The hottest Foreign Policy Substack posts right now

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What Happened to the Black-Jewish Alliance?

Glenn Loury • 1666 implied HN points • 17 Dec 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy
  1. Black-Jewish alliance started strong but faced challenges over time, especially with disagreements over issues like affirmative action and Israel-Palestine.
  2. Historical tensions between Blacks and Jews stemmed from economic factors and differences in experiences of discrimination.
  3. Racially preferential policies, like affirmative action, deepened enmity between Black and Jewish communities by bringing to light symbolic and ideological differences.

EXCLUSIVE: U.S. Imposes Travel Ban On Brazil Supreme Court Justices Persecuting Former President Bolsonaro

Michael Shellenberger • 966 implied HN points • 18 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy
  1. The U.S. has placed a travel ban on Brazilian Supreme Court Justices who are seen as persecuting former President Jair Bolsonaro. This is a significant move that could impact the justices' ability to travel freely.
  2. The ban comes after Brazilian police raided Bolsonaro's home, showing a serious escalation in conflict between him and the Brazilian government. Bolsonaro's legal troubles are making headlines right now.
  3. Brazilian elites, who often travel to the U.S., might feel the effects of this ban, especially because it could affect their social lives and connections abroad. Travel restrictions can be a powerful form of pressure.

Europe's 2024 Resolution

Diane Francis • 1199 implied HN points • 15 Jan 24
🌍 World Politics Foreign Policy
  1. Europe is realizing the serious threat Russia poses, leading to stronger military support for Ukraine. Countries like Germany and the UK are stepping up with more weapons and defenses.
  2. Despite heavy losses, Ukraine is making gains and has the support of its allies. They believe that if they keep fighting, they can defeat Russia and reclaim their land.
  3. There's growing unity among European nations, and many are considering tough measures like seizing Russian assets to help Ukraine. Leaders are optimistic about ultimate victory against Russia's aggression.

Why the Pantomime? Its Always Been About Defending Putin

Phillips’s Newsletter • 157 implied HN points • 29 Dec 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy
  1. The long-running negotiations between the U.S., Ukraine, and Russia have mostly been a pantomime that ends up defending Putin's position.
  2. Trump publicly framed Putin as generous and wanting Ukraine to succeed, presenting a conciliatory image of him.
  3. Close insiders and advisers believe the opposite — that Putin aims to seize all of Ukraine — and that the public praise is likely misleading.
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Anyone Who Wants The Ukraine War To Continue Is A Monster

Caitlin’s Newsletter • 2333 implied HN points • 20 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy
  1. The Ukraine war needs to end because many Ukrainians want peace. Wishing for the war to continue is seen as cruel and inhumane.
  2. The leaders responsible for escalating this conflict should be held accountable for their actions. Their decisions have led to immense suffering and chaos.
  3. There's a concern that those who caused this crisis will not face any consequences, which raises fears about future conflicts. We need to demand better leadership for a peaceful world.

Trump’s “help” offers Iranians far more pain

Aaron Mate • 106 implied HN points • 14 Jan 26
🌍 World Politics Foreign Policy
  1. Trump's 'help' to Iranians looks like threats of bombing and harsher economic pressure, not lifting sanctions, which would deepen suffering and raise costs more broadly.
  2. Longstanding US sanctions have crippled Iran's economy, shrinking the middle class and driving people into poverty, which helped spark the current protests over basic hardship and mismanagement.
  3. US and Israeli policy appears aimed at exploiting unrest to justify further military action and influence, risking more violence and leaving ordinary Iranians to absorb the pain.

US kills 4th UN call for peace in Gaza, helping Israel violate Hague's genocide ruling

Geopolitical Economy Report • 877 implied HN points • 22 Feb 24
🌍 World Politics Foreign Policy
  1. The US repeatedly vetoed UN Security Council resolutions calling for peace in Gaza, hindering efforts for a ceasefire and supporting Israel's actions.
  2. Despite an ICJ ruling in January ordering Israel to stop killing Palestinians, Israel has continued its deadly attacks on Gaza, with the US aiding by sending weapons.
  3. The war on Gaza by Israel has caused a devastating humanitarian crisis, with tens of thousands of Palestinians killed or injured, and international bodies like the EU criticizing the violence.

