The hottest Foreign Policy Substack posts right now

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Top World Politics Topics

Look: You HAVE to Ask Josh Shapiro if He’s Ever Feasted on Palestinian Flesh

I Might Be Wrong • 20 implied HN points • 20 Jan 26
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy
  1. The Harris campaign asked Josh Shapiro intrusive questions about his ties to Israel and whether he might be an agent for a foreign government.
  2. The piece argues that intense vetting of a candidate’s ethnic or religious loyalties is normal and necessary, and says Democrats have done similar scrutiny of other politicians.
  3. The writer portrays Shapiro’s nuanced views on Israel as risky and defends extreme or provocative questioning as routine due diligence, using satirical exaggeration to make the point.

How Biden Helped Bring War to Ukraine

Nonzero Newsletter • 542 implied HN points • 24 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy
  1. The U.S. adopted a more aggressive stance toward Russia after Biden became president, which changed the situation in Ukraine. This shift is seen as a major factor that contributed to the outbreak of war.
  2. Ukrainian President Zelensky initially aimed to make peace with Russia but faced pressure from both local nationalists and U.S. officials who feared his approach would weaken Ukraine's position.
  3. Trump's presidency was associated with a different strategy towards Russia that allowed for some diplomatic conversations. Some argue that his policies might have prevented the large-scale conflict we see now.

All These Israeli Agendas Were Planned Long In Advance

Caitlin’s Newsletter • 526 implied HN points • 26 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy
  1. Israel has clear long-term goals in the Middle East and they are taking military actions to achieve them. This includes strengthening their position in Syria and Lebanon while pushing for changes in Gaza and the West Bank.
  2. The narrative around military and political support often has misleading implications. Support for certain countries or actions can sometimes be used to justify violence against innocent people.
  3. There are skeptical views on public figures and their true motives, especially in politics and media. People should be cautious about trusting narratives that seem convenient for powerful interests.

January 6, 2026

Letters from an American • 27 implied HN points • 07 Jan 26
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy
  1. MAGA rhetoric treats democratic defeats as illegitimate and encourages silencing opponents, erasing opposing policies, and rewriting events like the January 6 attack.
  2. Recent Democratic policies delivered measurable domestic improvements—more jobs, falling inflation, rising wages, and lower violence—but the current administration is dismantling those gains and reversing that progress.
  3. The administration’s foreign policy breaks with the post‑WWII rules‑based order by threatening allies, using military force, and seeking control over other countries’ resources, which is provoking international alarm and instability.
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It Profits a Nation Nothing to Give Its Soul for the Whole World . . . But for Greenland?

Gideon's Substack • 19 implied HN points • 22 Jan 26
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy
  1. The push to "own" Greenland revives a long-standing American interest, but openly threatening an allied country to get it is unprecedented and alarming.
  2. The United States already has broad military access to Greenland, so trying to acquire it outright looks unnecessary and risks seriously damaging ties with Denmark and other European allies.
  3. The president’s unpredictable theatrics could either spur Europe to rearm and become more strategically independent—which might be beneficial—or alienate allies and push them toward rivals like China, with dangerous long-term costs.

The Normies Will Save the World

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 1738 implied HN points • 21 Feb 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy
  1. Some prominent figures in American politics seem to show more support for tyrants and terrorists than for democracy.
  2. Most Americans are invested in and personally consider conflicts like the Israel-Hamas war, the Ukraine-Russia war, and tensions between China and Taiwan as important to U.S. national interests.
  3. The majority of Americans hold strong views against Chinese communism, Russian dictatorship, and Islamist terrorism, supporting the notion that America and the West are forces for good.

Democrats Are Demented Genocidal War Sluts

Caitlin’s Newsletter • 1811 implied HN points • 01 Feb 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy
  1. President Biden is reportedly preparing for a bombing campaign in the Middle East in retaliation for a drone attack, potentially escalating to a full-blown war with Iran.
  2. The warmongering policies of the current US president involve initiating a bombing campaign in Yemen and supporting a genocide in Gaza.
  3. The behavior of Democratic Party leaders, including Nancy Pelosi, raises concerns about their support for war and genocide, despite portraying themselves as responsible humanitarians.

