The hottest Foreign Policy Substack posts right now

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Top World Politics Topics

Are We Inching toward World War III?

Nonzero Newsletter • 395 implied HN points • 25 Oct 24
🌍 World Politics Foreign Policy
  1. North Korean troops are now involved in the Ukraine war on Russia's side. This could increase tensions and lead to wider conflict if other countries respond.
  2. A new AI development allows chatbots to interact with computers like humans, but it's still not perfect. This could change how we use AI in everyday tasks.
  3. Kamala Harris is getting support from former congresswoman Liz Cheney, raising questions about her foreign policy direction. This might upset some progressive voters.

When RAND Made Magic + Jason Matheny Response

ChinaTalk • 340 implied HN points • 25 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy
  1. RAND Corporation was once at the forefront of military and scientific research, making groundbreaking contributions in areas like game theory and defense strategy during the Cold War.
  2. Over time, RAND has shifted its focus from cutting-edge scientific research to social and policy analysis, leading to a decline in its innovative output as it navigated new funding sources and political landscapes.
  3. Despite its challenges, RAND continues to play a significant role in addressing modern security issues, adapting its research to tackle contemporary challenges like military capabilities and psychological impacts of war.

‘Bomb Iran’ Goes Bipartisan

Nonzero Newsletter • 293 implied HN points • 10 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy
  1. There's a noticeable shift in political attitudes towards military action against Iran, with some Democrats now supporting the idea of a military strike, unlike in the past when they were against it.
  2. Using artificial intelligence in social media, like Meta did with AI-managed profiles, can backfire as users may find them creepy or untrustworthy.
  3. Foreign policy think tanks in the US are being heavily funded by military contractors and foreign governments, which raises concerns about potential conflicts of interest.

America's Self-Defeating Chip War on China

Nonzero Newsletter • 271 implied HN points • 28 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy
  1. The US is limiting chip imports from China, which could create tension leading to potential conflict in Taiwan.
  2. There hasn't been much discussion about the risks of this chip war among US foreign policy experts.
  3. A Chinese AI model called DeepSeek r1 is gaining attention and showing that the US's strategy against Chinese tech might have serious flaws.
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There Was No Trump Pivot Towards Ukraine

Phillips’s Newsletter • 92 implied HN points • 07 Aug 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy
  1. There has not been a genuine shift in Trump's support for Ukraine against Russia, despite claims. He has continued to show favor towards Putin instead.
  2. Promised sanctions against Russia were put off and may not have the intended impact. This raises concerns about real consequences for Putin's actions.
  3. Some experts and lawmakers mistakenly believed Trump had changed his stance, but recent actions suggest he is still protecting Russian interests.

Zelensky under fire, Israel attacks Syria, Russiagate revealed

Aaron Mate • 102 implied HN points • 24 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy
  1. There are protests in Ukraine against President Zelensky. People are unhappy with his leadership and are voicing their concerns.
  2. Israel has been attacking Syria amidst ongoing violence and sectarian issues in the region. This shows the complex and dangerous situation in that area.
  3. New revelations about the Russiagate scandal are coming to light. These developments help clarify past events and their implications.

Biden’s Legacy Is a New Cold War

Nonzero Newsletter • 338 implied HN points • 03 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy
  1. Bipartisan support in Congress is now framing China as the main enemy of the U.S. This shift has led to new laws that limit American cooperation with Chinese entities.
  2. Biden has taken a strong stance against China, continuing and intensifying policies started by Trump. This has solidified a consensus that sees China as a major threat.
  3. The growing tension between the U.S. and China is often overlooked, especially compared to conflicts in Europe. However, Biden's actions are key to understanding this new cold war dynamic.

Eyeless in Gaza

Unpopular Front • 87 implied HN points • 01 Aug 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy
  1. Many people see the situation in Gaza as a crisis that is causing starvation and suffering, while some believe it's all part of a conspiracy to shape opinions. This shows a deep divide in how crises are perceived.
  2. There's a troubling connection between some modern political views on Israel and old antisemitic ideas. These ideas downplay the suffering of people in Gaza and suggest that they deserve their fate.
  3. The shifting politics surrounding Israel and Palestine highlight an uncomfortable reality for both Jews and Palestinians. Both groups have been caught in the middle of power struggles and may end up being used and discarded by those who see them as pawns.

