The hottest Foreign Policy Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top World Politics Topics

A Senior Republican Speaks : 2

Phillips’s Newsletter • 122 implied HN points • 21 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy
  1. Trump united various groups of dissatisfied citizens, which helped him win the election. The Democrats missed the mark by focusing on less relevant issues instead of the economy and safety.
  2. The future of the GOP looks very much like Trump; the party is shifting towards more extreme policies. It may take a long time for this coalition to change as it's becoming more entrenched.
  3. Trump's approach to foreign policy, especially regarding aid to Ukraine and relationships with NATO and China, is likely to become less conventional. He might focus more on making deals rather than traditional alliances.

There Is No Good Reason for the U.S. to Join Israel's War on Iran

KERFUFFLE • 41 implied HN points • 19 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy
  1. Israel can handle its own military challenges with Iran. They have shown they can take out important targets without needing U.S. involvement.
  2. Iran isn't currently building nuclear weapons, and there’s no solid evidence suggesting they are a threat right now. The situation is more about politics than actual danger.
  3. Getting involved in a war with Iran wouldn't benefit the U.S. It risks American lives while serving the interests of powerful leaders, rather than the general public.

Diplomacy That Is Going Nowhere

John’s Substack • 7 implied HN points • 14 Dec 25
🌍 World Politics Foreign Policy
  1. Diplomatic efforts are unlikely to produce a peace deal right now because the main parties’ demands are deeply opposed and neither side is willing to compromise.
  2. A high-profile US 27-point peace proposal is being promoted, but Russia has not accepted it and has publicly rejected the plan as unacceptable.
  3. Real diplomacy will likely only become possible after a major battlefield development forces both sides toward an armistice, probably turning the hot war into a frozen conflict.

Trump had nothing to do with lowering the price of gas at the pump.

C.O.P. Central Organizing Principle. • 6 implied HN points • 13 Dec 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy
  1. Falling pump prices are blamed on global oil oversupply from big producers and collapsing demand during a recession, not mainly on one politician's actions.
  2. Political and corporate elites are accused of manipulating energy markets, using war and insider trading to drive prices up, and pushing policies like fracking and tariffs that enrich insiders while hurting ordinary people.
  3. There are broad allegations of deep corruption, sex trafficking, and cover-ups among powerful figures, and the claim is that a corporate‑military state now dominates politics and undermines democracy.

The Ukraine Blowback Begins

JoeWrote • 76 implied HN points • 04 Mar 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy
  1. America's military support for Ukraine is getting complicated and could lead to unexpected problems in the future. There are concerns that weapons could land in the wrong hands and create new conflicts.
  2. Some extremist groups in Ukraine, like the Azov Battalion, have gained power and access to U.S. military equipment. This raises worries about how they might use these weapons in the future, especially if they turn against the Ukrainian government.
  3. The situation is becoming unstable as political support from the U.S. shifts. If military aid stops, it could lead to infighting and chaos within Ukraine, making things even worse for the country.
Get a weekly roundup of the best Substack posts, by hacker news affinity:

Flailing Around Over Venezuela

John’s Substack • 6 implied HN points • 19 Dec 25
🌍 World Politics Foreign Policy
  1. The Trump administration has made a mess of the situation in Venezuela and worsened diplomatic problems there.
  2. European governments are moving to seize Russian assets as part of broader geopolitical measures.
  3. Ceasefires in Gaza and Lebanon are routinely violated by Israeli actions, showing they are fragile and often ignored.

The USA is Trump's Now, Europe Must Get Ready

Phillips’s Newsletter • 119 implied HN points • 06 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy
  1. Trump is becoming president again with a strong majority, and this changes things for Europe. They need to prepare for new challenges ahead.
  2. Trump's stance on NATO could make the alliance less effective. US forces might not defend Europe if Trump doesn't want them to.
  3. European leaders might try to win Trump over, but it's uncertain if it will work. They need to face the reality that things cannot stay the same.

Is Donald Trump a "neocon"?

