The hottest Foreign Policy Substack posts right now

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Weekend Update #106: The World Has Changed, the Battlefield Not so Much

Phillips’s Newsletter • 163 implied HN points • 10 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy
  1. Trump's return to power raises concerns about U.S. support for Ukraine. It's unclear how his leadership will impact the ongoing war.
  2. The U.S. can't control the war's outcome alone; Europe must step up and take a more active role in supporting Ukraine.
  3. Despite Russian losses mounting, they are still trying to gain ground in Ukraine. The situation remains dire for civilians facing aggressive attacks.

The Madness Goes On and On

John’s Substack • 8 implied HN points • 20 Dec 25
🌍 World Politics Foreign Policy
  1. A public discussion focused on how the West is handling diplomacy with Russia and Ukraine.
  2. That Western diplomacy is described as surreal and disconnected from practical reality.
  3. This approach is predicted to cause prolonged, deadly serious trouble and instability for a long time to come.

Le Figaro Interview

John’s Substack • 7 implied HN points • 27 Dec 25
🌍 World Politics Foreign Policy
  1. An interview was published in Le Figaro Magazine on 12 December 2025. It was presented as a featured piece in that issue.
  2. High-resolution images of the interview are embedded and can be clicked to enlarge for easier reading.
  3. The post includes links and visible engagement counts (e.g., 132, 54, 26), indicating shares and reader interaction.

Sanction China's Silence

Diane Francis • 459 implied HN points • 07 Mar 22
🌍 World Politics Foreign Policy
  1. China's silence during conflicts can raise concerns for global relationships. It shows how complex alliances and enmities really are in politics.
  2. Russia is a key resource supplier to China, but supporting Russia could alienate China's other important partners, especially in the West.
  3. It's important to recognize that wanting a stable relationship with Russia might not benefit China's global standing or its dealings with Western countries.
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The Trump Plan Has Been Basically The Same For 6 Months

Phillips’s Newsletter • 109 implied HN points • 12 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy
  1. Donald Trump's plan for Ukraine hasn't changed much over the past six months. It mainly focuses on a peace deal that favors Russia.
  2. According to this plan, Ukraine wouldn't be allowed to reclaim its territories while Putin is in power. This limits Ukraine's chances of recovery.
  3. The proposed plan also keeps Ukraine out of NATO and suggests some easing of sanctions on Russia, which could hurt Ukraine in the long run.

Weekend Update #102: Bad News and Good News

Phillips’s Newsletter • 174 implied HN points • 13 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy
  1. Ukrainians feel worried about their support from the U.S. as the upcoming presidential election could lead to less aid if Trump wins. There's a real fear of feeling abandoned during the war.
  2. Despite their worries, Ukraine is showing strong efforts in their military strategy by successfully attacking Russian supply lines, demonstrating they can hit key targets effectively.
  3. America's support for Ukraine remains uncertain, with some leaders expressing no appetite for further aid. This makes it hard for Ukraine to feel secure as they fight for their independence.

I scream, you scream, we all scream for exit liquidity!

Alex's Personal Blog • 98 implied HN points • 03 Mar 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy
  1. Ramp is growing really quickly, now valued at $13 billion with strong revenue. It's impressively outperforming competitors and still chooses to stay private for now.
  2. There's concern about the U.S. government’s crypto plans under Trump, suggesting it might favor investors over the general public. This move seems to help the crypto wealthy rather than promoting financial access for everyone.
  3. Apple is falling behind in the AI race. While they still have loyal users, their lack of advancements could hurt their market share in the long run.

Wang Jisi on U.S. domestic politics in Trump’s Second Term

Pekingnology • 67 implied HN points • 16 May 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy
  1. Trump's victory in the 2024 election showed that many voters are unhappy with the current state of the country. His focus on addressing economic issues resonated with people who felt left behind.
  2. The rise of right-wing populism is reshaping American politics, but this conflict over identity and values isn’t going away anytime soon. Different groups express their concerns through varying political movements.
  3. Even with Trump in power, big reforms won't be easy due to ongoing political divisions. His goals may face strong opposition, showing that change in politics is often complicated and slow.