MAGA'S Civil War

KERFUFFLE • 15 implied HN points • 20 Dec 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy
  1. The MAGA movement is sharply divided over Israel.
  2. That split was on full display and led to heated clashes at the Turning Point USA convention in Arizona.
  3. The unexpectedly fiery showdown suggests this disagreement could spark a wider internal struggle over the movement's unity and direction.

Is The U.S. Going to War with Iran?

OK Doomer • 126 implied HN points • 17 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy
  1. Trump has threatened to assassinate Iran's Supreme Leader, marking a significant shift in U.S. rhetoric towards Iran.
  2. Despite prior claims that Iran wasn't close to making nuclear weapons, Trump is now insisting they are very near to having them.
  3. Trump is no longer seeking negotiations with Iran, instead demanding their unconditional surrender.

Manifest Destiny Returns

Alex Danco's Newsletter • 252 implied HN points • 08 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy
  1. American Exceptionalism means the U.S. sees its values as universal and acts with a moral purpose in the world. This belief makes it different from other nations that focus mainly on national interests.
  2. The idea of Manifest Destiny allowed America to expand its influence without feeling guilty about using power, framing it as if it were a domestic issue. This helps to justify aggressive policies while maintaining a sense of moral superiority.
  3. Recent tariffs on neighboring countries are seen as a strategy to strengthen America's negotiation power and unify its goals domestically. It treats trade policies as matters of national authority, boosting support from Americans who want to see stronger actions taken.

Biden and Netanyahu’s endless war for US-Israeli supremacy

Aaron Mate • 392 implied HN points • 13 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy
  1. The US and Israeli governments are working together to maintain their power in the Middle East. They support actions that weaken groups like Hezbollah and Iran to keep control.
  2. Recent conflicts, like the violence in Gaza and Lebanon, are being used by Israel to push forward aggressive policies. The US backs Israel's military actions, seeing it as a way to reshape the region.
  3. There are signs of internal disagreement within the US government about the strategy in the Middle East. Some officials worry that the current approach could lead to more overall conflict.

The Davos Donnybrook

John’s Substack • 8 implied HN points • 23 Jan 26
🌍 World Politics Foreign Policy
  1. Mark Carney warned of a growing rupture between the United States and its NATO allies, signaling rising transatlantic tensions.
  2. Trump used his Davos speech to push a radical shift in U.S. foreign policy, emphasizing tougher and unconventional approaches.
  3. His 'Board of Peace,' originally aimed at Gaza, has morphed into a proposal that could serve as an alternative to the United Nations.

Despite smear campaign, Tulsi Gabbard is not at odds with US intel on Syria

Aaron Mate • 258 implied HN points • 29 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy
  1. Tulsi Gabbard has been criticized for her views on Syria, with some claiming she is not aligned with US intelligence. However, her statements often match the intelligence community's skepticism about certain chemical weapons allegations against the Assad government.
  2. Gabbard has expressed concerns that overthrowing Assad could lead to chaos in Syria, potentially empowering extremist groups like Al-Qaeda. This viewpoint was echoed by former President Trump when he halted CIA support for rebel groups in Syria.
  3. The accusations against Gabbard often stem from her past meeting with Assad and her criticism of US military actions. She argues that skepticism should be exercised when decisions about war are made based on potentially flawed intelligence.

Notes & Links

Kvetch • 24 implied HN points • 29 Nov 25
🎭️ Culture Foreign Policy
  1. AI is already reshaping the real economy and offers a huge chance to redesign business models, though current service incentives are often broken and need fixing.
  2. Countries can choose their demographic and strategic paths, so national identity and immigration policy are political choices rather than inevitable fates.
  3. Institutions and leaders are fallible: journalists, bureaucrats, and officials often act from self‑interest or inertia, which breeds mistrust and can let important failures happen; history shows small groups or individuals can make outsized decisions.

Trying to Wreck Iran and Failing

John’s Substack • 10 implied HN points • 14 Jan 26
🌍 World Politics Foreign Policy
  1. The US and Israel have been central in stoking protests in Iran with the aim of breaking the country apart rather than just forcing regime change, and that campaign has failed.
  2. Ukraine is in desperate straits: millions are evading mobilization, hundreds of thousands are AWOL, Russian drone and missile strikes are inflicting heavy damage, and even Kyiv residents are being urged to leave.
  3. The discussion also highlighted other geopolitical flashpoints like Greenland and Venezuela, suggesting wider international instability beyond Iran and Ukraine.

