The hottest Foreign Relations Substack posts right now

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Top U.S. Politics Topics

Somalia First? A closer look at Ilhan Omar and her political 'family business' in Mogadishu

The Dossier • 3400 implied HN points • 01 Feb 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government Foreign Relations Elections National Security Corruption
  1. Ilhan Omar aligns with a puppet regime in Mogadishu that sold out Somalia to foreign powers.
  2. Omar has close ties to Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, considered by many to be illegitimate.
  3. Omar's first husband, the father of her children, is a senior adviser to the president of Somalia.

How will the US political upheaval influence the Ukraine War?

Glenn’s Substack • 379 implied HN points • 27 Jul 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Policy Foreign Relations Political parties Governance
  1. Kamala Harris is expected to continue Joe Biden's foreign policies, even though she has less experience in this area. This means the current strategy in Ukraine might not change much.
  2. If Trump were to win, he might push for quicker peace talks regarding Ukraine. His focus is on getting allies to pay for protection and recognizing the costs of the ongoing conflict.
  3. The outcome of the U.S. political situation could impact how the Ukraine war is managed. Both sides may have different approaches that could lead to either continued conflict or negotiations.

Fortress Democracy

Diane Francis • 879 implied HN points • 10 Jun 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Relations Military Aid Geopolitics Elections
  1. The 80th anniversary of D-Day shifted global relations, with a strong focus on supporting Ukraine against Russia.
  2. Biden apologized to Ukraine for military aid delays, highlighting America’s commitment to their defense.
  3. Upcoming G7 and NATO meetings may lead to significant actions like seizing Russian assets and increasing security guarantees for Ukraine.
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The Next Million Fentanyl Deaths are on You, New Hampshire

Unsafe • 2594 implied HN points • 17 Jan 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Drug policy Foreign Relations Immigration Public Health
  1. Fentanyl crisis misdirected blame towards China instead of addressing real sources like Mexico.
  2. International efforts have reduced China's involvement in fentanyl trade, but the issue persists from other countries like India.
  3. Blaming China for fentanyl deaths deflects focus from tackling problems closer to home, like Mexican cartel activities.

How Stupid Do They Think We Are?

startupdreams • 317 implied HN points • 11 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government Defense Media Public Opinion Foreign Relations
  1. There are reports of drones flying over New Jersey, and Congress is concerned, but no one knows what they are. It seems surprising that such mysterious drones could evade radar and air defenses.
  2. A Congressman claimed that these drones might be launched from an Iranian 'mothership,' which seems hard to believe. It raises questions about the technology and motives behind this claim.
  3. Many people feel skeptical and frustrated by the government's explanations, suggesting this situation resembles previous misleading claims that led to unnecessary conflicts.

Biden’s Commerce Sec. Says She’s Reluctant to Ban China’s TikTok Because Democrats Would ‘Lose Every Voter Under 35 Forever’.

Raheem Kassam's Substack • 3636 implied HN points • 09 Mar 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics National Security Foreign Relations Youth culture Technology
  1. Biden's Commerce Secretary is hesitant to ban China's TikTok to avoid losing young voters
  2. TikTok, owned by ByteDance backed by China, is a national security concern
  3. There may be impending restrictions on TikTok and similar apps due to foreign ownership and data practices

Jake Sullivan’s Iranian Swirly

Erick Erickson's Confessions of a Political Junkie • 2278 implied HN points • 18 Jan 24
🌍 World Politics Middle East Terrorism Foreign Relations Diplomacy Conflict resolution
  1. Yemen's unification posed a threat to Iran due to close ties with the US and Saudi Arabia.
  2. The Biden Administration reversed the terrorist designation for the Houthi, leading to increased attacks and conflicts.
  3. Weak responses from the Biden Administration to Iran's aggressions signal American weakness.

