The hottest Foreign Policy Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
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Top World Politics Topics

Trump Is A Whiny Little Chicken Hawk.

C.O.P. Central Organizing Principle. • 36 implied HN points • 14 Jan 26
🌍 World Politics Foreign Policy
  1. Donald Trump is accused of secretly directing Ukrainian strikes, even attempts on Putin, and using US military and diplomatic channels to shape Western responses at the UN.
  2. Russia's Oreshnik missile is described as a game-changing conventional weapon that can surgically hit military targets, undermining nuclear deterrence and outpacing Western defenses.
  3. The West is portrayed as escalating the conflict with proxies, sanctions, and nuclear saber-rattling while repeating historical patterns of aggression, and the writer argues this approach is dangerous and that Trump must be removed to avoid disaster.

The Geopolitical Monopoly Board: Venezuela, Ukraine, Iran, Cuba, Greenland, Canada, Taiwan, Somalia, Minnesota and The Blob

Dr. Pippa's Pen & Podcast • 45 implied HN points • 14 Jan 26
🌍 World Politics Foreign Policy
  1. Criminal networks in Latin America are increasingly moving into legitimate businesses, which could make it easier to earn money legally and help clean up regional economies.
  2. Exposed problems with Venezuelan voting systems are being used as evidence that outside actors manipulated elections, fueling claims that Western intervention shaped color revolutions and raising the risk of wider geopolitical conflict and resource-control moves.
  3. Allegations of large-scale fraud tied to Somali-run businesses in Minnesota claim billions were paid out and sent abroad, prompting federal investigations, political fallout, and broader concerns about systemic corruption and weakened trust in institutions.

Can Great Power Politics Be Ethical?

Castalia • 299 implied HN points • 27 Mar 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy
  1. Great power politics often involves tough choices where states prioritize their own interests. This leads to conflicts and a belief that violence can sometimes be necessary to maintain power.
  2. Realism, a key theory in international relations, suggests that international laws and good intentions often don't work. Instead, powerful nations will act according to their own interests, regardless of fairness.
  3. Despite hopes for a more cooperative international system, powerful states rarely act differently than weaker ones, and this creates a cycle of conflict driven by the pursuit of power.

To Be Pro-Israel Is To Be Pro-War

Caitlin’s Newsletter • 1546 implied HN points • 13 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy
  1. Being pro-Israel often means supporting ongoing military conflicts. This connection makes it hard to advocate for peace while backing the state of Israel.
  2. Many politicians, regardless of party, continue harmful policies that lead to violence and suffering. They often ignore public outcry while pursuing their agendas.
  3. People have very different views on what free speech means. It can range from accountability and truth to defending harmful comments without consequence.

The Iran war is Trump’s unconditional surrender to Israel

Aaron Mate • 544 implied HN points • 21 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy
  1. Trump has aligned closely with Israel, sidelining US intelligence to justify military actions against Iran. This relationship raises concerns about dangerous foreign influence.
  2. Despite a US intelligence assessment stating that Iran is not pursuing nuclear weapons, Trump and his team have promoted false information, echoing Israeli claims.
  3. Iran continues to reject demands for unconditional surrender and insists on its right to self-defense. Trump's military actions may actually push Iran to pursue nuclear capabilities.
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Biden's Cluster Munitions Blunder

Eunomia • 884 implied HN points • 07 Jul 23
🌍 World Politics Foreign Policy
  1. Cluster munitions are inherently indiscriminate and pose a threat to civilians long after a war ends.
  2. Providing cluster munitions to Ukraine may lead to more harm than good, as they can maim and kill civilians and soldiers.
  3. Exporting cluster munitions contradicts previous condemnations of their use, creating political problems and potential hypocrisy.

Middle East Morass

Diane Francis • 839 implied HN points • 19 Oct 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy
  1. Joe Biden supported Israel while also stressing the need to avoid mistakes like those made after 9/11. He warned that anger shouldn't lead to prolonged conflict that causes more instability.
  2. The situation in the Middle East is tense, with Iran and other countries expressing aggression towards Israel. Neighboring countries like Jordan and Egypt are worried about an influx of Palestinian refugees due to potential violence.
  3. There is a call for a regional summit to address the ongoing crisis and seek a two-state solution. A collective effort from countries like Egypt and Saudi Arabia is seen as crucial for peace.