Michael Tracey • 109 implied HN points • 26 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy
  1. The term 'neocon' is losing its meaning and is often used as an insult rather than to describe actual beliefs or actions. Calling someone a 'neocon' suggests they are against Trump, even if they support similar policies.
  2. Trump's cabinet appointments often contradict the idea that he's opposing 'neocons.' His selections, like Marco Rubio, share the same interventionist policies that were popular among earlier Republican leaders.
  3. Despite claims that Trump wants to distance himself from 'neocon' influences, many of his actions and choices suggest he is aligning more with hardline foreign policy people than with the populist approach he promoted.

Get Out the Vote for Ukraine

Thinking about... • 121 implied HN points • 15 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy
  1. Voting in the upcoming US election is important for supporting democracy in Ukraine. The choices made in America can affect Ukraine's future and its struggle against the Russian invasion.
  2. Ukrainian resistance is seen as a key sign of democratic strength in the current decade. Their fight has allowed others, including Americans, to recover from crises and participate in democratic processes.
  3. The livestream event with Liev Schreiber aims to raise awareness about Ukraine and encourage people to vote. Schreiber’s involvement brings more attention to the Ukrainian situation and the need for democratic participation.

What if the USA is about to Become an Ally of Putin?

Phillips’s Newsletter • 113 implied HN points • 14 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy
  1. Donald Trump has appointed Rep. Tulsi Gabbard as the next Director of National Intelligence. This move raises questions about how the US might shift its foreign policy.
  2. Tulsi Gabbard has a mixed history with war; she opposes some conflicts while supporting others. Her stance seems to protect certain dictators like Bashar Assad, which has drawn criticism.
  3. Gabbard's alignment with controversial figures could suggest a potential change in US alliances, making the idea of becoming an ally of Putin more plausible. Overall, this situation could reshape global politics significantly.

Jared's Billions

Diane Francis • 299 implied HN points • 18 Apr 22
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy
  1. Jared Kushner received a $2 billion investment from Saudi Arabia, raising concerns about potential favoritism and ethical issues, especially given his past role in the Trump administration.
  2. The relationship between Kushner and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman involves complex political maneuvers, including attempts to alter U.S. foreign policy and discussions about nuclear technology in the region.
  3. Critics worry that Kushner's business dealings could undermine U.S. democracy and allow foreign interests to influence American politics, especially with close ties to controversial figures.

History Wins Out in the End

Phillips’s Newsletter • 90 implied HN points • 07 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy
  1. Public figures often try to control how they are remembered after their time in power. They do this through flattering books and hiring people to write nice histories about them.
  2. When in power, these leaders can shape their image but that doesn't last forever. After they are gone, their history will be analyzed and critiqued in ways that could upset them.
  3. The Biden Administration, despite being praised, faced several foreign policy missteps. Their attempts to create a positive narrative about these failures may not be successful in the long run.

A proposal for the Israeli-Palestinian conflict

America in Crisis • 59 implied HN points • 23 Oct 23
🌍 World Politics Foreign Policy
  1. US could strategically withdraw from parts of the world where its involvement is no longer needed, like Europe and the Middle East, and focus resources on other priorities.
  2. Separating Palestinians and Israelis could be a potential solution to the conflict, with options for Palestinians to emigrate in exchange for compensation.
  3. Involving Gulf countries like Saudi Arabia and Kuwait in the solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict could be achieved through leveraging American hegemonic power.

CROSSPOST from 2007: HOISTED FROM THE ARCHIVES: George W. Bush et le Code Ezéchiel

Brad DeLong's Grasping Reality • 99 implied HN points • 01 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy
  1. George W. Bush mentioned biblical figures Gog and Magog while discussing the Middle East with Jacques Chirac. This shows how some leaders might connect their political actions with religious beliefs.
  2. The interpretations of biblical texts like Ezekiel can vary widely. Some scholars see historical events in these texts, while others look for modern connections.
  3. The United States' support for Israel can be influenced by religious views, unlike the more geopolitical perspective often taken in Europe.

