The hottest Foreign Policy Substack posts right now

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A Proof / New York Times Conversation on Trump’s Second-Term Foreign Policy and the State of Global Security Post-Biden

Proof • 31 implied HN points • 18 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy Global Security Media Analysis Trump administration Biden administration
  1. Independent media is gaining popularity as people seek diverse information sources. Many are turning away from traditional corporate news outlets.
  2. The conversation focuses on former President Trump's potential foreign policy in a second term. It explores how global security may be affected after Biden's presidency.
  3. Understanding different viewpoints is important in discussing political matters. This discussion includes insights from various experts and journalists.

A Little Bit of Everything

Fisted by Foucault • 180 implied HN points • 26 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy Elections International relations War Crimes Political strategy Populism
  1. The US is seeing some major changes in its foreign policy due to a new incoming administration, which could complicate the situation in Ukraine. This transition may affect how the US interacts with Russia and its allies.
  2. Recent arrest warrants by the ICC for world leaders, including Israel's Prime Minister, have raised questions about the fairness of international justice and America's role in it. This has made the US look hypocritical to other countries.
  3. Germany's economy is struggling, with job cuts and company shutdowns indicating a larger issue. Many Germans feel their country isn't what it used to be, leading to potential shifts in political support.

New Orleans is America

The J. Burden Show • 1218 implied HN points • 18 Jan 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Crime Leadership Foreign Policy Corruption Justice
  1. New Orleans is described as a city with a mix of beauty, dysfunction, and high crime rates, showcasing both its allure and challenges.
  2. The post discusses the city's leadership issues, particularly critiquing the mayor and suggesting the need for a strong leader who can tackle crime and corruption.
  3. There is a call for a transformative leader, likened to a Caesar figure, who can address law enforcement, foreign policy, and societal issues with a tough but just approach.

Biden and Netanyahu’s endless war for US-Israeli supremacy

Aaron Mate • 392 implied HN points • 13 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy Middle East Military Strategy International relations Political alliances
  1. The US and Israeli governments are working together to maintain their power in the Middle East. They support actions that weaken groups like Hezbollah and Iran to keep control.
  2. Recent conflicts, like the violence in Gaza and Lebanon, are being used by Israel to push forward aggressive policies. The US backs Israel's military actions, seeing it as a way to reshape the region.
  3. There are signs of internal disagreement within the US government about the strategy in the Middle East. Some officials worry that the current approach could lead to more overall conflict.
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What Happened to the Black-Jewish Alliance?

Glenn Loury • 1666 implied HN points • 17 Dec 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Race relations Historical Analysis Foreign Policy Nationalism Political Ideologies
  1. Black-Jewish alliance started strong but faced challenges over time, especially with disagreements over issues like affirmative action and Israel-Palestine.
  2. Historical tensions between Blacks and Jews stemmed from economic factors and differences in experiences of discrimination.
  3. Racially preferential policies, like affirmative action, deepened enmity between Black and Jewish communities by bringing to light symbolic and ideological differences.

January 27, 2025

Letters from an American • 22 implied HN points • 28 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Immigration Trade Foreign Policy National Security Political Conflict
  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.

Document: Pentagon Knew Weapons Shipments for the Failed Ukraine "Counter-Offensive" Were a Logistical Disaster

Michael Tracey • 130 implied HN points • 17 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government Military Foreign Policy Logistics
  1. The Pentagon was aware that the weapons shipments for Ukraine's counter-offensive had serious logistical problems before it started. This means they knew it would be hard to get supplies to the troops in time.
  2. It cost the U.S. government an extra $1.6 million because of delays in delivering ammunition. This situation arose primarily due to issues with rail service, which made it harder to transport weapons quickly.
  3. The public and lawmakers didn't know about these problems until much later despite the military's push for the counter-offensive. This lack of transparency affects how people view the U.S.'s role and decisions in the conflict.

Europe's 2024 Resolution

Diane Francis • 1199 implied HN points • 15 Jan 24
🌍 World Politics Geopolitics International relations Military Affairs Foreign Policy Defense Strategy
  1. Europe is realizing the serious threat Russia poses, leading to stronger military support for Ukraine. Countries like Germany and the UK are stepping up with more weapons and defenses.
  2. Despite heavy losses, Ukraine is making gains and has the support of its allies. They believe that if they keep fighting, they can defeat Russia and reclaim their land.
  3. There's growing unity among European nations, and many are considering tough measures like seizing Russian assets to help Ukraine. Leaders are optimistic about ultimate victory against Russia's aggression.