A Document For a New American Century (Part 1 of 2)

Fisted by Foucault • 81 implied HN points • 14 Dec 25
🌍 World Politics Foreign Policy
  1. U.S. foreign policy has long been unpredictable, which makes it hard for other countries to plan and for alliances to be stable.
  2. The 2025 National Security Strategy signals a realist shift away from liberal globalism, stressing national sovereignty, bilateral deals, and an acceptance that U.S. global domination is limited.
  3. That shift contains a clear tension: the administration wants to avoid "forever wars" and not confront Russia and China simultaneously, yet still prevent rivals from dominating places like the Middle East, creating practical contradictions in policy.

After Venezuela, Greenland Needs A Nuke.

JoeWrote • 54 implied HN points • 07 Jan 26
🌍 World Politics Foreign Policy
  1. The U.S. government is using unilateral military force and public threats to control other countries, directly violating their sovereignty.
  2. That aggressive posture is eroding international norms and reviving imperialist doctrines, while allies, the media, and domestic politicians are not effectively checking it.
  3. Facing this threat, vulnerable nations may rush to acquire nuclear weapons or strengthen their militaries as the only reliable deterrent, even though that raises global danger.

Commentator

Castalia • 379 implied HN points • 21 Feb 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy
  1. It's really hard to talk about the Israel-Gaza conflict because people have strong feelings and different views. It's important to recognize Israel's right to defend itself, but many innocent people in Gaza are suffering too.
  2. Alexei Navalny showed great courage by returning to Russia despite knowing the risks. He represents the idea of standing firm on one's principles, and his legacy challenges us to think about bravery in the face of tyranny.
  3. The current political situation in the U.S. has lots of people worried about Biden's age and electability. There's a growing discussion about whether it's time for the Democratic Party to find a new candidate who could energize voters and win the upcoming election.

January 19, 2026

Letters from an American • 35 implied HN points • 20 Jan 26
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy
  1. The president privately and publicly pushed for control of Greenland and obsessively complained about the Nobel Prize, sending aggressive messages that ignore history, law, and diplomatic norms.
  2. He is actively undermining the post–World War II rules-based international order — backing autocrats, trying to seize Venezuelan assets, and proposing a self-styled “Board of Peace” that would concentrate power.
  3. Those moves have sparked broad alarm and calls for accountability from journalists, clergy, former officials, and allied governments, and have already prompted concrete responses like Denmark boosting troops in Greenland.

What I Learned about how the U.S. Handled the Run-Up to Russia's Invasion of Ukraine

Drezner’s World • 845 implied HN points • 27 Feb 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy
  1. The U.S. believed Putin invaded Ukraine due to perceptions of Russian weakness, not U.S. weakness.
  2. Intelligence was used effectively by the Biden administration to persuade allies and delay Russia's invasion.
  3. Biden officials concluded that pre-emptive sanctions wouldn't have deterred Russia and focused on seizing oligarchs' assets to highlight corruption.

Taiwan: Trump’s Most Dangerous Global Challenge

The Upheaval • 1135 implied HN points • 20 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy
  1. China sees taking over Taiwan as a crucial goal to establish itself as a world superpower. They've set deadlines for this, with some leaders believing they need to act soon before circumstances change.
  2. The U.S. military faces serious challenges in defending Taiwan, including its reliance on long supply chains and manufacturing that could leave it vulnerable in a conflict. This might make it hard to respond quickly if an invasion happens.
  3. Defending Taiwan is not just about supporting democracy; it's about protecting U.S. interests globally. Losing Taiwan could shake the U.S.'s standing in the world and lead to a big economic crisis at home.

