The hottest Foreign Policy Substack posts right now

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December 27, 2025

Letters from an American • 26 implied HN points • 28 Dec 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy
  1. The administration promoted explicit Christian nationalist messaging from top agencies, undermining the constitutional separation of church and state and privileging one faith in public life.
  2. The president ordered military strikes framed as avenging attacks on Christians in Nigeria, showing a faith-based, politically targeted approach to foreign policy that appealed to his evangelical base.
  3. Government power was used for partisan and exclusionary ends—through anti-immigrant propaganda, threats against religious minorities, and a politicized pardon process tied to personal and financial interests—indicating a broader authoritarian and corrosive pattern.

The Battle to Shape Trump's China Policy

ChinaTalk • 622 implied HN points • 06 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy
  1. Trump's China policy is uncertain and has many different viewpoints among his supporters. They all agree about China's importance but disagree on how to deal with it.
  2. There are two main debates: one about economic issues and the other about military and geopolitical strategies. People might agree on economic solutions but have different ideas on military actions.
  3. Some view the U.S. as strong and capable of taking on China, while others are more pessimistic and believe the U.S. needs to lower its ambitions. This difference shapes their ideas on how to approach U.S.-China relations.

A New Dark Age

Daniel Pinchbeck’s Newsletter • 20 implied HN points • 04 Jan 26
🌍 World Politics Foreign Policy
  1. Operation Absolute Resolve marks a turn away from the old international order toward blunt, resource-driven imperialism that sidesteps legal and congressional limits.
  2. The United States and its oil companies have long dominated Venezuela’s resources, and Chávez’s redistribution of oil revenue dramatically cut poverty and inequality.
  3. U.S. strategy shifted from coup support to harsh sanctions and economic strangulation that harmed civilians, showing bipartisan continuity and culminating in recent military moves that flout diplomatic norms.

Weaponizing Antisemitism in Australia to Protect Israel

John’s Substack • 12 implied HN points • 28 Jan 26
🌍 World Politics Foreign Policy
  1. Israel's prime minister publicly blamed Australia's prime minister for the Bondi Beach massacre, saying recognition of a Palestinian state had fueled antisemitism and endangered Australian Jews.
  2. Those accusations are presented as false, with no clear evidence that Australia's leadership or society is broadly antisemitic or that recognizing a Palestinian state caused the attack.
  3. The attackers appear more likely motivated by ISIS ideology or by the Gaza war and local ties to an Israeli-linked group rather than classical antisemitism, so their exact motive remains uncertain.

The European Humiliation By Trump Is Ultimately Europe's Fault

Phillips’s Newsletter • 168 implied HN points • 29 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy
  1. Europe used to be seen as a strong power, but now it feels weaker compared to the USA. This shift has left Europe in a tough position.
  2. In a recent trade deal, Europe made several one-sided concessions to the USA, showing their vulnerability. It seems like Europe gave a lot and received very little in return.
  3. The decline in European military strength and confidence in defense contributed to their current situation. Many Europeans stopped preparing for potential conflicts, relying too much on the USA for support.
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Weekend Update #143: A Week Which Demonstrates Why Ukraine Is So Important

Phillips’s Newsletter • 169 implied HN points • 27 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy
  1. Ukraine's anti-corruption agencies are facing pressure from the government, which could harm their independence. This move raised concern among the people who value their fight against corruption.
  2. Despite being criticized and feeling let down by their allies, Ukrainians remain determined to protect their democratic values and fight for a European future.
  3. The recent backlash against government decisions shows Ukraine's strong civil society, which is willing to stand up for freedom even during tough times, unlike in many other countries.

World Policing or World Perfecting?

In My Tribe • 637 implied HN points • 19 Oct 24
🌍 World Politics Foreign Policy
  1. Policing the world can be necessary sometimes, like ensuring safe navigation and commerce. However, trying to forcefully change other countries' systems usually leads to problems.
  2. Past U.S. actions in the Middle East often focused too much on perfection, like trying to build democracies instead of just maintaining order. This overreaching has had high costs without much benefit.
  3. America should find a balance between policing and staying less involved globally. While policing might not be ideal, it's often better than allowing worse alternatives like unchecked aggression from other nations.