January 4, 2026

Letters from an American • 28 implied HN points • 05 Jan 26
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy
  1. The administration launched strikes in Venezuela, captured Nicolás Maduro according to officials, and signaled an intent to control the country and its oil resources.
  2. The operation proceeded without clear congressional authorization or proper briefings to the Gang of Eight, raising serious legal and constitutional questions while officials called it a law-enforcement action despite many civilian and security-force deaths.
  3. There is broad public and bipartisan political backlash: most Americans oppose military intervention, lawmakers say they were misled, and critics warn the intervention will likely backfire and strengthen Maduro while showing the administration ignoring oversight.

Introducing the Symposium

The Cosmopolitan Globalist • 7 implied HN points • 10 Feb 26
🌍 World Politics Foreign Policy
  1. A weekly, open 'Symposium' will replace the strict Middle East course model, offering a new global topic each week with shorter required readings so subscribers can drop in when a topic interests them.
  2. An optional expository writing module will follow the discussion, is cumulative, and asks participants to commit to attending regularly so writing feedback can build over time.
  3. The inaugural session asks whether the liberal international order has collapsed, features Terry Glavin as guest, and comes with an extensive curated reading list, speeches, debates, and study questions to guide the conversation.

Trump the China Dove?

Nonzero Newsletter • 203 implied HN points • 01 Aug 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy
  1. China is pushing for an international group to manage AI, while the US feels the need to strengthen its position in global AI dominance. Each country has a different approach to global governance.
  2. Many young Americans are using AI tools frequently, especially for brainstorming. This shift suggests that AI is becoming a regular part of people's work and daily life.
  3. There are concerns that AI is taking away entry-level jobs, leading to higher unemployment for new graduates. This trend is affecting traditional job training pathways.

Academia's Putinverstehers

The Cosmopolitan Globalist • 15 implied HN points • 21 Jan 26
🌍 World Politics Foreign Policy
  1. Some foreign-policy “realists” excuse Russian aggression by prioritizing “stability” and blaming NATO. That approach freezes conquest, rewards violence, and makes larger wars more likely.
  2. Treating Russia as a stable “great power” or a normal nation-state misreads its nature. It is an imperial, declining regime that relies on domination and extraction rather than consent.
  3. Denying the agency of invaded peoples and urging concessions sidelines their rights and emboldens aggressors. The sober answer is to make aggression fail materially so violence no longer pays.

December 30, 2025

Letters from an American • 29 implied HN points • 31 Dec 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy
  1. The administration and powerful private allies tried to bypass the Constitution and Congress by declaring emergencies, installing unelected operatives, and cutting or repurposing government programs. Those moves weakened public services, violated privacy norms, and caused real human harm at home and abroad.
  2. Courts, state attorneys general, and mass protests pushed back, with lawsuits and public pressure producing legal rulings, orders, and hearings that checked some of the administration’s actions. This showed that the rule of law and civic mobilization can slow or reverse executive overreach.
  3. The political cost was real: voters swung back toward Democrats in 2025 and bipartisan Congress members forced transparency on issues like the Epstein files, increasing scrutiny of the administration’s ties and conduct. Those electoral and oversight responses suggest growing limits on the administration’s ability to act without accountability.

Chartbook 331: 46 in medias res - A mosaic of the Biden administration.

Chartbook • 743 implied HN points • 05 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy
  1. The Biden administration's time in office is seen as limited, with many questioning its place in history and legacy. It seems to be moving towards a significant change after one term.
  2. The administration faced various challenges, including obstacles to its policies, which highlighted the need for balance in its approach to both domestic and foreign issues.
  3. As tensions with China increase and significant decisions around issues like climate and economic policy continue, the Biden presidency is grappling with its role in a changing global landscape.

Another Illegal War Is in the Offing

Eunomia • 216 implied HN points • 02 Feb 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy
  1. The Constitution requires Congressional approval for the president to use U.S. forces in military campaigns.
  2. The U.S. is planning an unauthorized military campaign in Iraq and Syria.
  3. Congressional response to the news has been lacking, with some members criticizing the proposed campaign.

