The hottest Foreign Policy Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top World Politics Topics
John’s Substack 5 implied HN points 26 Jul 25
  1. The war in Ukraine is a complex issue that many Western leaders seem to misunderstand. It's important to really grasp its dynamics to see where it's heading.
  2. In discussions about foreign policy, especially regarding Ukraine, there are criticisms of past decisions made by leaders like President Trump. These decisions haven’t been effective and have led to several problems.
  3. Engaging in conflicts like what's happening in Ukraine can feel pointless, like fighting against imaginary foes. We should focus on understanding the reality instead of getting caught up in unrealistic goals.
steigan.no 6 implied HN points 01 Jul 25
  1. NATO's goal for countries like Norway is to increase defense spending to 5% of GDP by 2035, which will significantly raise individual tax burdens.
  2. Farmers in Norway face challenges as an organic milk supplier has stopped accepting organic milk deliveries, despite high demand, leading to frustration among local producers.
  3. Recent polling shows that most Ukrainians prefer finding a compromise to end the ongoing war, with only a small percentage wanting to continue fighting.
steigan.no 6 implied HN points 30 Jun 25
  1. Russia has launched a significant attack on Ukraine's defense industry using hypersonic missiles and drones. This may be the largest attack since the conflict escalated.
  2. There are updated warnings from health officials about COVID-19 vaccines, which now include potential serious heart issues that could affect younger males more frequently.
  3. The ecosystem is under threat from technology like 5G, which many believe is harming wildlife and the environment. This has led to growing public concern and calls for more research on these impacts.
Letters from an American 16 implied HN points 09 Dec 24
  1. Bashar al-Assad's regime in Syria has fallen after over a decade of civil war, leading to excitement and celebrations in the streets. This change opens up hope for a new future for Syria's people.
  2. The U.S. is taking actions to prevent ISIS from becoming stronger in Syria now that Assad is gone. They hit many ISIS targets to ensure that group doesn't regain power.
  3. The loss of Assad shows that no dictator is safe forever. It gives people hope that change is possible, both in Syria and in other places with similar regimes.
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JoeWrote 41 implied HN points 23 Jan 24
  1. Centrists often dismiss leftist viewpoints without consideration, but recent events show the left has been proven right on issues like American militarism.
  2. Recent events have validated leftists' critiques of American imperialism, such as the failure to stop Houthis in Yemen and the true motives behind military campaigns.
  3. Leftists have been proven right on issues like Israel's assault on Gaza and the cause of inflation, despite initial dismissal by centrist pundits and politicians.
John’s Substack 5 implied HN points 16 Jul 25
  1. Trump's approach to dealing with Putin is not effective. He is making threats that don’t seem serious or backed up.
  2. The idea that Putin is afraid or pressured by Trump’s tactics is questioned. Some believe these strategies won’t lead to a successful outcome.
  3. Effective negotiation usually requires strong and realistic strategies, unlike the tactics currently being used.
Humanities in Revolt 39 implied HN points 16 Mar 22
  1. A 'no-fly zone' in Ukraine could trigger a war between nuclear-armed nations, having catastrophic consequences.
  2. The Russian invasion of Ukraine is unjust and immoral, with accounts of attacks on civilians emerging.
  3. It's crucial to support anti-war movements in Russia, understand the implications of a no-fly zone, and be aware of geopolitical contexts shaping conflicts.
Daniel Pinchbeck’s Newsletter 17 implied HN points 01 Nov 24
  1. The U.S. has a long history of military interventions that have often led to negative consequences, like instability and suffering in other countries. We need to focus on partnership, not domination.
  2. While both major political parties have their flaws, the current leadership is seen as less dangerous compared to Trump. The importance of having sane leadership in these uncertain times cannot be overstated.
  3. There are big risks associated with Trump’s policies and potential rise back to power. It’s crucial to support leaders who maintain democratic norms and protect against extremism.
John’s Substack 15 implied HN points 30 Nov 24
  1. Trump's foreign policy decisions seem different from his campaign promises, especially regarding the Ukraine war.
  2. There's ongoing discussion about Israel's issues and claims of anti-Semitism in American institutions.
  3. The Judge's podcast offers an alternative perspective to mainstream media, which is seen as failing the public recently.
