The hottest Foreign Policy Substack posts right now

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The Iran Retaliation Calculus

Nonzero Newsletter • 542 implied HN points • 03 Feb 24
🌍 World Politics Foreign Policy
  1. President Biden holds Iran responsible for supplying weapons to militias responsible for deaths.
  2. Many buildings in Gaza have been damaged or destroyed by the Israeli military.
  3. AI technology is being used to automate Tinder swiping and the FCC aims to ban AI-generated robocalls.

American Glasnost, Stockholm Syndrome, Crossfire Cyclone and Missing Bitcoins?

Dr. Pippa's Pen & Podcast • 54 implied HN points • 18 Aug 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy
  1. There is a growing focus on the Arctic and High North in global geopolitics, suggesting that conflicts extend beyond Ukraine and impact surrounding nations.
  2. Many people seem to experience 'Stockholm Syndrome' regarding geopolitics, believing that the actions of the government or military are in their best interests, even when facing contradictions.
  3. The influence of the U.S. government's narrative control has become a growing concern, as it interacts with how citizens perceive their own government and the information they're provided.

The West Wimps Out

Diane Francis • 699 implied HN points • 25 Feb 22
🌍 World Politics Foreign Policy
  1. Russia attacked Ukraine after a long period of threats. It shows that waiting for sanctions isn't enough to deter aggression.
  2. The friends of Ukraine did not step in to help when needed. This highlights the criticism of how the West responds to threats.
  3. Strong responses, like military support, are necessary to confront aggressors. Simply issuing threats won't protect allies effectively.

10 Ways to Think About China

European Straits • 11 implied HN points • 14 Dec 25
🌍 World Politics Foreign Policy
  1. China prioritizes survival and national strength over pure economic efficiency, putting control, unity, and stability first to avoid past humiliations.
  2. The country developed pragmatically, using step-by-step experiments—agrarian reform, special economic zones, and directed finance—to grow industry quickly while keeping political control.
  3. China’s vast scale reshapes everything it does and, coupled with rapid electrification, gives it unique power to experiment, scale industries, and influence the global economy.

Why was the US funding LGBT "Pride" marches in Ukraine?

Michael Tracey • 159 implied HN points • 19 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy
  1. The US government has been funding LGBT Pride events in Ukraine through various channels like USAID, which some Americans find surprising or confusing.
  2. There seems to be a cultural shift in US foreign aid, with current political leadership focusing more on traditional values and less on liberal causes in its international programs.
  3. This change might not mean less foreign aid overall; instead, it could lead to a new approach that aligns more with conservative priorities while still trying to promote US interests abroad.
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In Ukraine, top US official admits that “success” meant “suffering”

Aaron Mate • 174 implied HN points • 27 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy
  1. A top US official acknowledged that the term 'success' in Ukraine often means more suffering for the people involved. It's a harsh truth about the reality of war.
  2. The Biden administration and Kyiv are facing tough decisions about whether to engage in diplomatic talks or continue their current strategy.
  3. Mixed messages from Donald Trump add confusion to the US's position on Ukraine, affecting future policies and discussions.

Words Of No Power.

Trying to Understand the World • 5 implied HN points • 21 Jan 26
🌍 World Politics Foreign Policy
  1. Words and treaties usually record what states already do, they don’t by themselves make things happen; for a text to matter it needs either real enforcement or broad shared support.
  2. International agreements are limited and often vague: they bind only signatories, can be withdrawn, and their meaning is shaped by politics and interpretation, not pure legal logic.
  3. Expecting documents alone to solve hard political problems is wishful thinking; real outcomes depend on evidence, practical capacity, and the political will to act, not just on nice words on paper.

Links to Consider, 11/4/2024

In My Tribe • 227 implied HN points • 04 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy
  1. The job market is changing due to AI taking over routine office tasks. However, more complex management roles might still require human skills.
  2. Some believe that good foreign policy relies more on talking than on action. Words can sometimes seem like solutions even when they aren't.
  3. Recent manufacturing job growth is happening in places less affected by international trade issues. Many manufacturing jobs are still not unionized, which means fewer protections for workers.

