The hottest Foreign Policy Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways

The Fight to Define ‘America First’ Foreign Policy

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 695 implied HN points • 26 Jan 25

Dan Caldwell is important in shaping America's foreign policy, especially under Trump. He believes the U.S. should reduce its military presence around the world.
Some Republicans worry that Caldwell's views could harm America's global role. They think the idea of strength in foreign policy is being redefined.
Caldwell's rising influence might give him a big say in the peace talks between Russia and Ukraine. This could change how the U.S. handles important international issues.

Trump abandons Zelensky, triggering proxy war meltdown

Aaron Mate • 176 implied HN points • 19 Feb 25

🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Election Foreign Policy Government Political Commentary National Security

Trump believes that Zelensky could have prevented the war in Ukraine. This suggests that there may have been choices to avoid conflict.
The statement indicates a significant change in U.S. support for Ukraine, which could lead to instability in the region.
This situation may affect how future relationships between the U.S. and Ukraine develop, especially in terms of military aid and diplomatic support.

The Self-Defeating Machismo of a "Transactional" Foreign Policy

Phillips’s Newsletter • 140 implied HN points • 21 Feb 25

🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy National Security Diplomacy Political Analysis Leadership

Some people think Trump's foreign policy is effective and tough, often calling it 'transactional'.
Critics point out that this approach may not lead to positive outcomes, especially regarding allies and global stability.
Overall, there are doubts about whether treating foreign relations as deals can actually work in the long run.

The Cold War History of Export Controls

ChinaTalk • 415 implied HN points • 30 May 25

🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy Geopolitics Technology History Trade

Export controls on technology have a long history, dating back to the Cold War, and they show how countries try to limit each other's advancements.
The effectiveness of these controls depends heavily on cooperation between countries; without a united approach, it's hard to enforce such regulations.
Tracking where technology goes after it's exported is crucial. If countries can't monitor this, it makes it easy for others to use loopholes and bypass the rules.

Nyhetsbrev steigan.no 05.03.2025

steigan.no • 5 implied HN points • 05 Mar 25

🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy Military Affairs Political strategy Government Accountability International relations

NATO's influence on European security has faded, which raises concerns about the potential for conflict between European nations. Leaders now face questions about their own defense and strategic interests.
Billionaires see the situation in Ukraine as a chance to profit, leading to worries over the misuse of financial aid. There are claims that much of the support does not reach the people who need it.
Countries may consider forming a Nordic alliance instead of relying on EU or NATO. This could potentially strengthen their independence and ability to handle security matters on their own.

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The Evolution of Marco Rubio

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 1061 implied HN points • 16 Jan 25

🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Legislation Foreign Policy Political parties Government

Marco Rubio is changing his approach to foreign policy, focusing on being pragmatic rather than hawkish. He wants to find practical solutions instead of just being aggressive.
During his confirmation hearing, Rubio mentioned seeing opportunities in the Middle East that didn't exist before, especially relating to the situation with Israel and Hamas. He believes that current conflicts may create new possibilities for peace and cooperation.
Rubio's comments suggest he is looking for ways to turn recent chaos in the Middle East into strategic advantages for the U.S. This shows a shift in how he perceives diplomatic chances amidst turmoil.

The Empire Burns The Middle East While US Homelessness Surges

Caitlin’s Newsletter • 1937 implied HN points • 30 Dec 24

🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Homelessness Foreign Policy Geopolitics Media Critique Imperialism

The situation in the Middle East is tense, with reports of violence and destruction affecting local hospitals and communities.
US homelessness is on the rise, with a significant increase highlighting social and economic issues at home.
There's a concern that the US government focuses on foreign issues while neglecting serious problems like poverty and homelessness in its own country.

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

Michael Tracey • 159 implied HN points • 19 Feb 25

🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy Government Agencies Political Dynamics Cultural Shifts

The US government has been funding LGBT Pride events in Ukraine through various channels like USAID, which some Americans find surprising or confusing.
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.
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.

As Trump talks peace, Ukraine and NATO learn their place

Aaron Mate • 215 implied HN points • 16 Feb 25

🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Election Foreign Policy Diplomacy NATO War

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.
Recent comments from U.S. officials indicate a cooling relationship with NATO regarding Ukraine, showing a different approach than what Biden had.
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.

