The hottest Foreign Relations Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
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Top U.S. Politics Topics

The frenzy to ban TikTok is another National Security State scam

Michael Tracey • 101 implied HN points • 15 Mar 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics National Security Legislation Geopolitics Civil Liberties Foreign Relations Legislation National Security Foreign Relations Social media Privacy
  1. The rush to ban TikTok by the National Security State was orchestrated quietly and with limited public exposure, showing a deliberate avoidance of public scrutiny.
  2. The push to ban TikTok largely centered around concerns about its alleged promotion of anti-Semitism and sympathy for Hamas, particularly during the Israel/Gaza conflict.
  3. The legislative bill to ban TikTok gained support from influential figures who highlighted the platform's perceived role in spreading anti-Semitic content and aligning with foreign adversaries, despite criticisms and objections against the bill.

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

A simple test to determine whether you have truly lost your mind (and assess the extent of the reversible damage)

Beck of the Pack • 176 implied HN points • 10 Feb 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Media Government Elections Foreign Relations Corruption
  1. The article discusses the importance of being critical of mainstream media and not allowing oneself to be swayed by false narratives.
  2. There is a focus on recognizing the questionable actions and behaviors of powerful individuals, such as politicians and media personalities.
  3. The writer emphasizes the need for readers to stay informed, question information sources, and be aware of potential brainwashing tactics that can influence perceptions.

The Man Leading the Charge Against TikTok

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 74 implied HN points • 13 Mar 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Legislation Bipartisanship Foreign Relations Social media Election Influence
  1. The House of Representatives is expected to vote on legislation that would force the Chinese tech company ByteDance to sell TikTok or face a ban in the United States.
  2. Trump and Biden stand on opposite sides of the TikTok issue now, with Trump opposing the forced sale while Biden supports it.
  3. The main concern behind the bill to sell TikTok is the fear of foreign adversary control, specifically by the Chinese Communist Party, impacting news, data, and election integrity in the U.S.
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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.

What's a prez to do? Polk and Mexico

A User's Guide to History • 275 implied HN points • 09 Jan 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics History Government Foreign Relations Military
  1. James Polk was a president focused on territorial expansion and was successful in acquiring Texas and Oregon from Mexico.
  2. Polk used strategic military maneuvers to provoke Mexico into a war, ultimately leading to the acquisition of California and New Mexico.
  3. The Mexican-American War, despite facing criticism for its motives, resulted in significant territorial gains for the United States.

Biden sacrifices American troops, and Mideast security, for US-Israeli hegemony

Aaron Mate • 187 implied HN points • 29 Jan 24
🌍 World Politics Middle East Foreign Relations
  1. Biden's actions may be prioritizing US-Israeli interests over American troops and Middle East security
  2. Three US troops were killed on the Jordan-Syria border, possibly signaling an escalation of Middle East aggression
  3. The article by Aaron Maté discusses Biden's decisions and implications for American troops and Middle East security

Germany opens citizenship to 1.5 million Turkish immigrants, then gets the vapours when Recep Erdoğan's "right-populist" and "authoritarian" AK Party reveals plans to establish a German offshoot

eugyppius: a plague chronicle • 179 implied HN points • 30 Jan 24
🌍 World Politics Foreign Relations Migration Nationalism Democracy Human Rights
  1. Germany opened citizenship to 1.5 million Turkish immigrants, leading to concerns about the establishment of a German offshoot of Recep Erdoğan's AK Party
  2. The AK Party offshoot plans to fight for open borders and better social entitlements for people with foreign roots in Europe
  3. There is worry among German officials about the anti-democratic threats posed by the AK Party offshoot and the influence it may have on German politics

China deepens ties with Venezuela, challenging US 'hegemonic mindset'

Geopolitical Economy Report • 837 implied HN points • 16 Sep 23
🌍 World Politics Diplomacy Foreign Relations International Organizations Geopolitics Global Economy
  1. China and Venezuela have deepened their strategic partnership, challenging the hegemonic mindset and sanctions imposed by the US.
  2. Venezuela has significant economic potential due to its vast oil and gas reserves, attracting interest from China as a reliable energy partner.
  3. The growing alliance between Venezuela and China symbolizes a shift towards South-South cooperation, emphasizing mutual development and multipolarity in today's global landscape.

"Trump's Alarming Rhetoric: A Gift to Putin"

Unmasking Russia • 137 implied HN points • 12 Feb 24
🌍 World Politics Foreign Relations Security Alliances NATO Russia
  1. Trump's alarming rhetoric towards NATO raises concerns about the future of transatlantic security if he were to win the election.
  2. The need to address foreign interference in democratic institutions becomes urgent with Trump's willingness to align with Putin and seek assistance in the upcoming election.
  3. Trump's criticism of allies and questioning of NATO's value highlight the uncertainty of U.S. foreign policy and its implications for international stability.