Build the Wall

Diane Francis • 379 implied HN points • 29 Nov 21
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy
  1. Russia is using migration as a strategy, similar to how it has happened at the U.S.-Mexico border since 2016.
  2. There are concerns that leaders like Putin are influencing the high number of migrants at the U.S. border, which reached 1.7 million this year.
  3. The issue of migration is not new, but the manipulation behind it has become more apparent recently.

WHAT WE DON'T KNOW ABOUT THE PRESIDENTS WE ELECT

Seymour Hersh • 83 implied HN points • 17 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy
  1. Presidents can be surprising; it's hard to know if they will promote peace or conflict. Actions can differ from what they say during elections.
  2. Former presidents can influence current events, and new leaders may work together for peace despite their past differences.
  3. Historical examples show that popular figures may not always act in ways that align with their public personas. It's important to critically assess their actions.

Gaza and the Moral Collapse of the Jewish People

Daniel Pinchbeck’s Newsletter • 25 implied HN points • 06 Aug 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy
  1. The situation in Gaza is dire, with many people displaced and facing severe hunger and health crises. This ongoing suffering raises moral questions about the response from Israel and the global community.
  2. There's a growing concern that many Jews support Israel's actions out of trauma rather than understanding the current reality. This could negatively impact how Jews are perceived worldwide and lead to increased anti-Semitism.
  3. American culture has shifted towards superficial entertainment, which affects how people think and engage with complex issues. This has led to a disconnect from reality and possibly opened the door for more extreme political ideologies.

A FUTURE GAZA WITHOUT GAZANS

Seymour Hersh • 29 implied HN points • 24 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy
  1. A new plan for Gaza is proposed by Israel's religious right, aiming for a future without the current Palestinian residents. This plan is presented as a vision for a nicer Gaza, but it ignores the lives of people living there.
  2. Key figures in this meeting include controversial leaders known for their extreme views on settlements and anti-Arab actions. Their influence raises concerns about the implications of such plans for peace and coexistence.
  3. Military leaders also support ideas of annexing parts of Gaza, which could further escalate tensions in the region. The focus seems to be more on security than on resolving the humanitarian crisis affecting many.

US Authorizes (limited) Long-Range Strike

Phillips’s Newsletter • 102 implied HN points • 18 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy
  1. The Biden Administration has allowed Ukraine to use US long-range strike systems, which is a significant approval after many months of conflict.
  2. President Zelensky emphasized that actions, not announcements, will define their response, implying that military actions will soon take place.
  3. There are still many unanswered questions about this decision, and its impact may depend on future developments and limitations imposed on Ukraine.

THE BURIAL PLAN

Seymour Hersh • 35 implied HN points • 25 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy
  1. The US and Israel have been focused on destroying Iran's enriched uranium at the Fordo nuclear site. They see it as a crucial objective for national security.
  2. Recent satellite images show significant damage at the Fordo complex, indicating that an airstrike might have occurred.
  3. The location of the Fordo facility is very remote, which makes it challenging to access and target effectively. This has raised questions about the methods used to carry out such an operation.

Open Thread #33

Fisted by Foucault • 99 implied HN points • 20 Nov 24
🎭️ Culture Foreign Policy
  1. There is a discussion about whether cultural conflicts are becoming a global issue. People are debating if what happens in one country affects others.
  2. The panel will explore different paths that the USA might take in its foreign policy, including being more isolationist or more transactional. This shows how foreign relations can vary widely.
  3. The author is excited to connect with readers who will attend the event. It's a chance for meaningful conversations and sharing ideas.

Denmark Moves to Ban Quran Burnings

Pen>Sword • 59 implied HN points • 27 Aug 23
🌍 World Politics Foreign Policy
  1. Denmark is taking steps to ban Quran burnings in response to widespread anti-Muslim protests and hate crimes.
  2. Free speech has been misused as an excuse for Islamophobic actions, such as Quran burnings, in Denmark and other Western democracies.
  3. Pressure from Muslim-majority nations and organizations is pushing Denmark to address Islamophobia, showing the impact of external pressure on the treatment of Muslim minorities in Western nations.

