The hottest Foreign Policy Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
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Top World Politics Topics

The Nancy Nothingburger

Diane Francis • 639 implied HN points • 08 Aug 22
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy
  1. Nancy Pelosi's visit to Taiwan angered China and made them show military force, but it also reminded other Asian countries to be more prepared. She spent only 19 hours there, which some see as a token gesture.
  2. China's response included military drills and cancelling talks with the U.S., but there were no serious threats. The visit didn’t lead to a major conflict, highlighting that China is more focused on its own internal issues.
  3. Pelosi's trip was seen as a win politically in the U.S., showing support for Taiwan. Despite China’s strong rhetoric, many analysts agree that the situation isn’t as dire as it could have been.

Did You Know History Would Be Different If Zelensky Had Worn A Tie?

Phillips’s Newsletter • 195 implied HN points • 04 Mar 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy
  1. Zelensky's choice of clothing, like wearing a tie, is humorously suggested to have impacted US support for Ukraine. This argument is seen as silly since US policy shifts started before his meeting with Trump.
  2. The current state of conservative thought in the US is viewed as weak, overly focused on pleasing Trump rather than engaging in genuine debate. Many conservatives are criticized for making unreasonable arguments to avoid facing uncomfortable truths.
  3. The article points out that the intellectual depth of the conservative movement has been in decline, which is symbolized by blaming Zelensky for Trump's issues instead of holding Trump accountable.

Are We Seeing A Paradigm Shift On US Public Opinion And Foreign/Defense Policy?

Phillips’s Newsletter • 86 implied HN points • 22 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy
  1. There's a shift happening in how Americans view foreign and defense policies. This change isn't just about Trump; it's larger and was coming regardless.
  2. Many people incorrectly believe that the US will return to the foreign policies from before 1945. But that may not happen, as public opinion is changing.
  3. Other countries shouldn't rely on America sticking to its past commitments. The public seems more skeptical of international involvement now.

Vietnam in the Middle East

In My Tribe • 683 implied HN points • 17 Jan 24
🌍 World Politics Foreign Policy
  1. In Vietnam War, US officials complained about fighting with restrictions on bombing.
  2. Endemic violence in the Arab Middle East leads to lack of 'solutions' and need for strong state institutions.
  3. Proposed options for dealing with Iran, unpacking the idea of going big or going home.
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How Peaceniks Can Call Trump’s Bluff

Nonzero Newsletter • 259 implied HN points • 20 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy
  1. Progressives should be open to supporting good foreign policy initiatives from Trump instead of rejecting everything he proposes. This would help create a more balanced political discussion.
  2. Sanctions on Syria have harmed ordinary people more than the government they aimed to punish. It's important to reconsider the effectiveness and morality of such policies.
  3. Research shows that AI models can cleverly disguise their real values, which raises concerns about their reliability and potential misuse in the future.

Operation Midnight Hammer, or: The United States Strikes Iran

eugyppius: a plague chronicle • 102 implied HN points • 22 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy
  1. The U.S. military recently targeted Iranian nuclear sites, indicating a significant escalation in tensions between the two countries.
  2. Advanced bomber planes and submarines were used in the attack, highlighting the military capabilities of the U.S.
  3. The damage to the Iranian facilities is serious, but they have not been completely destroyed, suggesting ongoing risks and potential for future conflict.

Close Encounters With Trump At The NATO Summit

Michael Tracey • 98 implied HN points • 27 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy
  1. Getting to ask a question at a big event like a NATO summit is really competitive. It's often about who can wave their hand the most or be the loudest to get noticed by the speaker.
  2. Trump's press conferences are different from Biden's. Trump's interactions feel more spontaneous and less scripted, allowing for a wider variety of questions from different journalists.
  3. Navigating events like these can be confusing because information isn't always clear. Sometimes you just have to rely on tips or luck to figure out what's happening and where.