The Credibility Crux of COVID Origins

A Biologist's Guide to Life • 29 implied HN points • 01 Jan 26
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy
  1. A credibility crisis around COVID origins arose because powerful institutions and some academics suppressed or discredited evidence pointing to a lab origin, poisoning public trust and academic debate.
  2. Forensic bioattribution is hard and underdeveloped, so governments must fund new methods, data sources, and standards to reliably determine whether a virus came from a lab.
  3. A new, insulated national security science institution is needed to recruit top scientists, avoid foreign influence, integrate intelligence and scientific rigor, and restore credible investigation into high‑consequence biological events.

Tulsi Gabbard Holds the Knife

Thinking about... • 641 implied HN points • 07 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy
  1. Tulsi Gabbard is seen as unqualified to lead U.S. intelligence due to her past support for controversial regimes and spreading false information.
  2. Her actions, including justifying violence against civilians and promoting propaganda, raise concerns about her intentions and reliability.
  3. If she were to lead national intelligence, it could put U.S. safety at risk and harm relationships with allies.

LIVE NOW: Trump Bombs Iran

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 250 implied HN points • 22 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy
  1. Trump announced a successful attack on three key Iranian nuclear sites, marking a significant moment in his foreign policy. This could have major effects on international relations.
  2. There are concerns about how Iran might respond to this military action, which could escalate tensions in the Middle East.
  3. Experts will discuss the implications of this decision for both regional dynamics and U.S. domestic politics during a livestream event.

January 3, 2026

Letters from an American • 26 implied HN points • 04 Jan 26
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy
  1. Newly released Epstein files keep revealing troubling connections and suggest the Justice Department considered charging co‑conspirators, but the DOJ has missed legal deadlines to fully disclose or justify redactions.
  2. Former special counsel Jack Smith told Congress under oath that his team found proof beyond a reasonable doubt that Trump worked to overturn the 2020 election and willfully kept classified documents, and much of the evidence came from Republicans who had worked for him.
  3. The administration launched a unilateral military operation to seize Venezuela’s president and wife—framed as law enforcement but aimed at regime change and control of oil—acting without clear congressional or international legal authority, causing civilian deaths and leaving U.S. officials scrambling to plan what comes next.

Commentator

Castalia • 299 implied HN points • 12 Dec 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy
  1. Public opinion plays a huge role in international conflicts, often influencing how countries act. It's surprising how much leaders consider public sentiment when making decisions about wars like those in Gaza and Ukraine.
  2. American universities are facing tension between free speech and protecting students. The recent actions of university presidents show a struggle to balance these principles, leading to calls for free speech policies amid accusations of hypocrisy.
  3. The complex nature of global power dynamics means that decisions made can cause significant harm, yet they may be seen as necessary in political terms. This understanding challenges the naive view that nations can act purely on moral grounds.

Why Is The American Right Pandering to Putin?

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 1544 implied HN points • 15 Feb 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy
  1. Some members of the American right are supportive of Tucker Carlson's friendly chat with Vladimir Putin, yet critics see it as pandering to an enemy of democracy.
  2. Despite concerns about Biden's age and Trump's foreign policy remarks, some argue that Biden's experience and Trump's stance on NATO could be reasons for their support.
  3. A documentary based on the book 'The Coddling of the American Mind' by Lukianoff and Haidt is being turned into a feature film, backed by Substack, probing into rising mental health issues and illiberalism among young Americans.

From CIA station chief to AI chatbots to Trump-adjacent lobbying

All-Source Intelligence Fusion • 529 implied HN points • 20 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy
  1. Enrique de la Torre, a former CIA station chief, has now joined a lobbying firm with ties to the Trump administration. This shows a trend of government officials moving to private sector roles.
  2. De la Torre criticized the CIA's new AI system for profiling world leaders, calling it inadequate compared to his ideas. This highlights ongoing discussions about the effectiveness of technology in government work.
  3. His views on U.S. foreign policy, especially in Latin America, suggest he will push for strong stances against countries like Cuba and Venezuela in his new role. This aligns with certain hawkish perspectives in U.S. politics.