The World According to Trump (w/ Col. Lawrence Wilkerson) | The Chris Hedges Report

The Chris Hedges Report • 150 implied HN points • 08 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy
  1. Trump might go back to being president and that could change how the U.S. deals with global issues. His actions could affect the situation in places like Gaza, Ukraine, and Iran.
  2. Wilkerson believes Trump doesn't really want to start wars but has a strong loyalty to Israel. This makes it tricky because any support for Israel could lead to conflicts, especially with Iran.
  3. Both Trump and Biden might lead the U.S. to support harsh policies in the Middle East, which could worsen the lives of people there, particularly in places like Gaza.

Putin's Endgame

Diane Francis • 439 implied HN points • 03 Mar 22
🌍 World Politics Foreign Policy
  1. Putin thought his invasion of Ukraine would be quick, expecting to capture Kyiv in just two days.
  2. Ukrainians are fighting back fiercely, motivated by the belief that they face a threat to their existence.
  3. Putin's actions and remarks have fueled strong resistance from the Ukrainian people, showing the unexpected outcome of his plans.

Weekend Update #107: Some Leaders Wants to Tell Ukraine What Peace Means for Ukraine

Phillips’s Newsletter • 147 implied HN points • 17 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy
  1. Some leaders are trying to negotiate peace for Ukraine without actually involving Ukrainians. This approach can weaken Ukraine's position and undermine their needs.
  2. There are three types of people in Trump's potential cabinet regarding Ukraine: those who support it, those who have flipped to anti-Ukraine views, and those who have always opposed it. This could affect future U.S. support for Ukraine.
  3. Russia's economy is struggling and might face more problems in 2025. If Ukraine stays supported by its allies, it could win the war, but it will need that help to get through.

Document: Pentagon Knew Weapons Shipments for the Failed Ukraine "Counter-Offensive" Were a Logistical Disaster

Michael Tracey • 130 implied HN points • 17 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy
  1. The Pentagon was aware that the weapons shipments for Ukraine's counter-offensive had serious logistical problems before it started. This means they knew it would be hard to get supplies to the troops in time.
  2. It cost the U.S. government an extra $1.6 million because of delays in delivering ammunition. This situation arose primarily due to issues with rail service, which made it harder to transport weapons quickly.
  3. The public and lawmakers didn't know about these problems until much later despite the military's push for the counter-offensive. This lack of transparency affects how people view the U.S.'s role and decisions in the conflict.

In Trump camp, neocons abound

Aaron Mate • 149 implied HN points • 07 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy
  1. Trump says he wants peace in places like Ukraine and the Middle East. However, his supporters and donors seem to have different plans.
  2. Neocons, who usually push for aggressive foreign policies, are influential in Trump's inner circle.
  3. There may be a conflict between Trump's public statements about peace and the more hawkish agenda of his closest allies.

On Israel, Gaza, and the truth

Unreported Truths • 40 implied HN points • 25 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy
  1. The hunger crisis in Gaza is a serious issue that needs attention, even if it's uncomfortable to discuss. It's important to face difficult topics head-on, despite differing opinions.
  2. Many readers feel that mainstream media does not cover Israel fairly, often showing anti-Israel bias. This causes frustration for those who want a balanced view.
  3. While it's essential to support Israel's right to defend itself, that right must have limits. Being open about those limits can lead to more honest discussions.

Biden's parting Ukrainian sacrifice

Aaron Mate • 139 implied HN points • 21 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy
  1. The US is allowing long-range strikes into Russia, and the UK is supporting this decision. This could escalate tensions in the region.
  2. Ukraine seems to be caught in the middle of these decisions, often paying the highest price. It highlights the cost of being involved in global conflicts.
  3. Biden's administration appears to be making bold choices as it wraps up its term, which raises concerns about the implications for Ukraine's future.

Crimes in the Caribbean

John’s Substack • 9 implied HN points • 07 Dec 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy
  1. The US is accused of carrying out lethal attacks on small boats in the Caribbean without justification, including follow-up strikes that killed survivors.
  2. Critics say there’s no evidence the victims were identified or posed a threat, and that the Navy or Coast Guard could verify who’s on those boats before using lethal force.
  3. Political leaders appear to be using these actions to show toughness, but many view this as bullying rather than true strength.

Weeked Update #109: Ukrainian Land for NATO?

