The hottest Foreign Policy Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
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Top World Politics Topics

Diao Daming: the costs of studying China at a distance

Pekingnology • 139 implied HN points • 16 Jan 26
🌍 World Politics Foreign Policy
  1. China studies is drifting away from language skills, fieldwork, and primary sources, so much research is disconnected from the lived experience and context inside China.
  2. Many younger researchers approach China with vigilance and a competition mindset instead of curiosity, which biases questions and pushes attention-grabbing policy claims over balanced understanding.
  3. There is an unhealthy methodological imbalance—heavy reliance on quantitative models, overly narrow specialties, or vague grand-policy talk without historical and cultural grounding—leading to shallow analysis that can worsen mutual distrust.

Niall Ferguson: America Is in a Late Republic Stage—Like Rome

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 1623 implied HN points • 17 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy
  1. America's foreign policy has changed a lot, especially under Biden, leading to new alliances between countries like Russia, China, and Iran that are concerning for the West.
  2. Many people think that if Trump gets reelected, it would be good for countries like Russia and China, but the opposite may be true; it could increase pressure on those nations.
  3. The idea of a 'liberal international order' that we used to have is misleading; it wasn't as fair or organized as people believe, and now America is leaning towards more self-focused governance.

Trump’s China Shift Rattles Hawks in Congress

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 208 implied HN points • 24 Dec 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy
  1. The president’s unpredictable shift toward China is making it harder for congressional hawks to push a unified crackdown, leaving enforcement efforts uncertain.
  2. University partnerships like the Tsinghua‑Berkeley Shenzhen Institute alarm lawmakers because they can give China access to U.S. research and collaborations with firms tied to the PLA or under U.S. sanctions.
  3. AI and other advanced technologies have become central flash points in the rivalry, with worries that academic and industry ties could help China close key strategic gaps or enable military applications.

Netanyahu vs. the Diaspora

Diane Francis • 799 implied HN points • 04 Apr 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy
  1. Netanyahu's government is facing backlash from Jewish communities worldwide due to its actions in Gaza, which are leading to rising anti-Semitism and a tarnished image of Israel.
  2. The Jewish diaspora feels disconnected from the Israeli government's decisions and wants a stronger voice in how Israel is run, especially regarding policies that impact human rights and inclusivity.
  3. Many Israelis are unhappy with Netanyahu's leadership, with calls for his resignation growing, and there is a sense that if changes don’t happen soon, it could threaten the essence of Zionism itself.

Niall Ferguson: What Comes After Trump’s ‘Surgical Strikes’?

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 1530 implied HN points • 23 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy
  1. The term 'surgical strike' suggests a precise, low-casualty military action, appealing to Americans who dislike high military casualties. It implies that complex international issues can be solved quickly and easily.
  2. Historically, 'surgical strike' started as a sarcastic term about the violence of air strikes. It has evolved to mean targeted military actions, especially since precision weapons became more common.
  3. Trump's use of surgical strikes in conflicts aims to show strength and deter future threats while also trying to promote peace. This reflects a desire for decisive actions in foreign policy.
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What The US Is Doing To Ukraine Is Far Worse Than Yalta

Phillips’s Newsletter • 254 implied HN points • 16 Dec 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy
  1. The U.S. is pressuring Ukraine to give up territory, resources, and people to Russia, which effectively helps Putin’s dictatorship instead of defending Ukrainian democracy.
  2. Comparing this to Yalta is misleading because Roosevelt was constrained by Soviet control and intended to keep fighting for Polish freedom, while today the U.S. has real options to support Ukraine but is not using them.
  3. What’s happening now is unprecedented and runs against public opinion, as it strengthens an authoritarian regime when the U.S. could be helping Ukraine resist and preserve democracy.

Making Venezuela Mediocre Again

Slack Tide by Matt Labash • 168 implied HN points • 06 Jan 26
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy
  1. Over the holiday period he kept working and took a string of provocative, authoritarian-leaning actions — from public threats and nonstop social posts to controversial law-enforcement moves — showing a chaotic, self-focused presidency.
  2. He invaded Venezuela and removed Maduro, a move that contradicts his usual anti–nation-building rhetoric and signals a dramatic, unsettling shift in foreign policy that could alarm regional strongmen.
  3. His behavior reveals hypocrisy toward authoritarian leaders and double standards, while policy choices like letting ACA subsidies lapse have real, harmful consequences for people at home.