Trump Reveals Plan For The Ethnic Cleansing Of Gaza

Caitlin’s Newsletter • 2565 implied HN points • 26 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy
  1. Trump has proposed relocating Palestinians from Gaza to Egypt and Jordan, which many view as a form of ethnic cleansing. This plan aligns with Israel's long-term goal to remove Palestinians from their land.
  2. Previously released documents from Israeli officials suggest that they have been strategizing for the complete removal of Gaza's population. There are intentions to eventually settle Jewish communities in the area once the population is cleared.
  3. The situation is described as forcing people to leave under terrible conditions, not as voluntary migration. The lack of aid makes it impossible for the people to stay without suffering.

My Pacifist Grandfather Was Murdered by Iran. Here’s What the World Should Know.

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 1177 implied HN points • 22 Jun 25
🌍 World Politics Foreign Policy
  1. Albert Votaw was a passionate pacifist who dedicated his life to helping others through international aid work. He believed in peace and served his country in a non-military way during World War II.
  2. He had a rich life full of adventures, traveling the world with his family while working for USAID. His journey took him from post-war Europe to African nations and then to Lebanon.
  3. Albert's life tragically ended in 1983 when he was killed in Lebanon. His story highlights the dangers faced by those who work for peace and aid in conflict zones.

Washington Drops Ukraine, Israel Backs Down On Hamas Demands

Caitlin’s Newsletter • 2360 implied HN points • 13 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy
  1. The U.S. is no longer supporting Ukraine's NATO membership and is discussing territory compromises for peace, which could deeply affect Ukraine's future.
  2. Israel appears to be easing its stance regarding a ceasefire with Hamas, leading to an increased flow of aid into Gaza.
  3. This situation serves as a reminder for other allies of the U.S. about the potential risks of getting involved in conflicts tied to U.S. interests.

Only 3% Of Jewish Israelis Think Trump's Ethnic Cleansing Plan For Gaza Is Immoral

Caitlin’s Newsletter • 2440 implied HN points • 05 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy
  1. A small percentage, only 3%, of Jewish Israelis view Trump's plan for Gaza as immoral. This highlights a significant difference in perspectives regarding morality in relation to political actions.
  2. A majority of Jewish Israelis support the controversial plan to relocate the Palestinian population from Gaza. This reflects a broader societal attitude towards Palestinians, where many see them as less deserving of rights.
  3. This lack of empathy and understanding has consequences that extend beyond politics, affecting social values and perceptions within Israeli society. It suggests a deep-seated issue of moral awareness that influences various aspects of life.

Why Americans Should Die for Ukraine

Richard Hanania's Newsletter • 3876 implied HN points • 14 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy
  1. People often look for simple stories in politics that have clear heroes and villains. This need for an enemy helps people feel motivated and gives their beliefs more meaning.
  2. Many popular political narratives are misleading or even completely wrong. Instead of focusing on the truth, these narratives promote false ideas that can create division and conflict.
  3. To feel fulfilled, people need meaningful narratives that often include a common enemy. Focusing on foreign threats can unify people at home and help them find purpose beyond internal conflicts.

Just What Do Trump's "Trade Deals" Consist of? Nothing

Brad DeLong's Grasping Reality • 261 implied HN points • 19 Nov 25
🌍 World Politics Foreign Policy
  1. These so‑called trade "deals" are mostly PR and consultation clauses without independent dispute resolution, so they don’t create binding commitments or stop arbitrary unilateral actions.
  2. Countries like Malaysia sign to protect market access and get advance warning, but they simultaneously diversify and derisk by keeping ties with China and other partners instead of fully aligning with the U.S.
  3. Because these agreements don’t provide long‑term certainty, they erode foreign confidence in the U.S. and risk hurting American strategic and economic interests unless replaced by stable institutions and enforceable mechanisms.