Doing Battle with Piers

John’s Substack • 7 implied HN points • 21 Jan 26
🌍 World Politics Foreign Policy
  1. A televised debate covered many hot foreign policy issues, including how radical Trump's foreign policy is, a kidnapping in Venezuela and its likely consequences, talk of annexing Greenland, a failed attempt at regime change in Iran, and allegations about Israel's actions in Gaza.
  2. The show's host later fell, broke his leg, and required a hip replacement, and he is wished a speedy recovery with plans to return to the program.
  3. There have been other high-profile, heated exchanges with public figures like Roger Waters, highlighting a pattern of confrontational interviews.

Nation Building is Back!

Nonzero Newsletter • 304 implied HN points • 29 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy
  1. The U.S. is returning to a nation-building approach in the Middle East, especially after the recent conflict involving Israel and Hamas. They seem more focused on changing regimes and rebuilding countries than in the past.
  2. Policymakers now view Israel’s actions as an opportunity to reshape the political landscape in the Middle East, similar to the mindset seen during the early 2000s. This brings back memories of previous military interventions.
  3. Rhetoric around recent events has intensified, framing them similarly to significant past tragedies. Leaders are using strong comparisons, which fuels a renewed push for military and political actions in the region.

Trump and Putin: Aligning over Ukrainian Elections

Phillips’s Newsletter • 196 implied HN points • 17 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy
  1. Trump and Putin seem to be aligning on Ukraine, especially concerning the idea of holding elections there. This cooperation marks a notable change from their prior stances.
  2. Before the election, Trump and his associates didn't prioritize Ukrainian elections in their plans, but now they insist that Ukraine must hold elections soon.
  3. Many believe that Trump's push for elections aims to weaken Ukraine and support Putin's interests, leading Ukrainians to rely more on European assistance than American help.

This Hideous Moment!

Daniel Pinchbeck’s Newsletter • 15 implied HN points • 12 Dec 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy
  1. We are on a dangerous new threshold where fast-moving technologies — AI, biotech, weaponized drones, and mass surveillance — combined with extreme corruption could push society toward a technocratic, totalitarian spiral. Most people lack the language or awareness to grasp how quickly this is happening.
  2. Some observers feel a strange mix of anxiety and exhilaration, taking on a prophetic or witness role and using intense study and tools like AI to synthesize information, even while their warnings are often ignored. They maintain a sense of mission and detachment amid the upheaval.
  3. The future is highly uncertain: it could lead to catastrophe (war, ecological collapse, engineered annihilation) or to a post-technological shift toward small, regenerative, networked communities; this unpredictability highlights the need for greater public awareness and resilient alternatives.

🔜 ‼️ Reminder: Conversation with Terry Glavin

The Cosmopolitan Globalist • 2 implied HN points • 15 Feb 26
🌍 World Politics Foreign Policy
  1. The inaugural Cosmopolitan Globalist Symposium starts in about two hours and will begin exactly on time at 4:30 pm Paris time, so plan to arrive a minute early.
  2. Zoom details are provided but some information sits behind a paywall. If you haven’t finished the reading, tell the host in the Zoom chat so you don’t get called on.
  3. The conversation will probe whether the liberal world order is weakening and aims to revive cordial, intelligent discussion, with full access available to subscribers while a free post is offered.

Talking with Glenn Greenwald

John’s Substack • 6 implied HN points • 25 Jan 26
🌍 World Politics Foreign Policy
  1. The administration is portrayed as willing to directly interfere in Venezuela, including backing plans to kidnap or seize its leader and effectively run the country.
  2. Invoking the Monroe Doctrine is being used to justify intervention, but this is a distorted reading that ignores the doctrine's historical limits.
  3. Such aggressive policies risk violating international norms, destabilizing the region, and undermining long-term U.S. credibility and security.

Trump47: The Second Coming of The Donald

Fisted by Foucault • 213 implied HN points • 20 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy
  1. A major focus will be on reducing the Deep State influence, as it can undermine Trump's achievements. The aim is to place loyal supporters in key positions right from the start.
  2. Immigration reform is crucial for Trump's agenda, especially regarding deportations of illegal immigrants. Balancing the views of his supporters on legal migration will be a big challenge.
  3. Foreign policy will shift to a more transactional approach, ensuring allies contribute more. This might lead to the US taking a tougher stance on NATO and calling for more support against rivals like China.

Election Countdown, 240 Days to Go: The General Election Campaign Has Begun.

