The hottest Foreign Policy Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
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Top World Politics Topics

January 22, 2026

Letters from an American • 27 implied HN points • 23 Jan 26
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy
  1. Many Americans disapprove of ICE after violent federal raids in Minnesota, including the killing of Renee Good, and community groups are staging an “ICE Out Day” to protest.
  2. A New York Times/Siena poll shows Trump underwater on approval and on almost every issue, and he has reacted by attacking polling and threatening lawsuits against media outlets and banks.
  3. Former special counsel Jack Smith testified that his team found proof beyond a reasonable doubt that Trump engaged in criminal activity, while House Republicans largely sought to discredit him instead of engaging with the evidence.

Memo to Trump: Beware the ‘Reverse Teddy’

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 908 implied HN points • 29 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy
  1. Trump's recent actions have shown strength in dealing with issues in Latin America, but it may come at the cost of ignoring global concerns.
  2. In his first term, Trump managed to maintain a strong presence in Europe and Asia, avoiding new conflicts and making significant deals.
  3. There are worries that in his second term, Trump might focus too much on the Western Hemisphere and neglect vital international relationships.

Trump Just Handed China the Tools to Beat America in AI

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 292 implied HN points • 11 Aug 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy
  1. Lifting the ban on exporting advanced AI chips to China could allow them to catch up in technology and military power. This is a concern for America's global standing.
  2. The U.S. government may profit from the sale of these chips by taking a percentage of the revenue, contradicting the original purpose of the export ban aimed at national security.
  3. Access to advanced AI chips has been crucial for China's AI development, and easing restrictions will likely help them close the gap with the U.S. in artificial intelligence.

What exactly is South Africa getting from its diplomatic dalliance with Russia and other BRICS states?

An Africanist Perspective • 692 implied HN points • 27 May 23
🌍 World Politics Foreign Policy
  1. South Africa's exclusion from the G7 Summit suggests a decline in its global influence and ability to engage as a middle power.
  2. Historically, South Africa missed opportunities to establish itself as a key player in Africa, affecting its ability to leverage regional influence.
  3. To enhance its geopolitical position, South Africa can focus on building strong continental partnerships, particularly in sectors like trade, security, and climate issues.
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Why is Trump so fixated on Venezuela?

Michael Tracey • 86 implied HN points • 01 Dec 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy
  1. Trump seems very focused on Venezuela because he wants to make a big impact on foreign policy, where he has more power than in domestic issues. This allows him to pursue his own goals without much restraint.
  2. He aims for regime change in Venezuela as part of his legacy, inspired by other U.S. presidents who are remembered for their military actions. His administration is aggressively pushing this agenda to replace the current Venezuelan leadership.
  3. Foreign policy has the most significant consequences and is where Trump believes he can shape history. This focus on international affairs gives him a way to leave a mark as an influential leader.

Strategic Blindness

The Cosmopolitan Globalist • 21 implied HN points • 25 Jan 26
🌍 World Politics Foreign Policy
  1. Intelligence often exists but leaders fail to act because they expect certainty, stick to predecided plans, and worry more about political optics than reality.
  2. Institutions that rely on outdated models—the 'Maginot mindset'—become brittle and can’t adapt to new forms of attack or surprise, so material strength alone is not enough.
  3. Weakening alliances, the dollar’s long-term status, and sustained gray‑zone pressure show that hard power used transactionally backfires; democracies need to shift from top‑down control to enabling distributed, adaptive responses.

WHAT IS TRUMP’S GAMBIT IN VENEZUELA?

Seymour Hersh • 41 implied HN points • 08 Jan 26
🌍 World Politics Foreign Policy
  1. The Venezuela operation wasn’t just about ousting Maduro — it aimed to cut China off from cheap Venezuelan oil and weaken rivals’ access to energy.
  2. Top U.S. officials framed the action as a superpower prerogative, saying the U.S. can set the rules in its hemisphere and enforce embargoes to control resources.
  3. This approach traces back to a Cheney-era energy strategy, showing the move is driven by long-standing energy geopolitics and could be used next against other suppliers like Iran.

Did Trump Just End a War—or Start One?

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 403 implied HN points • 22 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy
  1. There's a lot of discussion about whether recent military actions will bring peace or create more conflict. People have mixed feelings about it.
  2. Social media is buzzing with reactions, from joy to anger, as many express their political views on these developments.
  3. It’s unclear what the long-term effects of this situation will be. Even officials might not fully understand what's happening right now.