John’s Substack 11 implied HN points 13 Feb 25
  1. Trump and Hegseth are proposing major changes to the US policy on Ukraine. They believe this could reshape how the US interacts with Europe.
  2. Hegseth mentioned that Ukraine is unlikely to join NATO soon. This reflects a shift in the US's approach to European alliances.
  3. Trump suggested that there might be potential talks with Putin about ending the conflict in Ukraine. This indicates a desire for negotiation rather than continued involvement.
Unpopular Front 33 implied HN points 12 Feb 24
  1. Tucker Carlson's interview with Putin revealed a mix of propaganda and lack of a clear narrative for the war in Ukraine, showing the fragility of Russia's post-Soviet political project.
  2. Putin's discourse reflects a fixation on 'special services' and a belief in Western encroachment, connecting to fears rooted in past political upheavals in the region.
  3. The war in Ukraine is seen as a way for the Russian ruling class to consolidate power domestically amidst growing opposition, tying foreign policy to regime stability.
steigan.no 5 implied HN points 02 Jul 25
  1. Burkina Faso is taking control of its gold mining resources by nationalizing them. This means the profits will now benefit the country's development instead of foreign companies.
  2. Germany is increasing its military spending significantly, signaling a shift from its post-war pacifist stance. This change has raised concerns about a return to militarism in German politics.
  3. There is a noted increase in excess mortality in Norway, which has been linked to various factors, including COVID-19 vaccination rates. This situation has raised discussions and concerns about the overall health impacts on the population.
steigan.no 4 implied HN points 02 Aug 25
  1. BRICS countries are increasingly using their own currencies for trade, reducing reliance on the US dollar. This shift has been sped up by aggressive US sanctions on countries like Russia.
  2. Norway's shift from a peaceful nation to a participant in global conflicts raises questions about its integrity and foreign policy. Many believe it's hypocritical to claim support for peace while engaging in actions that harm others.
  3. Frequent societal changes and reforms often seem to lead to confusion and discontent among the public, as they can create barriers to understanding and participation in the decision-making process.
steigan.no 4 implied HN points 26 Jul 25
  1. Transparency in environmental decisions is important. When communities don't have access to information, they can't participate in decisions that affect their environment.
  2. New agricultural technologies, like RNA spraying, could revolutionize farming, but they raise questions about safety and regulation. It's crucial to have clear rules to protect both crops and consumers.
  3. Shifts in U.S. foreign policy can significantly impact international conflicts. The current focus on military support may complicate diplomatic efforts and lead to unintended consequences.
steigan.no 4 implied HN points 17 Jul 25
  1. Trump promised that Europe would pay for missiles for Ukraine without asking them first. Many European countries are hesitant to join this arrangement.
  2. The British government secretly paid foreign YouTube stars to promote propaganda that aligns with its foreign policy, raising questions about transparency and ethics.
  3. An expert stated that Israel is committing genocide against the Palestinian people, highlighting the severe impact of military actions and the resulting humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
steigan.no 4 implied HN points 16 Jul 25
  1. Donald Trump believes Russia is likely to win the war in Ukraine. He suggests that Ukraine may not have the necessary strength to defeat Russia, even with increased military support.
  2. Germany is easing restrictions on building wind turbines, removing minimum distance regulations from homes. This could lead to a rapid increase in turbine construction throughout the country.
  3. The EU is financing media projects to promote favorable coverage of its policies, raising concerns about journalistic independence and the potential influence of government funding on media narratives.
steigan.no 4 implied HN points 15 Jul 25
  1. U.S. weapons sent to Ukraine may not change the outcome of the war, and some believe they just extend the suffering of the Ukrainian people. They suggest that Ukraine needs more people, not just more weapons.
  2. Hungary has refused to finance American weapons for Ukraine, highlighting tensions within the EU regarding military support and raising questions about the economic burden on member states.
  3. There's concern about the power of a few corporations controlling the food supply in Norway, leading to higher prices and fewer choices for consumers. Many feel that politicians need to take action to improve this situation.
Gideon's Substack 28 implied HN points 26 Feb 24
  1. Arab-American and Muslim-American voters may not naturally align solely with left-wing ideologies and may have diverse concerns beyond foreign policy.
  2. For single-issue activists, it can be rational to have a strict litmus test and not support any candidate who does not meet that criteria.
