379 implied HN points 24 May 21
  1. Biden has been criticized for not imposing tough sanctions on Russia, especially regarding the Nord Stream 2 pipeline. It's believed that this could give Putin more power over Europe.
  2. Some experts warn that Russia's pipelines are a strategic move to make Europe dependent on their gas and undermine Ukraine. This could lead to bigger conflicts in the region.
  3. There are concerns that Biden's decisions might weaken the U.S. position globally and upset allies. Many believe that appeasing Russia could lead to more problems in the future.
steigan.no 6 implied HN points 08 Nov 24
  1. Kenya wants to join the BRICS group and is asking China for help. The country aims to strengthen its ties with China after being close to the US.
  2. Donald Trump's return to power could change Europe’s politics significantly. His isolationist views might lead European countries to reconsider their military dependencies on the US.
  3. Slovakia has decided not to provide military aid to Ukraine, expressing concerns about the ongoing conflict and stating that sending weapons will not lead to peace.
steigan.no 3 implied HN points 16 Dec 24
  1. The Munich analogy, often used in political discussions, oversimplifies complex current events by comparing them to past conflicts, which may not be relevant today.
  2. In the Ukraine war, military actions appear inevitable as both sides perceive each other as existential threats, raising concerns about the potential for wider conflict.
  3. Recent studies predict a more severe pandemic than COVID-19, emphasizing the risks of using fear to impose compliance with stringent measures in the future.
Diane Francis 359 implied HN points 17 Jun 21
  1. The summit between Biden and Putin achieved little, mainly setting up future meetings rather than resolving any immediate problems. It seems like both leaders had different goals that weren’t really met.
  2. Biden’s tough talk didn’t seem to faze Putin, who has a track record of ignoring agreements and continuing aggressive actions. The meeting didn’t convince anyone that Putin will change his behavior.
  3. There are ongoing threats from Russia, especially with their actions in Ukraine and cyberattacks, but the focus from some in the media was more on soundbites than serious questions about these issues. This summit didn't really address the real dangers.
steigan.no 9 implied HN points 07 Oct 24
  1. The Norwegian Oil Fund isn't performing as well as many think. Its returns, when measured in gold rather than currency, indicate a significant loss since 1998.
  2. Recent geopolitical tensions could lead to a meeting between US President Biden and Russian President Putin, especially with the ongoing crisis in the Middle East affecting US-Israel relations.
  3. Burkina Faso is planning to withdraw mining permits from foreign companies to increase its own gold production and retain more wealth in the country.
Diane Francis 359 implied HN points 10 Jun 21
  1. Biden's approach to dealing with Putin has been weak, showing a lack of power in interactions. Instead of standing strong, he's been hesitant which gives Putin an advantage.
  2. The idea of a summit with a dictator like Putin is questioned because it doesn’t seem to benefit the U.S. It's important to show strength instead of making deals for peace.
  3. Biden needs to take serious action, like stopping an important pipeline and supporting Ukraine and Georgia. Without strong moves, the situation may only get worse for Western democracies.
Proof 45 implied HN points 10 Feb 24
  1. A top Trump foreign policy adviser suggested the US should recolonize Africa, claiming Africans cannot govern themselves.
  2. There is increased concern about the potential impact of a second Trump administration on the US and the world.
  3. The Republican Party and Donald Trump have a history of advocating for the invasion of majority-nonwhite countries by the United States.
steigan.no 3 implied HN points 12 Dec 24
  1. The idea of a third world war is being discussed, with conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East seen as part of it. Experts highlight that these wars may be interconnected and reflect a larger geopolitical struggle.
  2. Burnout is becoming more common, and there are resources available to help people recover and regain their health. The importance of mental well-being and taking control of one's life is emphasized.
  3. Recent political moves in countries like Romania show the risk of democratic backsliding. Decisions made by courts can lead to the cancellation of election results, raising concerns about the integrity of democratic processes.
steigan.no 6 implied HN points 31 Oct 24
  1. The German car industry is facing a major crisis, which could put around two million jobs at risk. This decline in the industry can have serious economic consequences throughout Germany.
  2. In the story of 'Illusion Weavers,' people realize that the power of the illusionists lies in their ability to create fear and control. By shining light on the truth, the citizens can reclaim their freedom from these shadowy figures.
  3. Media narratives are shifting as the situation in Ukraine changes. There's a growing recognition that Ukrainian forces are struggling and that public support for the ongoing conflict might wane.
steigan.no 5 implied HN points 12 Nov 24
  1. Israel's new foreign minister believes that Kurds and other regional minorities are natural allies for Israel. He argues that they should strengthen ties with these groups to counter threats from Iran and Turkey.