Weekend Update #110: Ukraine and the Degradation of Russian Power

Phillips’s Newsletter • 248 implied HN points • 08 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Relations Military Strategy Political Analysis Geopolitics Media Critique
  1. Russian claims of major gains in Ukraine are misleading. They've taken tiny areas compared to the vast size of Ukraine, while suffering heavy losses.
  2. The situation in Syria shows that Russia is struggling and can't maintain its influence there. This failure reflects their weakened power since the war in Ukraine began.
  3. The narrative of an imminent Ukrainian collapse is not supported by facts. It’s important to look at the bigger picture instead of believing sensational reports.

How China-Bashing Fuels the Fentanyl Crisis

Nonzero Newsletter • 496 implied HN points • 22 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Drug policy Political Rhetoric Public Health Foreign Relations Elections
  1. Fentanyl is causing a huge problem in the U.S., killing more people than several wars combined. It affects many lives, from kids to adults, and costs the economy a lot of money.
  2. China used to be the main source of fentanyl in the U.S., but after 2019, their role changed. Now, Mexican drug cartels make the drug using chemicals from China.
  3. Politicians are blaming China to gain votes, but the reality is more complex. A better understanding of the crisis is needed to solve it, rather than just pointing fingers at another country.

After Ukraine, US readies 'transnational kill chain' for Taiwan proxy war

Geopolitical Economy Report • 1076 implied HN points • 02 Mar 24
🌍 World Politics Military Geopolitics Warfare Foreign Relations
  1. The US approved the sale of the Link 16 system to Taiwan as a key step in completing a 'transnational coalition kill chain' against China for potential war.
  2. Link 16 system enables coordination between various military platforms and forces, including sea, air, land, nuclear bombers, fighters, satellites, and more, positioning Taiwan as a critical link in the potential war offensive against China.
  3. US's preparations for war involve dispersed, network-centric warfare strategies focused on surrounding China with allies, further facilitated by military sales like Link 16, indicating a push towards a multifront war approach.

Samuel Charap's "Peace" Plan for Putin

Phillips’s Newsletter • 126 implied HN points • 28 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Policy Making Foreign Relations Political Analysis Conflict resolution
  1. Samuel Charap's peace plan favors Russia and doesn't meet Ukraine's main goals. This makes it controversial and not well-received.
  2. Many people who opposed arming Ukraine have been influential in shaping U.S. policy, even though their views are now seen as harmful.
  3. Access to important decision-makers in Washington is key for getting ideas heard, and Charap has had that access despite his past positions against supporting Ukraine.

Why Bret Weinstein should stick to studying tent-making bats rather than discussing political developments in Panama

Through A Glass Darkly • 1238 implied HN points • 10 Feb 24
🌍 World Politics Geopolitics Foreign Relations Global Development
  1. President Putin emphasizes the importance of adapting to a changing world, especially in relation to China's growing economy and global influence.
  2. Bret Weinstein's discussion on political developments in Panama lacks substantial evidence and overlooks historical context of American influence in the region.
  3. President Putin expresses concerns over the US using brute force tactics like sanctions and military actions, highlighting the need for a more cooperative approach in international relations.

Tower 22's White Swan

CDR Salamander • 1297 implied HN points • 29 Jan 24
🌍 World Politics Iran Middle East Military Foreign Relations Conflict resolution
  1. Iranian proxies conducted a successful attack at 'Tower 22' base in NE Jordan near the borders of Jordan, Iraq, and Syria.
  2. Over 170 attacks on US forces in the area by Iranian proxies have occurred, leading to casualties and injuries.
  3. There is a need for a strategic response to deter Iranian proxies and prevent escalation in the region.

Russia's Republicans

Diane Francis • 999 implied HN points • 29 Feb 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political parties Foreign Relations Legislation Political alliances Election Campaigns
  1. The Republican Party is seen as a major supporter of Putin in the conflict with Ukraine. Some members oppose military aid just to oppose President Biden.
  2. House Speaker Mike Johnson has blocked a significant foreign aid bill while having past campaign ties to Russian donors. This raises concerns about his motivations.
  3. Experts warn that stopping aid to Ukraine effectively helps Putin in his war efforts. It's important to consider how political actions impact global conflicts.

joe biden can beat trump

Airplane Mode with Liz Plank • 1159 implied HN points • 09 Feb 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Election Presidency Candidates Democracy Foreign Relations
  1. There are concerns about Biden's memory and cognitive function affecting his potential reelection campaign.
  2. Biden could prevent Trump's second term by stepping down and allowing new Democratic candidates to enter the race.
  3. Allowing a different candidate to replace Biden could address challenges like lack of enthusiasm among voters and the threat of a second Trump presidency.