BREAKING NEWS: Trump, Zuckerberg, Musk, Greenberg, Yass, TikTok—Dozens of Far-Flung Narratives Are Suddenly Coming Together As Trump Seeks a New Surety Bond to Avoid Ruin

Proof • 57 implied HN points • 15 Mar 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Election Legal case Foreign Relations
  1. Trump is seeking a new surety bond to avoid financial ruin, with a focus on securing a larger bond to replace the current deal with Greenberg's Chubb.
  2. There are intersecting narratives involving Trump, Zuckerberg, Musk, Yass, TikTok, and more, with significant events like TikTok ban bill, Navarro's upcoming incarceration, and secretive meetings between Trump and Musk.
  3. Understanding the complex interactions among these narratives offers insights into the significant 2024 presidential cycle and sheds light on unprecedented events shaping U.S. politics and international trade partnerships.

Weekend Update #67: Command Change

Phillips’s Newsletter • 92 implied HN points • 10 Feb 24
🌍 World Politics Strategic Planning Foreign Relations
  1. Thursday was significant for Ukrainian command with the announcement of a new leader, General Oleksandr Syrskyi, after General Zaluzhny was relieved, highlighting a bold move by Zelensky.
  2. The emphasis on the importance of commanders not being turned into celebrities, as success in warfare is a team effort and not solely dependent on individual brilliance.
  3. Zelensky has started outlining potential strategies for Ukraine's war efforts, including the creation of a new branch for Unmanned Systems Forces and plans to attack Russian assets.
  4. The political situation in Washington remains uncertain, but there is a slight optimism for more aid to Ukraine if certain factors align in Congress.

China - It's Over

How the Hell • 571 implied HN points • 01 Sep 23
🌍 World Politics Economic Crisis Political Dynamics Foreign Relations
  1. China's economic history has been tumultuous with periods of violence and disastrous economic policies.
  2. China's economic growth was more about mean reversion than a miracle, and now faces a crisis due to overinvestment in real estate and debt levels.
  3. China's economic model is facing a severe crisis leading to potential defaults, financial panic, and political instability.

Xi Jinping promises a new wave of "reform" since 2013

Pekingnology • 52 implied HN points • 02 Mar 24
🌍 World Politics Reform China Economy Leadership Foreign Relations
  1. China is planning for further comprehensive reforms, aligning with previous reform initiatives.
  2. Xi Jinping aims to address development challenges through reform and opening up, emphasizing the need for focused, high-quality measures.
  3. The process of implementing the new reform package will involve extensive engagement with various stakeholders to gather input and experiences.

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.

US woos India's far-right PM Modi to help wage new cold war on China

Geopolitical Economy Report • 737 implied HN points • 24 Jun 23
🌍 World Politics Geopolitics Diplomacy Foreign Relations International Organizations Global Economy
  1. The US is seeking India's help in forming an alliance against China, even though India's Prime Minister Modi has links to far-right Hindu-supremacist groups.
  2. Modi's BJP party and regime in India have a history of inciting violence against minorities and undermining left-wing activism.
  3. The US aims to use India to weaken the BRICS bloc and isolate China and Russia, with efforts to sway India away from its traditional non-aligned foreign policy.

THE GENERAL WHO WOULD NOT BE SILENCED

Seymour Hersh • 48 implied HN points • 27 Feb 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Military Intelligence Cold War Foreign Relations
  1. James C. Pfautz had a successful military career, flying combat missions in Vietnam and holding high-ranking positions in Air Force intelligence.
  2. Pfautz was known to push his staff hard, aiming for excellence in the intelligence work they produced.
  3. An intriguing story revolves around the 1983 shootdown of Korean Air Lines Flight 007 by a Soviet pilot, highlighting the critical question of whether the pilot knew he was targeting a commercial airliner.

Jia Qingguo calls for Beijing to attract foreign students to China

Pekingnology • 37 implied HN points • 07 Mar 24
🌍 World Politics Foreign Relations Education
  1. The number of foreign students coming to study in China, especially from developed countries, has significantly decreased in recent years, presenting challenges for cultural exchanges and international relations.
  2. Challenges like perception issues regarding foreign students, changes in internship and employment opportunities, and academic research procedures contribute to the decline in foreign student enrollment in China.
  3. To address the decline in foreign students, suggestions include raising awareness about the importance of foreign students, improving public opinion, enhancing internship and employment opportunities, and resolving practical issues faced by foreign students.

Should the US make a Chinese company sell TikTok?

Unreported Truths • 20 implied HN points • 18 Mar 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics National Security Foreign Relations Legislation
  1. TikTok, a popular social media app, uses an algorithm to keep users engaged by showing videos tailored to their preferences, which can be addictive and distracting.
  2. There are concerns about TikTok being owned by a Chinese company, ByteDance, as it has been accused of spreading misinformation and collecting data on American users.
  3. The US House of Representatives passed a bill to make ByteDance sell TikTok to a non-Chinese company within six months, highlighting the ongoing debate about national security and foreign ownership of popular apps.