In Syria dirty war, “our side” has won

Aaron Mate • 311 implied HN points • 12 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy
  1. The US led a campaign to remove Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, funding and training various groups, including those with ties to Al Qaeda. This involvement has led to significant changes in Syria's political landscape.
  2. After over a decade of conflict, a group once part of Al Qaeda has now taken over in Syria, raising concerns about their intentions and the future for minority groups in the country.
  3. The aftermath of this regime change has left Syria in devastation, with many people suffering from the consequences of both Assad's rule and the conflicts fueled by outside powers.

Israel Assassination Backfires (and Other Mideast Updates)

Nonzero Newsletter • 384 implied HN points • 11 Oct 24
🌍 World Politics Foreign Policy
  1. Israel's assassination of a Hamas leader led to a more radical leadership taking over, resulting in a rise in suicide attacks against Israel again.
  2. Kamala Harris called Iran the biggest threat to the U.S., which some experts worry could lead to more conflict between the U.S. and Iran.
  3. Geoffrey Hinton, known as the 'Godfather of AI,' recently won a Nobel Prize for his work in AI, highlighting concerns about uncontrolled AI development.

Strategic or tactical? China’s leaders have tried hard to reassure investors. The wisdom of Chinese philosopher Hu Shih comes to mind: “More study of problems, less talk of ‘isms’”.

Wang Xiangwei's Thought of the Day on China • 196 implied HN points • 03 Apr 23
🌍 World Politics Foreign Policy
  1. China's leaders are working hard to reassure investors amid economic challenges.
  2. There is skepticism surrounding China's commitment to its reform and opening up policies.
  3. Recent measures suggest China is addressing concerns about legal protections for entrepreneurs.

Behavioural Geopolitics: The mechanics of autocratic nations

Klement on Investing • 3 implied HN points • 11 Feb 26
🌍 World Politics Foreign Policy
  1. Autocratic leaders must buy and maintain loyalty from a small inner circle, so they divert state money and power to allies and corruption spreads down the hierarchy.
  2. That diversion impoverishes ordinary people and weakens public services, while natural-resource revenues let autocrats keep the payouts going and prolong their rule.
  3. When domestic funds run short, autocracies often look outward for money or resources and may use aggression or war to get them, so democratic backsliding raises the risk of interstate conflict.

The Tucker Interview

Points And Figures • 746 implied HN points • 11 Feb 24
🌍 World Politics Foreign Policy
  1. The Tucker Carlson interview with Putin didn't break new ground, but generated views and highlighted the power of Twitter for news.
  2. Putin's incorrect historical claims were discussed, shedding light on the importance of transparent cost/benefit analyses in foreign policy decisions.
  3. Various political dynamics and implications surrounding the Ukraine situation, including corruption, global power struggles, and potential military actions, were analyzed.

The Art of the Deal: Trump defies past paradigms to secure better terms for America

The Dossier • 232 implied HN points • 05 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy
  1. Trump uses flexible and aggressive negotiating strategies, breaking past norms to get better deals for America. He believes in leveraging various tools like bluffing and urgency during negotiations.
  2. He does not shy away from using strong tactics, even against traditional allies, to ensure America gets a good deal. This includes imposing tariffs or making bold statements to create pressure.
  3. Trump's approach to foreign affairs is pragmatic and strategic, leaving his negotiating partners off-balance. He focuses on achieving the best outcome for the United States, regardless of previous political ideologies.

Are We Ever Going to War with China?

OK Doomer • 94 implied HN points • 22 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy
  1. The U.S.-China relationship is very uncertain, with American leaders often changing their views on cooperation and conflict. One minute they discuss partnership, the next they're talking about military actions.
  2. China is actively trying to weaken the U.S. by restricting access to important materials that America relies on for manufacturing. This shift in strategy shows how both countries are playing a complicated game with their economies.
  3. Despite the threat of war, many leaders seem more focused on profits and tech developments rather than addressing global issues like climate change.