Weekend Update #140: The US Cuts Ukraine Off: If Only Comrade Stalin Knew!

Phillips’s Newsletter • 194 implied HN points • 06 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy
  1. The U.S. has stopped sending military aid to Ukraine, which is critical for their defense against Russia. This decision has sparked debate about Trump's true involvement and intentions.
  2. Despite freezing aid, Trump and his administration still talk about wanting to help Ukraine, creating confusion about their actual support.
  3. Russian advances in the war are slowing down, with the real action shifting to air warfare, which might determine the outcome of the conflict.

Don't Deify Jimmy Carter

The Chris Hedges Report • 493 implied HN points • 30 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy
  1. Jimmy Carter did some good work after being president, like speaking out for human rights, but during his presidency, he made many poor decisions.
  2. He supported actions that led to problems in places like Iran, Nicaragua, and Afghanistan, impacting many lives negatively.
  3. While he cared about human rights, many of his actions as president showed a lack of understanding of international issues, leading to a complicated legacy.

So Trump Bombed Iran--Thankfully, Wars Always End In A Day

Phillips’s Newsletter • 209 implied HN points • 23 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy
  1. Wars often start with a lot of uncertainty. It's hard to predict how a conflict will play out in the long run and what the actual outcomes will be.
  2. The idea of a quick and easy victory in war is often an illusion. Even successful military campaigns can lead to ongoing problems and complications.
  3. Some people who criticized military interventions in the past may flip their stance if the leadership changes. This shows how political views can shift based on who is in power.

Kabuki Theater with Iran & Russia

John’s Substack • 8 implied HN points • 07 Feb 26
🌍 World Politics Foreign Policy
  1. Talks between the US and Iran are unlikely to yield a real agreement because the core dispute — the US demanding Iran give up enrichment while Iran refuses — is basically irreconcilable.
  2. The negotiations often look like Kabuki theater: performative, ritualized talks that routinely go nowhere, much like past US–Russia negotiations.
  3. Even if a deal were reached, Israel would likely still see Iran as a target and pressure would remain for action, so the US would probably continue policies that target Iran as well.

To push war on Iran, Trump sides with Israel over US intel

Aaron Mate • 215 implied HN points • 17 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy
  1. Trump is ignoring the U.S. intelligence reports saying Iran doesn't have a nuclear weapons program. This raises concerns about the reliability of information in decisions about war.
  2. By siding with Israel, Trump seems to be prioritizing their interests over American intelligence findings. This could lead to a risky situation.
  3. The push for war may not be based on accurate information, highlighting the importance of questioning motives behind foreign policy.

Poof! Trump Is Bush! Just a thief in the night.

C.O.P. Central Organizing Principle. • 18 implied HN points • 03 Jan 26
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy
  1. US leaders are using a Bush-era 'kidnap the leader' playbook to try to remove Venezuela's president, pushing risky regime-change tactics despite broad public opposition.
  2. The United States faces serious economic and military limits — collapsing recruitment and unsustainably high borrowing costs — that make a prolonged ground invasion or occupation economically and politically ruinous.
  3. Venezuelan officials and the military still control the country’s land and air, so the U.S. move looks like a failed nighttime grab rather than a successful takeover.

A Janus-Faced Administration

Policy Tensor • 334 implied HN points • 27 Feb 23
🌍 World Politics Foreign Policy
  1. The Biden administration is combining dovish domestic policies with a muscular foreign policy, particularly against Russia and China.
  2. The Inflation Reduction Act includes significant tax credits for energy transition and corporate investments, aiming to drive a sustainable energy shift.
  3. The administration's approach in foreign policy, particularly regarding Ukraine and China, is raising questions about the effectiveness of the strategy and potential risks in escalating tensions.

