The hottest Foreign Policy Substack posts right now

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The Wrong Sort of Power

Comment is Freed • 73 implied HN points • 18 Dec 24
🌍 World Politics Foreign Policy
  1. The 1979 Iranian Revolution set off events that may lead to more revolutions in the region. People are wondering if the current Iranian government could be next to face a challenge.
  2. The fall of the Assad regime in Syria seemed surprising but was also expected by some. The future of Syria is uncertain, and things will definitely change from now on.
  3. Iran and Russia are major losers after their support for Assad. They invested a lot of time and resources but are now facing setbacks in their influence over the Middle East.

One day, when it's safe...

God's Spies by Thomas Neuburger • 65 implied HN points • 17 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy
  1. People often only speak out against wrongdoing when it's safe for them to do so. This can lead to many being silent until it's too late to change anything.
  2. Historical wrongs and crimes can come back to haunt societies and countries. Actions taken for power and wealth don't just disappear; they often return to affect those who enabled them.
  3. The ongoing conflict and loss of life in places like Gaza show that history often repeats itself. The consequences of violence and neglect are felt long after the immediate events.

Pete Hegseth, a "recovering neocon"?

Michael Tracey • 77 implied HN points • 04 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy
  1. It's common for politicians to change their minds, but we need to think critically about why they do it. Some changes could be sincere while others may just be for political gain.
  2. Pete Hegseth used to be a strong supporter of the Iraq War, but he now claims to have changed his views. However, his past support raises questions about his current beliefs.
  3. The idea of being a 'recovering neocon' doesn't just mean saying you were wrong. It's important to see if someone's actions and thoughts have genuinely changed before giving them credit.

BIDEN’S LAST HURRAH AGAINST RUSSIA AND PUTIN

Seymour Hersh • 79 implied HN points • 26 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy
  1. Biden is feeling frustrated as he deals with a tough situation in Ukraine while other Democratic leaders are stepping back from him. There are concerns about whether he can manage the ongoing conflict and his future as a president.
  2. He made controversial decisions to provide advanced weaponry to Ukraine, leading to escalations from Russia and raising fears of a larger global conflict. People are worried about the humanitarian impact of using landmines in the war.
  3. There's talk that Trump has been communicating informally with Putin about ways to potentially end the war. Some experts believe Putin is waiting for the right moment to negotiate, while Biden continues to face criticism for his foreign policy approach.
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What could go right?

The Cosmopolitan Globalist • 28 implied HN points • 18 Jun 25
🌍 World Politics Foreign Policy
  1. Israel could work with internal opposition in Iran to bring about a change in government. This might mean that Iranians themselves are key to making this happen, with support from Israel.
  2. There may be a plan for what happens after the regime falls. If there's a quick and orderly transition to a new government, it could prevent chaos and help stabilize the country.
  3. The fall of the Iranian regime could lead to positive changes not just in Iran, but throughout the Middle East. It might inspire democratic movements across the region and reduce the influence of radical politics.

Biden Blinks

Diane Francis • 359 implied HN points • 08 Jul 21
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy
  1. Biden's decision to waive sanctions on the Nord Stream 2 pipeline has been criticized as a major mistake, as it benefits Russia and threatens Ukraine's security.
  2. Putin has taken aggressive actions against Ukraine and the U.S. in response to perceived weakness from Biden, which has raised concerns in both countries.
  3. There are discussions about how to prevent Russia from using energy as a tool for coercion, but many believe these measures won't be effective against a determined Putin.

Young Voters Are Furious at Biden. That’s Nice.

American Dreaming • 215 implied HN points • 10 Nov 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy
  1. Critics argue that young voters are angry at Biden due to his support for Israel, but data shows this may not be impacting his re-election chances.
  2. Despite concerns about young progressive voters turning away from Biden, the data indicates that they are not a significant voting bloc and may not sway elections.
  3. Changing his stance on Israel/Palestine would not benefit Biden politically, as it could alienate reliable voters to cater to a smaller, less reliable group.

Trump and Ukraine: Best Case/Worst Case

Phillips’s Newsletter • 81 implied HN points • 08 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy
  1. Trump's opinions about Ukraine can change quickly. He may decide how to act based on what he feels benefits him at the moment.
  2. There are mixed feelings among Republicans about how Trump will handle Ukraine. Some support Ukraine, but others are more sympathetic to Putin.
  3. Trump has a history of distrust towards Ukraine and a preference for Russia. This is unlikely to change even if he becomes president again.