Tulsi Gabbard Holds the Knife

Thinking about... • 641 implied HN points • 07 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics National Security Intelligence Disinformation Foreign Policy Political critique
  1. Tulsi Gabbard is seen as unqualified to lead U.S. intelligence due to her past support for controversial regimes and spreading false information.
  2. Her actions, including justifying violence against civilians and promoting propaganda, raise concerns about her intentions and reliability.
  3. If she were to lead national intelligence, it could put U.S. safety at risk and harm relationships with allies.

Israel’s War on Journalism

The Chris Hedges Report • 282 implied HN points • 25 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Censorship Foreign Policy Journalism Ethics Human Rights
  1. Journalists in Gaza face extreme danger, with many being targeted and killed. This has led to a significant decline in press freedom in the region.
  2. Foreign reporters in Israel are often controlled by the military and may not report the true situation on the ground in Gaza. This creates a misleading narrative around the conflict.
  3. The actions of the Israeli government against journalists threaten global press freedom. It sends a message that those revealing the truth about war can be silenced or harmed.

Nyhetsbrev steigan.no 17.02.2025

steigan.no • 9 implied HN points • 17 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy Elections Legislation Public Opinion Media bias
  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.

Israel Assassination Backfires (and Other Mideast Updates)

Nonzero Newsletter • 384 implied HN points • 11 Oct 24
🌍 World Politics Middle East International relations Conflict analysis Foreign Policy Political Leadership
  1. Israel's assassination of a Hamas leader led to a more radical leadership taking over, resulting in a rise in suicide attacks against Israel again.
  2. Kamala Harris called Iran the biggest threat to the U.S., which some experts worry could lead to more conflict between the U.S. and Iran.
  3. Geoffrey Hinton, known as the 'Godfather of AI,' recently won a Nobel Prize for his work in AI, highlighting concerns about uncontrolled AI development.

Nation Building is Back!

Nonzero Newsletter • 304 implied HN points • 29 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy Regime Change Military Strategy Middle East Political Rhetoric
  1. The U.S. is returning to a nation-building approach in the Middle East, especially after the recent conflict involving Israel and Hamas. They seem more focused on changing regimes and rebuilding countries than in the past.
  2. Policymakers now view Israel’s actions as an opportunity to reshape the political landscape in the Middle East, similar to the mindset seen during the early 2000s. This brings back memories of previous military interventions.
  3. Rhetoric around recent events has intensified, framing them similarly to significant past tragedies. Leaders are using strong comparisons, which fuels a renewed push for military and political actions in the region.

US kills 4th UN call for peace in Gaza, helping Israel violate Hague's genocide ruling

Geopolitical Economy Report • 877 implied HN points • 22 Feb 24
🌍 World Politics Peace Genocide Weapons Atrocities Foreign Policy
  1. The US repeatedly vetoed UN Security Council resolutions calling for peace in Gaza, hindering efforts for a ceasefire and supporting Israel's actions.
  2. Despite an ICJ ruling in January ordering Israel to stop killing Palestinians, Israel has continued its deadly attacks on Gaza, with the US aiding by sending weapons.
  3. The war on Gaza by Israel has caused a devastating humanitarian crisis, with tens of thousands of Palestinians killed or injured, and international bodies like the EU criticizing the violence.

REVIEW: Curtis Ellis's Posthumous 'Pandemonium' Book is a Must Read for Chinese Communist Party Skeptics.

Raheem Kassam's Substack • 1985 implied HN points • 03 Mar 23
🌍 World Politics Global Strategy Foreign Policy Politicians Economic Impact
  1. Curtis Ellis's posthumous book 'Pandemonium' is essential for understanding the Chinese Communist Party.
  2. The book blames America's foreign policy for its relationship with the CCP.
  3. It sheds light on how the CCP manipulates its targets into unwittingly supporting its agenda.

Nobody Who Gets Gaza Wrong Is Worth Listening To

Caitlin’s Newsletter • 2048 implied HN points • 19 Feb 24
🌍 World Politics Israel-Palestine Media Manipulation Imperialism Foreign Policy
  1. Understanding the complexities of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict is fundamental, and ignoring the clear atrocities in Gaza is unacceptable.
  2. Gaza serves as a pivotal point for awakening anti-imperialist sentiments, leading to greater questioning of Western foreign policies and propaganda.
  3. Challenging mainstream narratives and seeking diverse information sources are crucial to avoid falling into manipulated consent for unethical actions by those in power.