Saturday Commentary and Review #193

Fisted by Foucault • 125 implied HN points • 23 Aug 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy
  1. The war in Ukraine remains largely unchanged, with little progress seen on either side. This ongoing situation leaves many frustrated as the same points keep being reiterated.
  2. There is a growing concern about how free speech is being handled differently in Europe compared to the USA. While the US has strong protections, Europe is imposing more restrictions under the guise of protecting democracy.
  3. The nature of the US economy is shifting towards intangible assets, like intellectual property and brand value, which could lead to increased market volatility. This change means that a smaller number of companies have a larger influence on the stock market.

The US Keeps Bombing People While Saying It Doesn't Want To Fight

Caitlin’s Newsletter • 1285 implied HN points • 08 Feb 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy
  1. The US officials claim they are not at war with groups but keep bombing them in the Middle East.
  2. The Biden administration and US officials engage in contradictory behavior by denouncing conflicts while supporting aggressive military actions.
  3. The US demonstrates double standards by surrounding China with military presence while interpreting China's actions as aggressive, highlighting hypocrisy in global power dynamics.

Reasons to Calm Down about China

Nonzero Newsletter • 406 implied HN points • 11 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy
  1. Americans often exaggerate threats from other countries, which can lead to unnecessary panic. It's important to take a step back and evaluate these fears critically.
  2. The current worries about China's growing power are similar to past concerns about other countries. History often shows that these fears can be overblown.
  3. Calming down about perceived threats can lead to a sense of peace and better decision-making. It's okay to question the intensity of current anxieties.

Surprised ?

Pieter’s Newsletter • 199 implied HN points • 31 Jan 24
🌍 World Politics Foreign Policy
  1. Iran's engagement with the US signifies escalating tensions and the need for a measured response.
  2. UN's history of corruption and collaboration with Hamas sheds light on the need for reform.
  3. Global anti-Israel sentiment has deep roots and poses ongoing challenges for peace.

The New World Order--or Disorder?

John’s Substack • 8 implied HN points • 06 Feb 26
🌍 World Politics Foreign Policy
  1. President Trump’s foreign policy shows a clear disdain for international law and institutions, which undermines the building blocks of the global order.
  2. Examining historical events reveals important similarities and differences that help explain current international dynamics.
  3. The overall picture is worrying and unstable, but frank conversations can help people make sense of a changing and potentially dangerous world.

On Gaza

Kvetch • 147 implied HN points • 27 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy
  1. The conflict between Israel and Gaza has deep historical roots and complex dynamics, with hostility from both sides persisting for decades.
  2. Terms like 'genocide' and 'ethnic cleansing' can be misleading and distract from the actual situation on the ground; context and outcomes matter more.
  3. There is a need for a new approach to resolve the conflict because past efforts have often led to greater violence and suffering.

December 19, 2025

Letters from an American • 27 implied HN points • 20 Dec 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy
  1. The week highlighted deep political chaos and weakening governing norms, with violent events, an administration riddled with internal dysfunction, and leaders relying on fear and loyalty over steady governance.
  2. The president’s panicked rhetoric and policies reflect the collapse of long-standing conservative economic promises, damaging public trust and undermining earlier economic gains.
  3. Key institutions and the rule of law are under strain as officials withhold records, heavily redact important documents, pursue aggressive foreign actions, and display power grabs that coincide with cracks in the Republican coalition.

In which the United States suspends military aid to Ukraine and impotent childish Eurotards lose their minds and say a lot of foolish things

eugyppius: a plague chronicle • 349 implied HN points • 04 Mar 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy
  1. The U.S. suspended military aid to Ukraine, which led to unrest among European leaders. They worry about what this means for their support of Ukraine and their own security.
  2. European politicians are feeling anxious and uncertain about their role as the U.S. changes its stance. They have to rethink how they approach their defense and alliances.
  3. Ukraine is struggling in its conflict with Russia, and without U.S. support, the situation may worsen. Support from Europe may not be enough to change the outcome of the war.

Love or rehab of Justin Trudeau's complicity in the genocide in Gaza.