The Trillion Dollar War Machine (w/ William D. Hartung) | The Chris Hedges Report

The Chris Hedges Report • 163 implied HN points • 01 Jan 26
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy
  1. The military-industrial complex now channels massive public money to private defense firms and uses lobbying and secret deals to keep itself growing.
  2. Big Tech has merged with the defense sector, promoting automated warfare, widespread surveillance, and the blurring of public and corporate roles for profit and control.
  3. Recent political shifts have empowered this trillion-dollar war machine to keep expanding, which risks democracy, public welfare, and national safety as profit motives trump oversight.

Second Breakfast: Trump’s National Security Strategy

ChinaTalk • 237 implied HN points • 09 Dec 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy
  1. A National Security Strategy (NSS) outlines the administration's goals and how to use various national powers to achieve them. It's meant as a clear guide for the public, not just a defense plan.
  2. The new NSS has some bold ideas, especially around economic strength and deterrence. However, it also sends confusing messages to allies about what the U.S. expects of them and its own military priorities.
  3. The language and ideas in the NSS sometimes echo China's and Russia's messaging, which raises concerns about its implications. Some of the concepts seem overly simplistic and not well thought out.

Does The US Public Have A Different Idea Of What Makes America "Great"?

Phillips’s Newsletter • 155 implied HN points • 08 Jan 26
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy
  1. Most Americans did not rally behind the Venezuela intervention, with only about 30–40% approving, making it unusually unpopular even after a seemingly successful operation.
  2. Polls show broad skepticism and cross‑party opposition to the U.S. taking control of another country’s government, and many Americans prefer that Venezuelans decide their own future.
  3. The reaction suggests a possible disconnect between using force as a sign of national greatness and the public’s idea of greatness, which leans toward limits on intervention and respect for self‑determination.

The New US National Security Strategy

Phillips’s Newsletter • 296 implied HN points • 05 Dec 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy
  1. The US is openly aiming to influence Europe, supporting populist political movements while diminishing the power of the EU and NATO. They want to break Europe down into individual nations that are easier to manipulate.
  2. The US wants European countries to rely on American weapons and economic decisions, which could give the US a stronger hold over European nations. This could make Europe less united and more dependent.
  3. Under Trump's strategy, Russia is no longer seen as a threat by the US. Instead, there seems to be a push for Europe to re-engage with Russia, indicating a shift in how the US views international relationships.

Should America Buy Greenland?

Richard Hanania's Newsletter • 3559 implied HN points • 07 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy
  1. The idea of America buying Greenland has gained some serious consideration, even if it's still unlikely. Recent political moves and discussions have made it a topic worth thinking about.
  2. Greenland is a sparsely populated area with some financial dependence on Denmark, and many locals are considering independence but worry about their living standards. The situation is complex and shows their practical mindset.
  3. Overall, the conversation highlights America’s inclination towards expansion and influence, suggesting that cultural and economic changes can dominate current political landscapes.

Wu Xinbo Says We Are Witnessing Yet Another Turning Point in China–U.S. Relations

Pekingnology • 113 implied HN points • 21 Jan 26
🌍 World Politics Foreign Policy
  1. The United States is undergoing a deep strategic recalibration: it is retrenching in some areas (notably Europe) while selectively expanding influence in the Western Hemisphere and the Indo‑Pacific, with a stronger focus on economic returns and reallocating resources.
  2. The 2025 tariff fight and China’s use of export controls exposed limits in Washington’s toolkit and showed China’s resilience and strategic leverage, nudging both sides toward a more pragmatic balance of competition and controlled cooperation.
  3. The long-term momentum toward cross‑Strait reunification is increasing, so the United States needs to rethink its Taiwan policy to avoid military confrontation and find ways to protect its interests as the situation evolves.

In The World Of The Strategic Blind; The One-Eyed Dictator Is King

Phillips’s Newsletter • 231 implied HN points • 19 Dec 25
🌍 World Politics Foreign Policy
  1. China’s rising influence owes as much to bad leadership choices by the U.S. and Russia as to Chinese long-term planning, so its strength looks bigger than it may really be.
  2. U.S. unpredictability on trade and security — like punitive tariffs, exemptions for China, and a policy shift away from defending allies — has eroded trust among Indo-Pacific partners and handed advantages to China.
  3. Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has made Moscow economically and militarily dependent on China, turning Russia into a strategic client and increasing Beijing’s leverage.

Things Worth Remembering: ‘A New World Order’

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 2851 implied HN points • 16 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy
  1. George H.W. Bush's 'Chicken Kiev' speech was seen as controversial at the time but is now viewed as an exemplary model of diplomacy.
  2. The speech illustrated how America could support democracy in other countries without taking on the role of a global policeman.
  3. Reflecting on past leadership can help us understand and navigate current political issues more effectively.