  3. The approach of pushing a single issue to promote progressive causes may inadvertently strengthen an extremist and dysfunctional opposition, which is not ideal for a broad left-wing movement.
steigan.no 9 implied HN points 17 Feb 25
  1. There is a significant silence in the media about Israel's use of the 'Hannibal Directive,' which reportedly led to Israeli forces harming their own citizens to prevent them from being captured during conflicts.
  2. Recent discussions indicate a potential normalization of relations between the USA and Russia, suggesting a willingness to collaborate on various international issues, including the situation in Ukraine.
  3. Concerns have been raised about the financial and environmental impacts of wind energy in Sweden, highlighting a belief that significant investments in wind power have resulted in considerable economic losses.
steigan.no 4 implied HN points 13 Jul 25
  1. Experts believe that Ukraine can't win the war against Russia. They think the situation will worsen for Ukraine in the future.
  2. The COVID-19 vaccine may have led to more infections and deaths, with some studies suggesting it didn't really help prevent COVID-related deaths.
  3. Israeli advertisements on platforms like YouTube are being used to justify military actions and promote a positive image of Israel, despite the ongoing conflict and criticisms.
John’s Substack 9 implied HN points 13 Feb 25
  1. Trump's foreign policy is still being evaluated since he has just started his presidency. It's important to understand how he approaches issues on a global scale.
  2. The discussion highlights key situations like Gaza and Ukraine that are pressing for US foreign relations. These areas are pivotal in figuring out how Trump will steer his policies.
  3. Analyzing Trump's moves now could give insights into how he might shape America's role in the world going forward. It's a time to watch closely for changes.
steigan.no 4 implied HN points 09 Jul 25
  1. The BRICS 2025 meeting in Rio was a significant success, emphasizing support for member nations under pressure and developing new financial frameworks that bypass traditional systems like SWIFT.
  2. A proposed U.S. law aims to ban geoengineering practices, highlighting ongoing debates over weather manipulation and climate intervention, despite skepticism among meteorologists and media.
  3. Saudi Arabia is shifting its focus from Israel to Iran in terms of regional security, indicating a move towards more pragmatic diplomatic relations in the Gulf amid changing geopolitical dynamics.
Dr. Pippa's Pen & Podcast 26 implied HN points 11 Mar 24
  1. The superpowers are engaged in a modern Cold War in various hotspots around the world, such as Africa, Latin America, and the South Pacific.
  2. Russia is increasing its influence in Africa through initiatives like the new Africa Corps, offering regime security in exchange for resources, and strategic barter deals like providing grain to gain favor.
  3. The conflict between Russia and Ukraine has expanded to involve fights in regions like Sudan as both sides try to secure resources and support from African nations.
John’s Substack 10 implied HN points 10 Jan 25
  1. Tony Blinken is facing criticism over his role as Secretary of State, especially regarding his foreign policy decisions. Many believe he is struggling to defend his actions.
  2. The conversation touches on Israel's plans to expand into neighboring territories, which has raised concerns in the international community.
  3. There are discussions about the significant influence of the Israel lobby on American politics, highlighting the power dynamics at play.
steigan.no 4 implied HN points 07 Jul 25
  1. Recent attacks from Israel and the US have made hardliners in Iran stronger, uniting people rather than causing division.
  2. BRICS nations are moving forward to create a new payment system as an alternative to SWIFT, which will help them reduce reliance on the US dollar.
  3. COVID-19 vaccines have been associated with increased risks of serious health issues like heart attacks and strokes according to a large study involving millions.
Gideon's Substack 11 implied HN points 10 Dec 24
  1. The situation in Syria is changing rapidly, and it caught many by surprise. The collapse of the al-Assad regime could lead to new dynamics in the region.
  2. Turkey may benefit the most from the new regime in Syria, gaining control over the northern areas and possibly reducing Iran's influence. However, it's unclear what Turkey plans to do next.
  3. The role of outside powers, especially Russia and the U.S., will be crucial moving forward. They need to understand the complex situation instead of thinking their actions alone caused these changes.
steigan.no 4 implied HN points 03 Jul 25
  1. The effectiveness of AI models like ChatGPT and DeepSeek can change based on the information they are trained on and the questions they receive. This means user input can help them provide better responses.