C.O.P. Central Organizing Principle. • 24 implied HN points • 18 Dec 25
🌍 World Politics Foreign Policy
  1. The corporate music industry pushes marketable white female pop stars over talented Black artists, using misogynistic tactics and even pressuring cosmetic changes to fit a manufactured image.
  2. Justin Trudeau is accused of complicity in atrocities in Gaza and Ukraine, and attempts to rehabilitate his public image through celebrity appearances are seen as cynical and unacceptable.
  3. Western political and media elites are blamed for enabling war, human rights abuses, and betraying public trust, and there is a strong call for accountability to stop further harm and restore moral standing.

The New Issue Of JOHNSTONE Is Available To Order Or Download

Caitlin’s Newsletter • 512 implied HN points • 27 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy
  1. The new edition of JOHNSTONE magazine is out, and you can get it in print or as a digital copy for whatever price you want.
  2. The magazine discusses the current political climate, highlighting Trump's role in representing a harsh reality about the U.S. empire.
  3. It also touches on issues like the situation in Gaza and critiques the mainstream narrative surrounding global conflicts.

America Has a ‘Total Security’ Problem

Nonzero Newsletter • 417 implied HN points • 21 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy
  1. Countries often fall into the trap of wanting total security, believing they need to eliminate all threats. This mindset can lead to aggressive actions that can create more danger instead of less.
  2. The United States, despite being surrounded by friendly countries and oceans, acts as if it faces threats everywhere. This leads to wars and military actions in many parts of the world, often missing opportunities for peaceful solutions.
  3. Pursuing too much security can be just as risky as having too little. This approach can worsen global tensions and even lead to significant conflicts, as seen in historical examples.

December 22, 2025

Letters from an American • 25 implied HN points • 23 Dec 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy
  1. The president is focused on grand, self‑aggrandizing projects — from proposed “Trump‑class” golden battleships to a massive White House ballroom — suggesting a priority on spectacle and his personal legacy.
  2. The Justice Department’s slow, heavily redacted release of Epstein files has fueled accusations of a cover‑up and prompted public demands, including from Bill Clinton, for the full records to be made public.
  3. The conservative movement is splintering, with infighting and defections to rival GOP groups. A high‑profile decision to pull a major news segment, which was then leaked and widely shared, has intensified worries about censorship and media influence.

The Gift of Defeat

The Cosmopolitan Globalist • 29 implied HN points • 11 Dec 25
🌍 World Politics Foreign Policy
  1. Russia’s problem is structural, not just one leader. Its state is built like an empire that legitimizes itself through conquest and then denies responsibility.
  2. The Federation rules by coercion: it erases cultures, disproportionately conscripts people from ethnic regions, and uses force to keep internal colonies weak. Imperial tools like forced resettlement and mass mobilization dissolve minority communities.
  3. The Free World should back a clear Ukrainian victory aimed at destroying Russia’s imperial capacity, not merely humbling a leader. Only defeat that ends occupation and forces a reckoning can create space for security, freedom for neighbors, and possible moral and political renewal inside Russia.

Weekend Update #139: The NATO "Daddy" Summit And The Martyrdom Of Ukraine

Phillips’s Newsletter • 179 implied HN points • 29 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy
  1. Ukraine urgently needs better air defense systems to protect against ongoing Russian missile and drone attacks. Without this support, more lives could be lost as they defend their territory.
  2. The recent NATO summit showed a troubling shift in support for Ukraine, with European leaders appearing more focused on pleasing Donald Trump than on strengthening commitments to Ukraine's security.
  3. While Russia's summer offensive faces challenges, it continues to pose a threat, and Ukraine's success depends on effective defense measures rather than complacency from its allies.

French ambassador: US 'rules-based order' means Western domination, violating international law

Geopolitical Economy Report • 498 implied HN points • 22 Nov 22
🌍 World Politics Foreign Policy
  1. The 'rules-based order' is essentially a 'Western order', with the US and Europe dominating international institutions like the UN, World Bank, and IMF.
  2. There is concern in Europe about the US engaging in economic warfare against China, which could lead to a new cold war. Europe does not want to be forced to pick sides.
  3. It's important to understand and consider the interests of other major global stakeholders like China, India, and Brazil in creating a more balanced world, rather than maintaining Western hegemony.