Trump and Putin: Aligning over Ukrainian Elections

Phillips’s Newsletter • 196 implied HN points • 17 Feb 25

🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Foreign Policy International relations Political Analysis Leadership

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.
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.
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.

Fordow meets the B-2

The Cosmopolitan Globalist • 26 implied HN points • 22 Jun 25

🇺🇸 U.S. Politics International relations Military Affairs Middle East Conflict Foreign Policy

During a heat wave in Paris, two friends deal with discomfort while waiting for news about repatriation flights from Israel. It's stressful for one of them, who is worried about her family back home.
There was a significant event where an important facility in Iran was reportedly destroyed. This news brought relief to the friends, who were following developments closely.
The situation in Iran is tense, with many people feeling exhausted and afraid. There's a mix of propaganda and fear among the citizens, and the long history of conflict weighs heavily on the current atmosphere.

Trump Understands What Needs to Be Done to End the Ukraine War

John’s Substack • 10 implied HN points • 28 Feb 25

🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy Political Commentary Leadership International relations

Trump has a plan for ending the conflict in Ukraine.
The discussion focuses on Trump's approach to resolving the war.
There are insights shared about what could help settle the situation in Ukraine.

Assad’s Fall Has Humiliated Washington

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 2633 implied HN points • 10 Dec 24

🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy Middle East Administration Conflict

Syria's recent change in leadership happened despite the efforts of the Biden administration, not because of them. Many believe the U.S. played a minor role in this shift.
President Biden claims that the weakening of Assad's supporters like Iran and Russia is due to his policies, but many disagree with this view. There is a belief that these countries have lost power for other reasons.
Israel's actions in the region have been more impactful than U.S. influence. Some argue that Israel took bold steps that went against what the U.S. wanted, contributing significantly to the change in Syria.

H.R. McMaster: My Travels with Trump

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 2768 implied HN points • 07 Dec 24

🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Presidency National Security Foreign Policy Political Commentary Military Affairs

H.R. McMaster believes it's important for Americans to see all sides of Donald Trump's presidency, not just the good or the bad.
McMaster shares insights about his experiences during Trump's first foreign trip, highlighting how Trump thinks and makes decisions.
He's hosting a book club discussion about his book 'At War with Ourselves,' focusing on his time as National Security Adviser and the challenges faced during that period.

They Lied About Gaza, And They're Lying About Syria

Caitlin’s Newsletter • 2989 implied HN points • 01 Dec 24

🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy Media Criticism Government Accountability

The situation in Syria involves complex political maneuvers, and the U.S. has played a role in fostering chaos there. It's important to question the official narratives about conflicts instead of accepting them at face value.
Many people see through lies about one conflict, like Gaza, but still believe the stories told about another, like Syria. It's vital to maintain curiosity and seek the truth across all situations.
The way homelessness is treated reflects larger societal issues. Instead of hiding homelessness from view, we should confront the underlying problems and injustices that cause it.

Updated! Trump Bombs Iran!

C.O.P. Central Organizing Principle. • 60 implied HN points • 13 Jun 25

🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy National Security Political Scandals Military Action Election Integrity

Trump's decision to bomb Iran could lead to serious consequences for his reputation and safety.
There is a belief that the U.S. government and Israel are working closely together, and this bombing might be a distraction from other issues.
If the situation escalates, Americans might react strongly against Trump and the government, calling for major changes in leadership.

This Is Not Appeasement, It Is Worse

Phillips’s Newsletter • 193 implied HN points • 14 Feb 25

🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Analysis Foreign Policy International relations Geopolitics

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.
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.
Critics say calling Trump's actions appeasement is too simple, as he may be actively supporting Russia in troubling ways for Ukraine's future.

NATO's War on Russia

Glenn’s Substack • 1099 implied HN points • 19 Aug 24

🌍 World Politics International relations Geopolitics War Studies National Security Foreign Policy

NATO's involvement in Ukraine started with the 2014 coup, which led to increased tensions with Russia. This has shaped the current conflict, making it more than just a territorial dispute.
Russia's responses to NATO's actions have been cautious, as they fear escalating to nuclear war. They are carefully considering how to react without triggering a larger conflict.
The narrative in Western media portrays Russia as the sole aggressor, ignoring the complexities of NATO's role. This can limit discussions on diplomatic solutions and foster more hostility.