Phillips’s Newsletter • 132 implied HN points • 01 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy
  1. Ukrainian President Zelensky suggested that Ukraine might consider giving up some territory in exchange for NATO membership. This could stop the current fighting but raises big legal questions about land ownership.
  2. There's some hope for Ukraine supporters with Trump's recent choice of Keith Kellogg as his Ukraine envoy. Kellogg is known for wanting to continue aid to Ukraine, but his overall influence may be limited.
  3. Ukraine has started limited attacks on Russian military targets. This may help them hold onto strategic areas, but it's still too early to tell how it will affect the conflict's direction.

Biden says Latin America is US 'front yard,' Trump says 'backyard' - Pick your flavor of neocolonialism

Geopolitical Economy Report • 318 implied HN points • 20 Jan 22
🌍 World Politics Foreign Policy
  1. Republicans and Democrats are nearly identical, both serving the same capitalist interests.
  2. Biden and Trump have similar warmongering policies, with minor differences in their approach to Latin America.
  3. The US government's undemocratic nature prioritizes capital over people and perpetuates imperialist aggression.

Biden to deploy American boots on the ground in Gaza, in accommodating the demands of a fanatical voting base

The Dossier • 284 implied HN points • 07 Mar 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy
  1. President Biden plans to deploy American troops to Gaza to build a port, risking their safety in a dangerous war zone.
  2. The decision to involve the military in Gaza construction raises concerns over the misuse of resources and lack of Congressional oversight.
  3. Political motives, such as appealing to voters in crucial swing states, may be a driving force behind the deployment of troops in Gaza.

GLOBAL EYES

The Cosmopolitan Globalist • 9 implied HN points • 29 Nov 25
🌍 World Politics Foreign Policy
  1. Steve Witkoff built his career around decades of Russian money and opaque real-estate deals that were tied to post-Soviet capital and criminal pipelines.
  2. Now acting as a special envoy, he is promoting a "peace plan" that closely mirrors Kremlin demands and appears aimed at reviving business ties and enriching those involved.
  3. Having U.S. policy shaped by people whose careers were forged inside the industry Russia used to project influence raises serious conflicts-of-interest and foreign-influence concerns.

Pottinger on Trump 2.0

ChinaTalk • 296 implied HN points • 14 Feb 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy
  1. What leaders say matters - whether it's during speeches or impulsive tweets, it's important to take them seriously.
  2. High-level engagement is crucial in US-China relations - having Presidents engage directly can ensure important messages are communicated.
  3. Strategic ambiguity in foreign policy may need to be revised - particularly in the context of US commitment to defend Taiwan.

Voters fed up with foreign entanglements were justifiably repulsed by the Democrats, even if Trump and the Republicans are a sham

Michael Tracey • 138 implied HN points • 12 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy
  1. Many voters are unhappy with how much money the government spends on foreign conflicts instead of helping people at home. This anger might push them to vote against the current party in power.
  2. Despite Trump's mistakes during his time in office, he still appeals to voters who want a change from current policies. His promises to prioritize American interests resonate with those feeling ignored.
  3. Voters feel that both major parties are not addressing their needs, especially regarding foreign policy. This frustration could lead them to support Trump again, even if they know it might not bring real solutions.

The Beginning of the End?

Comment is Freed • 103 implied HN points • 22 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy
  1. There is now a serious push to negotiate peace in the Russo-Ukraine War, which was not happening before. This new effort could change how both sides approach the conflict.
  2. Trump's administration might act as a mediator to help Ukraine and Russia talk directly. The success of these talks will likely depend on how much compromise each side is willing to make.
  3. The immediate goal of the negotiations might be to achieve a ceasefire, as a full peace deal could take much longer to work out. The underlying issues, especially regarding Ukraine's independence, will still need to be addressed later.

Putin's weak spot?

Comment is Freed • 92 implied HN points • 16 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy
  1. Peace talks between key leaders are starting, but Ukraine's concerns are being overlooked. They're worried that negotiations might not prioritize their interests.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.

The Four Horsemen of Gaza’s Apocalypse

The Chris Hedges Report • 310 implied HN points • 21 Jan 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy
  1. Biden's policies towards Israel and the Middle East are influenced by advisors with a skewed view of the Muslim world.
  2. Biden and his inner circle are criticized for being incompetent and misguided in their approach to international affairs.
  3. The Biden administration's strategies in the Middle East ignore realities on the ground, perpetuating suffering and risking escalation.