Breaking the News • 564 implied HN points • 11 Mar 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy
  1. The speech by Joe Biden at the State of the Union address effectively shifted audience focus and message from previous years.
  2. The speech avoided the typical laundry-list approach, presenting a more cohesive thematic structure to deliver key points.
  3. Biden's speech reflected a strong stance against Putin and Trump, aiming to motivate and connect with his own base rather than attempting to win over Trump's supporters.

This Is Not Appeasement, It Is Worse

Phillips’s Newsletter • 193 implied HN points • 14 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy
  1. Trump is making concessions to Russia that could hurt Ukraine. He has suggested letting Putin back into the G7 and keeping Ukraine out of NATO.
  2. The U.S. seems to be giving Russia a lot of leeway during a difficult time for their military. This support appears to help Putin when he needs it most.
  3. Critics say calling Trump's actions appeasement is too simple, as he may be actively supporting Russia in troubling ways for Ukraine's future.

Saturday Commentary and Review #184

Fisted by Foucault • 206 implied HN points • 26 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy
  1. The US needs to take Taiwan's defense seriously to prevent China from taking over. Taiwan is crucial for the US's credibility and is seen as a key part of stopping China's rise as a superpower.
  2. Trump's focus on acquiring Greenland shows the US's need for strategic resources. Greenland has valuable minerals and its location is important for military surveillance against threats from Russia and China.
  3. Funding for think tanks largely comes from special interests and foreign governments. This can affect the objectivity and independence of their research, raising concerns about who really influences US foreign policy.

Imran Khan: Pakistan should be non-aligned in cold war, neutral over Ukraine, applauds China

Geopolitical Economy Report • 219 implied HN points • 03 Jan 23
🌍 World Politics Foreign Policy
  1. Imran Khan advocates for Pakistan to be non-aligned in cold wars, neutral in proxy conflicts, and have good relations with multiple nations like China, Russia, and the US.
  2. Khan emphasizes the importance of Pakistan maintaining neutrality in global conflicts to protect its own interests, citing the negative impacts of taking sides.
  3. Khan praises China's remarkable anti-poverty efforts and stresses the necessity of not engaging in nuclear warfare to prevent catastrophic consequences.

The U.S. loves sending secretive "objects" into other countries

Matthew's Notebook • 157 implied HN points • 14 Feb 23
🌍 World Politics Foreign Policy
  1. The U.S. has a history of sending secretive objects into other countries that can lead to serious international crises.
  2. American responses to foreign intrusions may sometimes be perceived as overreactions by experts.
  3. Reflection on U.S. actions towards weaker nations is necessary, especially in the context of past incidents like the Cuban missile crisis and recent tensions with Iran and China.

What if the US seizes Greenland?

Optimally Irrational • 6 implied HN points • 20 Jan 26
🌍 World Politics Foreign Policy
  1. Seizing Greenland by force would be a massive political and geopolitical blunder. It would gain little but risk damaging America’s alliances and long-term influence.
  2. International relations aren’t just a Hobbesian free-for-all; states sustain cooperation through norms and repeated interaction because it’s mutually beneficial. Breaking those conventions would undermine the rule-based order that helps preserve U.S. power.
  3. Even if a takeover were politically possible at home, the international costs and backlash would be severe and short-sighted, making the move strategically counterproductive.

One and Done Fails (Once Again) With Airpower

Phillips’s Newsletter • 80 implied HN points • 18 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy
  1. Airpower requires time and careful planning to be effective. Just doing a quick bombing and saying it was a victory doesn't mean it worked.
  2. Claims of completely destroying Iran's nuclear program were likely exaggerated. Real progress takes consistent effort and assessment.
  3. History shows that quick military actions often do not lead to lasting results. It's important to consider how air campaigns are conducted.

I’m Begging the Media to Start Unpacking the Word “We”

I Might Be Wrong • 9 implied HN points • 08 Jan 26
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy
  1. Reporters should stop using vague "we" and clearly say which actor is doing something or benefiting — the government, a private company, or ordinary people.
  2. Political rhetoric and friendly coverage often blur governments, companies, and citizens, making it sound like the public will directly gain from deals when usually firms or foreign states do.
  3. Precise language matters for accountability and public understanding, so journalists should unpack who actually acts or profits even if it won’t sway the most partisan audiences.

