The hottest Foreign Policy Substack posts right now

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He Could Not Even Wait Until The Inauguration

Phillips’s Newsletter • 99 implied HN points • 17 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Foreign Policy Political Analysis Public Opinion Leadership
  1. Trump's tough talk on China is seen as a facade, as he has shown favoritism towards President Xi and criticized Taiwan.
  2. He has publicly doubted Taiwan's value as an ally, arguing that they should pay for U.S. defense.
  3. Many people were misled by Trump's claims, as they did not want to believe his real stance towards China and Taiwan.

Trump says Biden blocked Ukraine peace deal; Russiagate origins still hidden

Aaron Mate • 135 implied HN points • 08 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Foreign Policy Investigations Government National Security
  1. Trump claims that Biden prevented a peace deal in Ukraine, suggesting that there are significant political barriers to resolving the conflict. This statement aligns with the views of others who believe the U.S. stance has obstructed peace efforts.
  2. The FBI is still not revealing important information regarding the origins of the Russiagate investigation. This lack of transparency raises questions about what really happened during that time.
  3. These issues highlight ongoing political tensions and the complicated nature of U.S. foreign policy, particularly concerning Ukraine and domestic investigations. There's a sense of frustration over how both subjects are being handled.

"Jimmy Carter's Jewish Problem"

Michael Tracey • 106 implied HN points • 15 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Presidency Foreign Policy Diplomacy Political History Public Opinion
  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.

TGIF: I Serve at the Pleasure of Barbecue

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 3315 implied HN points • 15 Mar 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Immigration Foreign Policy Media Artificial Intelligence
  1. Biden faced backlash for using the term 'illegal' but then claimed he didn't apologize: highlights the Biden administration's border philosophy and communication blunders.
  2. The Biden administration is releasing an additional $10 billion to Iran: shows the conflicting approaches within the administration's foreign policy.
  3. Elon Musk cancelled his partnership with Don Lemon on X/Twitter: illustrates that rich individuals like Musk don't take criticism well and can quickly change their minds.
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Devoted to "weaker" Russia, exiting Biden team finds "strength" in Ukraine

Aaron Mate • 192 implied HN points • 24 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy National Security Geopolitics Government International relations
  1. Jake Sullivan, the National Security Adviser, believes that the U.S. is in a strong position globally as power dynamics change.
  2. He claims that Russia is struggling and has failed in its efforts in Ukraine, suggesting that they are weaker than before.
  3. However, some of his statements seem to simplify or misrepresent what Russia's actual goals have been since the conflict began.

Why Greenland?

Thinking about... • 686 implied HN points • 15 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Foreign Policy Authoritarianism Media influence Political Rhetoric
  1. Trump's interest in territories like Greenland isn't about Americans' needs, but rather about his desire for power and stability for himself. This creates serious risks for international relations and could enable aggressive actions from other countries.
  2. The focus on imperialism, like talk of controlling Greenland, may be a distraction from Trump's own leadership failures and the ineptitude of his nominees for key government roles. It’s a way to keep media attention away from serious issues.
  3. Threatening to invade or control resources in other countries, like Canada or Greenland, could actually harm America’s relationships. It's better to maintain alliances and trade fairly than to threaten or invade, especially in a world facing climate challenges.

WHAT WE DON'T KNOW ABOUT THE PRESIDENTS WE ELECT

Seymour Hersh • 83 implied HN points • 17 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Foreign Policy Presidency Political History Political Analysis
  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.

In Syria, US "learns" that it has deployed 1,000+ more troops

Aaron Mate • 170 implied HN points • 24 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Military Foreign Policy Syria Deployment
  1. The US has secretly increased its troop presence in Syria by over 1,000 soldiers. This means there are more American troops than the public was previously told.
  2. This increase is happening as Syria is figuring out its future after the Assad regime. It's a complex situation that impacts the region.
  3. The Pentagon is now claiming it has 'learned' about these additional troops, which raises questions about transparency in military operations.