"Jimmy Carter's Jewish Problem"

Michael Tracey • 106 implied HN points • 15 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy
  1. Jimmy Carter faced backlash for his book 'Palestine: Peace Not Apartheid,' with critics accusing him of anti-Semitism without strong evidence from the book itself. Many of his statements seem more accepted today than they were in 2006.
  2. Carter's presidency was marked by efforts to achieve peace between Israel and Egypt, but many felt he didn't do enough for Palestinian self-determination during his time in office.
  3. After leaving office, Carter engaged in significant diplomatic work in the Israel-Palestine conflict, often acting as a mediator and seeking peace, which contrasted with some aspects of his presidency.

The Deep Humiliation of Watching My President Accept A Made-Up Major Award

I Might Be Wrong • 8 implied HN points • 10 Dec 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy
  1. The World Cup draw is mostly a dull, staged event that can’t naturally generate excitement.
  2. FIFA created and handed Trump a bogus "FIFA Peace Prize" as a transparent, manipulative bit of flattery.
  3. That stunt shows organizations will pander to powerful hosts and exposes an embarrassing shift in America’s standing and how it is courted internationally.

Saturday Commentary and Review #151

Fisted by Foucault • 311 implied HN points • 15 Jan 24
🌍 World Politics Foreign Policy
  1. A crisis of competency is looming due to the erosion of meritocracy in decision-making processes, particularly in the US, impacting institutions like the FAA.
  2. The UK's subordinate role to the USA, known as 'Atlanticism' and the 'Special Relationship,' raises questions about the country's autonomy and benefits from the alliance.
  3. The case of Israel facing genocide allegations at The Hague highlights global divisions in support, with countries like the US and Germany rejecting the accusations while others, mainly from the Islamic world, show solidarity.

Goodbye 2021

Diane Francis • 439 implied HN points • 30 Dec 21
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy
  1. The end of 2021 brings a feeling of relief and a desire to move on from the challenges faced in the year.
  2. A powerful photo from the year symbolizes deep feelings about America, showing how it affected people's views.
  3. Reflecting on the year reminds us of the impact events can have on national pride and individual morale.

The Great Whitewash is Starting

Phillips’s Newsletter • 133 implied HN points • 12 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy
  1. The Biden administration's foreign policy regarding Ukraine has been seen as a major failure, wasting a chance to enhance global stability.
  2. After the start of the invasion in 2022, the U.S. response was too cautious and led to prolonged conflict, drawing in multiple global regions.
  3. There are concerns that the administration is attempting to rewrite its failures to protect its reputation, similar to controversial actions from the previous administration.

Vlad the Bad

Diane Francis • 679 implied HN points • 22 Mar 21
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy
  1. Vladimir Putin is seen as incredibly powerful and wealthy, controlling vast resources in Russia while keeping the country impoverished. Most Russians live on very little despite the country's riches.
  2. Putin's regime is characterized by harsh control, eliminating political opponents and using propaganda. His foreign policy aims to weaken Western institutions and expand Russian influence.
  3. The relationship between the U.S. and Putin is tense, especially after recent comments from President Biden calling Putin a 'killer.' There are expectations for serious consequences, but Putin is unlikely to back down easily.

What does Trump's win mean for the world?

Comment is Freed • 131 implied HN points • 07 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy
  1. Trump's presidency might lean towards nationalism and isolationism. This could challenge established alliances like NATO and impact international cooperation.
  2. Expect unpredictability in Trump's upcoming administration, with potential government restructuring and a focus on unilateral decisions. This may lead to issues in the usual functioning of government.
  3. Trump's approach to foreign conflicts, especially in Ukraine and the Middle East, could shift, leading to concerns among allies about U.S. support and stability in those regions.

Can You Commit Genocide In Self-Defense?

Gideon's Substack • 33 implied HN points • 31 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy
  1. The definition of genocide focuses on the intent to destroy a specific group. It's important to understand this intent when discussing actions taken during conflicts.
  2. Some believe that Israel's actions in Gaza are not aimed at destroying the Palestinian people but are instead focused on combating Hamas, which complicates discussions around the genocide label.
  3. The conversation about self-defense vs. genocide raises questions about the justifications for actions taken in war. It highlights the need for dialogue and political solutions rather than escalating violence.