The hottest Foreign Policy Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
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Top World Politics Topics

WILL TRUMP SIDE WITH THE HARDLINERS ON RUSSIA?

Seymour Hersh • 30 implied HN points • 23 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy
  1. The writer suggests that President Biden is showing signs of memory issues and confusion, which could impact his ability to serve. Many people close to him have observed his difficulties, making it a significant concern.
  2. Biden's poor performance in a debate against Trump highlighted his struggles and led to speculations about him not running for a second term. This decision seemed to come too late for a proper selection of a successor.
  3. There are questions about Trump's future decisions, especially regarding his stance on Russia, and whether he will align with more extreme views within his party. This could shape foreign policy in the coming years.

Updated! Here's Why, We Are Not On The Precipice Of WWIII.

C.O.P. Central Organizing Principle. • 36 implied HN points • 27 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy
  1. The U.S. has been slowly increasing its military involvement in Ukraine, which some see as a form of 'mission creep'. This has led to fears of escalating tensions with Russia.
  2. Russia has developed advanced weapons that could change the balance of power, making it hard for the U.S. to respond effectively in a conflict. This might deter any first-strike nuclear action from both sides.
  3. Politicians in the U.S. often exaggerate the threat of nuclear war for political gain, but many believe that actual war is unlikely due to the principle of mutually assured destruction.

Kissinger: America’s Most Prolific War Criminal

The Reactionary • 101 implied HN points • 01 Dec 23
🌍 World Politics Foreign Policy
  1. Henry Kissinger rose to power from humble beginnings, becoming a prominent figure in American foreign policy.
  2. Kissinger employed unethical tactics, including manipulation of peace negotiations, to advance his career.
  3. Kissinger was complicit in the illegal bombing of Cambodia, resulting in devastation and death for thousands of innocent civilians.

The Bumbler in Chief

John’s Substack • 12 implied HN points • 09 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy
  1. The U.S. is struggling to maintain strong relationships with other countries, especially after recent foreign policy decisions.
  2. President Trump's tariffs are causing uncertainty and may affect how other nations view America.
  3. Despite these issues, the U.S. continues to show strong support for Israel, keeping that relationship intact.
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Commentator

Castalia • 59 implied HN points • 29 Nov 22
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy
  1. People in China are bravely protesting against the government's zero-Covid policy and calling for freedom. This shows that even under strict authoritarian control, citizens can still express their desire for change.
  2. In Iran, people are risking their lives to protest against a brutal regime, and there are reports of significant violence against protestors. This highlights a growing unrest and the possibility of change despite the regime's strong grip.
  3. The war in Ukraine continues with heavy casualties and no clear progress, while the Russian military is drawing recruits from vulnerable populations. This situation raises questions about the treatment of soldiers and the toll war takes on communities.

Putin and Beyond

Comment is Freed • 78 implied HN points • 10 Mar 24
🌍 World Politics Foreign Policy
  1. Putin's recent address showed his confidence and focus on growing Russia's power and influence in the world.
  2. Putin's long-standing goal has been to retain power and shape Russia's future, with plans extending up to 2030.
  3. Putin aimed to modernize Russia's economy and state power, steering away from the Soviet model.

The Superhero Theory of Defense

Investing 101 • 32 implied HN points • 14 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy
  1. Strong powers attract challenges, leading to conflicts. This idea is similar to how superheroes create villains by existing.
  2. Not all conflicts are caused by mistakes. Some threats may exist regardless of actions taken, and understanding these threats is vital.
  3. Infrastructure like diplomacy can handle some conflicts, but current global tensions may require a stronger response or action to protect values and interests.

It's My World War III Party And I'll Cry If I Want To

QTR’s Fringe Finance • 36 implied HN points • 20 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy
  1. The Biden administration's recent approval for Ukraine to use long-range missiles against Russia raises concerns about escalating tensions. This change from previous policy seems sudden and could lead to serious conflict.
  2. There are worries that the Biden administration might be intentionally creating chaos for the incoming Trump administration, particularly regarding peace negotiations between Ukraine and Russia.
  3. The overall direction of U.S. foreign policy under Biden has caused anxiety, with some fearing it may push the country towards a larger conflict, possibly even World War III before the transition happens.

