The hottest Foreign Policy Substack posts right now

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Top World Politics Topics

Weekend Update#120: The US Changes Sides?

Phillips’s Newsletter • 334 implied HN points • 16 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy
  1. Trump is openly shifting to support Russia over Ukraine, changing the U.S. stance that previously backed Ukraine's defense. This change is concerning for European leaders who are now realizing the U.S. may not be a reliable ally.
  2. Europe needs to start thinking about its own security without relying on U.S. support. Some leaders are starting to call for a European army to protect themselves from threats like Russia.
  3. The recent U.S. policies have made it clear that Europe must adapt to a new reality where it can't depend on America as much. This could lead to Europe taking stronger control over its own defense and future.

Indiana Johannes and Raiders of the Lost ANC, PART I

Who is Robert Malone • 9 implied HN points • 28 Jan 26
🌍 World Politics Foreign Policy
  1. South African officials raided a U.S.-linked refugee processing center on a symbolic Afrikaner holiday, appearing to target and intimidate Afrikaner applicants and disrupt a U.S. resettlement program, which deepened tensions with the United States.
  2. The U.S. administration set clear preconditions for normalizing relations—like treating farm attacks as a priority, condemning violent anti-white rhetoric, protecting property rights, and exempting U.S. entities from race-based rules—and effectively sidelined South Africa at the G20, signaling a major diplomatic rift.
  3. South Africa is portrayed as facing severe domestic crises—widespread crime and syndicates, corruption, shrinking economic standing, and contested land expropriations—that are undermining institutions and driving social and political instability.

December 5, 2025

Letters from an American • 30 implied HN points • 06 Dec 25
🌍 World Politics Foreign Policy
  1. The new U.S. National Security Strategy breaks with the post–World War II rules-based order and favors a world divided into great-power spheres of influence instead of multilateral institutions like the UN and NATO.
  2. The document centers a culturally nationalist agenda that rejects immigration and many climate policies while praising a return to “traditional” families, and observers noted its language and numbering echo white supremacist references.
  3. It pivots U.S. focus to the Western Hemisphere with a self-styled “Trump Corollary” that uses tariffs and government-backed commercial diplomacy to promote American companies, signals willingness to use military force regionally, and steps back from European commitments while signaling a softer posture toward Russia.

Why Israel Won’t Take the Win

Nonzero Newsletter • 519 implied HN points • 18 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy
  1. Israel has an opportunity to declare victory after the death of a key Hamas leader, which might allow for a ceasefire and de-escalation of conflict.
  2. The U.S. has sent troops and missile defense systems to Israel, but this support may encourage Israel to continue its aggressive actions rather than seek peace.
  3. There are concerns that U.S. military support for Israel could drag the U.S. into broader conflicts and worsen America's global reputation.

AI Surrenders to the Military-Industrial Complex

Nonzero Newsletter • 463 implied HN points • 19 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy
  1. AI companies, like Anthropic and Meta, are increasingly collaborating with the military. This shift shows a blending of technology and defense strategies, especially regarding competition with China.
  2. Despite its focus on AI safety, Anthropic has decided to work with the Pentagon. This suggests that even companies with more ethical beginnings can be drawn into military alliances.
  3. The rise of the AI industry's influence in national security is seen as ironic. Many believe cooperation between the US and China in AI could be better for global stability than escalating tensions.
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Baked Alaska

Comment is Freed • 112 implied HN points • 11 Aug 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy
  1. Trump is trying to make a peace deal between Russia and Ukraine, but many think it won't work. People feel he's being misled by Putin who isn't very serious about a deal.
  2. There are worries that Ukraine might have to give up land it has fought hard to defend just to please Putin. This makes Ukrainians and Europeans very anxious about the peace talks.
  3. Many believe that any agreement reached will not be strong enough for Ukraine to accept. People are watching closely to see what happens before and during the summit.

The National Security and National Defense Strategies

Who is Robert Malone • 9 implied HN points • 27 Jan 26
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy
  1. The strategy puts American sovereignty first, moving away from broad global intervention and focusing on selective, interest-based engagement to protect core national priorities.
  2. Defending the homeland and the Western Hemisphere is the top priority, treating border security, migration, and narco‑terrorism as national security threats and investing in layered defenses like a ‘Golden Dome’ missile shield.
  3. Peace is sought through deterrence and strength: deter China with a robust Indo‑Pacific posture, demand greater allied burden‑sharing, and rapidly rebuild the domestic defense industrial base.