Letters to the Editor: AI Might Be Good for Elites, but What About the Rest of Us?

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 153 implied HN points • 15 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy
  1. AI may benefit wealthy elites, but it raises concerns for average people. It's important to think about how technology impacts everyone, not just the privileged.
  2. Nationalism can be problematic if it undermines important legal and moral structures. It's crucial to recognize that strong institutions are key for society to thrive.
  3. The US's historical role in promoting liberal democracy is complex and sometimes misunderstood. Engaging with global issues requires a balance between local interests and broader humanitarian goals.

A Meme War With Real Bullets

Gideon's Substack • 19 implied HN points • 05 Jan 26
🌍 World Politics Foreign Policy
  1. The sudden abduction of a foreign leader looks a lot like past flashy interventions and raises real questions about its legality and what strategic purpose it actually serves.
  2. Such dramatic displays of power mainly send a message — they can frighten weaker countries into cozying up to rivals, hardening security, or building asymmetric ways to retaliate, which hurts long-term U.S. interests.
  3. A clever tactical operation is not the same as a strategy; tactical wins can embolden more risky interventions that may backfire and create bigger problems down the road.

Pete Hegseth’s Islam Problem

Nonzero Newsletter • 508 implied HN points • 22 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy
  1. Pete Hegseth has controversial views on Islam, suggesting it is a continuous threat to the West, which could impact his role in defense if appointed.
  2. His lack of managerial experience raises concerns about his capabilities to lead the military effectively.
  3. Hegseth's views might worsen tensions with Muslim-majority countries and influence how U.S. foreign policy is shaped, especially regarding military actions.

Weekend Update #121: The Mafia State Takes Over the USA

Phillips’s Newsletter • 344 implied HN points • 23 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy
  1. The US government under Trump is moving away from supporting Ukraine and is forming a closer relationship with Russia. This shows a significant shift in international alliances and could leave Ukraine vulnerable.
  2. There are serious threats being made towards Ukrainian leadership, pushing for economic deals that benefit the US while harming Ukraine's interests. This approach mirrors tactics used by organized crime families.
  3. The future of European unity and its response to US policies is uncertain. Upcoming elections in Germany could impact how European states choose to navigate their relationships with both the US and Russia.

Genocide: The New Normal

The Chris Hedges Report • 399 implied HN points • 06 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy
  1. The ongoing violence in Gaza is seen as a methodical effort to eliminate the Palestinian population and solidify Israeli control over the region.
  2. The U.S. government has significantly increased military aid to Israel, reflecting a disregard for international laws and the consequences of war.
  3. Acts of violence and resistance are part of a cycle that can lead to more intense conflicts, suggesting that violence breeds more violence.

Behavioural Geopolitics: How power changes people

Klement on Investing • 6 implied HN points • 04 Feb 26
🌍 World Politics Foreign Policy
  1. Power changes how people think: those with power rely more on fast, intuitive thinking and focus on core information, which helps quick decisions but makes them ignore peripheral details.
  2. Power brings downsides: it fuels overconfidence, reliance on personal experience, dehumanisation of subordinates, and a higher risk of corrupt or self‑serving behaviour, so unchecked power harms organisations.
  3. Who gets power often depends on perceived intelligence and social reputation rather than objective competence, and once in power people are seen as more competent, creating a self‑reinforcing cycle that makes governance and oversight essential.

African Foreign Policy in a Multipolar Age

An Africanist Perspective • 376 implied HN points • 22 Dec 22
🌍 World Politics Foreign Policy
  1. Africa's growing population and demographic shift will increase its geopolitical importance in the future.
  2. African countries must focus on building strong states and state capacity to ensure physical safety, order, and effective regional cooperation.
  3. African leaders should be clear on their policy priorities, understand foreign actors' motivations, keep options open for partnerships, and promote healthy competition within Africa to advance the region's interests.