I have a question for those supporting Israel's actions (Revisited)

Philosophy bear • 221 implied HN points • 22 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy
  1. Many civilians in Gaza have been killed by Israeli bombings, raising moral questions about the actions taken. People are encouraged to think about how they would feel if similar actions were taken against their own citizens.
  2. The intentional killing of civilians in war is seen as wrong, and the idea of proportionality is important. If a military action causes more civilian deaths than it saves, it could be considered murder.
  3. The perception of value in lives matters; allowing harm to a larger group to save a smaller group is viewed as immoral. Ethically, states should not sacrifice innocent lives for their own interests.

Of Course They're Reusing The Iraq War Playbook. It Worked.

JoeWrote • 79 implied HN points • 24 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy
  1. Politicians are using the same strategies from the Iraq War because they worked well for them before. They aren't forgetting their past; they're repeating what was successful.
  2. Many people believe the Iraq War was a failure, but those who supported it don't see it that way. They see the destruction as necessary to show power.
  3. There's a lack of accountability for leaders who led the Iraq War. Until there's real consequences for these actions, the cycle of repeating historical mistakes is likely to continue.

Weekend Update #111--Trump And "Abandoning" Ukraine—Be Careful What You Say

Phillips’s Newsletter • 203 implied HN points • 15 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy
  1. Donald Trump recently discussed the Russia-Ukraine war, stating that the U.S. doesn't control its outcome. He emphasized the need for Ukraine to reach an agreement to stop further deaths.
  2. There's a growing recognition that Russia may be weaker than previously thought, especially based on its heavy losses in the war. Some analysis suggests that Russia's military struggles could lead to major equipment shortages soon.
  3. Public narratives often focus on Ukrainian failures while downplaying Russian weaknesses. This one-sided reporting can overshadow the complexities of the ongoing conflict.

Living in a Multipolar World

John’s Substack • 7 implied HN points • 11 Jan 26
🌍 World Politics Foreign Policy
  1. The world is shifting from a unipolar order to a multipolar one, which brings back intense rivalry among major powers.
  2. With at least three great powers, security competition will become more dangerous and unpredictable.
  3. This transition has serious consequences for international stability and makes managing conflicts harder.

JJM vs John Bolton on Venezuela

John’s Substack • 8 implied HN points • 06 Jan 26
🌍 World Politics Foreign Policy
  1. The discussion centered on a reported U.S. plan to abduct Venezuela’s president, raising clear legal and ethical concerns.
  2. Two commentators tackled the same issues but reached sharply different conclusions about whether such an operation would be justified or wise.
  3. The exchange shows that U.S. intervention in Venezuela deeply divides expert opinion and fuels a broader debate over foreign policy and interventionism.

Devoted to "weaker" Russia, exiting Biden team finds "strength" in Ukraine

Aaron Mate • 192 implied HN points • 24 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy
  1. Jake Sullivan, the National Security Adviser, believes that the U.S. is in a strong position globally as power dynamics change.
  2. He claims that Russia is struggling and has failed in its efforts in Ukraine, suggesting that they are weaker than before.
  3. However, some of his statements seem to simplify or misrepresent what Russia's actual goals have been since the conflict began.

Weekend Update #114: The Year that Confirmed Russia Can Be Beaten

Phillips’s Newsletter • 183 implied HN points • 05 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy
  1. The Ukrainian military showed strong resilience and has successfully gained ground against Russian forces, particularly through offensives like the Kursk Offensive.
  2. Russia's military has faced significant challenges, suffering high casualties and losing strategic territory despite seizing a small fraction of Ukraine's land.
  3. Support from the US and Europe is crucial for Ukraine's continued success, but there are concerns that political influences could hinder effective assistance.