Behavioural Geopolitics: Power makes militant

Klement on Investing • 2 implied HN points • 18 Feb 26
🌍 World Politics Foreign Policy
  1. Leaders and people in more powerful countries often feel more threatened by weaker rivals and become more hawkish, with a stronger willingness to support military or aggressive actions.
  2. Feeling powerful pushes decision-makers into fast, intuitive (System 1) thinking that amplifies emotions and leads to exaggerated threat perceptions and riskier choices.
  3. Less powerful countries tend to be more cautious and analytical because they face higher costs from escalation, so they assess threats more rationally and act more restrainedly.

Talking Great Power Politics in Moscow

John’s Substack • 6 implied HN points • 30 Jan 26
🌍 World Politics Foreign Policy
  1. A recent Cross Talk podcast episode explored how great power politics is returning after the unipolar era.
  2. The conversation focused especially on the motivations behind President Trump's foreign policy choices.
  3. The episode continued a long-running dialogue about US–Russia relations and realist perspectives, linking current debates to discussions from about a decade ago.

Ports and Paranoia: Commentary on CSIS’s “No Safe Harbor” Report

Pekingnology • 101 implied HN points • 13 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy
  1. The CSIS report about Chinese ports suggests they might be a security risk for the U.S. because of military and economic influence. However, many of the claims are based on unlikely scenarios and lack solid evidence.
  2. The report's methods of scoring and assessing risk seem too subjective and could mislead people into thinking certain ports are much more dangerous than they actually are. They don't factor in real-world complexities and political contexts accurately.
  3. There's a clear one-sided focus on Chinese activities while ignoring similar behaviors from the U.S. This creates a biased narrative that doesn't fully consider how countries in the region balance relationships with both China and the U.S.

If Trump Will Not Join The War, What Then?

Phillips’s Newsletter • 117 implied HN points • 20 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy
  1. Trump's 'two-weeks' comment usually means he doesn't plan to take action right away. It's a way for him to buy time without getting involved in a war.
  2. There are many reasons Trump might avoid joining the conflict, like keeping his support base happy and not wanting to risk US military targets.
  3. If the US doesn’t participate, Israel will have to rely on its own military strength, making the situation much more complicated for them.

Will Trump’s Election Unleash Bibi?

Nonzero Newsletter • 327 implied HN points • 12 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy
  1. Netanyahu is excited about Trump's re-election, hoping for a better relationship after past tensions. He believes this could strengthen the US-Israel alliance.
  2. There are concerns that Netanyahu might use Trump's win to escalate actions against Iran's nuclear program. Reports suggest he has plans for increased military action now that Trump is back in office.
  3. Israeli officials think Trump's administration will be more supportive than Biden's when it comes to military strategies, especially regarding Iran. They see a big difference in how each president handles Israel's goals.

Trump Makes Nice with India

John’s Substack • 5 implied HN points • 04 Feb 26
🌍 World Politics Foreign Policy
  1. The proposed trade deal appears to have terms that could be disadvantageous for India given the limited public details.
  2. Trump's unpredictability creates a real risk that he could reverse course and treat India poorly again, adding political uncertainty.
  3. Closer economic ties will make India more dependent on the US and give the US greater leverage, which could be risky even though both countries want a strong economic and security partnership.

Weekend Update #118: The Trump Administration’s Talking Points are Straight from Moscow

Phillips’s Newsletter • 235 implied HN points • 02 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy
  1. Trump's team seems to be saying things that match Russian ideas about the war. This suggests they might be planning a deal that might not help Ukraine much.
  2. There's evidence that Ukraine is managing to strike Russian oil facilities, which can hurt Russia's economy. This shows Ukraine's strength, even without significant support from the U.S.
  3. Some political figures are spreading negative views about Ukraine's chances, even as the situation on the ground shows that Russia is facing difficulties. This creates a misleading narrative about Ukraine's future.

Iran, China and America's Great Game

God's Spies by Thomas Neuburger • 110 implied HN points • 26 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy
  1. Iran plays a key role in global politics, especially in the context of China's Belt and Road Initiative. Control over Iran could impact trade routes and influence in the region.
  2. The U.S. and Israel have shared interests in destabilizing Iran, believing it will benefit their strategic goals. They aim to prevent Iran from becoming a strong ally of competitors like China and Russia.
  3. There are plans to create division within Iran, breaking it down into smaller ethnic regions. This strategy is part of a larger effort to reshape power dynamics in the Middle East and Central Asia.