Trump's Cabinet Picks Aren't Looking Good For Peace In Ukraine

Caitlin’s Newsletter • 1383 implied HN points • 25 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy
  1. Trump's cabinet appointments suggest a focus on aggressive policies toward Russia, rather than a peaceful resolution in Ukraine. This raises concerns about increased tensions.
  2. Key advisors like Mike Waltz and Sebastian Gorka support escalating military actions, which aligns with strategies of the outgoing Biden administration. This continuity might not lead to the peace many expect.
  3. There are fears that the incoming Trump administration could worsen the situation in Ukraine instead of improving it, potentially delaying any chance for peace.

Israel, Ukraine Support

Diane Francis • 759 implied HN points • 30 Oct 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy
  1. Support for Ukraine is in danger as the focus shifts to Israel, but many Americans and Europeans still want to help Ukraine fight against Russia.
  2. Ukraine faces serious military challenges and needs continued support, especially with winter approaching and ongoing attacks on its cities.
  3. There's a worry that U.S. political issues could hurt aid for Ukraine, making it crucial for leaders to prioritize security and act decisively.

Putin Weaker? Nyet

Diane Francis • 939 implied HN points • 31 Jul 23
🌍 World Politics Foreign Policy
  1. Wagner, a private military group, is a key part of Putin's strategy and makes a lot of money from warfare and operations around the world.
  2. Putin uses Wagner not just for military actions but also to gain influence and control over resources in African countries, often through illegal means.
  3. Despite issues in Ukraine, Putin remains strong because of his partnerships and the ongoing power of groups like Wagner in the global landscape.

America First?

John’s Substack • 12 implied HN points • 17 Feb 26
🌍 World Politics Foreign Policy
  1. Negotiations to end the wars in Ukraine and Iran are mostly performative because the parties’ goals are far apart and meaningful compromise looks unlikely.
  2. The US is relying on inexperienced, partisan private figures rather than seasoned diplomats to run major foreign-policy talks, a sharp contrast with how other great powers handle diplomacy.
  3. Israel and its lobby are exerting strong pressure for US action against Iran despite Iran not posing a clear threat and broad international opposition, highlighting serious ineptitude in US policymaking.

Chris Hedges: War With Iran

The Chris Hedges Report • 469 implied HN points • 22 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy
  1. War can bring many unpredictable problems that are hard to control. Once it starts, things can spiral out of hand quickly.
  2. The past wars in the Middle East taught us that strong military actions may not bring peace or a good outcome. Ignoring local people's feelings can lead to more resistance.
  3. A war with Iran could lead to even more violence and retaliation, affecting many lives. The military doesn't seem prepared for what comes next.

Putin as the Patron Saint of Right Wing Misanthropy

Richard Hanania's Newsletter • 3072 implied HN points • 16 Feb 24
🌍 World Politics Foreign Policy
  1. Hatred of America in right-wing circles can sometimes reflect a deeper misanthropy that values different societal aspects than standard measurements of success.
  2. The anti-American right's hostility to democracy and liberalism can stem from a disdain for what most people desire and choose.
  3. Some in the conservative movement prioritize a pro-Putin stance over rational arguments against America's Ukraine policy, complicating efforts for peace and strategic negotiation.

The Empire Self-Destructs

The Chris Hedges Report • 960 implied HN points • 07 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy
  1. Empires often collapse due to internal problems like corruption, poor decisions, and failed policies. When this happens, their power and influence break down too.
  2. Some leaders and groups are pushing for a more extreme and Christian-based government, which threatens the democratic and diverse values of society.
  3. The way the U.S. gives foreign aid is often harmful and designed to control other countries, leading to more inequality at home and abroad.

What's The Least Bad Alternative?

John’s Substack • 8 implied HN points • 24 Feb 26
🌍 World Politics Foreign Policy
  1. There is serious debate about whether the US could or would launch a military attack on Iran.
  2. There’s no clear conclusion on whether an attack will happen, and leaders appear to face only bad choices rather than a viable option.
  3. Given the two bad alternatives, the least bad choice is to refrain from attacking Iran.