War Games

KERFUFFLE • 75 implied HN points • 16 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy
  1. In the past, wars were mainly fought by nobles and kings, and most ordinary people didn't really feel their impact. Only those directly involved, like conscripted soldiers or victims of invasions, had a personal stake in these conflicts.
  2. With modern warfare, everyone has a role because governments mobilize entire populations. Propaganda became essential to get the public's support, especially when fighting wars that did not directly threaten their everyday lives.
  3. Now, the justifications for war often feel disconnected from the average person's reality. Many people sense that current conflicts are driven more by the interests of powerful leaders rather than genuine threats to their lives.

Master Diplomats Biden and Blinken: A Case Study in Professional Class Screwups

Michael Tracey • 171 implied HN points • 20 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy
  1. Biden and Blinken faced criticism for their approach to diplomacy, with many saying they failed to connect with other nations effectively. Their methods often seemed to worsen U.S. relationships, especially with countries like China.
  2. Biden's emphasis on rallying support for Ukraine was seen as a low bar for success. He admitted that his policies heightened nuclear risks, which raises concerns about their effectiveness in avoiding major conflicts.
  3. Despite some positive views on the Afghanistan withdrawal, Biden's handling of the situation led to a significant drop in his approval ratings. Many believe he struggled to communicate the positives of this decision.

Chris Hedges at UCSB: To Kill a People

The Chris Hedges Report • 209 implied HN points • 23 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy
  1. The ongoing conflict in Gaza is described as a genocide, with severe violence leading to significant loss of life and displacement of many Palestinians. The situation creates a long-term cycle of vengeance and suffering.
  2. Historical patterns show that oppressive actions often create more enemies and escalate conflicts over time. Past U.S. military interventions have similarly resulted in ongoing cycles of violence.
  3. To address the injustices and violence in Gaza, a major shift is needed in U.S. policy, including halting military support for Israel. A collective moral stance is crucial to prevent complicity in ongoing atrocities.

Trump’s choice in Ukraine: make peace, or ‘crush the Russians’

Aaron Mate • 176 implied HN points • 12 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy
  1. Trump wants to make peace in Ukraine and plans to meet with Putin to discuss it. He believes the conflict needs to be resolved as it’s become a disaster.
  2. This approach is very different from the current U.S. administration, which is hesitant to engage with Russia diplomatically.
  3. While many view Russia's actions as aggressive, Trump thinks there should be a conversation to find a resolution rather than continuing the war.

Gaza, Inc.

Gray Mirror • 158 implied HN points • 06 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy
  1. Gaza is currently unlivable, but its land could be valuable if properly managed. The idea is that without residents, the land could be developed into a profitable venture.
  2. The concept of Gaza, Inc. suggests creating a corporation that could turn this area into a charter city, attracting wealth and potentially turning each former resident into a shareholder.
  3. There are complex considerations about rights and governance in this new setup, including how to manage the exit of current residents and the implications of past conflicts.

Saturday Commentary and Review #180

Fisted by Foucault • 199 implied HN points • 30 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy
  1. Populism is on the rise due to many people feeling left behind by the system. This is especially true for the middle class, who are struggling to maintain their living standards amid economic changes.
  2. The failures of liberal democracy have led to a distrust of elites and institutions. Events like the 2008 financial crisis and the COVID-19 pandemic showed that many people's lives are worsening, making them more receptive to populist ideas.
  3. Some political movements have broken away from traditional left-right ideologies. In many cases, both sides have ignored the working class, which has opened the door for new political expressions and movements.

Trump Rescuing Tik-Tok; Can the USA be Bothered to Save Itself?

Phillips’s Newsletter • 164 implied HN points • 21 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy
  1. Trump criticized Biden's support for Ukraine during his inauguration, calling it a national betrayal. This signals a shift in US foreign policy, raising concerns for Ukraine's future support.
  2. Trump's move to halt the TikTok ban is seen as a significant abuse of presidential power and questions the rule of law in the US. It suggests he can change laws at will, which is troubling for democracy.
  3. The response from American companies about TikTok may indicate their willingness to support authoritarianism over legal standards. If they prioritize profit over the law, it could weaken the spirit of democracy in the country.