  2. AI models can reveal important issues about topics like radiation safety, but they often need to be challenged by users for a deeper discussion to occur. This highlights the need for critical engagement when interacting with AI.
  3. Policies and guidelines on radiation safety may be biased and not fully consider the health impacts on ecosystems and long-term exposure, indicating a need for more independent and thorough research.
John’s Substack 8 implied HN points 22 Feb 25
  1. U.S. policy is changing significantly towards Ukraine and Russia, showing a shift in approach. This suggests new strategies may be developing to address the conflict in that region.
  2. However, U.S. policy towards Israel remains stagnant and hasn't adapted despite changes elsewhere. This could indicate a complex and possibly outdated perspective on the Middle East.
  3. The differences in U.S. foreign policy highlight how different regions can have vastly different responses from the same country. It's important to understand these nuances in global politics.
steigan.no 4 implied HN points 29 Jun 25
  1. There has been a significant case of corruption involving USAID and several executives, where they pleaded guilty to a bribery scheme worth over $550 million. This raises concerns about misuse of taxpayer money.
  2. The situation in Syria has become complex with various groups fighting for control, leading to fragmentation instead of stability. The country is now divided among different factions, influenced by external powers.
  3. NATO's increased military spending aims to strengthen Europe's defense but has made the continent more dependent on American weaponry, leading to concerns about the long-term consequences of this reliance.
I Might Be Wrong 10 implied HN points 25 Dec 24
  1. Syria is now seeing a leadership change that many believe is an improvement over the past. People are surprised that the new group might actually be better than what was previously in charge.
  2. Hezbollah and Hamas, two major groups in the region, are facing serious setbacks. There's a feeling of relief as these groups become less powerful and more fearful.
  3. The situation with Iran's proxy groups, like the Houthis, is still tense. Their attempts to provoke Israel seem reckless and dangerous without solid backing.
C.O.P. Central Organizing Principle. 12 implied HN points 28 Oct 24
  1. NATO troops are already in Ukraine and have been fighting there for years. Their presence is a significant part of the ongoing conflict.
  2. There are doubts about North Korean military support for Russia in Ukraine. Many believe this narrative might just be a strategy to justify NATO's involvement.
  3. The war is seen as a failure for the US and its allies, causing a lot of political humiliation. There are concerns about how to manage the outcomes of their involvement.
steigan.no 3 implied HN points 07 Aug 25
  1. Trump is raising tariffs on India, which might push India closer to China. Modi's visit to China shows an effort to strengthen ties despite US pressure.
  2. Michael Hudson talks about how China is creating a new financial system that challenges US dominance. This could help many countries break free from what's called American financial colonialism.
  3. There's a growing concern about how Western media influences public opinion, often pushing narratives that support NATO and its actions. This control affects what people believe about global conflicts.
Gideon's Substack 9 implied HN points 16 Jan 25
  1. A new cease-fire agreement between Israel and Hamas is in place, but it's hard to believe it will last long. There are doubts about whether all sides will honor it.
  2. Both sides are claiming victory despite significant losses, but neither has achieved meaningful goals for lasting peace. The situation remains tense and complicated.
  3. The incoming president could influence future negotiations, but there are concerns about what they can really offer to either side, especially given the unrest in the West Bank.
steigan.no 4 implied HN points 22 Jun 25
  1. Norge's Langskip project for capturing and storing CO2 is facing challenges and needs significant government subsidies to be viable. There are concerns that without ongoing funding, it may not succeed.
  2. Research suggests that the rise in global deaths during the COVID-19 pandemic is linked more to government policies than the virus itself. These measures, like lockdowns and medical mandates, are blamed for increased mortality rates.
  3. Tensions in the Middle East are escalating, particularly with the U.S. support for Israel in its military actions against Iran. This conflict is framed as a strategy for managing global dominance, especially concerning competition with China.
steigan.no 4 implied HN points 19 Jun 25
  1. Statkraft, a state-owned power company, is facing financial troubles after heavy investment in renewable energy and foreign markets, leading to significant debt.
  2. There is a growing concern about the child welfare system in Norway, highlighted by a specific case where parents lost custody of their daughters amid claims of unfounded accusations.
  3. A majority of Americans oppose military involvement in the Israel-Iran conflict and prefer negotiations over aggression, reflecting a divide in public opinion on foreign military actions.