The Evolution of Marco Rubio

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 1061 implied HN points • 16 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy
  1. Marco Rubio is changing his approach to foreign policy, focusing on being pragmatic rather than hawkish. He wants to find practical solutions instead of just being aggressive.
  2. During his confirmation hearing, Rubio mentioned seeing opportunities in the Middle East that didn't exist before, especially relating to the situation with Israel and Hamas. He believes that current conflicts may create new possibilities for peace and cooperation.
  3. Rubio's comments suggest he is looking for ways to turn recent chaos in the Middle East into strategic advantages for the U.S. This shows a shift in how he perceives diplomatic chances amidst turmoil.

Trump’s Foreign Policy Revolution

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 885 implied HN points • 24 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy
  1. Trump's foreign policy is focused on protecting American interests first, breaking from past approaches. This means less commitment to global issues that don't directly benefit the U.S.
  2. The idea of a global order that America used to support has started to be seen as a problem by some leaders. There's a belief that following this order has led to issues like a border crisis and rising competition from China.
  3. Trump's administration has made bold moves, such as rethinking trade agreements and engaging directly with countries like Russia. This signals a big shift in how the U.S. interacts on the world stage.

January 20, 2026

Letters from an American • 31 implied HN points • 21 Jan 26
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy
  1. Trump’s Davos-era posts and public statements use provocative images and threats — including talk of seizing Greenland — that escalate tensions with European allies and sow diplomatic chaos.
  2. The administration is pushing false election claims, attacking opponents and officials, and defending aggressive ICE actions, raising concerns about domestic rule-of-law and political stability.
  3. Threats of tariffs and unilateral moves have already rattled markets and could trigger EU retaliation, while global leaders are exploring a new, coalition-based “variable geometry” order to reduce reliance on U.S.-led systems.

Betting on Chaos: Professional Political Gamblers

ChinaTalk • 340 implied HN points • 29 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy
  1. Prediction markets, like Polymarket and Kalshi, allow people to bet on political events, offering a unique way to gauge public sentiment and forecast outcomes. These markets can draw significant interest and money, sometimes reaching millions in trading volume.
  2. To succeed in prediction markets, a trader needs to stay informed and research past events to make educated bets. Success often comes from fast thinking and separating personal feelings from market decisions.
  3. As prediction markets grow, there are concerns about insider trading and ethical boundaries. Regulators may step in as the impacts of these markets on real-world events become more pronounced.

Top Links 797 Upgrading America's military-industrial complex. The Rise and Fall of China’s ‘Fentanyl King’ & the "hole left by the Christian dark ages" ;)

Chartbook • 386 implied HN points • 12 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy
  1. America's military-industrial complex is getting more advanced. This means they are improving their technology and systems for military use.
  2. China's 'Fentanyl King' story highlights the rise and fall of influential individuals in the drug trade. It shows how powerful figures can impact society.
  3. The mention of the 'hole left by the Christian dark ages' suggests there were significant losses in knowledge or culture during that time. It's a reminder of how history can shape our present.

WHAT COMES NEXT IN IRAN?

Seymour Hersh • 21 implied HN points • 04 Feb 26
🌍 World Politics Foreign Policy
  1. Iran is in a deep internal crisis after mass protests were met with a brutal government crackdown that reportedly killed thousands and allowed the Revolutionary Guards to shoot protesters.
  2. Removing the religious leadership would hinge on getting the regular Iranian army—hundreds of thousands of active and reserve troops—to agree to or join any effort to oust the regime.
  3. Israeli and U.S. officials are reportedly discussing plans for how to proceed if a decision is made to push for regime change, and the stance of leaders like Donald Trump could be decisive.

Politburo meeting, no announcement of Third Plenum; Li Shangfu missing from study session; Evergrande chairman under "control"; TikTok

Sinocism • 766 implied HN points • 28 Sep 23
🌍 World Politics Foreign Policy
  1. The Politburo meeting did not announce the dates for the Third Plenum, raising speculation about possible delays or disagreements.
  2. During the Politburo Study Session on WTO reform, key officials were absent, indicating potential areas of concern.
  3. Evergrande's chairman being placed under police surveillance raises doubts about the company's ability to avoid liquidation, impacting other struggling real estate firms.