I Write About Israel All The Time Because I Have To, Not Because I Want To

Caitlin’s Newsletter • 2267 implied HN points • 17 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy
  1. The situation in Gaza includes severe human rights violations and reports of torture. It's really troubling and many people feel compelled to speak out about it.
  2. Critics of Israel's actions often face accusations of antisemitism, which confuses the discussion about the state's actions with issues related to all Jewish people.
  3. Many people are frustrated with the political leaders who seem to support harmful actions against vulnerable populations, and it's important to hold them accountable regardless of their party.

CFR's Mike Froman on Détente 2.0 and Running a Think Tank

ChinaTalk • 163 implied HN points • 15 Dec 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy
  1. Détente strategies, aimed at changing adversary behavior through engagement, have often failed. Instead of driving cooperation, they sometimes lead to misunderstandings and conflicts.
  2. The U.S.-China relationship is complex due to economic interdependence, which requires careful balancing of cooperation and competition in areas like technology and national security.
  3. Current tensions can lead to a stalemate where both sides avoid costly escalations. Finding rules for coexisting without conflict is essential for future stability.

Thank Melania and Putin for Trump’s Turn on Ukraine. Plus. . .

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 746 implied HN points • 19 Aug 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy
  1. Trump seems to be shifting his position on Ukraine due to different influences, including Melania and ongoing Russian aggression. This change is significant for Ukraine's security guarantees.
  2. Some American cities are building strong partnerships with Ukrainian cities, showing that local diplomacy can work well, focusing on practical support rather than politics.
  3. In Texas, a high school has reverted to a Confederate name after controversy, highlighting a community divide over history and identity in education.

It's World War III

Diane Francis • 1678 implied HN points • 06 Nov 23
🌍 World Politics Foreign Policy
  1. The conflicts in Israel and Ukraine are seen as part of a larger world war driven by Russia. Putin's actions are creating unrest globally, not just in those regions.
  2. Russia uses various tactics, including hybrid warfare, to destabilize nations and influence events. This includes supporting groups like Hamas and using misinformation.
  3. A unified global response is necessary to counter Russia's influence. Without international cooperation, the ongoing conflicts and instability will persist.

Peace Through Profit: The Problem with Steve Witkoff’s Ukraine Strategy

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 222 implied HN points • 03 Dec 25
🌍 World Politics Foreign Policy
  1. A prominent U.S. dealmaker is promoting a "peace through profit" plan that aims to end the war by turning Russia and Ukraine into business partners.
  2. He argues that shared economic gains and interdependence would create incentives for lasting peace because everyone would benefit.
  3. Critics warn this approach may be naive since Putin’s inner circle could have different motives and secretive ties with Russian elites might undermine or corrupt any deal.

'Blood for Food': The US soldier-spies sidelining UN aid work in Gaza

All-Source Intelligence Fusion • 1037 implied HN points • 03 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy
  1. A new aid group in Gaza is causing danger for civilians trying to get food. Many people have been hurt or killed while seeking help from these sites, which are backed by the US and Israel.
  2. The UN has refused to work with this aid group because it believes the way it's set up puts lives at risk. Civilians often have to go through dangerous areas to access food, leading to tragic outcomes.
  3. The aid group's leadership includes former military and intelligence officials, raising concerns about their intentions. Critics argue that the group may be more focused on military goals than truly helping those in need.

Trump Knows

Phillips’s Newsletter • 184 implied HN points • 17 Dec 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy
  1. Susie Wiles is effectively the most powerful non-family figure in the administration and runs the White House with Trump’s full political trust.
  2. Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and other disruptive figures are respected and influential inside the White House, with aides openly saying pushing extremes is a tactic to pull policy back toward the middle.
  3. Trump and his inner circle are planning for the future to protect the family, favoring a possible Vance‑Rubio unity ticket in 2028 and likely preparing pardons to shield relatives from legal risk.