Noah Smith on Trump 2.0 and Asia + Future of the New Tech Right

ChinaTalk • 340 implied HN points • 21 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy
  1. The tech right is becoming a powerful group within the Trump administration, focused on deregulation to improve the business environment in America.
  2. Nuclear weapons could greatly stabilize regions like East Asia, and countries like Japan and South Korea should consider developing their own for better security.
  3. Taiwan should leverage its tech industry to become a key supplier of defense products, like drones and batteries, to enhance its economic stability and defense against China.

The Trump Plan to Wreck Iran

John’s Substack • 11 implied HN points • 21 Jan 26
🌍 World Politics Foreign Policy
  1. The U.S. has been using heavy sanctions to deliberately cripple Iran’s economy, and the Trump team intensified those efforts after taking office.
  2. The strategy is to apply “maximum pressure” so ordinary Iranians suffer enough to rise up and overthrow their government.
  3. U.S. officials, including the Treasury Secretary, have openly acknowledged that causing widespread hardship to provoke regime change is the aim.

Gen Z, Free Inquiry, and the Future of Civic Discourse

Journal of Free Black Thought • 11 implied HN points • 12 Jan 26
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy
  1. Gen Z, shaped by parents and the internet, values asking questions, checking evidence, and refusing to treat any topic as untouchable.
  2. They apply that skepticism to debates like Israel–Palestine: they condemn the Holocaust and respect Jewish life, but push back when criticism is labeled antisemitism to shut down inquiry, and they trust firsthand, unfiltered information.
  3. This attitude is shifting civic expectations so people demand more transparency, accountability, and open debate from leaders, seeing free speech and rigorous questioning as essential to a healthy democracy.

Is Bluesky Just as Bad as Twitter?

Nonzero Newsletter • 417 implied HN points • 06 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy
  1. Bluesky and Twitter may not be very different when it comes to spreading outrage. Both platforms create an environment that encourages people to engage more when they're angry.
  2. Social media can intensify our natural tendencies toward tribalism and outrage. Studies show that interactions like likes and shares can teach people to express more anger over time.
  3. The challenges with social media algorithms aren't just technical; they point to deeper issues in human nature. People often share content that reinforces their beliefs, which can amplify misinformation and conflict.

My Views of the Trump Administration

David Friedman’s Substack • 287 implied HN points • 04 Mar 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy
  1. The Trump administration has mixed reviews, with some seeing it as a disaster and others viewing it as a necessary change towards less government control and more individual choices.
  2. Tariffs and immigration policies under Trump are seen as not beneficial, especially since tariffs may harm trade and the economy.
  3. Foreign policy is a huge concern, especially with Trump's approach of potentially reducing support for Ukraine and NATO, which could risk European stability.

Made in Venezuela: Iranian Drones

Who is Robert Malone • 16 implied HN points • 05 Jan 26
🌍 World Politics Foreign Policy
  1. Iran has helped Venezuela build local drone production and assembly lines so Venezuelan forces can operate Iranian designs like the Mohajer-6, including armed reconnaissance and guided munitions.
  2. That cooperation turns Venezuela into a Latin American manufacturing node for Iran’s regional network, expanding Tehran’s influence and putting advanced surveillance and strike drones into the Western Hemisphere.
  3. The partnership exemplifies a sanctions‑resistant, distributed weapons-production model that the U.S. is trying to counter with sanctions, and it suggests more proxy drone factories could appear in allied states.

Why Trump Is Ukraine’s Best Hope for Peace

Nonzero Newsletter • 429 implied HN points • 26 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy
  1. Trump might be able to end the Ukraine war based on his strong will to resolve conflicts. He sees this as a chance to improve his reputation and political legacy.
  2. Some people worry Trump could worsen the situation in Ukraine due to his past actions and cabinet choices. They think cutting off support might make Putin less likely to end the war.
  3. Even though Trump hasn't shared a clear plan for peace, he believes discussions behind closed doors are better for finding a solution. There are signs that both Ukraine and Russia might be open to his ideas.

Detained Americans Face Another Christmas in the Gulag

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 389 implied HN points • 17 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy
  1. Many Americans are wrongfully detained in foreign countries. Some of these individuals are being used as leverage by foreign governments.
  2. The U.S. government doesn't keep a clear list of detained Americans, making it hard to know how many are in this situation. Cases can vary, with some facing serious charges while others have experienced unfair treatment.
  3. High-profile cases, like Marc Fogel's, highlight the struggles families face while advocating for the release of their loved ones. Even with political support, many remain in difficult circumstances with no clear path to freedom.