Joe Biden is a War Criminal

Pen>Sword • 1976 implied HN points • 01 Jan 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government International relations Foreign Policy Political critique War
  1. Biden's actions near the Gaza border transformed his image from 'Sleepy Joe' to 'Genocide Joe', catalyzed by aiding Israeli aggression.
  2. Biden's administration poured billions into Israel, supporting a violent war as civilian casualties, especially children, continued to rise.
  3. An exploration of how Biden's actions in the Israel-Palestine conflict redefined his presidential legacy, painting him as a war criminal facilitating genocide.

Weekend Update #111--Trump And "Abandoning" Ukraine—Be Careful What You Say

Phillips’s Newsletter • 203 implied HN points • 15 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy Ukraine war Political Commentary Military Strategy
  1. Donald Trump recently discussed the Russia-Ukraine war, stating that the U.S. doesn't control its outcome. He emphasized the need for Ukraine to reach an agreement to stop further deaths.
  2. There's a growing recognition that Russia may be weaker than previously thought, especially based on its heavy losses in the war. Some analysis suggests that Russia's military struggles could lead to major equipment shortages soon.
  3. Public narratives often focus on Ukrainian failures while downplaying Russian weaknesses. This one-sided reporting can overshadow the complexities of the ongoing conflict.

The Curious Case of Austin Tice

The Dossier • 167 implied HN points • 13 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government Foreign Policy Military Intelligence Human Rights
  1. Austin Tice is a U.S. Marine and journalist who went missing in Syria over 12 years ago, and the last evidence of him being alive was a video from 2012.
  2. The Biden Administration believes he is alive, but there is little public evidence to support this claim, creating confusion about his situation.
  3. Despite efforts from various U.S. administrations, clear information about Tice's whereabouts or condition remains elusive, and many hope for answers as the conflict in Syria evolves.

Ukraine 2024

Diane Francis • 1338 implied HN points • 19 Feb 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics International relations Foreign Policy Defense Spending Election Impact Geopolitical Strategy
  1. Ukraine's survival depends on support from the U.S. and Europe. More military aid is needed to avoid losing territory to Russia.
  2. The war's future could lead to a 'frozen conflict' if funds are not increased. Without proper backing, Ukraine may struggle to rebuild and defend itself.
  3. Europe is becoming more self-sufficient in military resources. Countries like Germany are stepping up their military production to support Ukraine better.

Why Israel Won’t Take the Win

Nonzero Newsletter • 519 implied HN points • 18 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy Military Affairs Political strategy Elections International relations
  1. Israel has an opportunity to declare victory after the death of a key Hamas leader, which might allow for a ceasefire and de-escalation of conflict.
  2. The U.S. has sent troops and missile defense systems to Israel, but this support may encourage Israel to continue its aggressive actions rather than seek peace.
  3. There are concerns that U.S. military support for Israel could drag the U.S. into broader conflicts and worsen America's global reputation.

Andrew Potter: The West's slow betrayal of our inconvenient Ukrainian friends

The Line • 1375 implied HN points • 09 Feb 24
🌍 World Politics Foreign Policy Global Conflict International relations Human Rights Geopolitics
  1. The West has not fully embraced Ukraine's fight as its own, despite rhetoric from NATO.
  2. Ukraine continues to resist Russian aggression, even without strong Western support.
  3. There is growing opposition within conservative groups towards supporting Ukraine, affecting decisions and aid.

The Dumb Luck Of Donald Trump

The Weekly Dish • 144 implied HN points • 13 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Analysis Public Opinion Foreign Policy Presidential politics
  1. Russia's economy is suffering a lot right now, which could lead to a better situation for Ukraine.
  2. There is a conversation happening about how to negotiate a more favorable deal for Ukraine during this crisis.
  3. Donald Trump's actions might be seen as fortunate for some political strategies, despite the complicated circumstances.

Bust Sanctions Busters

Diane Francis • 619 implied HN points • 02 May 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Sanctions Foreign Policy Economic Policy Legislation International relations
  1. Russia is using loopholes to avoid sanctions, making it harder to punish their economy. The West needs to tighten these sanctions and go after those helping Russia evade them.
  2. The U.S. is starting to take action against foreign banks that help Russia, focusing on countries like China and Turkey. This is a step in the right direction, but more needs to be done.
  3. There is a push to confiscate $300 billion in Russian assets frozen after the invasion. Europe needs to come together to support these efforts to apply more pressure on Putin.