JJM on Venezuela

John’s Substack • 10 implied HN points • 04 Jan 26
🌍 World Politics Foreign Policy
  1. A roundtable on Venezuela will be held at the Quincy Institute on January 6 from 2–3 pm EST.
  2. The panel is titled Interventionism on Steroids – The Trump Takeover of Venezuela, signaling a focus on U.S. intervention and Trump’s role in the crisis.
  3. A registration link is provided to watch the event, and the speaker will also appear on several podcasts that week to discuss events in Venezuela.

Israel’s War on Journalism

The Chris Hedges Report • 282 implied HN points • 25 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy
  1. Journalists in Gaza face extreme danger, with many being targeted and killed. This has led to a significant decline in press freedom in the region.
  2. Foreign reporters in Israel are often controlled by the military and may not report the true situation on the ground in Gaza. This creates a misleading narrative around the conflict.
  3. The actions of the Israeli government against journalists threaten global press freedom. It sends a message that those revealing the truth about war can be silenced or harmed.

Weekend Update #115: Trump is Openly Operating Under Russian Reflexive Control

Phillips’s Newsletter • 213 implied HN points • 12 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy
  1. Trump's recent comments show he might be using Russian reasoning in his foreign policy views, particularly concerning allies and Ukraine. He seems less focused on maintaining alliances and more on adopting a confrontational stance.
  2. Ukraine is working on improving its long-range strike capabilities, having conducted significant attacks deep into Russian territory. This suggests they are trying to change the dynamics of the war despite facing difficulties.
  3. The situation on the ground in places like Donbas and Kursk remains stagnant, indicating a continued need for Ukraine to implement effective long-range strategies to alter the current conflict state.

Trying to Comprehend Trump's FP

John’s Substack • 6 implied HN points • 23 Jan 26
🌍 World Politics Foreign Policy
  1. On January 22, 2026, a conversation on "Judging Freedom" focused on events at Davos and in Greenland.
  2. That conversation introduced key elements of a template for understanding Trump's foreign policy.
  3. The template is meant to help make sense of Trump's actions on the world stage by applying it to events like Davos and Greenland.

Invading Iraq: A Bipartisan Tragedy

Humanities in Revolt • 179 implied HN points • 07 Apr 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy
  1. The Iraq War was launched based on the belief that Iraq had Weapons of Mass Destruction, a belief that was later proven false.
  2. Political leaders from both parties, including Joe Biden, played significant roles in supporting the Iraq War, despite its costly consequences.
  3. The economic costs of the Iraq War were extremely high, reaching trillions of dollars, while the war led to thousands of deaths and injuries, destabilizing the Middle East.

This Super Bowl, Snoop Dog & Tom Brady Will Defend The Ethnic Cleansing of Gaza

JoeWrote • 189 implied HN points • 06 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy
  1. Snoop Dog and Tom Brady will be seen in a Super Bowl ad that promotes standing up against hate. However, the underlying message is seen as supporting controversial views related to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
  2. The Foundation to Combat Antisemitism, behind the ad, is accused of misusing the fight against hate to silence criticism of Israel. Critics believe it manipulates social justice themes to push a political agenda.
  3. Concerns are raised about how alleged antisemitism is measured and reported by FCAS, suggesting their methods might mislead the public. The focus on antisemitism may overshadow awareness of the struggles faced by Palestinians.

Touting ceasefire in Lebanon, Biden shares “vision” for permanent US-Israeli aggression

Aaron Mate • 251 implied HN points • 27 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy
  1. Biden announced a ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah, but it's believed to not really solve the ongoing conflict. Many think that the truce will just lead to more violence later.
  2. Biden's plan for peace in the Middle East seems to focus heavily on supporting Israel, while many are skeptical about the future for a Palestinian state. Many global leaders believe the US stance blocks real solutions.
  3. Despite claims of wanting peace, Biden's actions have often ended up supporting Israeli aggression and neglecting Palestinian rights. Critics argue this harms overall peace efforts in the region.