They're Really Going To Try To Lay All The Blame For Gaza On Netanyahu

Caitlin’s Newsletter • 1816 implied HN points • 17 Mar 24
🌍 World Politics Israel-Palestine conflict Media Manipulation Foreign Relations Genocide Human Rights
  1. Blaming all of Gaza's issues on Netanyahu might be a way to avoid necessary changes.
  2. Critics argue that blaming Netanyahu alone overlooks the larger network of powerful entities involved in the Gaza situation.
  3. Increased online education is helping people see through biased narratives and support causes like Palestine.

Who Does Europe Call If It Wants to Talk to the United States?

Drezner’s World • 943 implied HN points • 06 Feb 24
🌍 World Politics Foreign Relations Diplomacy International Aid Global Alliances
  1. Europe faced challenges in making foreign policy decisions due to internal disagreements, but eventually reached an agreement by employing strong tactics.
  2. The European Union managed to secure financial support for Ukraine despite obstacles from Hungary by applying pressure and using negotiation strategies effectively.
  3. The United States encountered difficulties in passing aid packages for Ukraine as negotiations were linked to immigration policies, ultimately leading to a stalled process and uncertain outcomes.

BIWEEKLY BRIEFLY NOTED: For 2024-12-14 Sa

Brad DeLong's Grasping Reality • 92 implied HN points • 14 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Economic Policy Healthcare policy Social Policy Foreign Relations
  1. Economic growth in the G-5 has faced challenges due to policy choices, like the Reagan deficits and insufficient public investment. These choices have slowed growth compared to earlier times.
  2. ObamaCare has effectively controlled entitlement spending, shifting the focus to new financial issues. It's become clear that previous crises have changed over time.
  3. Wages for non-managerial workers have started to rise compared to managerial workers. This shift shows a significant change in the workforce that isn't just due to technology but reflects broader social dynamics.

Commentator

Castalia • 359 implied HN points • 06 May 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Protests Elections Political parties Foreign Relations Social movements
  1. There's a growing divide within the Democratic Party between liberals and progressives, especially around the Israel/Palestine conflict. This split is becoming more visible as protests on campuses reflect differing worldviews.
  2. Protests are showing strong anti-Israel sentiments and are affecting US politics. These movements could add unexpected pressure on the current administration, similar to how unrest shaped past elections.
  3. Internationally, the situation in the Sahel is worsening as countries there are turning away from US partnerships and looking to Russia for support. This reflects a larger shift in global power dynamics.

Trump's cabinet is Israel First

Aaron Mate • 153 implied HN points • 15 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Policy Foreign Relations Political Commentary Government
  1. Trump's cabinet focuses heavily on supporting Israel. This shows a strong alignment with Israeli interests rather than American ones.
  2. Critics argue that Trump’s claim of 'America First' is misleading because many of his policies prioritize Israel.
  3. The recent political outcomes suggest that Democrats have not learned from their past mistakes, leading to continued losses.

Lets All Blame Ukraine: The Whitewash Gets Nasty

Phillips’s Newsletter • 115 implied HN points • 29 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Debate Military Aid Foreign Relations Government Accountability Public Perception
  1. People in Washington are trying to cover up their failures regarding Ukraine. They are shifting the blame instead of taking responsibility.
  2. Ukraine is facing problems because it doesn't want to risk its future by sending more soldiers into a tough war.
  3. The argument has turned nasty, as some are blaming Ukraine for being cautious, even when they are the ones suffering heavy losses.