"The Chinese Government Will Lie to You!" said the U.S. Government the Day It Was Caught Lying to Us.

JoeWrote • 165 implied HN points • 16 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy
  1. The ceasefire in Gaza shows what really happened during the conflict. Now that fighting has stopped, more people can report the true impact on civilians.
  2. The U.S. government and media have misled the public about the reasons behind the ceasefire and the crisis in Gaza. Many now see this as part of a larger pattern of dishonesty.
  3. Concerns over apps like TikTok highlight a divide in perception about security and media control. Some people believe manipulation is happening on both sides, questioning why they should fear one over the other.

Right-wing anti-Zionism is on the rise in America

Karlstack • 216 implied HN points • 24 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy
  1. Right-wing anti-Zionism is growing in the U.S., which is surprising to many who only see it on the left. Some conservatives are starting to criticize Israel more openly.
  2. Different groups within the American Right, like paleoconservatives, have always questioned Israel’s influence on U.S. foreign policy. They feel that supporting Israel harms America's interests.
  3. Recent events, especially conflicts in the Middle East, have intensified debates on Israel within the conservative movement, creating divisions between traditional pro-Israel conservatives and those who adopt a more isolationist perspective.

The En-Stupidening of the GOP is a National Security Threat

I Might Be Wrong • 7 implied HN points • 07 Jan 26
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy
  1. The U.S. intervention in Venezuela has not removed Maduro’s regime and has left his vice president effectively in charge, so promises of imminent elections are not being fulfilled.
  2. The administration’s stated reasons for involvement keep shifting—drugs, migrants, sanctions, democracy, and even oil—revealing no coherent or consistent logic.
  3. That confusion and political incompetence create a real national security risk by putting American lives and resources at stake for unclear or self‑serving objectives.

Trump’s Caribbean Snuff Film Studio

The Cosmopolitan Globalist • 11 implied HN points • 11 Dec 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy
  1. Politics is being run as show business, with spectacle and fan loyalty prioritized over coherent policy or principle.
  2. A high-profile naval operation in the Caribbean reportedly involved bombing small boats and even ordering strikes on shipwrecked survivors, conduct described as extrajudicial killing and a possible war crime under the law of armed conflict.
  3. Turning military violence into entertainment corrodes the honor and effectiveness of the armed forces and degrades civic norms, driving away honorable recruits and normalizing brutality.

BIWEEKLY BRIEFLY NOTED: For 2024-12-28 Sa

Brad DeLong's Grasping Reality • 169 implied HN points • 28 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy
  1. There's a trend in America moving away from clear laws towards decisions based on discretion, which could lead to corruption. It's important to have clear rules to prevent misuse of power.
  2. The idea of conquering places for resources is outdated. It's much more efficient to trade for what we need instead of trying to take over land.
  3. In Berkeley, there's a shift from strict neighborhood controls to more inclusive housing policies. This change reflects a desire for more affordable living in the area.

The United States should silently cheer over Russia's invasion of Ukraine and a Chinese invasion of Taiwan

Bruce Fein's Pioneering Lyceum • 117 implied HN points • 16 Feb 23
🌍 World Politics Foreign Policy
  1. Silently cheering over Russia's invasion of Ukraine and a Chinese invasion of Taiwan could make the United States safer.
  2. History shows that colonial conquests often lead to economic burdens and revolts, making them not worth the effort.
  3. Powerful countries like the United States should be cautious about seeking colonial conquests, as they may not bring the intended benefits.

Muslim-American conservatives and the Palestinian question

Matthew's Notebook • 117 implied HN points • 15 Jun 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy
  1. The rise of Muslim-American conservatives is influencing the politics of Israel and Palestine in the US.
  2. The U.S. political scene is seeing shifts in pro-Israel and pro-Palestine sentiments among Democrats and Republicans.
  3. As Arab and Muslim communities align with the Republican Party, tensions may arise regarding the approach to the Palestinian issue.