From CIA station chief to AI chatbots to Trump-adjacent lobbying

All-Source Intelligence Fusion • 529 implied HN points • 20 Jan 25

🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Lobbying Intelligence Technology Foreign Policy National Security

Enrique de la Torre, a former CIA station chief, has now joined a lobbying firm with ties to the Trump administration. This shows a trend of government officials moving to private sector roles.
De la Torre criticized the CIA's new AI system for profiling world leaders, calling it inadequate compared to his ideas. This highlights ongoing discussions about the effectiveness of technology in government work.
His views on U.S. foreign policy, especially in Latin America, suggest he will push for strong stances against countries like Cuba and Venezuela in his new role. This aligns with certain hawkish perspectives in U.S. politics.

February 19, 2025

Letters from an American • 22 implied HN points • 20 Feb 25

🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy Elections Government International relations Defense

The U.S. is shifting its support away from Ukraine and leaning towards Russia, which is causing concerns about international alliances. This change in support reflects the interests of former President Trump rather than the American people's wishes.
Negotiations between the U.S. and Russia have started, but Ukraine is being excluded from these talks. This raises questions about Ukraine's future sovereignty and whether peace can be achieved without their involvement.
American military and political leaders are worried that Trump's approach is weakening NATO and could lead to further Russian aggression in Europe. There is a call for stronger unity among European nations to counter this threat.

Trump And Israel Can't Wait To Start Bombing Iran

Caitlin’s Newsletter • 1802 implied HN points • 17 Dec 24

🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy Military Action Government Geopolitics Public Opinion

Israel and Trump's administration seem eager to attack Iran now that Syria's air defenses are out of the way. This could lead to airstrikes aimed at stopping Iran from developing nuclear weapons, despite lack of evidence for such activities.
There's a belief that many political movements can be fake and serve to maintain the current power structures instead of creating real change. This suggests that people's frustrations are often redirected back into the system rather than helping them fight against it.
The extreme wealth of billionaires is often seen as irrational. Instead of acting for the common good, their wealth accumulation is driven by personal issues and inner pain, harming society in the process.

Putin's weak spot?

Comment is Freed • 92 implied HN points • 16 Feb 25

🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy Negotiations Economics Military Leadership

Peace talks between key leaders are starting, but Ukraine's concerns are being overlooked. They're worried that negotiations might not prioritize their interests.
Putin appears to want a victory in negotiations but is only being offered a draw. This creates tension as the goals of Russia and the US don’t fully align.
The state of Russia's economy is fragile due to the ongoing war, which could influence Putin's decisions in peace talks. He might seek a favorable deal now while the US administration is somewhat supportive.

Mantic Monday: Judgment Day

Astral Codex Ten • 13283 implied HN points • 05 Nov 24

🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Voting Democracy Political Climate Foreign Policy

Elections can feel like a wild rollercoaster ride, creating a lot of anxiety and drama for everyone involved. Many people are so tense about the outcomes that it can affect their mental health.
Prediction markets offer a way for people to bet on outcomes, but they can be unreliable. Sometimes, one big bet can skew results, leading to people misinterpreting the chances of candidates.
In the end, elections are more than just picking leaders; they're a moment where everyone feels the weight of the future. It's a reminder of our shared hopes and fears, no matter our backgrounds.

"Terrorist Organization" Means Whatever The US Wants It To Mean

Caitlin’s Newsletter • 1941 implied HN points • 11 Dec 24

🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy Terrorism Military Action Middle East

The term 'terrorist organization' is often used politically, depending on whether a group benefits or harms U.S. interests.
Groups that fight against the U.S. or its allies usually get labeled as terrorists, while friends of the U.S. can commit violence without that label.
This inconsistency shows that the label is more about controlling narratives than about actual behavior.

Putin's Sudan

Diane Francis • 899 implied HN points • 19 Aug 24

🌍 World Politics International relations Conflict Studies Geopolitics Humanitarian Issues Foreign Policy

Sudan is currently experiencing a brutal civil war that has caused many civilian deaths and destruction, especially in its capital, Khartoum.
Media attention has mostly focused on other conflicts, like the wars in Ukraine and Gaza, which means Sudan's crisis is often overlooked.
Russia, under Putin, is involved in Sudan by providing mercenaries and exploiting its resources, worsening the humanitarian situation.