Epic Fury, Empty Pockets

UnfairNation by Ehsan Zaffar • 4 implied HN points • 10 Mar 26
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy
  1. The war in Iran is extremely costly — about $900 million a day and potentially tens of billions if it continues.
  2. Those war dollars could fund big domestic needs instead, like LA’s annual homeless services for a day or hundreds of thousands of affordable housing units in a week.
  3. This isn’t a lack of money but a choice of priorities: the government funds military action but often won’t pay for housing, roads, or hospitals, which could save lives rather than take them.

All eyes on Iran

Taipology • 88 implied HN points • 14 Jan 26
🌍 World Politics Foreign Policy
  1. The protests are largely driven by economic collapse — a plunging currency and sudden subsidy cuts left many Iranians bankrupt, so the unrest is as much about bread-and-butter issues as anything else.
  2. There are two very different narratives: one paints mainly peaceful protesters being crushed, while other on-the-ground reports show violent attacks, possible foreign meddling, and widely shared images that are often misattributed or misleading.
  3. Toppling the regime could make things worse given regional history, and the domestic opposition currently lacks a clear, credible plan to seize and govern power, so caution and high standards of evidence are needed before backing outside intervention.

February 19, 2026

Letters from an American • 28 implied HN points • 20 Feb 26
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy
  1. A senior British royal, Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, was arrested on suspicion of misconduct in public office over ties to Jeffrey Epstein and alleged sharing of confidential government documents while serving as a trade envoy.
  2. Former South Korean president Yoon Suk Yeol was convicted of leading an insurrection and sentenced to life in prison after attempting to impose martial law and block the legislature, with several co-conspirators also receiving long sentences.
  3. President Trump has seized and renamed the U.S. Institute of Peace to launch a self-styled "Board of Peace" that drew mixed international responses, is proposing a U.S.-run alternative to the WHO, and is pushing election-related legislation and White House changes while advancing his political messaging.

Why The Constant Failure To Understand War? The US Made It Look Too Easy

Phillips’s Newsletter • 165 implied HN points • 02 Jan 26
🌍 World Politics Foreign Policy
  1. Analysts in the US and much of the West keep misreading what actually matters in modern war, repeatedly getting big predictions—like breakthroughs or collapse from manpower shortages—wrong.
  2. That misunderstanding fuels simplistic policy advice (for example, calls to mass-draft) that ignores local debate and the changing balance between ranged and land warfare.
  3. Because the US made war look easy during its hegemonic era, strategic thinking weakened, breeding arrogance, bad decisions, and political shifts with real costs for allies.

Dingbat Imperialism, the Lowest Stage of Capitalism

Unpopular Front • 92 implied HN points • 13 Jan 26
🌍 World Politics Foreign Policy
  1. Classical accounts see imperialism as a stage where monopolies and finance capital export fixed capital and carve up the world. That picture doesn’t fit modern cases where big firms often refuse risky, long-term investments overseas.
  2. Recent interventions look driven more by small, opportunistic firms and political allies chasing quick resource grabs than by large cartel-led colonial projects. This “dingbat imperialism” is pushed by flexible independents and upstart business networks, not established majors.
  3. Imperialism is not monolithic: sometimes states, prestige politics, or speculative upstarts drive expansion when established finance stays hands-off. Contemporary interventions can therefore be about political opportunism and primitive accumulation rather than a final, monopoly-dominated stage of capitalism.

Israeli Spying After Epstein

The Corbett Report • 19 implied HN points • 22 Feb 26
🌍 World Politics Foreign Policy
  1. Jeffrey Epstein acted as a fixer for Israeli interests, using his network to connect Israeli officials and ex-intelligence figures with wealthy investors and foreign governments to secure contracts and influence. He helped promote projects like Carbyne and other Israeli tech into international deals.
  2. Many veterans of Israel’s Unit 8200 have founded tech and spyware companies that embed intelligence capabilities into emergency services, communications, and surveillance tools. This trend shows espionage shifting from old-fashioned honeytrap blackmail to software backdoors and mass digital surveillance.
  3. Despite scandals and some sanctions, governments and investors continue to buy, back, or relax restrictions on Israeli-linked surveillance firms, allowing the spyware industry to expand and become a central tool for modern influence and control.