Biden's Big Blunder

Diane Francis • 379 implied HN points • 24 May 21
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy
  1. Biden has been criticized for not imposing tough sanctions on Russia, especially regarding the Nord Stream 2 pipeline. It's believed that this could give Putin more power over Europe.
  2. Some experts warn that Russia's pipelines are a strategic move to make Europe dependent on their gas and undermine Ukraine. This could lead to bigger conflicts in the region.
  3. There are concerns that Biden's decisions might weaken the U.S. position globally and upset allies. Many believe that appeasing Russia could lead to more problems in the future.

Yes, Libertarians Can Still Support Israel

QTR’s Fringe Finance • 28 implied HN points • 17 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy
  1. Libertarians can support Israel by using common sense instead of strictly following ideology. It's important to look at the reality of the situation.
  2. Israel faces real security threats from nations and groups that oppose it. For them, taking action to protect themselves is a matter of survival.
  3. The U.S. should stay out of foreign conflicts and let Israel defend itself. More involvement could lead to costly mistakes and unintended consequences.

Fordow meets the B-2

The Cosmopolitan Globalist • 26 implied HN points • 22 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy
  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.

The Geneva Nothingburger

Diane Francis • 359 implied HN points • 17 Jun 21
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy
  1. The summit between Biden and Putin achieved little, mainly setting up future meetings rather than resolving any immediate problems. It seems like both leaders had different goals that weren’t really met.
  2. Biden’s tough talk didn’t seem to faze Putin, who has a track record of ignoring agreements and continuing aggressive actions. The meeting didn’t convince anyone that Putin will change his behavior.
  3. There are ongoing threats from Russia, especially with their actions in Ukraine and cyberattacks, but the focus from some in the media was more on soundbites than serious questions about these issues. This summit didn't really address the real dangers.

Biden's Blunderland

Diane Francis • 359 implied HN points • 10 Jun 21
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy
  1. Biden's approach to dealing with Putin has been weak, showing a lack of power in interactions. Instead of standing strong, he's been hesitant which gives Putin an advantage.
  2. The idea of a summit with a dictator like Putin is questioned because it doesn’t seem to benefit the U.S. It's important to show strength instead of making deals for peace.
  3. Biden needs to take serious action, like stopping an important pipeline and supporting Ukraine and Georgia. Without strong moves, the situation may only get worse for Western democracies.

Chris Hedges Live Q&A Tomorrow: What Happens Under Trump in Palestine

The Chris Hedges Report • 57 implied HN points • 23 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy
  1. There will be a live Q&A discussing what might happen in Palestine under a Trump administration. This means viewers can ask questions and get insights directly.
  2. The talk is set for a specific time, and people can participate by posting their questions beforehand. It's a good opportunity for those who are engaged in this topic.
  3. The event is focused on understanding the future relationship between the U.S. and Palestine, especially with recent developments like a ceasefire. It's important to keep questions brief to get good answers.

👉🏼 Reminder 💬

The Cosmopolitan Globalist • 2 implied HN points • 11 Jan 26
🌍 World Politics Foreign Policy
  1. The CG reading group meeting starts in two hours and is scheduled for 4:30 pm Paris time on Sunday.
  2. The discussion will focus on current events—especially Venezuela—and will also cover Greenland, events in Iran, and the Monroe Doctrine.
  3. All subscribers are welcome with no reading list; a Zoom link is provided and you can ask not to be called on if you prefer.

The Lords of Chaos

The Chris Hedges Report • 307 implied HN points • 19 Mar 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy
  1. The politicians and media figures behind military debacles in the Middle East should be held accountable for their actions.
  2. The Iraq war and its aftermath led to immense suffering, atrocities, and billions of dollars wasted.
  3. There is a need for a national reckoning to address the consequences of permanent war and to hold those responsible accountable.

Lebanon Ceasefire Gives Israel Victory in Gaza

God's Spies by Thomas Neuburger • 70 implied HN points • 29 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy
  1. The ceasefire with Hezbollah allowed Israel to focus on its actions in Gaza. This situation has lessened pressure on Israel and helped its military strategy.
  2. There are plans for Israeli settlers to occupy land in Gaza, which some see as an opportunity for real estate development amid ongoing conflict.
  3. Despite the violence, some Israeli leaders express a positive outlook on settling in Gaza, believing it could solve housing issues while ignoring the humanitarian crisis.

Europe's Unending Troubles

John’s Substack • 4 implied HN points • 16 Dec 25
🌍 World Politics Foreign Policy
  1. Europe faces long-running problems that keep resurfacing and show no easy fix.
  2. The war in Ukraine is central to this instability and is making Europe's future look bleak and uncertain.
  3. Public discussions and media conversations reflect growing pessimism about Europe's near-term prospects and ability to recover quickly.