Will Trump’s Election Unleash Bibi?

Nonzero Newsletter • 327 implied HN points • 12 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Foreign Policy Middle East Political alliances Security
  1. Netanyahu is excited about Trump's re-election, hoping for a better relationship after past tensions. He believes this could strengthen the US-Israel alliance.
  2. There are concerns that Netanyahu might use Trump's win to escalate actions against Iran's nuclear program. Reports suggest he has plans for increased military action now that Trump is back in office.
  3. Israeli officials think Trump's administration will be more supportive than Biden's when it comes to military strategies, especially regarding Iran. They see a big difference in how each president handles Israel's goals.

Touting ceasefire in Lebanon, Biden shares “vision” for permanent US-Israeli aggression

Aaron Mate • 251 implied HN points • 27 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy Middle East Military conflict Diplomacy
  1. Biden announced a ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah, but it's believed to not really solve the ongoing conflict. Many think that the truce will just lead to more violence later.
  2. Biden's plan for peace in the Middle East seems to focus heavily on supporting Israel, while many are skeptical about the future for a Palestinian state. Many global leaders believe the US stance blocks real solutions.
  3. Despite claims of wanting peace, Biden's actions have often ended up supporting Israeli aggression and neglecting Palestinian rights. Critics argue this harms overall peace efforts in the region.

Netanyahu vs. the Diaspora

Diane Francis • 799 implied HN points • 04 Apr 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy Public Opinion Political Activism Government Policy International relations
  1. Netanyahu's government is facing backlash from Jewish communities worldwide due to its actions in Gaza, which are leading to rising anti-Semitism and a tarnished image of Israel.
  2. The Jewish diaspora feels disconnected from the Israeli government's decisions and wants a stronger voice in how Israel is run, especially regarding policies that impact human rights and inclusivity.
  3. Many Israelis are unhappy with Netanyahu's leadership, with calls for his resignation growing, and there is a sense that if changes don’t happen soon, it could threaten the essence of Zionism itself.

Saturday Commentary and Review #180

Fisted by Foucault • 199 implied HN points • 30 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Populism Elections Foreign Policy Social Issues Economic Policy
  1. Populism is on the rise due to many people feeling left behind by the system. This is especially true for the middle class, who are struggling to maintain their living standards amid economic changes.
  2. The failures of liberal democracy have led to a distrust of elites and institutions. Events like the 2008 financial crisis and the COVID-19 pandemic showed that many people's lives are worsening, making them more receptive to populist ideas.
  3. Some political movements have broken away from traditional left-right ideologies. In many cases, both sides have ignored the working class, which has opened the door for new political expressions and movements.

Are We Inching toward World War III?

Nonzero Newsletter • 395 implied HN points • 25 Oct 24
🌍 World Politics Conflict International relations Military Strategy Geopolitics Foreign Policy
  1. North Korean troops are now involved in the Ukraine war on Russia's side. This could increase tensions and lead to wider conflict if other countries respond.
  2. A new AI development allows chatbots to interact with computers like humans, but it's still not perfect. This could change how we use AI in everyday tasks.
  3. Kamala Harris is getting support from former congresswoman Liz Cheney, raising questions about her foreign policy direction. This might upset some progressive voters.

History Wins Out in the End

Phillips’s Newsletter • 90 implied HN points • 07 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Narrative Public Figures 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.

Chris Hedges at UCSB: To Kill a People

The Chris Hedges Report • 209 implied HN points • 23 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy Human Rights Geopolitics Civil Rights Military conflict
  1. The ongoing conflict in Gaza is described as a genocide, with severe violence leading to significant loss of life and displacement of many Palestinians. The situation creates a long-term cycle of vengeance and suffering.
  2. Historical patterns show that oppressive actions often create more enemies and escalate conflicts over time. Past U.S. military interventions have similarly resulted in ongoing cycles of violence.
  3. To address the injustices and violence in Gaza, a major shift is needed in U.S. policy, including halting military support for Israel. A collective moral stance is crucial to prevent complicity in ongoing atrocities.

