The hottest Foreign Policy Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
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Top World Politics Topics

The Last Days of Gaza

The Chris Hedges Report • 1109 implied HN points • 09 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy
  1. Many people in Gaza are suffering greatly, lacking basic needs like food, water, and medicine. The situation has become extremely desperate and dangerous for everyone there.
  2. Some actions being taken appear to manipulate and control the starving population instead of genuinely helping them. This is compared to historical instances of mass suffering and deception.
  3. The ongoing tragedy in Gaza is causing deep scars that will not easily be forgotten. People may later try to rewrite history to avoid facing their roles in the situation.

Germans Say ‘No’ to Immigration. Plus. . .

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 1966 implied HN points • 24 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy
  1. In Germany's recent elections, the right-wing populist party AfD made big gains, highlighting public concern over immigration. Many voters want to stop mass immigration but prefer not to support AfD directly.
  2. Trump's new policies are changing America's approach to Ukraine, which some view as a betrayal of both Ukraine and American values. Critics are worried about the potential consequences of this shift.
  3. A small group held a vigil in New York for a recently killed terrorist leader, but many attendees did not even know his name. This raises questions about awareness and understanding of international issues among people.

The Ukraine War

The Cosmopolitan Globalist • 9 implied HN points • 27 Feb 26
🌍 World Politics Foreign Policy
  1. The war is a large-scale, brutal conflict whose outcome will shape the global order, revealing Russian imperial ambitions and weaknesses in European and U.S. strategic responses.
  2. Ukraine has shown unexpected resilience and societal mobilization. The fighting has become attritional and adaptive, challenging pre-2022 assumptions about how modern wars unfold.
  3. A focused symposium with Vladislav Davidzon stresses preparation: participants must complete a short mandatory reading list and engage with pointed study questions to have a serious, informed discussion about the war’s character and likely end states.

New(ish) Books

Castalia • 419 implied HN points • 27 Apr 24
📚 Literature Foreign Policy
  1. The Biden administration faced tough challenges early on, especially with issues like the withdrawal from Afghanistan. This decision had big consequences, as it hinted at U.S. weaknesses that adversaries like Putin could sense.
  2. There’s a concerning rise in anxiety and depression among kids today, largely due to smartphones and social media. These tools have changed how children grow and interact with the world around them.
  3. Haidt suggests that to help kids, we should limit their access to smartphones and social media. But it seems hard to implement these changes in today's digital age, as technology has fundamentally reshaped our lives.

Will Trump Bomb Iran (Part 2)?

Phillips’s Newsletter • 90 implied HN points • 15 Jan 26
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy
  1. A prior prediction that Trump would not bomb Iran turned out to be wrong.
  2. His decision to strike Iran and how he reacted then serve as useful indicators of what he might do in the future.
  3. He's likely to attack again if he believes he can get an easy win, and concerns about his political base didn't stop the earlier strike.
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Jordan And Egypt Snub Trump's Ethnic Cleansing Plan

Caitlin’s Newsletter • 2184 implied HN points • 28 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy
  1. Jordan and Egypt have rejected a plan by Trump to relocate Palestinians from Gaza to their countries. Both nations emphasize their support for Palestinians staying on their land.
  2. There is concern that Trump may still attempt to pressure these nations into compliance with his plan. The resistance from Jordan and Egypt suggests significant challenges for achieving that goal.
  3. There is a critique of how political and media classes share similar views, limiting diverse perspectives and accountability regarding issues like the treatment of Palestinians.

As The Gaza Agenda Moves Forward, The Imperial Narrative Shifts With It

Caitlin’s Newsletter • 2086 implied HN points • 07 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy
  1. The narrative around Gaza's conditions has changed, going from denying any destruction to suggesting it needs to be evacuated due to its unlivable state.
  2. There is a shift in how supporters of Israel talk about the situation, moving from defending military actions to now acknowledging the devastation as a reason for evacuating the population.
  3. Controlling the narrative is crucial, as it reflects how the powers involved justify their actions amidst changing circumstances and agendas.

Israel Is Killing Civilians In Gaza On Purpose, And It's Not Even Debatable

Caitlin’s Newsletter • 2468 implied HN points • 27 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy
  1. The actions of the Israeli military in Gaza have been confirmed to be deliberately targeting civilians. Many reports and testimonies highlight that civilian casualties are not accidental.
  2. The narrative used to justify these actions, like claiming civilians are human shields, has been discredited. There's a growing insistence that denying this reality is increasingly difficult.
  3. Society’s beliefs about power and inequality are shaped by stories that benefit those in control. It's possible to change this dynamic if enough people decide to take action against the current system.