June 24, 2025

Letters from an American • 24 implied HN points • 25 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy
  1. Trump announced a ceasefire between Israel and Iran, but soon after, violence resumed, raising questions about his claims. Many were surprised by the announcement and its reality seemed quite different.
  2. Polls show that most Americans disapprove of the military action against Iran, indicating a divide in public opinion about the situation.
  3. There is growing concern over harsh immigration detention conditions in the U.S., as numbers reach record highs, with calls for better oversight and conditions for detainees.

They're Losing

Political Currents by Ross Barkan • 23 implied HN points • 04 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy
  1. Democratic voters are shifting their support away from Israel and showing more sympathy for Palestinians. This is especially true among younger Democrats.
  2. There's a growing divide within the Democratic Party regarding support for Israel, as many progressive members are unhappy with the current Israeli government.
  3. Zohran Mamdani's rise in politics may signal a change in attitudes and priorities in the Democratic Party, indicating that traditional views on Israel are losing ground.

June 29, 2025

Letters from an American • 23 implied HN points • 30 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy
  1. The U.S. economy shrank by 0.5% in the first quarter, which was worse than experts predicted. This came after President Trump's tariff policies and reduced consumer spending.
  2. Trump reportedly said he allowed Iran to attack a U.S. air base without casualties. This shocking claim raises serious questions about his leadership and responsibility.
  3. The new Republican budget bill proposes significant cuts to social programs, which is making some Republicans nervous. Senator Tillis announced he won't run for reelection, showing concerns about facing a primary challenge.

Yan Xuetong in 2015: Generalization of Diplomatic Concepts Harms the World's Understanding of China

Pekingnology • 64 implied HN points • 12 Dec 24
🌍 World Politics Foreign Policy
  1. Overgeneralizing diplomatic terms makes it hard to understand their true meaning. It's like saying everything is important, so nothing feels special anymore.
  2. China's diplomatic concepts have lost their original focus and clarity due to this overgeneralization. This confusion can lead to problems in how other countries perceive China's foreign policies.
  3. To fix this, China needs better coordination among its government departments when using these concepts. This will help ensure everyone is on the same page and can communicate clearly.

Commentator

Castalia • 159 implied HN points • 26 Jun 22
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy
  1. The Dobbs ruling changes the political landscape around abortion, leading to more intense debates and potential loss of legal rights for women. It suggests we may see chaotic battles over reproductive rights in the coming years.
  2. The #MeToo movement is evolving, with a growing concern over 'cancel culture' in schools. Young people are being harshly judged, and the social media backlash can lead to extreme consequences for minor mistakes.
  3. Climate reparations raise complex questions about responsibility for global warming. It's tricky to determine who should pay, but the debate is getting more attention as a response to environmental damage and historical injustices.

UPDATE: Iran fires missiles at a US base in Qatar - but gives advance warning

Unreported Truths • 24 implied HN points • 23 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy
  1. Iran recently fired missiles at a US base in Qatar but warned them in advance. This shows they might not want to escalate the conflict.
  2. The situation is seen as a big win for Trump and Israel, as they've managed to push back Iran's nuclear ambitions without significant casualties.
  3. This event highlights a strategic game of patience, where both sides are trying to avoid a full-blown war.

TechLetters Insights: information security in the new Russian doctrine

Lukasz Olejnik on Cyber, Privacy and Tech Policy Critique • 39 implied HN points • 03 Apr 23
🌍 World Politics Foreign Policy
  1. The new Russian doctrine emphasizes the role of artificial intelligence and information security.
  2. Russia views cyber/information operations as tools that can provoke coups or wars.
  3. Russia aims to protect its society from external influence and is prepared to retaliate against threats using various means.

Cry Havoc

The Radar • 39 implied HN points • 02 Aug 23
🌍 World Politics Foreign Policy
  1. Gen. Mike Minihan's controversial remarks on a possible war with China were likely strategic messaging, possibly coordinated by the Biden Administration, to influence China's defense choices and actions.
  2. Minihan is praised as an exceptional military leader who fosters trust and teamwork within his teams, standing out in the US Air Force for his leadership qualities.
  3. The idea of preparing for war with China serves political interests, justifying increased defense spending and generating fear to divert public scrutiny away from the defense budget.

June 26, 2025

Letters from an American • 22 implied HN points • 27 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy
  1. The recent military strikes against Iran didn't fully destroy their nuclear program, according to some officials. It seems like the situation was exaggerated in the media and by the government.
  2. Voter support for a Republican budget bill that benefits wealthy Americans is dropping significantly. Many people are unhappy about cuts to public assistance and the growing wealth gap.
  3. There's rising frustration with politics, as seen in the election of more progressive candidates like Zohran Mamdani. Many voters now want change and a focus on issues like taxes and immigration.