"Daddy" Just Accelerated The Killing Of Ukrainians

Phillips’s Newsletter • 230 implied HN points • 02 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy
  1. Trump's recent meeting with Zelensky raised false hopes for Ukraine's aid, but it led to disappointments. Many believed he would help, but actions showed otherwise.
  2. The U.S. is cutting crucial military aid to Ukraine, which makes it harder for them to defend against Russian attacks. This decision could lead to more Ukrainian casualties.
  3. Europe could pressure the U.S. to provide more support for Ukraine by only buying American weapons if they are also sent to Ukraine. This requires confidence and strategy from European leaders.

2025: The Year The Narrative Changed

The Corbett Report • 31 implied HN points • 21 Dec 25
🌍 World Politics Foreign Policy
  1. A health awakening swept 2025: major food companies moved to remove synthetic additives, authorities opened reviews of vaccine safety, and the WHO’s credibility and funding declined.
  2. The climate-emergency narrative lost momentum as big banks abandoned Net Zero commitments, prominent voices softened their rhetoric, and COP30 failed to produce meaningful agreements.
  3. Once-taboo topics like questioning the official 9/11 story and criticizing Israel’s actions in Gaza entered mainstream conversation, empowering more people to challenge official narratives and reclaim public discourse.

The Phantom of 'Neo-Isolationism'

Eunomia • 196 implied HN points • 07 Feb 24
🌍 World Politics Foreign Policy
  1. Some hawks and interventionists claim the U.S. is hesitant to lead globally.
  2. The U.S. is currently involved in multiple foreign wars and imposing sanctions on several countries.
  3. The narrative of 'neo-isolationism' is not a true reflection of U.S. actions in the world.

DeSantis and the Hawkish Thought Police

Eunomia • 393 implied HN points • 22 Mar 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy
  1. DeSantis' statement on Ukraine triggered hawkish critics, but he didn't specifically oppose aid to Ukraine.
  2. Critics attacking DeSantis for not seeing Ukraine as vital to the US highlights toxicity in policy debates.
  3. DeSantis' past actions suggest he aligns with hawkish agendas, despite recent criticism on his Ukraine stance.

Woodrow the Terrible, Warren the Good

Bastiat's Window • 393 implied HN points • 13 Jun 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy
  1. Presidential historians tend to rate Woodrow Wilson highly and Warren Harding poorly, but recent perspectives are starting to shift.
  2. Woodrow Wilson's racist tendencies and damaging actions have overshadowed his accomplishments.
  3. Warren Harding, despite being perceived as in over his head, managed to achieve significant positive outcomes during his presidency.

Strategic Ambiguity vs. Clarity

ChinaTalk • 459 implied HN points • 10 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy
  1. Strategic ambiguity means the US isn't clear about defending Taiwan, aiming to prevent both Taiwan's independence and Chinese aggression. This policy has been followed since Nixon, but some think it's outdated.
  2. Strategic clarity would mean the US openly commits to defending Taiwan, which could deter China and reassure allies, but might provoke a stronger Chinese response.
  3. The debate is ongoing, with many arguing for evidence-based choices instead of just sticking to old beliefs, given the evolving situation in Taiwan and China.

Putin Cannot Win

Diane Francis • 799 implied HN points • 20 Feb 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy
  1. Biden's visit to Kyiv showed strong support for Ukraine and highlighted Putin's lack of a winning strategy. It emphasized that Ukraine is standing strong against Russian aggression.
  2. Russia's military is facing huge losses and has not successfully won a battle in a long time. Poor leadership and overwhelming Ukrainian defenses are crippling Russian forces.
  3. Ukraine aims to reclaim all its territories, including Crimea, to ensure its long-term safety. There's international support for Ukraine's military actions to target Russian positions in Crimea.

«Я не боюсь понести ответственность, если это необходимо»

Faridaily • 373 implied HN points • 17 Feb 23
🌍 World Politics Foreign Policy
  1. Robert Shlegel, a former Russian politician, spoke out against the war in Ukraine after years of silence.
  2. Shlegel expressed regret for past decisions and is unafraid of facing consequences for his current actions.
  3. He believes that change in the current regime in Russia may only occur over time due to internal and external pressures.