Assad’s Fall Has Humiliated Washington

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 2633 implied HN points • 10 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy
  1. Syria's recent change in leadership happened despite the efforts of the Biden administration, not because of them. Many believe the U.S. played a minor role in this shift.
  2. President Biden claims that the weakening of Assad's supporters like Iran and Russia is due to his policies, but many disagree with this view. There is a belief that these countries have lost power for other reasons.
  3. Israel's actions in the region have been more impactful than U.S. influence. Some argue that Israel took bold steps that went against what the U.S. wanted, contributing significantly to the change in Syria.

This Deal Is Trump's--It Has Always Been Trump's

Phillips’s Newsletter • 248 implied HN points • 20 Nov 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy
  1. The recent deal is not just a random action; it clearly reflects Donald Trump's views and intentions. It's important to recognize that he was behind it from the start.
  2. Many in the media initially tried to distance Trump from this deal, but evidence shows he was involved and approved it ahead of time. This changes how we view his role in the situation.
  3. Trump's vision for peace seems to favor Russia while ignoring Ukraine's needs. This sheds light on his priorities and raises concerns about his approach to democracy and freedom.

Israel And Its Apologists Weaponize Sympathy In Order To Facilitate Genocide

Caitlin’s Newsletter • 1890 implied HN points • 23 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy
  1. People often play the victim to gain sympathy, which helps them control the narrative around important issues. Sympathy makes others more likely to believe their stories.
  2. Manipulators use sympathy as a weapon to get what they want, whether it's attention, resources, or power. This dynamic is seen in various situations, including political debates.
  3. It's important to be cautious about where we direct our sympathy. If it's used manipulatively, it can lead to harm for others, especially in complex situations like international conflicts.

We Need to Talk About China. Plus. . .

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 718 implied HN points • 05 Aug 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy
  1. China is becoming a big problem for the West, especially economically and militarily. Their control over important resources is concerning for many countries.
  2. Taiwan should learn from Ukraine and focus on building strong defense capabilities to protect itself from potential threats.
  3. The U.S. is making technology trade restrictions on China, but some argue these restrictions might backfire and harm American interests instead.

Next for Ukraine

Diane Francis • 1179 implied HN points • 11 Dec 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy
  1. Ukraine is facing challenges in getting the military aid it needs as political obstacles grow in both the U.S. and Europe. Leaders are rushing to resolve these issues since aid is crucial for Ukraine's defense.
  2. There are fears that without adequate support, Ukraine could experience severe consequences, including more refugees and a potential military collapse. Historical experts are worried about the broader impact on global stability.
  3. Despite political delays, some military aid is still being provided to Ukraine. The Ukrainian leaders remain determined to continue fighting for their country and not to give up any territory.

Bari Weiss Overplayed Her Hand (60 Minutes Update)

JoeWrote • 134 implied HN points • 26 Dec 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy
  1. Most Americans voted because of economic concerns, not to endorse a conservative cultural agenda. The right’s effort to force conservative cultural changes is unpopular and is annoying voters as the economy worsens, hurting Trump’s support.
  2. A powerful media figure reshaped a major news network to favor conservative and pro‑Israel voices, firing staff and promoting partisan programming. Pulling an investigative 60 Minutes segment to protect the administration was widely seen as censorship and damaged the network’s credibility.
  3. Conservative media tends to reassure its base instead of persuading undecided viewers, which comes off as elitist and out of touch. Billionaire consolidation of media could amplify that bias and provoke a broader public backlash against the right.

Dementia-Ridden Cognitively-Addled Chaos-Monkey Causes Chaos at Alaska Summit

Brad DeLong's Grasping Reality • 622 implied HN points • 17 Aug 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy
  1. A ceasefire in Ukraine could stop the fighting, but giving up more territory to Russia might encourage further aggression. It's important to be cautious about what compromises are made.
  2. The situation in Ukraine's conflict reflects a shift in power to European nations, as U.S. influence lessens. Europe now has to decide how committed and unified they are in supporting Ukraine.
  3. Understanding the historical context of the conflict is crucial. Russia's view of Ukraine is rooted in history and past governance, which complicates the current situation and makes resolution challenging.

Former Sheldon Adelson deputy is privately chairing Israeli government-backed advocacy group

All-Source Intelligence Fusion • 813 implied HN points • 14 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy
  1. Michael Leven, a former executive from Las Vegas Sands, is leading an Israeli advocacy group called ISGAP. He is working alongside a former censor of Israel.
  2. ISGAP is focused on addressing antisemitism and has been linked to lobbying efforts against Qatari funding for U.S. universities.
  3. Leven's family foundation has made donations to pro-Israel organizations and has been involved in legislative campaigns against groups like Students for Justice in Palestine.