Influence

Fisted by Foucault • 185 implied HN points • 04 Feb 25

🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Influence Government Appointments Foreign Policy Media Relations Political Commentary

The Substack mentioned has a modest audience but has substantial influence, especially within political circles. It has even attracted subscribers from multiple White Houses.
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.
Beattie's hiring signals a new direction for the current administration that prioritizes a bold and unconventional approach to foreign policy.

Taliban In Afghanistan Bad, Al-Qaeda In Syria Good

Caitlin’s Newsletter • 1769 implied HN points • 10 Dec 24

🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy Military Interventionism Regime Change Terrorism

The West often views military actions differently based on who is doing them. For example, invading a country for security reasons is seen as wrong for Russia but accepted when done by Israel.
The label 'terrorist organization' is often used by Western powers to justify their actions and military interventions, and it's seen as a tool to control the narrative rather than a factual designation.
The world is becoming unpredictable, and many believe that anything can happen. This means there is hope for positive change, as circumstances can rapidly transform in unexpected ways.

Strictly Business

Gideon's Substack • 21 implied HN points • 24 Feb 25

🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy Diplomacy Trump administration International relations Ukraine conflict

Trump sees Ukraine as a failing business, not a cause to support. He wants to cut his losses and move on rather than help Ukraine.
Russia's relationship with China is strengthening as a result of the war. This shows that America's efforts to weaken Russia have not paid off.
Europe needs to find common ideals and reasons to fight together. Without that, they risk being stuck in a cycle of paying off threats without resolving the bigger issues.

The Kind Of Ceasefire Where One Side Keeps Firing

Caitlin’s Newsletter • 1839 implied HN points • 03 Dec 24

🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy Military conflict Government actions Public Opinion Crisis Management

The current ceasefire isn't really working because one side keeps attacking while the other is expected to stop. This creates an unfair situation where only one side is following the rules.
There is a disturbing trend where violence seems to be getting more brutal and creative in tactics, which raises serious moral questions about the actions taken.
Criticism of Israel is often unfairly labeled as antisemitism, but many people are simply responding to the actions of the state rather than holding prejudices against Jewish people.

Who Is Authorizing Biden's Nuclear Brinkmanship While The President's Brain Is Missing?

Caitlin’s Newsletter • 2337 implied HN points • 20 Nov 24

🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy Political Leadership Public Opinion

The Biden administration's actions are increasing tensions with Russia at a dangerous time. This is concerning because it risks a conflict involving nuclear powers.
Many Ukrainians now support peace talks to end the war with Russia. This shows that the desire for continued fighting may not reflect the views of those most affected by the conflict.
People often overlook the ongoing struggles in places like Gaza until they can assign blame to a particular leader. The reality is that suffering is happening now, regardless of who is in charge.

Blinken Is Pushing For Ukrainian Teens To Die For US Hegemony

Caitlin’s Newsletter • 1671 implied HN points • 05 Dec 24

🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy War Government Public Opinion Political Ethics

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken wants Ukraine to send younger soldiers, specifically teens, to fight in the ongoing war with Russia. This is concerning because many Ukrainians want peace instead.
There's a feeling that those in power treat people as pawns, ready to send youth into danger for political goals. It seems very unfair and selfish.
The article discusses a divide in leftist views on different conflicts, highlighting a split between those who understand the impact of US global policies and those who follow mainstream narratives.

Trump just rug-pulled the China hawks on TikTok

Noahpinion • 21470 implied HN points • 11 Mar 24

🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy National Security Elections Propaganda Political Influence

Trump's recent actions regarding TikTok have stunned many conservative China hawks, revealing potential ulterior motives and alliances.
The debate on forcing ByteDance to sell TikTok involves concerns about data privacy, propaganda dissemination, and national security, highlighting the app's significant influence.
The situation with TikTok exemplifies broader international conflicts, potential financial influences, and political interplays that impact policymaking and national security strategies.