Weekend Update #138: Do Not Forget About Ukraine

Phillips’s Newsletter • 227 implied HN points • 22 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy
  1. Ukraine is facing severe attacks from Russia, with Kyiv experiencing one of its deadliest assaults recently. The world seems to be forgetting about Ukraine's struggles as other conflicts gain more media attention.
  2. Putin has publicly denied Ukrainian independence and continues to assert Russia's claim over Ukraine. His demands indicate a desire to end Ukraine's existence as a separate nation.
  3. A new strategy from Ukraine suggests that victory may not come from negotiations but by maintaining a resilient state. This means building a strong nation despite ongoing threats and challenges from Russia.

Trump and WWIII

ChinaTalk • 681 implied HN points • 22 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy
  1. Trump's foreign policy could increase the risk of conflict. Instead of promoting peace, his approach may lead to war by weakening alliances.
  2. His plans for Ukraine and Taiwan involve risky deals that could encourage aggression from Russia and China. This could make the U.S. less trusted by its allies and more likely to be dragged into a war.
  3. Maintaining a strong military and solid international relationships is key to avoiding World War III. A weak approach to foreign policy might upset the balance of power and lead to catastrophic outcomes.

Just Say Thank You and Shut Up

Phillips’s Newsletter • 413 implied HN points • 01 Mar 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy
  1. Trump's recent remarks show his belief that countries like Ukraine should just be grateful and not push back against his or Putin's views. This attitude reflects a serious misunderstanding of Ukraine's need for sovereignty and freedom.
  2. There is a clear need for Europeans to support Ukraine and act confidently in their own interests rather than cater to Trump’s demands. European nations have the resources to help but need to focus on doing so independently.
  3. Americans who support democracy need to work hard to challenge Trumpism, especially in the upcoming 2026 elections. It's important to regain control to support values of freedom and democracy.

The Hyper-Structure of War and Interstitial Conflicts

Dr. Pippa's Pen & Podcast • 45 implied HN points • 29 Nov 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy
  1. Many modern wars are interstitial — they’re not just local fights but reflect deep internal conflicts within powerful countries, especially the US, and events abroad can be treated as shrapnel from that domestic struggle.
  2. The US is split into two broad coalitions: the Custodians, who defend the post‑WWII global order (big corporations, tech, and the security establishment), and the Populists, who push for national industrial power and are willing to break old rules to preserve sovereignty.
  3. These factions fight through proxies, covert actions, lawfare, and narrative warfare, turning foreign conflicts and domestic incidents into battlegrounds for their rivalry, which often prioritizes loyalty over truth and increases the risk of escalation.

Trump or Biden: Who is Best for China?

Sinification • 176 implied HN points • 09 Feb 24
🌍 World Politics Foreign Policy
  1. A second term for Biden may mean a more stable relationship with China, but also potential challenges like increased competition and pressure on Chinese scientific innovation.
  2. A second term for Trump could ease external strategic pressure faced by China, but it might lead to a tougher stance on China and increased complexity in economic and security rivalry.
  3. The Trump administration's policies might reduce some external strategic pressure on China, create more space for international alliances, and exert less pressure on China in the ideological field compared to the Democrats.

January 2, 2026

Letters from an American • 23 implied HN points • 03 Jan 26
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy
  1. Zohran Mamdani was sworn in as New York City mayor promising a new era where City Hall uses its power to expand opportunity and restore New Deal–style public investments for everyday workers.
  2. One of his first acts was to revoke many executive orders from the previous mayor as a direct anti‑corruption move meant to restore trust in government after high‑profile legal scandals.
  3. Major media and polling signaled trouble for Republicans: reporters flagged signs of aging and health questions about President Trump, and his provocative social posts added to concerns about the party's standing heading into the 2026 midterms.

December 29, 2025

Letters from an American • 25 implied HN points • 30 Dec 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy
  1. The U.S. has carried out strikes tied to drug trafficking in Venezuela that officials have not fully explained, and reporting indicates the CIA used drones to hit a remote port linked to a gang.
  2. Trump met with Zelensky at Mar-a-Lago after Russia launched heavy strikes on Kyiv; U.S. officials did not greet Zelensky while Trump praised and repeatedly consulted with Putin and pushed a peace approach critics say could cede Ukrainian territory.
  3. Documented past contacts between Trump allies and Russian interests, plus Russia’s economic strain from the war, suggest Putin is pushing for territorial concessions and sanctions relief, and critics worry Trump’s negotiating stance favors those Russian aims.