Secretary Marco Rubio remarks - Munich Security Conference

Who is Robert Malone • 27 implied HN points • 14 Feb 26
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy
  1. The West must renew its economy and technology by re-industrializing, securing supply chains, and competing strongly in AI, commercial space, and other critical industries.
  2. Strong border control and immigration limits are presented as necessary expressions of national sovereignty to protect social cohesion and cultural continuity.
  3. The transatlantic alliance should be reinvigorated around shared Western heritage and reciprocity, with Europe taking more responsibility for defense, international institutions reformed, and hard power used when diplomacy fails.

The Short Arm of Trump’s Diplomacy. Plus. . .

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 2049 implied HN points • 29 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy
  1. Trump's approach to foreign policy focuses mainly on the Americas, which could leave the U.S. vulnerable in other parts of the world. It's important for the U.S. to stay influential globally as it affects everyone back home.
  2. The release of DeepSeek, an AI model from China, could push the U.S. to enhance its technology efforts. This represents a big moment for innovation, similar to the space race.
  3. San Francisco is reconsidering its harm reduction strategies for drug addiction as overdose rates rise. Some leaders are looking for stricter laws, including mass arrests to get users into treatment.

How Trump Gained the Upper Hand with Putin. Plus. . .

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 649 implied HN points • 14 Aug 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy
  1. Donald Trump is preparing to meet with Vladimir Putin to discuss ending the war in Ukraine and is threatening severe consequences if they can't reach a ceasefire.
  2. Jimmy Lai, a dissident in Hong Kong, is facing charges for speaking out against the Chinese government, which shows the struggle for democracy in the face of authoritarianism.
  3. The Presidential Fitness Test is being reintroduced, which many people see as a way to promote better health and fitness among American youth.

Ultima Thule

Thinking about... • 600 implied HN points • 14 Aug 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy
  1. Trump's approach to foreign policy is seen as unrealistic. He tries to treat foreign leaders like Americans, but that doesn't work when dealing with dictators.
  2. The war in Ukraine shows how serious the consequences are when a country is invaded. Ukraine's fight for freedom highlights the brutality of Russia's actions.
  3. Trump's meeting with Putin in Alaska could be viewed as a concession. It raises questions about whether he will push for real change or keep giving in to Putin.

The Worst Thing About The Gaza Holocaust Is Knowing It Will Happen Again

Caitlin’s Newsletter • 2072 implied HN points • 25 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy
  1. The death toll in Gaza is rising as bodies are discovered after the fighting. Many people have been trapped for a long time, leading to slow and painful deaths.
  2. The destruction in Gaza is described as intentional, aiming to make the area unlivable and displacing its people due to their ethnicity.
  3. There's a strong belief that the violence in Gaza will happen again, as there are no significant policy changes to prevent it and the U.S. continues to support such actions.

The Gaza Ceasefire Is Being Sabotaged By Israel, By Trump, And By The Media

Caitlin’s Newsletter • 1923 implied HN points • 11 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy
  1. The Gaza ceasefire is in danger because of continued violence from Israel. Hamas has said they will delay the release of hostages due to these violations.
  2. Donald Trump's comments have influenced Hamas's willingness to uphold the ceasefire. He suggested that if all hostages aren’t returned soon, Israel should escalate its actions, which may lead to more conflict.
  3. Media coverage is biased and often ignores Israel's role in the ceasefire's instability. Headlines emphasize Hamas's actions while downplaying Israeli violations, affecting public perception.

The IDF Didn't Just Target Hospitals, They Destroyed Individual Medical Machines

Caitlin’s Newsletter • 1881 implied HN points • 13 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy
  1. Lifesaving medical equipment in Gaza has been intentionally destroyed to prevent medical care. This act raises serious questions about the motivations behind such destruction.
  2. People often ignore the harsh realities of conflicts, focusing instead on domestic political issues. This avoidance can lead to a detachment from the suffering experienced in war zones.
  3. Real opposition to power does not revolve around individual politicians like Trump, but rather against the systems of capitalism, imperialism, and exploitation that enable these issues.

Terror in New Orleans. Plus . . .