John Bolton: Why America Needs Greenland

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 709 implied HN points • 03 Jan 25

🇺🇸 U.S. Politics National Security Foreign Policy International relations Government Diplomacy

The idea of the U.S. buying Greenland isn't new, and Trump has talked about it several times, suggesting it's important for national security.
Greenland has historical ties to U.S. security interests, especially since World War II, when it helped protect against threats in the North Atlantic.
Ambassador John Bolton believes there's a strong case for the U.S. to pursue this acquisition, although he thinks Trump's approach has complicated things.

Today In Imperial Recklessness And Insanity

Caitlin’s Newsletter • 2021 implied HN points • 22 Nov 24

🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government Legislation Foreign Policy Public Opinion War Crimes

The International Criminal Court has issued arrest warrants for Israeli leaders for war crimes, but similar actions against Western officials have not occurred. This shows a lack of accountability for powerful nations.
There is ongoing criticism of U.S. lawmakers for their inadequate responses to violence in Israel and their support of arms sales, even when these arms are used offensively.
Recent statements from U.S. officials suggest a willingness to protect allies in conflict, raising concerns about a broader disregard for international law and human rights.

The Evil Warmongering Zionist Won (No Not That One, The Other One)

Caitlin’s Newsletter • 2551 implied HN points • 06 Nov 24

🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Foreign Policy Political parties Public Opinion Governance

The Democratic Party has lost control after the elections, especially in key areas like Michigan, showing that support for war policies isn't popular. Many people are unhappy with how the party handled issues related to genocide and lack of progressive values.
The election results suggest that both major candidates might continue harmful foreign policies. With Trump winning, expectations for positive change are low since he has a history of siding with powerful interests that support controversial actions.
The overall message is that people shouldn't expect much good to come from U.S. elections. Instead, those wanting change should keep fighting against the ongoing abuses of power, as the struggle remains the same regardless of who is in office.

Donald Trump Is Not Your Friend

Caitlin’s Newsletter • 2435 implied HN points • 08 Nov 24

🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy Political critique Elections Leadership War

Trump's actions as president showed he supported wars and the deep state. Many people think he might change, but past behavior indicates he likely won't.
Supporters often believe they are backing an anti-war leader, but in reality, they are choosing a president who continues harmful agendas. Voting for mainstream candidates won't change the system.
The president is not a friend to the people; they serve powerful interests, and cheering for them doesn't fight against the real issues in society.

Biden's Legacy Is Genocide, War, And Nuclear Brinkmanship

Caitlin’s Newsletter • 2249 implied HN points • 11 Nov 24

🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Legacy Foreign Policy War Crimes Nuclear policy

Biden's main legacy is marked by war and violence, overshadowing any positive contributions he made during his career.
He has actively supported military actions and failed to pursue peace options in conflicts like Ukraine, increasing the risk of nuclear war.
His administration is seen as enabling severe human rights abuses, especially in the Middle East, which many believe tarnishes his overall reputation.

What Will Trump Do About Iran?

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 681 implied HN points • 01 Jan 25

🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy Elections Public Opinion Geopolitics National Security

Iran's position has changed significantly, with its chances of becoming a nuclear state reduced greatly over the past year.
Groups like Hezbollah and Hamas, which once seemed strong, are now facing pressure and even agreeing to ceasefires.
The new president has a chance to take action against Iran and its allies, but it's uncertain if he will seize this opportunity.

MAGA freaks out over Taylor Swift

Today's Edition Newsletter • 10593 implied HN points • 30 Jan 24

🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Election Foreign Policy Campaign Extremism Policy

President Biden issued a threat to Iran-backed militias following the deaths of US soldiers in a drone attack.
Campaign developments show Trump's desperation as economy performs well under Biden and Nikki Haley criticizes Trump.
MAGA extremists are in panic over the possibility of Taylor Swift endorsing Biden, showing fear of young voter motivation.

Nyhetsbrev steigan.no 03.03.2025

steigan.no • 6 implied HN points • 03 Mar 25

🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy Military Strategy Political Commentary International relations Defense Spending

Rødt, a political party, has decided to support a significant increase in military spending. They want to strengthen national defense even though this ties them to NATO.
A recent meeting in London highlighted the challenges European leaders face in supporting Ukraine. There was talk of military aid, but many leaders are worried about over-relying on the U.S. for support.
UK Prime Minister Starmer expressed a willingness to send troops to Ukraine as part of a peace agreement, but this idea has faced rejection from Russia and raises concerns about escalating tensions.