The Venezuela Crisis and Europe

John’s Substack • 7 implied HN points • 07 Jan 26
🌍 World Politics Foreign Policy
  1. US policy toward Venezuela and its posturing over Greenland can directly affect European security and political alignments.
  2. How the US handles those two issues will influence Europe's strategic calculations and potential shifts in alliances.
  3. Ongoing public debates are examining these developments to clarify their consequences for European politics and stability.

Sandbox Politics~Parliament is back!

History's Parrot • 58 implied HN points • 04 Feb 24
🌍 World Politics Foreign Policy
  1. Governments must focus on addressing the underlying issues, not just the symptoms.
  2. Neoliberalism has marginalized governments in the West, leading to political redundancy and lack of accountability.
  3. Canada's political landscape is dominated by neoliberalism, resulting in a decline in democracy and the need for reform.

Trump's Colonial Adventure

Theory Matters • 7 implied HN points • 08 Jan 26
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy
  1. Reviving old imperial ideas like the Monroe Doctrine is a nostalgic 'second act' that doesn't match today's world and risks being ineffective or counterproductive.
  2. The push to intervene in places like Venezuela has no clear plan for what comes next and looks more like rhetoric and self-interest than a real strategy for building democracy.
  3. Earlier interventions at least had ideological justifications; today's approach feels like blunt bullying that ignores legitimacy, relies on proxies, and could repeat the mistakes that weakened past empires.

US gov't creates Ministry of Truth run by cold warrior who smears independent media as 'Russian disinformation'

Geopolitical Economy Report • 358 implied HN points • 30 Apr 22
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy
  1. The US government created a Ministry of Truth led by a censorial cold warrior to combat 'Russian disinformation' and target independent media outlets.
  2. The DHS, infamous for violating civil liberties, established a Disinformation Governance Board overseen by an anti-Russia information warrior, Nina Jankowicz.
  3. Despite past criticism, Democrats now support rebranding the Bush-era DHS, giving it power over freedom of speech, and using it to escalate the new cold war on Russia and China.

WAS IT OBLITERATION?

Seymour Hersh • 64 implied HN points • 04 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy
  1. The US airstrikes in Iran targeted its nuclear program but didn't completely destroy it. They set back Iran’s nuclear ambitions for a few years instead.
  2. Media coverage of the strikes was criticized for being misleading, with some suggesting the attacks were a failure. In reality, key targets were successfully hit.
  3. The real impact of the strikes will likely benefit Israel, and there's a noted double standard in how nuclear weapons are viewed in the region.

With Russia ‘on the march’ in Ukraine, the US pulls away

Aaron Mate • 207 implied HN points • 03 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy
  1. The US government initially believed that its support for Ukraine would effectively counter Russia's advances. However, their recent admission shows that this support did not yield the expected results.
  2. After a significant funding boost, officials now realize that Russia is still making territorial gains in Ukraine, contrary to their earlier predictions.
  3. The situation has prompted discussions about the need for negotiations with Russia, a shift from previous views that such talks would be premature.

Zelensky left stranded; Bill Clinton's bigotry

Aaron Mate • 208 implied HN points • 31 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy
  1. Zelensky is upset because his request for Tomahawk missiles was leaked by the White House. This has made him feel unsupported in a tough situation.
  2. Bill Clinton is showing his support for Israel, even in the face of widespread criticism about the violence against Palestinians. This highlights his controversial stance on the matter.
  3. These events reflect ongoing tensions in international relations and how leaders respond to them, making it clear that political alliances can have serious consequences.

"Very Strongly"

Unpopular Front • 68 implied HN points • 13 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy
  1. Trump's use of power often relies on showing off military strength, like tanks and bombs, rather than gaining real support from people.
  2. There’s a belief that using violence can substitute for actual power, but true power comes from people agreeing with you.
  3. Even if Trump's actions with Israel seem effective now, they might lead to bigger problems for him in the long run.