The myth of the Jewish Lobby

Yasha Levine • 668 implied HN points • 24 Jan 24
🌍 World Politics Foreign Relations Nationalism Imperialism Propaganda International Conflicts
  1. The United States has historically supported specific ethnic and cultural groups to project its power abroad.
  2. The American Empire weaponized immigrant populations, using their nationalist identities to destabilize enemy states.
  3. Support for Israel is not solely due to the Jewish Lobby, but aligns with the interests of the imperial consensus.

Narrative and reality in Trump 47

Gray Mirror • 157 implied HN points • 07 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Administration Policy Foreign Relations Political Narrative
  1. The differences in voter expectations between Trump 45 and Trump 47 show that people anticipate more from the new Trump administration, but they may not truly understand how the political system works.
  2. The reality of governance is complicated, and despite Trump being elected to shake things up, the existing structures and factions in Washington make it hard for any significant change to happen.
  3. Trump's ability to lead effectively is limited by the public's willingness to fully support him, meaning that voters need to trust him more to enable real progress in government.

The United States should decouple it’s West Africa policy from France

An Africanist Perspective • 1128 implied HN points • 19 Aug 23
🌍 World Politics Geopolitics Foreign Relations Diplomacy
  1. Decoupling the United States' West Africa policy from France could benefit both sides by strengthening relations and providing mutual economic and geopolitical advantages.
  2. The rise in anti-French sentiment in Africa could lead to a wider anti-West sentiment, potentially impacting America's standing in the region and relationships with individual African countries.
  3. Public opinion in African states is becoming increasingly important in shaping foreign policy decisions, highlighting the need for major global powers to have capable allies and engage meaningfully with the region.

Wang Yi in DC; More videos of US-China military close encounters; PRC vetoes UN resolution; Patriotic education law

Sinocism • 982 implied HN points • 26 Oct 23
🌍 World Politics US-China Relations Foreign Relations National Security
  1. Expectations low for breakthrough in US-China relations during Wang Yi's visit to DC
  2. Both US and PRC releasing videos of close military encounters, raising tensions
  3. PRC vetoing UN resolution on Palestinian question and implementing a new Patriotic Education Law

Xi proposes a "Global Civilization Initiative"; PBoC; Missing bond data; Guo Wengui

Sinocism • 1022 implied HN points • 15 Mar 23
🌍 World Politics Economic data Foreign Relations Global Cooperation
  1. Xi proposes the Global Civilization Initiative focused on respecting diversity, advocating common values, valuing civilization inheritance and innovation, and strengthening international cultural exchange.
  2. The US Summit for Democracy is sparking controversy with accusations of destabilizing the world through democracy promotion efforts.
  3. Economic data for January-February is showing a moderate Covid exit rebound, not as strong as anticipated.

A Tale of Two 4-Stars

CDR Salamander • 982 implied HN points • 03 Apr 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Military Foreign Relations Leadership Strategic Planning National Security
  1. The People's Republic of China is strategically moving to become the premier world power.
  2. Admiral Charles A. Richard provides a fact-based, direct analysis of China's military capabilities and suggests proper responses.
  3. General Mark Milley's approach to discussing China's rise lacks clear analysis and consistency compared to Admiral Richard.

How America Can Use Sports Diplomacy to Promote Human Rights in the Gulf

The Liberal Patriot • 511 implied HN points • 16 Jan 24
🌍 World Politics Sports Human Rights Diplomacy Foreign Relations International cooperation
  1. Human rights in Gulf states shouldn't just be criticized, but strategically approached through sports diplomacy.
  2. The US should strengthen its ties between sports diplomacy and human rights to promote liberal values.
  3. Encouraging human rights through sports in Gulf countries can lead to substantive change and advancements in the region.

a Based and Brave reply to Chris Rufo

Karlstack • 390 implied HN points • 23 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Identity politics Foreign Relations Political Discourse Censorship
  1. Some people believe there's a serious issue in American politics, especially regarding foreign influence and how it conflicts with the country's interests.
  2. There's a conversation about how identity politics can shape responses to conflicts, but this can ignore the real suffering of people on the ground.
  3. Criticism of certain narratives can lead to consequences for individuals, showing a tension between free speech and the protection of specific communities.