What Venezuela Means

KERFUFFLE • 35 implied HN points • 04 Jan 26
🌍 World Politics Foreign Policy
  1. International rules that limit war and protect state sovereignty are fragile but crucial; giving them up risks more violence and lawlessness.
  2. Those who cheer the end of a rules-based order underestimate how quickly that leads to a darker world where the strong oppress the weak.
  3. The recent military attack on Venezuela is a warning sign that this shift is happening, and people in safer countries shouldn't assume they're insulated.

The Tulsi Gabbard Smears Are Unfounded, Unfair, and Unhelpful

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 1071 implied HN points • 01 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy
  1. Criticism of Tulsi Gabbard often focuses on her views about foreign policy, particularly regarding Russia and Ukraine. It's important to discuss her ideas rather than question her motives.
  2. Some political figures label Gabbard as a Russian asset without strong evidence, which can seem unfair and extreme. This kind of labeling can distract from actual discussions about her policies.
  3. Gabbard's past statements about diplomacy with tyrants have raised eyebrows. Many feel that during times of aggression, like Russia's invasion of Ukraine, strong responses are necessary rather than calls for neutrality.

The Curse of the Dispensation

America in Crisis • 99 implied HN points • 04 Jun 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy
  1. Democrats shifted focus from the working class in favor of other constituencies like women and college students after a 1968 defeat
  2. The decline of Democratic dominance in 1968 was attributed to poor foreign policy choices like excessive military spending during peacetime
  3. Over time, holding onto a dominant party status can lead to complacency and eventual downfall, as seen in the transitions from the Roosevelt to Reagan dispensations

Ukraine Support Holds

Diane Francis • 699 implied HN points • 10 Aug 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy
  1. Support for Ukraine is strong among many countries, including the US and EU nations. Polls show that people want to continue helping Ukraine against Russia.
  2. Most Americans believe military aid to Ukraine is important, and a large majority oppose negotiations unless Russia withdraws first. This suggests a clear message that people want to see Ukraine win.
  3. Concerns about the security risks of helping Ukraine have decreased over time. Many European citizens also want stronger military ties and support for Ukraine as a united front against Russian aggression.

The Tag Team Fails in Iran

John’s Substack • 28 implied HN points • 20 Jan 26
🌍 World Politics Foreign Policy
  1. The US and Israel ran a coordinated campaign — sanctions, covert agents, Starlink support, and plans for military action — intended to produce regime change in Iran. That effort failed when Iran suppressed the protests and cut off the communications that sustained them.
  2. Western and Israeli media presented the protests as mainly an internal popular uprising and downplayed foreign interference, which helped legitimize the campaign and shape public perception. This framing obscured the reported role of outside backing and violent agitators.
  3. The 12-Day war and the US strike on Iran’s nuclear sites did not deliver a clear, lasting victory for Israel or the US, and Iran still retains missile capabilities and the ability to rebuild parts of its nuclear program. The failed campaign may increase Iran’s incentive to seek a stronger deterrent.

Let's Take AOC's Foreign Policy Vision Seriously

I Might Be Wrong • 9 implied HN points • 18 Feb 26
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy
  1. She’s pitching an alternate foreign policy that centers working people and presented that vision at international forums like the Munich Security Conference.
  2. A few public gaffes — mixups about Taiwan, Venezuela, and trans-/trans-Atlantic wording — have dominated coverage and distracted from her substantive points.
  3. Her team and supporters want people to look past the slip-ups and engage seriously with the policy proposals she’s putting forward, including campaign-released clips and panels.

Trump the Arms Dealer

Eunomia • 353 implied HN points • 23 Jan 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy
  1. Trump enthusiastically supported selling weapons to anyone, regardless of their intended use
  2. During his presidency, Trump made deals with Saudi Arabia and the UAE instead of cutting off weapons sales
  3. Trump criticized others for supporting wars for profit, but he did the same thing while in office

The Weak Strongman

Thinking about... • 731 implied HN points • 13 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy
  1. Trump's style of leadership can seem strong, but it's actually making America weaker on the world stage. His actions are damaging key government institutions and alliances.
  2. While many Americans fear Trump's behavior, he doesn’t inspire the same fear abroad. Instead, other countries see his actions as a chance to gain more power without concern for his threats.
  3. Trump's government strategy relies on chaos and destruction rather than solid policies. This creates a situation where adversaries like Russia and China can take advantage of America's declining strength.

Is It A Wake Up?

Points And Figures • 1012 implied HN points • 09 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy
  1. Many believe that the recent political changes in the US show a major disconnect between mainstream media and the public's opinions. People are looking for a voice, and this new landscape allows them to speak up.
  2. There is a sentiment that the government has become too intrusive and wasteful. Citizens feel frustrated about how their tax dollars are spent, particularly regarding foreign aid and pandemic response.
  3. Leaders like Trump and Musk challenge traditional bureaucratic management styles, and some hope this will lead to reduced government control and more effective management in the future.