Will US collect its $10 million bounty on former AQ leader in Syria?

Aaron Mate • 150 implied HN points • 18 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy Middle East Military Human Rights International relations
  1. The US has a $10 million bounty on a former Al Qaeda leader in Syria, raising questions about whether they will collect it. This situation highlights the troubles of the ongoing conflict in the region.
  2. Israel has faced criticism for denying Palestinians their right to self-determination and has been accused of causing a high civilian toll in its military actions in Gaza.
  3. There is debate around Iran's involvement in the Middle East, as some view it as a more reasonable actor compared to Israel, particularly regarding peace proposals that include a Palestinian state.

Trump & Hegseth Shock on Ukraine

John’s Substack • 11 implied HN points • 13 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Trump Ukraine Foreign Policy Defense Europe
  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.

Nyhetsbrev steigan.no 23.02.2025

steigan.no • 5 implied HN points • 23 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy Election interference Defense Policy Geopolitical Tensions Political Influence
  1. USAID and other countries have been involved in influencing elections in Moldova, raising concerns about foreign interference in democratic processes.
  2. There is skepticism about the reliability and readiness of the British military, with opinions suggesting it may not be equipped for extensive deployments in Ukraine.
  3. Geopolitical dynamics are shifting, and there are discussions about potential new alliances, especially between the U.S. and Russia, which could affect future international relations.

Did NATO provoke Russia's invasion of Ukraine?

Glenn’s Substack • 239 implied HN points • 28 Jun 24
🌍 World Politics International relations Conflict Studies Geopolitics Security Studies Foreign Policy
  1. NATO may have played a role in provoking Russia's invasion of Ukraine. This idea is supported by some evidence in discussions.
  2. The argument about NATO's involvement gets complicated because it can be mistaken for supporting Russia's actions. It's important to separate facts from opinions.
  3. Understanding these events requires looking at the facts without bias. People often mix up facts with the narratives they want to believe.

I have a question for those supporting Israel's actions (Revisited)

Philosophy bear • 221 implied HN points • 22 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy Public Opinion Human Rights Political Philosophy
  1. Many civilians in Gaza have been killed by Israeli bombings, raising moral questions about the actions taken. People are encouraged to think about how they would feel if similar actions were taken against their own citizens.
  2. The intentional killing of civilians in war is seen as wrong, and the idea of proportionality is important. If a military action causes more civilian deaths than it saves, it could be considered murder.
  3. The perception of value in lives matters; allowing harm to a larger group to save a smaller group is viewed as immoral. Ethically, states should not sacrifice innocent lives for their own interests.

A Rogue Reporter vs. The American Empire (w/ Matt Kennard) | The Chris Hedges Report

The Chris Hedges Report • 151 implied HN points • 05 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy Media Critique Imperialism Social movements Investigative Journalism
  1. The U.S. plays a large role in influencing foreign elections and governments, often undermining leaders who promote democratic socialism in favor of its own corporate interests. This has been seen in places like Bolivia.
  2. The media often fails to expose the darker side of U.S. foreign policies. Instead of revealing the truths about interventions and human rights violations, they uphold narratives that support the idea of the U.S. as a benevolent force.
  3. Zionism and the Israel lobby heavily influence political discourse, particularly around Palestine. Criticism of this influence has increased, leading many to reconsider their views on colonialism and imperialism.

They Call It Unconstitutional, But Don't Impeach

husseini • 1257 implied HN points • 17 Jan 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Constitution Impeachment Congress Foreign Policy War Powers
  1. Both Democrats and Republicans in Congress have called Biden's bombing of Yemen unconstitutional, but no one is pursuing impeachment.
  2. Impeachment is a significant legal remedy that can be used by Congress to address presidential actions that are unconstitutional.
  3. Even with just one member of Congress, introducing an impeachment resolution can have a significant impact on the conversation and uphold the rule of law.