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 2211 implied HN points • 02 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy
  1. A truck attack in New Orleans on New Year's Day killed at least 15 people, raising concerns about the threat of terrorism in the U.S. that resembles recent attacks in Europe.
  2. RFK Jr. suggests using 'tough love' and community support to tackle addiction issues but there are mixed opinions on whether this approach is effective or could limit access to helpful medications.
  3. There is a growing debate within the Trump administration about how to handle Iran, with different factions pushing for either aggressive action or a more isolationist approach.

The Biden Administration Declares That A Genocide Is Happening… In Sudan

Caitlin’s Newsletter • 2156 implied HN points • 08 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy
  1. The Biden administration has officially declared that a genocide is happening in Sudan, holding a paramilitary group responsible for horrific acts against civilians.
  2. There is criticism of the U.S. for its role in supporting both genocidal actions in Gaza and the atrocities in Sudan, highlighting a contradiction in their foreign policy.
  3. The author believes that the problem lies within the U.S. government and its imperialistic actions, suggesting that simply changing leaders will not solve the ongoing issues of violence and genocide.

After the Bombs: What Remains of Iran’s Nuclear Program?

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 904 implied HN points • 23 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy
  1. The U.S. military dropped large bombs on Iran's nuclear sites, marking a big moment for America and the Middle East. Many people are discussing the fallout of this action and what it means for the future.
  2. There are concerns about how effective the strikes were since reports suggest that Iran may have moved important equipment before the bombs fell. This raises questions about whether Iran's nuclear program is truly damaged.
  3. In Israel, there is a mix of hope and uncertainty following the strikes. Some are feeling optimistic about potential changes, while others worry about possible retaliation and the larger implications of the conflict.

Some 2026 Predictions

The Future, Now and Then • 126 implied HN points • 22 Dec 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy
  1. Trump’s governing coalition looks brittle and likely to fracture from internal infighting, which will reduce their capacity to attack opponents and could help Democrats win narrow congressional majorities, though authoritarian moves may still intensify.
  2. The AI boom will keep inflating but trigger a strong cultural backlash as low-quality AI output becomes ubiquitous; the government may prop up AI finance to avoid a crash while crypto likely slips into another winter as investors pull back.
  3. Broader systems are worsening: billionaires will consolidate media, platforms and public agencies may fail to handle disasters or health crises, and rising emissions and preventable deaths could cause long-term harm even if political power shifts.

With UN blessing, the US and Israel impose the master’s plan

Aaron Mate • 226 implied HN points • 19 Nov 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy
  1. The US has historically used its power at the UN to protect Israel from accountability for actions against Palestinians.
  2. A new resolution backed by the US supports a plan that disregards Palestinian rights, showing a shift in global consensus towards their situation.
  3. Israel is now the dominant military power in the region, openly rejecting the idea of a Palestinian state and pushing for the emigration of Palestinians from Gaza.

Martin Gurri: Make America Debate Again. Plus. . .

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 1929 implied HN points • 27 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy
  1. Trump is taking a tough stance in foreign policy, like imposing tariffs on Colombia after a standoff over deported migrants. This new approach marks a change from the previous administration's methods.
  2. The discussion around the origins of COVID-19 has shifted, with intelligence now suggesting a lab leak might be more likely. This shows that long-suppressed debates are starting to resurface.
  3. The fight over foreign policy direction in the Trump administration continues with key staffing choices at the Pentagon. These decisions will impact how the U.S. engages with the world.

Chaos In Iran

Theory Matters • 5 implied HN points • 10 Mar 26
🌍 World Politics Foreign Policy
  1. Iran’s government is a fragile, hollowed-out authoritarian system facing deep domestic pressure from economic collapse, drought, and recurring mass protests, and it lacks broad legitimacy.
  2. Military strikes or targeted killings risk backfiring by creating martyrs, uniting elites, and sparking wider chaos, and airpower alone is unlikely to produce stable democratic change without a clear plan.
  3. There are no easy answers: past interventions show forced regime change is costly and unpredictable, so policymakers should act with caution and prioritize long-term, non-military strategies.

America Needs a New Iran Policy

The Liberal Patriot • 805 implied HN points • 23 Jan 24
🌍 World Politics Foreign Policy
  1. A new bipartisan coalition for a different approach on Iran is overdue.
  2. The US faces challenges from within in crafting a strategic approach to Iran.
  3. Steps like creating a new network of foreign policy thinkers and examining various challenges are necessary for a sensible US policy on Iran.

MAGA Goes to War—with Itself. Plus. . .