Indiana Johannes and Raiders of the Lost ANC PART II - Iran, China, Russia, SA, and USA Policy

Who is Robert Malone • 6 implied HN points • 28 Jan 26
🌍 World Politics Foreign Policy
  1. South Africa’s ruling party has traded its moral posturing for geopolitical convenience by aligning with Iran, Russia, China, and Islamist groups, which is damaging trust with Western allies.
  2. China and Russia are expanding military and economic influence in Africa while South Africa’s navy and defense forces are underfunded and vulnerable to foreign involvement and potential privatization.
  3. The United States is shifting its Africa policy to prioritize security, trade, and limiting rival influence, using legal, trade, and legislative tools to pressure countries it sees as threats to national security, including South Africa.

The Peace that Guarantees War

The Cosmopolitan Globalist • 23 implied HN points • 23 Nov 25
🌍 World Politics Foreign Policy
  1. The draft peace is actually a capitulation that would force Ukraine to cede territory, demilitarize, and forego NATO membership, giving Russia the time and space to rebuild its military.
  2. Because Russia has repeatedly broken agreements, rewarding it with recognition, sanctions relief, and economic reintegration would likely embolden further aggression across Europe and beyond.
  3. Implementing this plan would destroy U.S. credibility and split its allies, making future large-scale conflicts — possibly involving Americans and even nuclear risks — far more likely, and domestic political indifference makes that outcome easier to achieve.

Senate establishment takes aim at Tulsi Gabbard, after failing to trip up Hegseth nomination

The Dossier • 277 implied HN points • 10 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy
  1. The Senate has shifted its focus from questioning the Defense nominee to targeting Tulsi Gabbard for her past statements on Syria. This shows a strategic move to create hurdles for her confirmation as the director of national intelligence.
  2. Tulsi Gabbard has a past visit to Syria that some senators are criticizing. However, the history of U.S. foreign policy is filled with mistakes, making it questionable for senators to judge her based on one trip.
  3. Gabbard is a U.S. Army veteran who possesses the knowledge and character needed for the role. The Senate should prioritize confirming nominees like her, rather than nitpicking past actions.

As Trump talks peace, Ukraine and NATO learn their place

Aaron Mate • 215 implied HN points • 16 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy
  1. Trump is pushing for direct negotiations with Russia to end the Ukraine war, suggesting that past strategies didn't work. He believes NATO membership for Ukraine is unlikely, which marks a shift from previous U.S. positions.
  2. Recent comments from U.S. officials indicate a cooling relationship with NATO regarding Ukraine, showing a different approach than what Biden had.
  3. The recent talks and plans show a significant change in U.S. foreign policy, emphasizing more direct communication with Russia while sidelining Ukraine's role.

Commentator

Castalia • 179 implied HN points • 19 Sep 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy
  1. Many Democrats are unhappy with Biden and don't think he's the right choice for 2024. They feel like there should be other candidates running against him, but the Democratic establishment is holding back potential challengers.
  2. Support for Ukraine is critical, especially with the possibility of a Trump victory. If Trump wins, he may reduce U.S. support for Ukraine, which could seriously affect the war and global stability.
  3. Elon Musk has become a powerful figure, almost acting like a second government. His influence raises concerns about the relationship between wealthy individuals and public institutions, suggesting that we need to rebuild boundaries to protect democratic processes.

US helps Syria’s ruling Al Qaeda offshoot while punishing its people

Aaron Mate • 261 implied HN points • 30 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy
  1. The US labeled Syria's Al Qaeda group as terrorists but still supported them. This support continued even though the US also imposed sanctions that hurt ordinary Syrian people.
  2. Recently, the US has recognized a new Syrian government linked to Al Qaeda while continuing to impose harsh sanctions on civilians. This creates a confusing situation where the US is helping militant leaders instead of the Syrian population.
  3. As the US expands its presence in Syria and keeps sanctions, they acknowledge the damage done to ordinary Syrians. Many are now calling for these sanctions to be lifted to help rebuild the country's economy.