We Seem Intent On Making Excuses For Trump Until He Destroys Us

Phillips’s Newsletter • 261 implied HN points • 25 Nov 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy
  1. The US government agency that helps protect elections from foreign interference has stopped functioning, leaving states vulnerable as the 2026 mid-term elections approach. This raises concerns about election security and the government's commitment to safeguarding democracy.
  2. People often make excuses for Trump's actions, claiming he isn't responsible for harmful decisions made by his administration. This pattern of blaming others instead of holding him accountable has been seen before, like after the January 6 incident.
  3. Making excuses for Trump might damage democracy and the security of Ukraine. The habit of hoping he will do the right thing has led to inaction and could ultimately harm society as a whole.

Two Pieces of the Puzzle

Phillips’s Newsletter • 231 implied HN points • 03 Dec 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy
  1. The Trump administration is seen as faking support for Ukraine while really wanting to protect Russian assets from being used to aid Ukraine. This strategy has helped delay European efforts to assist Ukraine.
  2. Trump appears to accept the idea that Russia will ultimately win the war and has influenced negotiations based on this belief. He has used this narrative to pressure Ukraine into accepting a potentially unfavorable peace deal.
  3. The administration’s actions aimed to mislead European leaders into thinking they were committed to helping Ukraine, which in turn prevented them from taking more decisive action against Russia.

They Lied About Gaza, And They're Lying About Syria

Caitlin’s Newsletter • 2989 implied HN points • 01 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy
  1. The situation in Syria involves complex political maneuvers, and the U.S. has played a role in fostering chaos there. It's important to question the official narratives about conflicts instead of accepting them at face value.
  2. Many people see through lies about one conflict, like Gaza, but still believe the stories told about another, like Syria. It's vital to maintain curiosity and seek the truth across all situations.
  3. The way homelessness is treated reflects larger societal issues. Instead of hiding homelessness from view, we should confront the underlying problems and injustices that cause it.

EMERGENCY POD: H20 Drama

ChinaTalk • 711 implied HN points • 13 Aug 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy
  1. There are strong arguments for and against selling AI chips to China. Some believe it helps China's technology, while others think it keeps them dependent on U.S. tech.
  2. The H20 chip, designed by NVIDIA, is still competitive despite being banned in the U.S. It has high bandwidth memory that no Chinese chip can match, giving it a unique edge.
  3. Selling these chips can complicate U.S.-China relations. The situation is tricky because technology sales can benefit businesses, but they may also strengthen China's military and technological abilities.

Israel Admits It Violated The Ceasefire And Hamas Did Not

Caitlin’s Newsletter • 2174 implied HN points • 12 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy
  1. Israel has acknowledged that it violated the ceasefire while Hamas did not break any agreements. This is significant because it sheds light on the true cause of the ongoing tensions.
  2. The ceasefire is in danger as Israel has introduced new demands that were not part of the original agreement. This could lead to renewed fighting if Hamas feels pushed too hard.
  3. There is concern that the media may not report these facts accurately, so it's important for people to stay informed about what is happening behind the scenes.

Tom Cotton Admits The US Doesn't Actually Care About Spreading Democracy

Caitlin’s Newsletter • 2263 implied HN points • 02 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy
  1. Tom Cotton believes the US cares more about countries being pro-American than about them being democratic. This shows a focus on power over principles.
  2. The article highlights a pattern where politicians will support friendly dictators over democratically elected leaders if it aligns with US interests.
  3. It suggests that the actions of both the Democratic and Republican parties in foreign policy often prioritize US hegemony rather than genuine democratic values.

Niall Ferguson and Yoav Gallant: Israel Has Done Most of the Job. Only Trump Can Finish It.