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 894 implied HN points • 18 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy
  1. Donald Trump is facing a split within the MAGA movement about whether to intervene in Iran. Some are fiercely supporting him, while others are pushing back.
  2. There are serious discussions happening about Iran's nuclear program, especially regarding its potential to create nuclear weapons. Experts are gathering to discuss whether Israel can handle this threat alone or if the U.S. must step in.
  3. Israel has been active in targeting Iran's military sites but has yet to fully address the heavily fortified Fordow facility. Understanding the implications of any action taken against it is crucial for regional security.

The Pagan King

KERFUFFLE • 87 implied HN points • 30 Dec 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy
  1. Many Christian conservatives are breaking with Trump because his support for things like Israel’s war in Gaza clashes with their basic moral beliefs, and younger believers seeing images on social media deepen that divide.
  2. He has failed to deliver for working Americans while cozying up to tech elites and indulging in lavish personal projects, which undercuts his populist image and alienates parts of his base.
  3. Trump operates more as a self-interested, pragmatic figure than a moral leader, and that lack of moral authority means religious supporters can eventually see through him and withdraw their loyalty.

Does The West Rule?

Some Unpleasant Arithmetic • 25 implied HN points • 03 Feb 26
🌍 World Politics Foreign Policy
  1. Many people and parties loudly claim to defend "Western values" while actually embracing authoritarianism, ethnonationalism, and policies that contradict pluralism and the rule of law.
  2. Western dominance grew from a mix of institutions (like rule of law and inclusive markets), historical contingencies (colonial wealth, geography), and cultural ideas, not from any innate moral superiority.
  3. Globalization, transnational elites, and new media have hollowed out nation-based rules and legitimacy, creating a rupture in the rules-based international order and enabling cross-border anti-democratic alliances.

Did We Learn Nothing From Jeff Goldblum’s Speech in Jurassic Park?

I Might Be Wrong • 7 implied HN points • 05 Mar 26
🌍 World Politics Foreign Policy
  1. Toppling Iran could be worth it only if it’s replaced by a genuinely better government; a limited outcome like a weapons deal wouldn’t justify the destruction and death.
  2. The outcome of war is highly unpredictable — removing leaders might bring hopeful change, chaotic collapse, or an even worse, competent authoritarian replacement.
  3. Any postwar government linked to the U.S. or Israel will face a huge legitimacy problem and likely be rejected at home, and history shows foreign‑backed regime changes often fail.

The Evil Warmongering Zionist Won (No Not That One, The Other One)

Caitlin’s Newsletter • 2551 implied HN points • 06 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy
  1. The Democratic Party has lost control after the elections, especially in key areas like Michigan, showing that support for war policies isn't popular. Many people are unhappy with how the party handled issues related to genocide and lack of progressive values.
  2. The election results suggest that both major candidates might continue harmful foreign policies. With Trump winning, expectations for positive change are low since he has a history of siding with powerful interests that support controversial actions.
  3. The overall message is that people shouldn't expect much good to come from U.S. elections. Instead, those wanting change should keep fighting against the ongoing abuses of power, as the struggle remains the same regardless of who is in office.

‘Trump Is the Decider’: Inside the Fight over the Administration’s Iran Policy

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 885 implied HN points • 16 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy
  1. There are two main groups within Trump's political circle: those who want less military involvement and those who support staying engaged, especially with Iran as a key issue.
  2. The debates between these groups are intense because they see the situation in Iran differently, with some viewing it as a risky war while others see it as a necessary fight against a nuclear threat.
  3. Recent comments from significant figures, like Tucker Carlson and Senator Rand Paul, highlight concerns about potential escalation into larger conflicts, indicating the stakes are high.

The Iran Strikes and the Trump Doctrine

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 797 implied HN points • 01 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy
  1. The U.S. conducted a successful strike on Iran's nuclear program, achieving its goals quickly with minimal prolonged conflict.
  2. President Trump and his administration uphold a nationalist approach to foreign policy, rejecting the typical labels of neoconservatism or isolationism.
  3. This action may spark more serious discussions about U.S. foreign policy, moving beyond the usual media narratives.

Most Americans Like America A Lot, And The Left Should Stop Ignoring This Fact

Singal-Minded • 750 implied HN points • 03 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy
  1. Many Americans still have a strong sense of pride in their country, which is often overlooked by some political groups. It's important to acknowledge this pride rather than dismiss it.
  2. While the U.S. has made mistakes both at home and abroad, it's also worth considering how it compares to other powerful nations. By some standards, it acts in a relatively gentle way.
  3. People generally think the American dream is alive, with many wanting to immigrate to the U.S. This shows that despite its flaws, America is still seen as a place of opportunity.