Why the First Impeachment Matters

Can We Still Govern? • 157 implied HN points • 09 Jan 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy
  1. The first impeachment reveals how Trump thinks about public power and governs.
  2. Trump's actions during the first impeachment show he prioritizes personal interests in foreign policy and seeks to usurp Congressional power.
  3. In a second Trump administration, expect evasions of accountability, loyalty to political hacks, and attacks on career officials who do the right thing.

More Adorno; Trump's Paleocon Foreign Policy; Christopher Hitchens on Ross Perot

Unpopular Front • 47 implied HN points • 26 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy
  1. Adorno's ideas from his essay still resonate today. He suggests that leaders often present themselves as both powerful figures and relatable people.
  2. Fascist propaganda targets emotions rather than reason. It thrives by exploiting people's frustrations and existing beliefs without trying to change them.
  3. The concept of the 'great little man' is vital in fascist imagery, representing a leader who appears both ordinary and extraordinary, fulfilling followers' desires for authority.

On the first true game theory war

Unreported Truths • 23 implied HN points • 23 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy
  1. War involves both sides making decisions, and we can't control what the enemy does. This means our plans might not always work out as expected.
  2. Nuclear weapons change the rules of warfare, making countries less likely to be invaded because of the fear they bring. Knowing this, nations use complex strategies to navigate threats.
  3. The ongoing conflict between the U.S. and Iran shows how past actions and future risks create a tricky situation. Instead of easing tensions, aggressive actions can actually escalate the problem.

Biden's Bamboo Curtain

Diane Francis • 259 implied HN points • 20 Sep 21
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy
  1. The agreement between the US, UK, and Australia to provide Australia with nuclear-powered submarines is a strong strategy to counter China's aggressive actions in the region. This partnership aims to ensure safer shipping routes in the East and South China Seas.
  2. China is unhappy about this submarine deal as it sees it as a threat to its influence in Asia. The deal has also caused tensions with France, which lost a previous submarine contract with Australia.
  3. The involvement of more countries in military alliances like the Quad shows a collective effort to respond to China's actions. This helps strengthen defense capabilities and creates a united front in the region.

America Is a Normal Country

KERFUFFLE • 55 implied HN points • 18 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy
  1. America is no longer viewed as a unique or exceptional country compared to others. Instead, it shares many common challenges with other nations.
  2. The U.S. has a history of military interventions that often led to problems rather than solutions, making some wonder if inaction might have been better.
  3. Despite past dominance after World War II, America is now seen as an empire in decline, and it's important to recognize and adapt to this reality.

June 23, 2025

Letters from an American • 22 implied HN points • 24 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy
  1. Trump made a military decision to strike Iran after seeing positive media coverage of Israel's actions. This shows how much he valued public perception over intelligence.
  2. The U.S. history with Iran is complicated, starting from support for the Shah to tensions after the 1979 revolution. These past events have shaped current U.S.-Iran relations.
  3. The Supreme Court allowed the Trump administration to deport migrants to other countries without much process. This move may put vulnerable people in dangerous situations.

On "The Interview"

John’s Substack • 4 implied HN points • 09 Dec 25
🌍 World Politics Foreign Policy
  1. There was an appearance on al Jazeera's top show "The Interview" on 3 November 2025.
  2. A YouTube version of the interview is available but it is only in Arabic and has no subtitles.
  3. The video was posted specifically for Arabic-speaking followers who might be interested.

It's Called "The Atlantic" Because It Belongs at the Bottom of the Ocean.

JoeWrote • 51 implied HN points • 09 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy
  1. The Atlantic has shifted from its original social justice roots to cater to a wealthy audience, often reassuring them that social issues can be solved simply by talking to politicians.
  2. It is criticized for promoting a one-sided narrative about the Israel-Palestine conflict, ignoring Palestinian voices and expressing strong support for Israeli actions.
  3. Recent articles from The Atlantic have been accused of downplaying the impacts of colonialism and genocide, suggesting that these actions might not be as bad as they seem.

June 25, 2025

Letters from an American • 21 implied HN points • 26 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy
  1. Trump is trying to convince people that U.S. strikes against Iran's nuclear program were a huge success, despite reports saying the damage was minimal.
  2. There is tension between the Trump administration and Congress over sharing details about the strikes, with Democrats claiming they're being kept in the dark.
  3. Some experts worry that the strikes might actually push Iran closer to developing a nuclear weapon rather than stopping them.