'Mexico is not a US colony!': AMLO condemns invasion threats, celebrates nationalization of oil, lithium

Geopolitical Economy Report • 617 implied HN points • 25 Mar 23
🌍 World Politics Foreign Relations International Conflicts National sovereignty Geopolitics Ideology
  1. AMLO condemns US invasion threats on Mexico and emphasizes national sovereignty
  2. AMLO honors the revolutionary legacy of Lázaro Cárdenas and his focus on social justice
  3. AMLO highlights the government's unprecedented social spending to support working-class Mexicans

The Logic of the Chips Escalation

Policy Tensor • 393 implied HN points • 23 Jul 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics National Security Cybersecurity Foreign Relations Military Strategy Government Policy
  1. The concentration of authority in the national security advisor's office is vital for the security state's functioning.
  2. The chips escalation is driven by concerns over the cyber security of US nuclear command and control.
  3. Maintaining US primacy in the cyber realm is crucial to ensure the credibility of US nuclear deterrence.

US ambassador arrogantly lectures China ‘threat’: ‘We’re the leader in this region (Asia)’!

Geopolitical Economy Report • 578 implied HN points • 04 Mar 23
🌍 World Politics China US Diplomacy Foreign Relations
  1. US Ambassador Nicholas Burns showcased an arrogant and aggressive attitude towards China, declaring the US as the leader in the Indo-Pacific region.
  2. The US is focusing on competing with China in military power, economy, technology, and human rights, reflecting a rising tension between the two nations.
  3. There is a close relationship between US corporations and the State Department, with US diplomats highlighting the importance of collaboration with the private sector.

US State Department-Trained French Activist/Arsonist Pouring Fuel on the Fire

Fisted by Foucault • 378 implied HN points • 02 Jul 23
🌍 World Politics Geopolitics Activism Foreign Relations Identity politics
  1. Rokhaya Diallo was trained by the US State Department to advocate for minority representation in France.
  2. Diallo aligns with liberal and leftist views from the USA, promoting Americanization of French politics.
  3. Her activism is seen as divisive and subversive in France, contributing to societal tensions.

Xi blasts US ‘containment, encirclement’ of China, Foreign Ministry slams 'hysterical neo-McCarthyism'

Geopolitical Economy Report • 518 implied HN points • 08 Mar 23
🌍 World Politics Foreign Relations Geopolitics Diplomacy
  1. President Xi Jinping condemned the US-led Western attempt to contain, encircle, and suppress China.
  2. Foreign Minister Qin Gang criticized the US for pursuing 'hysterical neo-McCarthyism' and aiming to contain and suppress China in all aspects.
  3. Chinese leaders are making assertive statements, signaling a shift in their approach towards standing up against US policies and defending China.

Ukraine's Zelensky sends love letter to US corporations, promising 'big business' for Wall Street

Geopolitical Economy Report • 438 implied HN points • 25 Jan 23
🌍 World Politics Neoliberalism Foreign Relations Corporate Influence Economic Policy International Trade
  1. Ukrainian president Zelensky is actively seeking investment from US corporations like BlackRock, JP Morgan, and Goldman Sachs, encouraging them to do business in Ukraine.
  2. Zelensky's government has implemented aggressive anti-worker policies, limiting union rights and encouraging a pro-corporate environment.
  3. Western governments and corporations are planning aggressive neoliberal reforms for Ukraine, aiming to privatize and deregulate industries with the help of powerful entities like BlackRock.

Chinese Vloggers Glorify Hamas with Cosplay and Posts

Wenhao’s news blog • 58 implied HN points • 20 Dec 23
🌍 World Politics Foreign Relations International Conflict Social media influence Nationalism Propaganda
  1. Chinese vloggers on platforms like Bilibili are glorifying Hamas through cosplay and posts.
  2. Many in China see Hamas as engaged in a legitimate national liberation struggle, despite being designated a terrorist organization by the US and other countries.
  3. Support for Hamas among Chinese internet users is influenced by China's official position and anti-US sentiment, especially among the younger generation.

March 11, 2024 (Monday)

Letters from an American • 11 implied HN points • 12 Mar 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Relations National Security Legislation Economic Policy
  1. Authoritarian prime minister Viktor Orbán of Hungary visited former president Trump in Florida, expressing support for stopping aid to Ukraine, even as U.S. officials stress its importance.
  2. President Biden's proposed budget for 2025 includes funding for Ukraine, Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid, and veterans' benefits, with an aim to reduce the deficit by taxing the wealthy and corporations.
  3. Historical analogies from FDR's era underscore the significance of providing aid to allies, as seen in the Lend-Lease Act during World War II, highlighting the critical nature of supporting democratic nations against dictatorships.