December 16, 2025

Letters from an American • 23 implied HN points • 17 Dec 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy
  1. U.S. forces have been striking small boats and killing dozens while the administration claims it is fighting narco-traffickers, but lawmakers and legal experts say there’s been no legal justification and key evidence has been withheld.
  2. The White House is escalating toward Venezuela with threats of blockades and demands to seize assets, signaling a push for regime pressure or change that many lawmakers warn could risk a wider conflict.
  3. The administration shows signs of chaos and poor transparency — from mistaken public statements and disputed briefings to a lawsuit over White House construction and insider comments suggesting punitive, unconstrained behavior.

"There's no time like the present!"

Fisted by Foucault • 136 implied HN points • 08 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy
  1. The US is still a dominant power in global politics, despite predictions of its decline. Many of its previous military efforts show that it has achieved important goals.
  2. Countries like Iran, which see themselves as revolutionary, often struggle to maintain that identity over time. They usually end up moderating their extreme positions as they focus on daily issues.
  3. Israel has acted rationally in its pursuit of security, backed by the strong support of the United States. This relationship allows Israel to operate without many checks on its behavior.

"It's Not Great Power Politics. It's Old-Style Imperialism"

John’s Substack • 11 implied HN points • 19 Jan 26
🌍 World Politics Foreign Policy
  1. U.S. actions toward countries like Venezuela and Iran look more like old-style imperialism than normal great-power politics.
  2. Toppling Venezuela is politically and logistically far easier for the U.S. than trying to overthrow Iran, which would be much harder to achieve.
  3. Having the military ability to seize territory doesn’t mean you can easily force regime change in a resilient, complex state, so policymakers should recognize those limits.

Asking for Big Trouble in Venezuela

John’s Substack • 14 implied HN points • 09 Jan 26
🌍 World Politics Foreign Policy
  1. The US move in Venezuela isn’t presented as traditional regime change or a push for democracy; it’s about installing a cooperative leadership and using economic pressure to control outcomes.
  2. This represents a form of old‑fashioned imperialism updated for the modern era — aiming to exploit Venezuela’s oil without boots on the ground, which frustrates neoconservatives who want democratization.
  3. The strategy is likely to fail, and the hope is that policymakers will cut their losses and withdraw rather than escalate further.

Putin Must Pay

Diane Francis • 639 implied HN points • 05 Dec 22
🌍 World Politics Foreign Policy
  1. There are serious concerns about funding for Ukraine as some American lawmakers are against sending more money. This shows that support for Ukraine is facing challenges both in the U.S. and Europe.
  2. There is a push for confiscating Russian assets, estimated at hundreds of billions, to help fund Ukraine's reconstruction. Many believe Russia should be held accountable for the costs of the war it started.
  3. Legal frameworks are being discussed in various countries to enable the seizure of Russian assets, but action is needed urgently to support Ukraine's defense against Russia's aggression.

Weekend Listening: Should America Continue to Aid Ukraine?

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 894 implied HN points • 24 Feb 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy
  1. The costs of the war between Russia and Ukraine have been extremely high, with many casualties and significant financial support from the U.S.
  2. Public opinion in America has shifted over the past two years, with a majority now opposing additional funding to support Ukraine.
  3. Debates center around the importance of America's role in Ukraine, the effectiveness of aid packages, and the state of the war in Ukraine.

US Fights Democracy Abroad

Nonzero Newsletter • 372 implied HN points • 13 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy
  1. The U.S. is facing criticism for overlooking democratic backsliding in allied countries, like Romania and Georgia, to focus on countering Russian influence.
  2. AI technology is causing concerns, with incidents involving chatbots leading to severe mental health issues, highlighting the need for better safety measures in the industry.
  3. There is a political shift happening, with traditional left and right divides blurring, as some Democrats and Republicans are finding common ground against the political establishment.

US Foreign Policy Marches On

John’s Substack • 5 implied HN points • 10 Feb 26
🌍 World Politics Foreign Policy
  1. The conversation centered on how Trump’s foreign policy could reshape international institutions and international law.
  2. Major conflicts like Gaza, tensions with Iran, and the war in Ukraine were discussed as pressing foreign policy challenges.
  3. There was a clear sense of concern or pessimism about the current state of US foreign policy and the global crises it faces.