WHAT CHAOS WILL TRUMP UNLEASH IN 2026?

Seymour Hersh • 44 implied HN points • 02 Jan 26
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy
  1. The president is unpredictable, swinging between reckless impulses and boredom, which makes his decisions likely to be chaotic.
  2. He is surrounded by eager sycophants and a Republican-led Congress that shows little willingness to check him, so risky actions are less likely to be restrained.
  3. He avoids detailed policy briefings and prefers gossip and spectacle over sober preparation, raising the chance of poorly informed or dangerous choices.

Criminals welcome as US recruits foreign proxies to wage 'irregular war' on adversaries

Geopolitical Economy Report • 637 implied HN points • 18 May 23
🌍 World Politics Foreign Policy
  1. The US military recruits foreign fighters as proxies for irregular warfare but does not vet them for past atrocities.
  2. Special Operations Command plays a significant role in secretive shadow wars across the globe.
  3. US special operations forces have been active in the majority of countries worldwide, focusing heavily on irregular warfare.

A Deep Dive on Iran

John’s Substack • 11 implied HN points • 14 Feb 26
🌍 World Politics Foreign Policy
  1. A recent Netanyahu–Trump meeting disappointed Israeli expectations and revealed tensions between allies.
  2. There is no clear or credible military strategy to win a war against Iran, making any such plan highly risky and uncertain.
  3. Many experts are overconfident, claiming the US can easily solve the Iran problem by force and that Ukraine has the upper hand against Russia, despite evidence to the contrary.

War Deja Vu

The Chris Hedges Report • 378 implied HN points • 19 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy
  1. The same false claims used to justify the Iraq war are being revived to push for a war with Iran. It's like we're hearing the same story all over again.
  2. Many people ignore important intelligence reports that say Iran isn't a threat, instead believing exaggerated fears pushed by war supporters. These claims have been proved wrong before.
  3. The history of U.S. involvement in Iran has been one of interference and conflict. This history makes it hard for the U.S. to claim it's spreading democracy in Iran.

January 16, 2026

Letters from an American • 28 implied HN points • 17 Jan 26
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy
  1. He has accepted and displayed symbolic honors, like a Nobel medal and team gifts, to promote his personal achievements. He repeatedly claims credit for ending wars and uses these moments to bolster his image.
  2. He is pushing to "own" Greenland, saying ownership is psychologically important and suggesting that treaties or international law need not constrain him. His rhetoric treats territorial control like a real-estate deal rather than allied diplomacy.
  3. His Greenland demands have provoked strong bipartisan and allied pushback, with NATO partners increasing forces in the region and U.S. lawmakers moving to block any attack. Critics warn that trying to seize a NATO territory could collapse the alliance and risk wider conflict.

Bibi, bunker busters, and booty calls

The Rubesletter by Matt Ruby (of Vooza) | Sent every Tuesday • 356 implied HN points • 24 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy
  1. The relationship between Trump and Netanyahu affects the Jewish community in different ways. It's important to understand how these political connections influence opinions and actions.
  2. The discussion also touches on foreign policy issues like Iran and immigration. These topics are complex and can have significant impacts on domestic and international relations.
  3. Other themes mentioned, like lifestyle choices and cultural references, highlight the mix of politics and everyday life. It's interesting to see how these different areas blend together in conversations.

The Cold War History of Export Controls

ChinaTalk • 415 implied HN points • 30 May 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy
  1. Export controls on technology have a long history, dating back to the Cold War, and they show how countries try to limit each other's advancements.
  2. The effectiveness of these controls depends heavily on cooperation between countries; without a united approach, it's hard to enforce such regulations.
  3. Tracking where technology goes after it's exported is crucial. If countries can't monitor this, it makes it easy for others to use loopholes and bypass the rules.

The Genocide in Gaza and Its Enablers

Eunomia • 334 implied HN points • 26 Jan 24
🌍 World Politics Foreign Policy
  1. Biden's response to the war in Gaza shows the consequences of giving another state unlimited support.
  2. Many Democrats believe that Israel is committing genocide in Gaza, yet Western governments are hesitant to act on this evidence.
  3. Public confidence in Biden's ability to handle international crises is low, especially after his support for Israel during the Gaza conflict.

Against America, Europe Can Become Europe

World Game • 19 implied HN points • 19 Jan 26
🌍 World Politics Foreign Policy
  1. The United States has grown more openly hostile and willing to use economic and military pressure, treating Europe as weak and able to be coerced because of European dependence on American energy, technology and defence.
  2. That pressure could force Europeans to finally unite and assert real sovereignty, driving a strategic break from the United States and the creation of a shared, civilisation-level European identity and state.
  3. Europe must stop assuming values are universal and choose between the transatlantic alliance and an independent European project; preserving European ideals will require sovereignty, hard economic choices, and a clear political identity.