Wang Jisi's public advice for China's foreign policy

Pekingnology • 37 implied HN points • 30 Oct 24
🌍 World Politics Foreign Policy
  1. China should not make new enemies and should instead focus on its own domestic issues. Keeping peace and developing internally is key for China’s future.
  2. It's important for China to work with its current allies while also improving relationships with others. This will help China gain support and reduce opposition in the world.
  3. China's approach to international relations needs to integrate both domestic and global considerations. What happens inside China can impact how the world sees it.

I've Got Hazel On My Mind.

C.O.P. Central Organizing Principle. • 30 implied HN points • 09 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy
  1. The U.S. is struggling to maintain its global power and influence, especially after recent military moves in Syria. Many believe these actions are more of a bluff than a real strategy.
  2. Syria's leadership is seen as having outsmarted the U.S. and avoided additional bloodshed by strategically retreating from conflict with their military. This retreat highlights the complicated dynamics between the U.S., Russia, and Iran.
  3. With U.S. military recruitment dropping and challenges in fighting through allies, there is concern that America's military strength is weakening and it might lose its standing in international relations.

The End of American Hegemony

America in Crisis • 19 implied HN points • 14 Oct 23
🌍 World Politics Foreign Policy
  1. American hegemony is facing internal conflicts and challenges, with declining ability to deter global conflicts.
  2. The concept of a potential future Global War involving major powers suggests the US may surrender hegemony without a strong fight due to divergent interests among American elites.
  3. Considering the changing dynamics globally, it might be in the US's interest to strategically withdraw from certain regions and relinquish hegemonic power in a controlled manner.

February 19, 2025

Letters from an American • 22 implied HN points • 20 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy
  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.

Finnish news recap, week 15: 24 questions edition

Ahpocalypse Now • 19 implied HN points • 18 Apr 23
🌍 World Politics Foreign Policy
  1. The government formation process in Finland involves sending 24 questions to other parties to find potential partners.
  2. The Åland demilitarization issue is a long-standing and complex topic due to historical conflicts between nations.
  3. Political leadership changes are happening in Finland, including resignations and potential successors being discussed.

On Imperialism

Nathan’s Substack • 19 implied HN points • 06 Sep 23
🌍 World Politics Foreign Policy
  1. Empires often make enemies without realizing it, despite thinking they have many friends.
  2. Economic sanctions by one country can lead to unexpected consequences, pushing other nations to protect or distance themselves from the imposing nation's financial systems.
  3. Nations should be cautious in imposing their values on others, as historical empires have unintentionally faced negative outcomes by doing so.

Strictly Business

Gideon's Substack • 21 implied HN points • 24 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy
  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.

Navalny's Snowball Revolution

Diane Francis • 179 implied HN points • 28 Jan 21
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy
  1. Teenagers in Russia protested in freezing temperatures for the release of Alexei Navalny, showing strong support despite the risk of arrest and intimidation.
  2. Navalny is a courageous figure fighting against Putin's regime, having survived assassination attempts and ongoing imprisonment while exposing corruption.
  3. The global response to Navalny's situation includes potential sanctions against Russia, highlighting the international importance of his fight for democracy.

Hillbilly Diplomacy

A Biologist's Guide to Life • 20 implied HN points • 28 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy
  1. America's good reputation is at risk due to poor diplomatic behavior from leaders like Trump and Vance. Their aggressive treatment of visiting officials can harm relationships with allies.
  2. Russia's invasion of Ukraine is a clear fact, and ignoring or misrepresenting it is seen as an ethical failure. Acknowledging this reality is crucial for proper diplomatic responses.
  3. Effective diplomacy requires understanding and managing delicate situations with care. Loud or aggressive behavior, especially in tense moments, can escalate conflicts and undermine U.S. interests.

Trump Has Palestinian Blood On His Hands & Will Wash It Off By Putting It All, On US Vassal, Israel.

C.O.P. Central Organizing Principle. • 12 implied HN points • 27 May 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy
  1. The US is expected to shift blame for the situation in Gaza onto Israeli leaders while trying to maintain its influence in the region. This means that Israeli PM Netanyahu might be used as a scapegoat.
  2. There is a belief that Western leaders will publicly criticize Israel's actions but will secretly work to protect US interests in the Middle East. This includes allowing aid into Gaza while negotiating with groups like Hamas.
  3. Former President Trump is seen as complicit in the violence and talks about winding down the conflict, but it also suggests a continued strategy to use the situation for political gains, especially related to funding for other conflicts like Ukraine.