November 30, 2025

Letters from an American • 28 implied HN points • 01 Dec 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy
  1. The administration is shaping policy to benefit a network of wealthy allies and businesses, blending public power with private profit. Deals span foreign agreements, tech, and crypto that appear to favor connected insiders.
  2. Legal protections, commutations, and withheld investigations are shielding wealthy friends from accountability and undermining the rule of law. Ordinary victims of fraud and abuse are left without justice while elites escape consequences.
  3. Widespread anger at this elite favoritism — dubbed the 'Epstein class' — is driving political realignment and voter backlash over affordability and concentrated power. That anger is pushing some voters toward Democrats and prompting populist postures from some Republicans.

Trump Is So Angry With Putin He Delayed Sanctions For 50 Days

Phillips’s Newsletter • 123 implied HN points • 15 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy
  1. Trump was very upset with Putin for not taking peace talks seriously. He felt frustrated when Putin would agree to talks but continue to attack Ukraine.
  2. Despite his anger, Trump actually delayed sanctions against Putin for 50 days. This was surprising given his feelings.
  3. The decision to delay sanctions may have ended up helping Putin, rather than hurting him, which was likely not Trump's intention.

December 1, 2025

Letters from an American • 27 implied HN points • 02 Dec 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy
  1. The president's odd late-night rants and refusal to fully disclose medical details—like what an MRI examined—have raised real worries about his mental and physical fitness for the job.
  2. A reported double-tap strike that killed survivors of a boat attack is being called a potential war crime, triggering bipartisan outrage and promises of congressional oversight while defense leaders downplay or shift blame.
  3. The administration has repeatedly placed unqualified people in key legal posts through questionable appointments, and courts have overturned several of those moves, revealing a pattern of trying to bypass legal rules.

December 10, 2025

Letters from an American • 23 implied HN points • 11 Dec 25
🌍 World Politics Foreign Policy
  1. The Universal Declaration of Human Rights set out clear fundamental rights for everyone after World War II. It lists freedoms like protection from torture, equality before the law, free education, and a decent standard of living.
  2. Although the Declaration itself is not legally binding, it became the foundation for many international treaties and national laws that enforce human rights and give victims language and mechanisms to seek accountability.
  3. Recent U.S. actions — including not observing Human Rights Day, threats to the ICC, and reported questionable military strikes and efforts to avoid legal review — underscore growing tensions between national policies and international human rights norms. These developments raise real concerns about accountability and the protection of victims.

November 28, 2025

Letters from an American • 28 implied HN points • 29 Nov 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy
  1. Senior envoys pushed a ‘peace’ plan that would accept Russia’s seizure of Ukrainian territory while sidelining U.S. diplomats and European and Ukrainian partners, and leaked calls suggest the plan closely matched Russian demands and could open big business opportunities.
  2. Immigration rhetoric has escalated into xenophobic, sweeping proposals — including mass deportations and stripping some naturalized citizens — with a shooting used to blame political opponents.
  3. National security institutions are being politicized and stretched into unusual roles, from military leaders conducting diplomacy to aggressive strikes that raise legal and war‑crime concerns, and controversial pardons that undermine oversight.

What's Left to Say?

Unpopular Front • 132 implied HN points • 17 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy
  1. Trump's foreign policy is mostly just reacting to events, with no clear strategy. This makes it hard to achieve any long-term goals.
  2. The relationship between Trump and Netanyahu may lead to dangerous outcomes, like conflicts in the Middle East and destabilization for the U.S.
  3. There's a risk that ongoing tensions and conflicts will push countries to seek nuclear weapons for security, making the world a more dangerous place.

December 7, 2025

Letters from an American • 24 implied HN points • 08 Dec 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy
  1. A U.S. strike on a small boat killed nine people and a subsequent strike hit survivors, prompting lawmakers to demand the release of video footage and raising legal and ethical concerns about the attacks.
  2. The defense secretary defended the strikes and asserted broad authority to order them, but his use of Signal to share sensitive operational details and his refusal to cooperate with the inspector general have been criticized as creating security risks.
  3. The new National Security Strategy shifts away from a rules-based, alliance-focused approach toward great-power spheres of influence, alarming U.S. allies while drawing praise from Russia.

The End of Empires

The Cosmopolitan Globalist • 4 implied HN points • 08 Feb 26
🌍 World Politics Foreign Policy
  1. Traditional US allies are striking independent deals with China, as seen in Canada’s new strategic partnership and tariff reductions.
  2. Past confrontations like tariffs and high‑profile arrests haven’t stopped rapprochement, showing countries often prioritize trade and economic benefit over political alignment.
  3. Those shifts weaken alliance cohesion and indicate that growing economic ties to China could challenge U.S. global leadership.