Blinken Is Failing the Test

Eunomia • 353 implied HN points • 11 Jan 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy
  1. The idea of Blinken providing a reassuring projection of American leadership is not credible.
  2. Morale in the State Department is low under Blinken compared to previous administrations.
  3. State Department experts are being ignored as Biden and Blinken drive U.S. policy in a negative direction.

Regency or Ruin: The 25th Amendment, Trump the Chaos-Monkey, & Zero Adult Supervision of the Use of American Power

Brad DeLong's Grasping Reality • 338 implied HN points • 24 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy
  1. The current leadership struggles with issues of competence and decision-making at the highest levels of government. This creates a chaotic environment where important decisions may not get the thoughtful consideration they need.
  2. There's a concern that the political system is not functioning well, particularly in managing presidential incapacity. Mechanisms like the 25th Amendment and impeachment seem ignored, even when they might be necessary.
  3. The lack of experienced, serious leaders in the political landscape is troubling. Without capable individuals to step in, the risks of poor governance increase, potentially leading to significant consequences for the country.

The Gathering Storm: Snatch-and-Grab Regime Change is the New New Normal

The Corbett Report • 28 implied HN points • 11 Jan 26
🌍 World Politics Foreign Policy
  1. The Maduro abduction shows a new, bold 'snatch-and-grab' approach to regime change that sidesteps legal norms and leaves many questions about how it was carried out.
  2. Public US statements about seizing resources and ignoring international law reveal a 'mask off' imperial posture where unilateral force and resource grabs are openly justified.
  3. That precedent makes the world more dangerous by encouraging other states to copy these tactics, raising the risk of tit-for-tat raids, wider instability, and escalating conflict.

January 15, 2026

Letters from an American • 27 implied HN points • 16 Jan 26
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy
  1. The Justice Department has released less than 1% of the Epstein files required by law, and some politicians are deflecting attention toward former leaders instead of forcing full transparency.
  2. A federal agent's shooting of a woman during an immigration operation has ignited protests after the administration defended the agents and labeled opponents 'domestic terrorists', while aggressive federal tactics in Minnesota injured civilians including children.
  3. The administration is consolidating power and testing institutional limits—raiding a reporter's home, managing seized Venezuelan oil proceeds offshore, and pressuring officials and agencies—while facing growing public and political pushback.

Israel's Hidden War -- Redux

Diane Francis • 539 implied HN points • 27 Oct 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy
  1. There's a big divide in Israeli society between secular and religious people. This divide is causing serious issues that could lead to more conflict.
  2. The current government in Israel, guided by radical religious groups, has made decisions that have harmed the safety of its people, especially along the Gaza border.
  3. Education differences also play a role in this divide. Secular Israelis often receive a broader education, while religious Israelis focus more on scripture.

What Books Are Really Getting Banned?

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 2323 implied HN points • 18 Jan 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy
  1. Investigation found that the issue is not banned books but limited exposure to diverse opinions, especially in school libraries.
  2. Political dynamics in Iowa show low Republican turnouts and endorsements, hinting at an emerging trend in the upcoming elections.
  3. Heartbreaking letter from an Israeli reflects the ongoing trauma and desperate plea for the return of hostages, shedding light on the human cost of conflict.

Debate: Should the U.S. Intervene in Iran?

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 352 implied HN points • 17 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy
  1. The U.S. is debating whether to intervene in Iran to stop its nuclear program, especially after Israel's recent actions. It's a big decision for President Trump, who needs to consider if Iran is a real threat.
  2. There are two main views on this issue: one group believes the U.S. should stay out of Middle Eastern conflicts, while the other supports military action to prevent Iran from getting nuclear weapons.
  3. Israeli leaders argue that Iran's threat is not just a regional issue but affects global security, including the U.S. This raises questions about America's role in international conflicts.

In Africa, Russia is playing the West like a fiddle

An Africanist Perspective • 573 implied HN points • 09 Sep 23
🌍 World Politics Foreign Policy
  1. Russia's influence in Africa is hyped up in Western media compared to its actual economic and military ties with African states.
  2. African states respond to Russia based on their specific interests and not as puppets, often driven by the desire to access resources at lower costs, especially amidst economic constraints.
  3. African nations should be cautious not to overly rely on Russia militarily or economically, aiming to prioritize domestic sovereignty and economic growth by carefully considering policy decisions and avoid getting deeply entwined with Russia.