What Books Are Really Getting Banned?

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 2323 implied HN points • 18 Jan 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Education Presidential Race Foreign Policy Pandemic response
  1. Investigation found that the issue is not banned books but limited exposure to diverse opinions, especially in school libraries.
  2. Political dynamics in Iowa show low Republican turnouts and endorsements, hinting at an emerging trend in the upcoming elections.
  3. Heartbreaking letter from an Israeli reflects the ongoing trauma and desperate plea for the return of hostages, shedding light on the human cost of conflict.

It's World War III

Diane Francis • 1678 implied HN points • 06 Nov 23
🌍 World Politics Geopolitics Conflict Diplomacy Security Foreign Policy
  1. The conflicts in Israel and Ukraine are seen as part of a larger world war driven by Russia. Putin's actions are creating unrest globally, not just in those regions.
  2. Russia uses various tactics, including hybrid warfare, to destabilize nations and influence events. This includes supporting groups like Hamas and using misinformation.
  3. A unified global response is necessary to counter Russia's influence. Without international cooperation, the ongoing conflicts and instability will persist.

On Palestine And The Worthlessness Of The Western Liberal

Caitlin’s Newsletter • 1862 implied HN points • 03 Mar 24
🌍 World Politics Israel-Palestine conflict Human Rights Foreign Policy
  1. Opposition to Israel's actions in Gaza is often paired with support for Israel's right to exist, despite its genocidal history.
  2. The idea of a Jewish ethnostate in historic Palestine without tyranny and abuse is contradictory; it would require a complete overhaul of Israel's systems.
  3. Many liberals want to maintain the status quo with a facade of justice, but lack a real push for actual change on various issues.

Oscar Winners Who Don't Speak Out On Gaza This Weekend Will Be Complicit In Genocide

Caitlin’s Newsletter • 1792 implied HN points • 07 Mar 24
🌍 World Politics Genocide Imperialism Israel Foreign Policy
  1. Every Hollywood celebrity should use their platform to condemn their government's actions, especially in cases of genocide.
  2. Supporting an active genocide should not be a political party's mainstream position; such parties should not exist.
  3. Trying to change mainstream political parties from within often results in individuals being changed by the party's corrupt objectives, rather than the party being reformed.

Putin as the Patron Saint of Right Wing Misanthropy

Richard Hanania's Newsletter • 3072 implied HN points • 16 Feb 24
🌍 World Politics Russia Conservatism Democracy Foreign Policy
  1. Hatred of America in right-wing circles can sometimes reflect a deeper misanthropy that values different societal aspects than standard measurements of success.
  2. The anti-American right's hostility to democracy and liberalism can stem from a disdain for what most people desire and choose.
  3. Some in the conservative movement prioritize a pro-Putin stance over rational arguments against America's Ukraine policy, complicating efforts for peace and strategic negotiation.

Trying to Make Sense of Trump's Foreign Policy

John’s Substack • 9 implied HN points • 13 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy Trump administration Global Affairs U.S. Relations Conflict analysis
  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.

New(ish) Books

Castalia • 419 implied HN points • 27 Apr 24
📚 Literature Book Reviews Non-fiction Cultural critique Psychology Foreign Policy
  1. The Biden administration faced tough challenges early on, especially with issues like the withdrawal from Afghanistan. This decision had big consequences, as it hinted at U.S. weaknesses that adversaries like Putin could sense.
  2. There’s a concerning rise in anxiety and depression among kids today, largely due to smartphones and social media. These tools have changed how children grow and interact with the world around them.
  3. Haidt suggests that to help kids, we should limit their access to smartphones and social media. But it seems hard to implement these changes in today's digital age, as technology has fundamentally reshaped our lives.

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 Middle East Political Analysis Geopolitics
  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.

Manifest Destiny Returns

Alex Danco's Newsletter • 252 implied HN points • 08 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Presidency Foreign Policy National Security Trade policy Historical context
  1. American Exceptionalism means the U.S. sees its values as universal and acts with a moral purpose in the world. This belief makes it different from other nations that focus mainly on national interests.
  2. The idea of Manifest Destiny allowed America to expand its influence without feeling guilty about using power, framing it as if it were a domestic issue. This helps to justify aggressive policies while maintaining a sense of moral superiority.
  3. Recent tariffs on neighboring countries are seen as a strategy to strengthen America's negotiation power and unify its goals domestically. It treats trade policies as matters of national authority, boosting support from Americans who want to see stronger actions taken.