Weekend Update #117: OK, the War was not Ended on Tuesday--So what Now?

Phillips’s Newsletter • 198 implied HN points • 26 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy
  1. Trump has made some comments suggesting he sees Russia as weaker than before, but he's still not supporting meaningful help for Ukraine. He focuses on getting a deal to stop fighting rather than ensuring Ukraine's security.
  2. There are mixed opinions about Ukraine's military situation. Some believe they have enough supplies to continue fighting, while others fear a collapse in the near future due to lack of support.
  3. Currently, Russian advances on the battlefield are very minimal. There is little change, indicating that the situation might not be as bad for Ukraine as some fear.

NATO Was Inside All of Us the Whole Time

I Might Be Wrong • 6 implied HN points • 22 Jan 26
🌍 World Politics Foreign Policy
  1. NATO’s core promise of mutual defense is effectively dead because current U.S. leadership is unlikely to honor Article 5, leaving the alliance as a coordination club without real enforcement.
  2. International agreements only work when parties care about credibility and are willing to enforce commitments, so when a major player abandons those norms the rules become optional and lose power.
  3. Allies are already adjusting to that reality and NATO could be rebuilt under different leadership, so the pragmatic response is to accept the break and begin planning new or renewed security arrangements.

Trump abandons Zelensky, triggering proxy war meltdown

Aaron Mate • 176 implied HN points • 19 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy
  1. Trump believes that Zelensky could have prevented the war in Ukraine. This suggests that there may have been choices to avoid conflict.
  2. The statement indicates a significant change in U.S. support for Ukraine, which could lead to instability in the region.
  3. This situation may affect how future relationships between the U.S. and Ukraine develop, especially in terms of military aid and diplomatic support.

Influence

Fisted by Foucault • 185 implied HN points • 04 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy
  1. The Substack mentioned has a modest audience but has substantial influence, especially within political circles. It has even attracted subscribers from multiple White Houses.
  2. Darren J. Beattie, a controversial figure, has been appointed to a significant role in the U.S. State Department, showing a shift toward a more aggressive political stance.
  3. Beattie's hiring signals a new direction for the current administration that prioritizes a bold and unconventional approach to foreign policy.

Notes on the News

The Cosmopolitan Globalist • 14 implied HN points • 10 Dec 25
🌍 World Politics Foreign Policy
  1. The EU is not a single sovereign state and can’t force unanimous foreign-policy decisions, so individual members and outside ties (like Hungary’s links to China) routinely block collective action.
  2. Pressuring China and India with secondary sanctions would be a form of financial warfare that would spark trade and payment-system splits, wreck key European export sectors, and Europe lacks the currency, insurance, and unified backing to survive that shock.
  3. A coordinated authoritarian project at home is weakening U.S. alliances and institutions, and broad social problems—poor education, rising inequality, and voter apathy—make the public more vulnerable to manipulation and democratic backsliding.

Gen. Michael Kurilla and the Pivot to Asia

God's Spies by Thomas Neuburger • 90 implied HN points • 24 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy
  1. General Michael Kurilla, the commander of CENTCOM, plays a crucial role in U.S. relations with Israel and strategies involving Iran.
  2. There is debate about whether Israel influences U.S. military decisions in the Middle East or if the U.S. is the dominant power directing its own agenda.
  3. Kurilla's focus on Iran could be a strategic move, as some believe controlling Iran is key to addressing challenges posed by China and Russia.

We Are All Ukrainians

Diane Francis • 1278 implied HN points • 12 Apr 21
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy
  1. Ukraine has been fighting to stay independent from Russia since 1991, facing ongoing military threats and challenges. Despite being poorer than many European nations, Ukraine has built a strong military to defend itself against Russia.
  2. Russia's aggression, including the annexation of Crimea and support for separatists in Eastern Ukraine, has caused immense hardship. Thousands have died, and millions have been displaced due to the conflict.
  3. The situation with Ukraine and opposition leader Navalny highlights Russia as a significant threat to democracy. Many believe that strong actions and sanctions are necessary to contain Russia's influence and protect countries like Ukraine.