  2. In Norway, there is a call for transparency regarding vaccine-related deaths, specifically asking for data to investigate a reported increase in mortality rates among young people after the COVID-19 vaccination rollout.
  3. The BRICS summit highlights a shift in global power away from US hegemony, indicating that many countries are ready to stand against American dominance and seek a multipolar world where different nations share influence.
Castalia 159 implied HN points 26 Jun 22
  1. The Dobbs ruling changes the political landscape around abortion, leading to more intense debates and potential loss of legal rights for women. It suggests we may see chaotic battles over reproductive rights in the coming years.
  2. The #MeToo movement is evolving, with a growing concern over 'cancel culture' in schools. Young people are being harshly judged, and the social media backlash can lead to extreme consequences for minor mistakes.
  3. Climate reparations raise complex questions about responsibility for global warming. It's tricky to determine who should pay, but the debate is getting more attention as a response to environmental damage and historical injustices.
Lukasz Olejnik on Cyber, Privacy and Tech Policy Critique 39 implied HN points 03 Apr 23
  1. The new Russian doctrine emphasizes the role of artificial intelligence and information security.
  2. Russia views cyber/information operations as tools that can provoke coups or wars.
  3. Russia aims to protect its society from external influence and is prepared to retaliate against threats using various means.
The Radar 39 implied HN points 02 Aug 23
  1. Gen. Mike Minihan's controversial remarks on a possible war with China were likely strategic messaging, possibly coordinated by the Biden Administration, to influence China's defense choices and actions.
  2. Minihan is praised as an exceptional military leader who fosters trust and teamwork within his teams, standing out in the US Air Force for his leadership qualities.
  3. The idea of preparing for war with China serves political interests, justifying increased defense spending and generating fear to divert public scrutiny away from the defense budget.
steigan.no 6 implied HN points 27 Oct 24
  1. Israel's recent attack on Iran was significant, causing some damage to military targets. Iran claims to have mostly thwarted the attack and will likely respond in some way.
  2. There are ongoing concerns about COVID-19 vaccine side effects, with some people reporting long-term issues they believe may be linked to vaccination. Individuals feel ignored by health authorities when seeking recognition of their experiences.
  3. The political landscape in the U.S. is influenced by outside forces, as evidenced by British advisors trying to sway the upcoming elections and control narratives around social media platforms.
Diane Francis 259 implied HN points 20 Sep 21
  1. The agreement between the US, UK, and Australia to provide Australia with nuclear-powered submarines is a strong strategy to counter China's aggressive actions in the region. This partnership aims to ensure safer shipping routes in the East and South China Seas.
  2. China is unhappy about this submarine deal as it sees it as a threat to its influence in Asia. The deal has also caused tensions with France, which lost a previous submarine contract with Australia.
  3. The involvement of more countries in military alliances like the Quad shows a collective effort to respond to China's actions. This helps strengthen defense capabilities and creates a united front in the region.
The Cosmopolitan Globalist 3 implied HN points 23 Nov 24
  1. The Middle East is affected by US elections, and many are eager to see how Trump's second term might change things in the region.
  2. There's a mix of hope and concern about Trump's leadership affecting peace talks and alliances in the Middle East.
  3. Important issues, like Iran's nuclear program and Israel's military strategies, are likely to be central in discussions during Trump's presidency.
steigan.no 7 implied HN points 13 Oct 24
  1. Nicaragua has cut its diplomatic ties with Israel to support Palestine amid ongoing conflict. This decision reflects a growing movement among several countries to stand against what they see as injustices in the region.
  2. Russia is pushing its BRICS partners to move away from using the US dollar and establish a new financial system. They believe that this change is necessary for economic independence and better service to BRICS interests.
  3. Norwegian authorities are planning to strengthen business cooperation with Ukraine, but concerns about corruption remain. There are questions about how well Norwegian funds will be managed in a country known for its high levels of corruption.
Pekingnology 56 implied HN points 06 Mar 24
  1. General Secretary Xi Jinping emphasizes the importance of telling China's story well to enhance international communication; there's a need for improvement as some countries show a decline in positive views toward China.
  2. Challenges in telling China's story abroad include misconceptions that it's solely the government's responsibility, restrictions on non-govt interactions, and lack of incentives for leaders in foreign affairs.
  3. Recommendations to address these challenges include raising awareness about public participation, reducing restrictions on exchanges, and encouraging retired officials to engage in foreign activities.