The Normies Will Save the World

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 1738 implied HN points • 21 Feb 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy Policies Politicians Voters
  1. Some prominent figures in American politics seem to show more support for tyrants and terrorists than for democracy.
  2. Most Americans are invested in and personally consider conflicts like the Israel-Hamas war, the Ukraine-Russia war, and tensions between China and Taiwan as important to U.S. national interests.
  3. The majority of Americans hold strong views against Chinese communism, Russian dictatorship, and Islamist terrorism, supporting the notion that America and the West are forces for good.

Seeking long war in Ukraine, Biden approves long-range strikes into Russia

Aaron Mate • 186 implied HN points • 18 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy Military Strategy International relations
  1. Biden has allowed Ukraine to use long-range missiles, even though he was worried about it before. This decision marks a big step in the ongoing conflict with Russia.
  2. Biden has privately expressed concerns that Ukrainian President Zelensky is asking for too much military support, fearing it could escalate to a larger war.
  3. With Trump set to take over soon, Biden seems to be making these choices to solidify his stance on the Ukraine situation before leaving office.

Weekend Update #108: Ukrainian Ranged Strike is Authorized--But so far is Limited.

Phillips’s Newsletter • 167 implied HN points • 24 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy Military Aid Nuclear Threats International relations Conflict analysis
  1. Ukraine can now use US weapons for long-range strikes against Russian military targets, but there are strict limits on how they can be used. They have very few missiles available, which could limit their effectiveness in the ongoing war.
  2. Putin has reacted strongly to these developments, claiming he might escalate the conflict and use nuclear weapons. However, experts believe he is unlikely to act against NATO because it could further harm Russia's position in the war.
  3. The US is sending anti-personnel land mines to Ukraine, a controversial decision given their historical dangers to civilians. This move shows how the changing nature of warfare has made these weapons seem more necessary.

The Israel Lobby's Awesome Power

John’s Substack • 7 implied HN points • 14 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Lobbying Foreign Policy Middle East Political Influence
  1. The Israel lobby has a significant impact on US policy in the Middle East, often prioritizing Israeli interests over American ones.
  2. President Trump's plans for Gaza have been criticized as morally wrong and potentially harmful.
  3. The Trump administration is also making bold moves to settle conflicts in Ukraine and reduce US involvement in Europe.

Next for Ukraine

Diane Francis • 1179 implied HN points • 11 Dec 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy Military Aid Democracy Legislation Geopolitics
  1. Ukraine is facing challenges in getting the military aid it needs as political obstacles grow in both the U.S. and Europe. Leaders are rushing to resolve these issues since aid is crucial for Ukraine's defense.
  2. There are fears that without adequate support, Ukraine could experience severe consequences, including more refugees and a potential military collapse. Historical experts are worried about the broader impact on global stability.
  3. Despite political delays, some military aid is still being provided to Ukraine. The Ukrainian leaders remain determined to continue fighting for their country and not to give up any territory.

Democrats Are Demented Genocidal War Sluts

Caitlin’s Newsletter • 1811 implied HN points • 01 Feb 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy Political Figures Humanitarian Issues Military Action Genocide
  1. President Biden is reportedly preparing for a bombing campaign in the Middle East in retaliation for a drone attack, potentially escalating to a full-blown war with Iran.
  2. The warmongering policies of the current US president involve initiating a bombing campaign in Yemen and supporting a genocide in Gaza.
  3. The behavior of Democratic Party leaders, including Nancy Pelosi, raises concerns about their support for war and genocide, despite portraying themselves as responsible humanitarians.

Why Bidenism Failed

JoeWrote • 44 implied HN points • 14 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Domestic Policy Foreign Policy Elections Social Issues Labor Rights
  1. Biden promised that nothing would fundamentally change, which led to many Americans feeling that he didn't deliver the change they wanted. They were looking for something different from the status quo.
  2. Biden did have some successes, like creating jobs through the American Rescue Plan and appointing Lina Khan for antitrust actions. These moves showed a connection to progressive values but were seen as not enough.
  3. His foreign policy, especially regarding Israel, upset many people and overshadowed his domestic achievements. This led to frustrations that contributed to the Democratic party's losses in elections.

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 Media Criticism Political Commentary Social justice Foreign Policy Cultural analysis
  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.