Chess with Vlad

Diane Francis • 519 implied HN points • 15 Apr 21
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy
  1. Biden's decision to withdraw troops from Afghanistan was seen as smart, but his handling of the situation with Putin and Ukraine was not viewed the same way. Engaging in talks without firm actions may show weakness.
  2. Putin operates by different rules and often violates agreements, making it hard for the West to effectively respond. The trust in diplomacy alone is misplaced when dealing with aggressive actions.
  3. To genuinely challenge Putin, the U.S. needs to adopt a stronger stance. This involves military readiness and severe economic sanctions rather than just discussions or temporary measures.

Talibanistan

Diane Francis • 419 implied HN points • 16 Aug 21
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy
  1. The U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan shows that military actions alone can't solve complex political issues. After years of involvement, the Afghan government fell apart quickly without Western support.
  2. History shows that invading countries often leads to more problems, like the rise of terrorist groups. Similar mistakes made in Iraq created chaos and suffering that continue today.
  3. Effective ways to fight terrorism might be better funding for early warning systems and surveillance instead of waging wars. Wars rarely lead to peace and stability.

Geopolitics and Georgia

John’s Substack • 4 implied HN points • 29 Dec 25
🌍 World Politics Foreign Policy
  1. NATO's 2008 pledge to bring Georgia into the alliance was followed by a war with Russia in August 2008 that Georgia lost.
  2. Georgia remains in a precarious strategic position, caught between the influence of the EU on one side and Russia on the other.
  3. A recent interview about European geopolitics was translated into Georgian, limiting English-speakers' access, but it was posted so followers might translate it back into English.

Trump Whispering and Ukraine

Phillips’s Newsletter • 86 implied HN points • 11 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy
  1. People are too hopeful about Trump’s new ideas on Ukraine. It's based more on wishes than what he actually says.
  2. We should pay attention to Trump’s actual statements about Ukraine to understand his real thoughts. His words now are not much different from what he said before the election.
  3. Some recent comments from Trump on Ukraine might be more serious than people think. It's important to really look at what he means.

Can Trump get a deal on Ukraine?

Comment is Freed • 91 implied HN points • 19 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy
  1. Trump might push for a deal with Ukraine, but it could favor Putin more than Ukraine itself. This raises concerns for European allies who depend on Ukraine's resistance against Russia.
  2. Ukraine is not a top priority for Trump, as his main focus lies on domestic issues like immigration, taxes, and trade with China. His administration may not have clear plans for Ukraine yet.
  3. If Trump is unable to secure a peace deal, there are questions about how much support he will continue to offer Ukraine. This uncertainty creates worries for Ukraine's future security and recovery.

Sordid Arabia and Jared

Diane Francis • 459 implied HN points • 06 May 21
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy
  1. Jamal Khashoggi was a journalist who was killed gruesomely in a Saudi consulate, which raised international outcry. His death highlighted serious issues with human rights in Saudi Arabia.
  2. Jared Kushner and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman worked together closely, reshaping alliances in the Middle East. Their relationship had significant implications for U.S. foreign policy and the potential sale of nuclear technology.
  3. Despite controversies and ethical questions surrounding Kushner's dealings during the Trump administration, he has continued to amass wealth and influence in the region, showing how personal and political interests can intertwine.

Is the NSC Unwell?

ChinaTalk • 207 implied HN points • 01 Feb 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy
  1. The organizational design of the NSC leads to crushing burdens for midlevel and senior staffers.
  2. Working in government is demanding and takes a toll on health, thus requiring a steady influx of talent.
  3. National security decisions require trust-building among various stakeholders and can be uniquely challenging due to high stakes and limited bandwidth.

After Trump says he "would not protect" NATO allies that do not meet spending targets, German politicians who for years have failed to meet these targets have an entitled sad

eugyppius: a plague chronicle • 204 implied HN points • 12 Feb 24
🌍 World Politics Foreign Policy
  1. Trump expressed impatience with NATO members like Germany who don't meet spending targets, causing backlash from German politicians.
  2. There's skepticism around the real purpose and benefits of NATO, with some questioning the alliance's role in preventing wars.
  3. Trump's NATO comments sparked strong reactions globally, highlighting the complex dynamics of international alliances and security.