Bat Shit Insane Religious Fanaticism Is A Requirement For US Empire Managers

Caitlin’s Newsletter • 3036 implied HN points • 22 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy
  1. Religious fanaticism often seems required for people in power, especially in U.S. foreign policy. It's strange how those with extreme beliefs can run a country, while ordinary people might be seen as unfit.
  2. Many organizations claim to fight against antisemitism but sometimes focus more on protecting specific political interests. This raises questions about their true motives and effectiveness.
  3. International laws appear to be ignored by powerful countries when it comes to holding them accountable. This leads to a world where the strong set the rules and justice for everyone else is hard to find.

Did NATO provoke Russia's invasion of Ukraine?

Glenn’s Substack • 239 implied HN points • 28 Jun 24
🌍 World Politics Foreign Policy
  1. NATO may have played a role in provoking Russia's invasion of Ukraine. This idea is supported by some evidence in discussions.
  2. The argument about NATO's involvement gets complicated because it can be mistaken for supporting Russia's actions. It's important to separate facts from opinions.
  3. Understanding these events requires looking at the facts without bias. People often mix up facts with the narratives they want to believe.

Donald Trump Is The Empire Unmasked

Caitlin’s Newsletter • 2947 implied HN points • 21 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy
  1. Trump openly talks about the U.S. being an empire run by wealthy elites. He doesn't shy away from admitting the truth about America's global ambitions.
  2. Unlike other politicians, Trump openly reveals the darker side of U.S. foreign policy. This makes it harder for the government to hide its intentions.
  3. The more people see the real actions of the empire, the less they believe the propaganda. This awareness could potentially lead to positive change in society.

February 15, 2026

Letters from an American • 33 implied HN points • 16 Feb 26
🌍 World Politics Foreign Policy
  1. The Trump administration is pushing to dismantle the post–World War II international order and replace it with a great‑power, transactional system that privileges elites over multilateral cooperation.
  2. Senior administration officials have amplified Great Replacement and anti‑immigrant rhetoric and attacked trade, international institutions, and climate policy while cozying up to autocrats like Orbán and Putin.
  3. European leaders and U.S. Democrats strongly pushed back at Munich, defending democracy, multilateral trade and climate cooperation, and urging a foreign policy that delivers economic benefits for working‑class people.

Pardon the Corruption

Can We Still Govern? • 254 implied HN points • 02 Dec 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy
  1. Pardons are being doled out for loyalty, money, and political favors instead of following normal DOJ criteria, with a partisan political appointee running the pardon office.
  2. The effect is a two-tier justice system where the rich and connected escape punishment, victims lose restitution, and prosecutions and investigations are weakened or dropped.
  3. This creates impunity and hypocrisy: the administration uses law enforcement aggressively against opponents while shielding allies, turning the law into a tool for corruption.

They Call It Unconstitutional, But Don't Impeach

husseini • 1257 implied HN points • 17 Jan 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy
  1. Both Democrats and Republicans in Congress have called Biden's bombing of Yemen unconstitutional, but no one is pursuing impeachment.
  2. Impeachment is a significant legal remedy that can be used by Congress to address presidential actions that are unconstitutional.
  3. Even with just one member of Congress, introducing an impeachment resolution can have a significant impact on the conversation and uphold the rule of law.

Trump Was Working With Putin The Entire Time

Phillips’s Newsletter • 332 implied HN points • 19 Nov 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy
  1. Trump and Putin have secretly worked together on a plan regarding Ukraine, which leaves Ukraine out of the negotiations.
  2. European countries are also excluded from these discussions and could face pressure to accept the deal once it is proposed.
  3. This partnership between Trump and Putin could lead to significant consequences for Ukraine and Europe, pushing them towards an unwanted agreement.

Michael Oren: The Wisdom of Yahya Sinwar

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 950 implied HN points • 04 Aug 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy
  1. Antisemitism today includes extreme accusations against Jews, claiming they commit terrible acts like genocide, which the author believes are untrue.
  2. The author argues that the idea of genocide is not supported by evidence, as Israel does not have a plan to exterminate Palestinians.
  3. The charge of genocide against Israel resonates in the West, partly because of political rhetoric and some Jewish voices contributing to the narrative.

February 17, 2026

Letters from an American • 29 implied HN points • 18 Feb 26
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy
  1. The administration’s turn toward white Christian nationalism and protectionist trade policies is pushing traditional allies to deepen their own defense and trade ties without the U.S., leaving America more isolated on the world stage.
  2. The U.S. economy shows signs of strain: job growth collapsed in 2025, manufacturing and commercial real estate face big losses, immigration rules are causing labor shortages, and deficits are ballooning after recent tax cuts and increased military spending.
  3. The government is expanding military and enforcement actions while rolling back or reshaping regulations in ways that benefit allies and family interests, and moves to influence media and federal agencies raise alarms about concentrated power and potential abuses.