Venezuela: An Evil Omen

Charles Eisenstein • 15 implied HN points • 04 Jan 26
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy
  1. Recent US actions toward Venezuela—abduction, killings, and seizures—represent a dangerous rejection of the rule of law, replacing legal norms with raw power.
  2. This trend has roots in decades of bipartisan imperialism and was intensified when leaders chose blunt military force over subtle influence, eroding trust in diplomacy and making negotiation dangerous.
  3. Fixing it requires a new kind of politics that stands for peace and dignity, addresses the conditions that create oppressive leaders, and treats opponents with humanity rather than demonization.

To Bomb, Or Not To Bomb

Slack Tide by Matt Labash • 139 implied HN points • 21 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy
  1. There are important decisions to make regarding the conflict between Israel and Iran, and these decisions affect many people. Thinking carefully before acting in such situations is crucial.
  2. Advice given to leaders needs to consider both the moral and practical implications of their actions. It's important to weigh the consequences before suggesting aggressive strategies.
  3. Personal conduct and image can influence how seriously leaders are taken. Leaders should present themselves well and be responsible in their behavior to earn respect and trust.

Dutch Drama?

Pieter’s Newsletter • 199 implied HN points • 24 Nov 23
🌍 World Politics Foreign Policy
  1. Geert Wilders and his Party for Freedom decisively won the Dutch elections, showing dissatisfaction with the current government.
  2. Wilders ran a fairly moderate campaign focusing on social-economic issues and immigration.
  3. The outcome represents a radical change in the Netherlands, but not necessarily a dramatic or irreversible one.

Trump’s D.I.Y. Deep State

Nonzero Newsletter • 304 implied HN points • 14 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy
  1. Donald Trump often talks against wars but hires people who support military actions when he's in office. His choices for foreign policy roles seem to contradict his campaign promises.
  2. Some believe Trump uses aggressive advisors to help him appear tougher, but this plan often backfires, making it hard for him to pursue peace initiatives.
  3. By surrounding himself with hardline individuals, Trump gives them influence over his decisions, which may lead him further away from the diplomatic approaches he claims to prefer.

America is Deeply Invested in Israel’s Success

OpenTheBooks Substack • 132 implied HN points • 18 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy
  1. The U.S. has supported Israel with over $305 billion since 1951, mainly for defense. This shows Israel is a key ally, and this support is backed by both Republican and Democratic administrations.
  2. Most of the aid is spent on American military goods, meaning it helps the U.S. economy too. This funding is not just charity; it's strategic for both countries.
  3. There is ongoing debate about U.S. involvement in Israel and Iran, with mixed opinions on whether it leads to more conflict. It highlights the different views on American foreign policy across the political spectrum.

Admitting that Russia was provoked, Trump admin tells Ukraine war’s forbidden truth

Aaron Mate • 251 implied HN points • 24 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy
  1. Trump criticized Zelensky for not making a deal with Russia before the invasion, suggesting he had the chance to resolve the conflict sooner.
  2. Zelensky accused Trump of spreading false information while Trump pointed out uncomfortable truths about the war.
  3. As Trump looks to end the conflict, he’s moving away from the common narratives used to justify the ongoing fighting in Ukraine.

More Mafia State Alignment and Merz Declares Independence

Phillips’s Newsletter • 250 implied HN points • 24 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy
  1. The USA is changing its stance and is now aligning more with Russia, moving away from support for Ukraine. This shift is alarming because it goes against earlier views that blamed Russia for the invasion.
  2. Friedrich Merz, the leader of Germany's CDU party, talked about Europe needing to become more independent from the USA for its security. He believes Europe should work on its own defense capabilities.
  3. Merz’s victory in Germany’s elections might signal a big change in European politics. If he pushes for closer unity in Europe, it could really reshape how Europe deals with challenges from both the USA and Russia.

Trump and the Iran War: perhaps the most openly telegraphed event of all time

Michael Tracey • 132 implied HN points • 20 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy
  1. Trump has been focused on Iran for a long time, starting when he began trying to enter the Republican Party. He often spoke against the Iran Nuclear Deal and made it a key point during his 2016 presidential campaign.
  2. His approach included heavy sanctions and threats of military action, forming a 'Maximum Pressure' policy aimed at destabilizing Iran's government. He even authorized a significant attack on an Iranian general, escalating tensions further.
  3. In the 2024 campaign, Trump maintained his aggressive stance on Iran, claiming a need for more military action and pushing for a strong alliance with Israel against Iran. His policies appeared to disregard any diplomatic solutions.