February 24, 2025

Letters from an American • 20 implied HN points • 25 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy
  1. Ukraine has managed to resist Russia's invasion for three years, showing strong determination and military growth despite heavy losses.
  2. Russia's economy is struggling due to sanctions and military losses, while the U.S. has recently shifted its stance on supporting Ukraine.
  3. European leaders are stepping up to fill the gap left by the U.S. under Trump's leadership, as they seek to strengthen their position against Russia.

January 27, 2025

Letters from an American • 22 implied HN points • 28 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy
  1. Trump started a trade war with Colombia after they refused to let U.S. military planes land. This affected tariffs and migration agreements between the two countries.
  2. Migration patterns changed due to economic struggles in South America, pushing many migrants toward the U.S. after the pandemic. New agreements have been set up to manage these migration flows.
  3. The relationship between the U.S. and Colombia is strained, as Trump's actions risk losing a key ally in Latin America's efforts against drug trafficking and migration.

Audio version: UAPs and National Insecurity

Charles Eisenstein • 2 implied HN points • 30 Nov 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy
  1. UAPs, or Unidentified Aerial Phenomena, are a significant topic that raises questions about national security. People are curious about what these sightings mean for safety and military capabilities.
  2. There is a growing interest in understanding the technology behind UAPs. Many wonder if they represent advanced tech from foreign countries or something else entirely.
  3. The public debate around UAPs reflects a broader concern about transparency and truth in government. Everyone wants to know what authorities really know about these mysterious objects.

The US Surrenders!

C.O.P. Central Organizing Principle. • 18 implied HN points • 13 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy
  1. Trump has lost a lot of power in his dealings with Russia, making him appear weak. This puts Russia in control of peace talks and future negotiations.
  2. The U.S. economy is struggling, similar to how Rome fell in the past. There are calls to cut military spending and close bases abroad to improve the situation.
  3. Trump is in a difficult position, being blamed for economic problems and conflicts. Both Democrats and Republicans seem to want him to take the fall for these issues.

Jia Qingguo calls on Beijing to relax control to encourage non-govt efforts to tell China's story

Pekingnology • 56 implied HN points • 06 Mar 24
🌍 World Politics Foreign Policy
  1. General Secretary Xi Jinping emphasizes the importance of telling China's story well to enhance international communication; there's a need for improvement as some countries show a decline in positive views toward China.
  2. Challenges in telling China's story abroad include misconceptions that it's solely the government's responsibility, restrictions on non-govt interactions, and lack of incentives for leaders in foreign affairs.
  3. Recommendations to address these challenges include raising awareness about public participation, reducing restrictions on exchanges, and encouraging retired officials to engage in foreign activities.

Trump’s “No Foreign Wars” Posture Is at Odds With His “Ugga Bugga, Me Big Man” Posture

I Might Be Wrong • 9 implied HN points • 19 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy
  1. There's a conflict in the Republican Party about foreign policy, with some wanting to avoid wars and others eager for military action. This split makes it hard to know where Trump really stands.
  2. Trump's past actions show he isn't completely against military action, even as he claims to want peace. This inconsistency raises questions about his true foreign policy intentions.
  3. The concern is that Trump's desire to appear strong might lead to unnecessary conflicts, especially with countries like Iran. His behavior could escalate tensions instead of promoting peace.

Ukraine Should Not Have Attacked Russia, Just Like I Should Not Have Murdered O.J. Simpson

I Might Be Wrong • 17 implied HN points • 20 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy
  1. Making mistakes is something everyone does, and it's important to admit when you're wrong and to learn from it.
  2. The relationship between Ukraine and Russia is complicated, and some argue that Ukraine's actions have been aggressive and unjustified.
  3. People should consider the consequences of supporting any country seen as an aggressor, as it could impact international stability in other regions.

Trump Used Starvation To Colonize Gaza.

C.O.P. Central Organizing Principle. • 6 implied HN points • 28 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy
  1. The idea is that Trump is responsible for the suffering in Gaza, using tactics like starvation to gain control and distract from other issues.
  2. The U.S. has a history of using starvation as a military strategy to control regions for resources, with Gaza being the latest example.
  3. Critics argue that any U.S. involvement in aid distribution is just a cover for their own agenda, similar to past interventions that led to more violence.