August 8, 2025 (Friday)

Letters from an American • 22 implied HN points • 09 Aug 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy
  1. Trump's plan to bring Putin to the U.S. undermines a long-standing policy against Russia invading Ukraine. This could make it easier for Putin to continue his aggressive actions.
  2. The U.S. once promised to protect Ukraine's borders after it gave up its nuclear weapons. Now, Trump’s actions could lead to a dangerous precedent where one country can take territory from another by force.
  3. There are concerns that Trump is trying to rewrite history about Russian interference in the 2016 election. He seems to use this to distract voters from other issues, like his connections to Jeffrey Epstein.

Putin's Rasputin

Diane Francis • 459 implied HN points • 19 Apr 21
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy
  1. Putin is focused on creating chaos and doesn't want peace or cooperation with the West. He sees opportunities to pressure Ukraine and other countries while the world leaders struggle to understand his motives.
  2. Dugin's ideas from 1997 have guided Russia's aggressive actions and ambitions to form a Eurasian Empire. His strategies have played out in global events, showing how he anticipated and influenced major geopolitical shifts.
  3. The best way to deal with Putin is not through diplomacy but by taking strong actions. Countries need to prepare to retaliate against Russia's moves and support Ukraine directly to deter further aggression.

American Hubris

Diane Francis • 379 implied HN points • 19 Aug 21
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy
  1. The U.S. learned from the Soviet Union's mistakes in Afghanistan, realizing that trying to change a country's culture and society through force leads to failure.
  2. America's methods of foreign intervention have damaged its credibility, making allies nervous and other nations skeptical of U.S. reliability in crises.
  3. Instead of military force, America should focus on diplomatic and economic strategies to build relationships and influence other countries, similar to China's approach with projects like the Belt and Road Initiative.

We Should Be in the French Moment

Phillips’s Newsletter • 79 implied HN points • 20 Dec 24
🌍 World Politics Foreign Policy
  1. France has a historical vision for strong leadership in Europe, which includes being independent from other powers like the USA.
  2. In the past, French leaders wanted to build the country's economic and military strength, especially its nuclear capabilities.
  3. Currently, there seems to be a hesitation in France to fully step into the role of leadership, even in a moment that could be significant for the country.

Niccolo on Patrick Casey's Restoring Order: Syria and the Fall of the Assad Regime

Fisted by Foucault • 75 implied HN points • 23 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy
  1. The discussion focuses on the recent events in Syria, specifically looking at the fall of the Assad regime and the roles of various players like Iran and Russia. It's important to understand who gained and who lost from this situation.
  2. The conversation also covers the concept of 'wishcasting' and the idea that the U.S. is unlikely to repeat previous military actions like in Iraq. This highlights changing perspectives on American intervention.
  3. The speaker is experimenting with audio content for their platform, planning to create short historical episodes. This shows a shift towards exploring history in a new, engaging format.

Trump Committing Genocide In Gaza & Attempting To Kill Putin, Is Why, L.A.!

C.O.P. Central Organizing Principle. • 30 implied HN points • 11 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy
  1. The writer believes that recent political events, especially involving Trump, are distracting people from serious issues like the situation in Gaza and Ukraine. They suggest that these distractions are part of a bigger plan.
  2. They argue that America's voting system is flawed and may be manipulated, making elections untrustworthy. This problem has been ongoing and impacts voters' confidence.
  3. There's a strong sentiment that wealthy elites should pay higher taxes to help society. The writer feels this is necessary for innovation and improvement in the economy.

War, War, War

Tessa Fights Robots • 27 implied HN points • 26 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy
  1. Many people feel a sense of ongoing conflict in the world today. It's like we are aware of issues but feel powerless to stop them.
  2. The feeling of being overwhelmed by the situation is common among regular individuals. We see the problems but feel trapped by existing systems.
  3. There's a call for unity and a refusal to support those who seem to benefit from conflict. The idea is to stand together against those who laugh at our struggles.