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 1099 implied HN points • 19 Jun 25
🌍 World Politics Foreign Policy
  1. The authors argue that Israel has made significant progress against Iran's nuclear program, but they believe that U.S. intervention is necessary to finish the job.
  2. The decision to use American air power in foreign conflicts is complicated and comes with strong opinions both for and against it.
  3. Historical examples show that U.S. intervention can lead to positive outcomes, and the authors suggest that not acting could have serious consequences.

Don't Negotiate with Terrorists

Heterodox STEM • 71 implied HN points • 20 Jan 26
🌐 International Foreign Policy
  1. Long negotiations with Iran have failed and allowed the regime to advance its nuclear program and carry out violent attacks. Treating such actors as negotiable partners has not produced security or reform.
  2. U.S. political leadership has been compromised by personal interests, corruption, and strategic deals, which leads to weak or inconsistent responses to threats. Those influences discourage decisive action even when national security is at stake.
  3. Many foreign-policy elites are guided by optimistic ideological models that downplay militant Islam and treat all conflicts as solvable by diplomacy. That worldview blinds policymakers to real risks and makes them stick with failing approaches instead of reassessing strategy.

All Of Western Civilization Owns This Genocide

Caitlin’s Newsletter • 2570 implied HN points • 30 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy
  1. Blaming the Gaza genocide solely on Jews ignores the larger role of Western civilization in these events. This issue is not just about religious groups but about our society's behaviors and choices.
  2. The narrative that all problems stem from Jews is often used by far-right ideologies to avoid confronting the true nature of Western civilization, which has a history of violence and oppression.
  3. It's important to recognize the broader context of conflict, including Western imperialism's role in global injustices. Acknowledging our collective responsibility can lead to a path toward healing and positive change.

Davos, The Dollar, and Donald

JoeWrote • 79 implied HN points • 21 Jan 26
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy
  1. Trump’s confrontational foreign moves are eroding the rules-based international order and straining alliances, shifting geopolitics toward power politics instead of agreed rules.
  2. Global investors are losing faith in the U.S. as a safe haven, driving down the dollar and U.S. assets while pushing money into gold and non‑US investments.
  3. Attempts to politicize the Federal Reserve and pressure its leadership risk destroying central bank independence, prompting financial leaders to diversify away from U.S. assets and weakening America’s financial dominance.

H.R. McMaster: My Travels with Trump

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 2768 implied HN points • 07 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy
  1. H.R. McMaster believes it's important for Americans to see all sides of Donald Trump's presidency, not just the good or the bad.
  2. McMaster shares insights about his experiences during Trump's first foreign trip, highlighting how Trump thinks and makes decisions.
  3. He's hosting a book club discussion about his book 'At War with Ourselves,' focusing on his time as National Security Adviser and the challenges faced during that period.

Iran War Open Thread and Subscriber Video (2026)

The Corbett Report • 8 implied HN points • 28 Feb 26
🌍 World Politics Foreign Policy
  1. An open thread is soliciting crowd-sourced, boots-on-the-ground information and updates about the recent strike on Iran and the ongoing responses.
  2. Members are urged to share vetted local press reports, intelligence, and analysis about deep state roles and likely next moves, with top contributions possibly used in a podcast.
  3. There is a subscriber-only video featuring Chinese Lunar New Year in Vietnam and a membership call-to-action with help offered for signing in or subscribing.

A note on the ridiculous 2026 "National Defense Strategy"

Michael Tracey • 70 implied HN points • 24 Jan 26
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy
  1. It claims a pivot to "realism" but actually calls for expanding the U.S. military footprint worldwide — new bases near China, more access in Greenland and Panama, deeper Middle East involvement, and more presence in Europe and Africa.
  2. The rhetoric rejects past regime change and nation-building, yet the plan and recent actions empower allies, enable interventions (e.g., Venezuela and Gaza), and push a wartime-scale boost in military production.
  3. These strategy papers largely package presidential impulses as official doctrine, so U.S. priorities end up being whatever the president decides rather than a coherent, constrained strategy.