America, The Coward!

C.O.P. Central Organizing Principle. • 18 implied HN points • 14 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy
  1. America's stance on the Ukraine draft is seen as cowardly. Instead of sending their own youth to fight, they push other countries to do it.
  2. The conflict in Ukraine has led to high casualties, with many young lives at risk due to forced conscription. Families are suffering losses, which complicates the situation further.
  3. Using the youth of Ukraine as leverage in talks with Russia shows a lack of respect for their lives and emphasizes a reckless approach to international relations.

Trump's Anschluss

The Cosmopolitan Globalist • 18 implied HN points • 08 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy
  1. Trump believes the Panama Canal deal was a mistake and feels the U.S. should have better control over it for economic security. He argues that the canal's management by China is unfair to the U.S.
  2. He emphasizes the need for America to impose tariffs on Canada and Mexico, expressing dissatisfaction over perceived imbalances and unfair trade practices.
  3. Trump suggests that acquiring Greenland would bolster U.S. national security and could shift power dynamics involving Russia and China, hinting at a desire for greater influence in the region.

Australia: Sub-Imperial Power

Kvetch • 50 implied HN points • 11 Feb 24
🌍 World Politics Foreign Policy
  1. Australia is considered a sub-imperial power, closely aligned with US leadership in an imperial order, rather than an exploited colony.
  2. The 'rules-based international order' post-WWII primarily serves US power abroad and manages public opinion, rather than benefiting humanity as a whole.
  3. Australia's defense and foreign policy operates under secrecy to maintain its role as a US sub-imperial power, putting US expectations above the interests of its own citizens.

Who's Surprised By Trump's Hawkish Appointments?

Gideon's Substack • 21 implied HN points • 12 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy
  1. Trump's new foreign policy team includes several individuals known for their hawkish views, indicating a potential aggressive stance in international relations.
  2. There is uncertainty about Trump's actual foreign policy direction, as his decisions may lack a clear strategy and could change unpredictably.
  3. While some argue Trump's unpredictability could deter threats, it also leads to confusion about America's true intentions and commitments on the global stage.

The Syrian Army Has Not Surrendered!

C.O.P. Central Organizing Principle. • 18 implied HN points • 14 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy
  1. The Syrian Army is still fighting and has not surrendered to opposing groups backed by the US. This indicates their determination to maintain control.
  2. There is ongoing violence from the HTS terrorists against unarmed Syrian citizens, which is being shared on social media. This situation shows the serious threats faced by ordinary people in Syria.
  3. The US's involvement in Syria is viewed as a declining empire facing challenges at home, suggesting a possible shift in global power dynamics.

The Night I Drove Home With A Dead Child In The Back Seat And What Happened Next

westafricaweekly • 19 implied HN points • 01 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy
  1. Experiencing the death of a child up close can deeply impact one's understanding of life and priorities. It shows the harsh realities of struggling families in difficult situations.
  2. The struggles in Nigeria highlight a bigger issue of outside influences affecting the country. Sometimes, foreign actions can lead to negative changes in the lives of many people.
  3. The journey of fighting for change can feel lonely and difficult. Despite feeling outnumbered, taking a stand for what is right can lead to personal growth and awareness.

BREAKING NEWS: Top Trump Foreign Policy Adviser Says the United States Must Move to Recolonize Africa Because Africans “Cannot Govern Themselves”

Proof • 45 implied HN points • 10 Feb 24
🌍 World Politics Foreign Policy
  1. A top Trump foreign policy adviser suggested the US should recolonize Africa, claiming Africans cannot govern themselves.
  2. There is increased concern about the potential impact of a second Trump administration on the US and the world.
  3. The Republican Party and Donald Trump have a history of advocating for the invasion of majority-nonwhite countries by the United States.

The Alaska Meeting, the Washington Summit, and the View from Abroad

The Cosmopolitan Globalist • 4 implied HN points • 20 Aug 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy
  1. There is confusion around the U.S. foreign policy, especially regarding Ukraine. The president's statements often seem nonsensical and change quickly.
  2. European leaders are feeling anxious and unsure about their security, with worries that the U.S. might not be a reliable ally anymore.
  3. The recent summit in Washington left Europe feeling humiliated, as they watched the U.S. prioritize discussions with Russia over their own concerns.