How Trump Gained the Upper Hand with Putin

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 881 implied HN points • 14 Aug 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy
  1. Trump plans to meet Putin in Alaska to discuss a possible ceasefire for Ukraine. It's a big meeting and not expected, making it surprising.
  2. He intends to listen to Putin and see if a deal can be made, but he won't force one if it isn't possible.
  3. The meeting caught European leaders off guard, especially with the ongoing conflict in Ukraine since February 2022.

The Spellbinding Transformation of Tulsi Gabbard

Michael Tracey • 114 implied HN points • 15 Jan 26
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy
  1. Tulsi Gabbard made a dramatic about-face on foreign policy, going from a public, central opposition to US 'regime change' to actively endorsing and enabling similar interventions.
  2. Her reversal is unusually stark and largely unexplained, feeling more like political opportunism to join and advance within Trump’s Republican orbit than a reasoned change of heart.
  3. In government she has used the DNI role as a political platform, defending interventions in places like Venezuela and Iran and making public pronouncements that contrast sharply with her earlier positions.

Weekend Update #160: The US Becomes A Mouthpiece To Pass On Putin's Demands

Phillips’s Newsletter • 307 implied HN points • 23 Nov 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy
  1. The Trump administration is using a peace plan that seems to echo Russian demands. This raises serious doubts about the US being a neutral party in the Ukraine conflict.
  2. JD Vance is a significant supporter of this peace plan and holds an anti-Ukraine stance, which could have dangerous implications for Ukraine's future.
  3. Many figures who claimed to support Ukraine appear to back this plan, revealing a deeper agenda where Trump supporters might prioritize loyalty over genuine support for Ukraine.

New Orleans is America

The J. Burden Show • 1218 implied HN points • 18 Jan 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy
  1. New Orleans is described as a city with a mix of beauty, dysfunction, and high crime rates, showcasing both its allure and challenges.
  2. The post discusses the city's leadership issues, particularly critiquing the mayor and suggesting the need for a strong leader who can tackle crime and corruption.
  3. There is a call for a transformative leader, likened to a Caesar figure, who can address law enforcement, foreign policy, and societal issues with a tough but just approach.

PROOF EXCLUSIVE: Trump’s “Board of Peace” Just Became a Criminal Enterprise

Proof • 71 implied HN points • 23 Jan 26
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy
  1. Trump has launched a new international organization and put himself in charge of it.
  2. That organization may violate federal criminal law and could be treated as a criminal enterprise.
  3. If the group isn’t illegal, it might be intended as a vehicle for refusing to accept the 2028 election results if Democrats win, posing a serious democratic risk.

Haviv Rettig Gur Joins The Free Press

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 1029 implied HN points • 21 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy
  1. Haviv Rettig Gur is joining The Free Press as a Middle East analyst, bringing his deep knowledge from years of reporting on the region. His insights will help readers understand complex issues in the Middle East.
  2. He will host live Q&A sessions where subscribers can ask questions about ordinary Israeli citizens and their perspectives on the current conflict. This aims to deepen the understanding of Israeli public opinion beyond just political leaders.
  3. His background includes extensive reporting on Israel’s politics and relationships, making him a valuable resource for comprehending the ongoing challenges in the region.

Hegseth Unbound the Troops and Ran Into the Law

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 241 implied HN points • 04 Dec 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy
  1. A push to unshackle commanders and loosen rules of engagement risks bypassing legal requirements and reduces accountability.
  2. Recent strikes on suspected drug‑trafficking boats lack a clear public legal rationale and may cross into violations of international law.
  3. Rules of engagement and the law of war are operational necessities that troops must follow, and ignoring them can produce dangerous, unintended consequences.

Why are we (close to) attacking Iran?

Unreported Truths • 32 implied HN points • 20 Feb 26
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy
  1. The U.S. has moved major naval forces close to Iran while the president has given almost no public explanation of any plan or objectives.
  2. Reasons for the silence could include ongoing negotiations, a desire to bluff or preserve tactical surprise, or simply indecision, and the president personally tends to avoid explaining foreign-policy moves.
  3. An attack on Iran would be a war of choice that should involve Congress and a clear public explanation, both for legal legitimacy and to build support and prepare for possible messy consequences.