As Gaza starves, Trump tells Israel to 'finish the job'

Aaron Mate • 362 implied HN points • 27 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy
  1. There is a serious humanitarian crisis in Gaza where many people are starving, with aid groups warning of mass starvation, especially among children and the elderly.
  2. The U.S. government, under Trump's administration, is supporting Israel's actions in Gaza instead of pushing for aid and ceasefire talks, which has worsened the situation for the Palestinian people.
  3. Israel's siege of Gaza is aimed at making the area unlivable, with discussions about making life so difficult that Palestinians are pushed to leave rather than granting them rights or statehood.

January 17, 2026

Letters from an American • 33 implied HN points • 18 Jan 26
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy
  1. The president announced tariffs on countries protecting Greenland to force a sale, using economic coercion rather than economic rationale and risking a trade war with U.S. allies.
  2. European leaders and citizens pushed back hard, with emergency EU meetings, threats of countermeasures, and large protests in Copenhagen and Nuuk, while other countries like Canada are moving ahead with independent trade ties.
  3. The administration’s broader authoritarian tactics — proposing a U.S.-led "Board of Peace," launching politicized investigations, and deploying agents against protesters — are drawing legal limits and eroding public support.

January 21, 2026

Letters from an American • 29 implied HN points • 22 Jan 26
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy
  1. The president's rambling, hostile Davos speech and threats to prosecute people over the 2020 election raise serious concerns about his fitness for office and suggest he may try to use the justice system for political revenge.
  2. Immigration enforcement has grown more violent and aggressive, with agents detaining children, using force that may have caused deaths, and expanding detention operations across multiple states.
  3. A secret DHS/ICE memo appears to authorize warrantless home entries, undercutting Fourth Amendment protections and sparking whistleblower disclosures and congressional scrutiny.

The U.S. loves nationalism

Yasha Levine • 746 implied HN points • 05 Oct 23
🌍 World Politics Foreign Policy
  1. The U.S. utilizes nationalism to advance imperial aims globally.
  2. Support for nationalist movements is selective and based on strategic interests.
  3. Historical backing of certain nationalistic ideologies can lead to unintended consequences and blowback.

Putting Israel First, Rubio Victimizes Harmless Student Over Op-Ed

Stark Realities with Brian McGlinchey • 476 implied HN points • 01 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy
  1. Marco Rubio has been accused of unfairly targeting foreign students who criticize Israel, using actions like deportation and imprisonment to silence their voices.
  2. The case of Rumeysa Ozturk highlights concerns about free speech, as she faced severe consequences for an op-ed she co-authored about Israel's actions in Gaza.
  3. The broader issue raises questions about rights and due process, with the fear that government actions could silence not just foreigners, but also American citizens who express similar views.

My Ancestors Fled Ukraine. It Was America That Allowed Me to Return.

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 834 implied HN points • 23 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy
  1. America's support for Ukraine is fading, as leaders are discussing withdrawing help and making unfair demands. This shift worries many who believe it sends a bad message to the world about U.S. commitments.
  2. The new U.S. administration has made sudden moves to negotiate peace in Ukraine without involving Ukrainian leaders, which seems like a betrayal. This has raised concerns about Ukraine's sovereignty and security.
  3. Some U.S. officials are suggesting that Ukraine may need to give up land and will not be allowed to join NATO, which plays into Russia's hands and goes against the interests of Ukraine.

Why does the US support Israel? A geopolitical analysis with economist Michael Hudson

Geopolitical Economy Report • 617 implied HN points • 13 Nov 23
🌍 World Politics Foreign Policy
  1. US support for Israel is primarily driven by geopolitical strategies and control over the Middle East region.
  2. The US sees Israel as a military base to exert control over oil reserves in the Middle East and maintain dominance in the global economy.
  3. Historical parallels can be drawn between the Crusades and current US strategies in the Middle East, indicating power struggles for oil resources and global control.

Don't Intervene in Yemen

Eunomia • 432 implied HN points • 09 Jan 24
🌍 World Politics Foreign Policy
  1. Attacking the Houthis in Yemen would be a risky and counterproductive move.
  2. Supporting the Yemeni government may not be a wise decision due to its lack of legitimacy and internal divisions.
  3. The focus should be on ending the war in Gaza and not escalating conflicts in Yemen.