The hottest Foreign Relations Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top U.S. Politics Topics
Letters from an American 11 implied HN points 12 Mar 24
  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.
Global Community Weekly (GloCom) 19 implied HN points 10 Feb 24
  1. The US is facing a significant decline, with major institutions crumbling and systems failing.
  2. Deeper societal issues beyond politics are contributing to the country's problems.
  3. Various extreme examples highlight the challenging situations the US is currently dealing with, from lenient policies to alarming incidents.
Wang Xiangwei's Thought of the Day on China 157 implied HN points 11 Apr 23
  1. China's economy is facing challenges but leaders are committed to opening up and revitalizing it.
  2. The role of private businesses and foreign companies is crucial for China's economic growth.
  3. Efforts are being made to address concerns of entrepreneurs and improve the legal and investment environment in China.
Letters from an American 11 implied HN points 26 Feb 24
  1. Republicans are distancing themselves from a controversial Alabama Supreme Court decision regarding embryos and IVF, recognizing that it could impact the upcoming election.
  2. The connection between the Alabama decision and larger anti-abortion efforts within the Republican Party is evident, with the push for personhood laws and bills to grant full rights to embryos.
  3. There are concerns about the Republican Party's support for Ukraine, Putin's actions, and the impact on the international order, highlighting global implications of political decisions.
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Séamus Malekafzali 137 implied HN points 26 Apr 23
  1. Biden is perceived as having no rivals in America for the Democratic primary in 2024.
  2. In Iran, Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s presidential campaign is seen as a significant rivalry.
  3. Despite low approval ratings, Biden's strong party support diminishes chances for other Democratic candidates to challenge him.
Wang Xiangwei's Thought of the Day on China 117 implied HN points 09 Jun 23
  1. Chinese government is welcoming foreign investors to boost their confidence.
  2. Investors and business people have growing concerns about unpredictable exit restrictions in China.
  3. The lack of transparency and clear appeal process in China's exit restrictions is worrying for international investors and business people.
Letters from an American 5 implied HN points 19 Mar 24
  1. The American economy has been showing strong growth compared to other major economies like the European Union, Japan, and Britain, with a significant increase in entrepreneurship and real wage gains benefiting those who need them most.
  2. The Biden administration has been taking steps to improve various aspects of American life, such as reducing out-of-pocket costs for inhalers, banning asbestos, and advancing women's health research initiatives.
  3. Former President Trump's recent actions and statements, including financial struggles, desperate rhetoric, and connections to individuals like Paul Manafort, reflect a contentious and tumultuous political landscape leading up to the 2024 election.
Pekingnology 105 implied HN points 11 Jun 23
  1. China must focus on attracting global talents to become a modern strong socialist nation.
  2. There is a significant decline in the number of foreigners from developed countries residing in China.
  3. Efforts are needed to enhance infrastructure, social acceptance, and streamlined procedures to accommodate foreign residents in China and promote positive international interactions.
Dr. Pippa's Pen & Podcast 32 implied HN points 20 Nov 23
  1. The White House and China struck a deal due to concerns about President Biden's health and potential challengers.
  2. Biden's administration seeks a better running mate, like Newsom, given Vice President Harris' low approval ratings.
  3. The White House aims to resolve issues like Ukraine and Israel wars to garner support amidst upcoming elections.
Letters from an American 11 implied HN points 07 Feb 24
  1. MAGA Republicans attempted to block a national security bill by demanding border security measures, hoping to avoid support for Ukraine and blame Democrats for the border crisis.
  2. Democrats prioritized aid to Ukraine over other measures and compromised on the border security issue to secure the bill.
  3. Former President Trump influenced Republican lawmakers to reject the national security bill, leading to its likely failure, while facing legal challenges regarding immunity from criminal prosecution.
Geopolitical Economy Report 219 implied HN points 09 Sep 22
  1. Ukraine's President Zelensky is opening up the country to US corporations on Wall Street for exploitation through a selloff program.
  2. Zelensky invited foreign corporations to invest billions in the country's projects, emphasizing economic opportunities.
  3. Critics liken Zelensky's actions to extreme neoliberal policies, highlighting concerns over labor rights and economic inequality.
Matthew's Notebook 98 implied HN points 21 Feb 23
  1. The Biden administration is perceived to have given Israel the go-ahead to bomb Iran.
  2. The U.S. seems to have shifted away from peaceful negotiations with Iran towards supporting potential military actions against them.
  3. There are concerns about the lack of transparency and public input regarding potential military actions against Iran.
Matthew's Notebook 98 implied HN points 19 Feb 23
  1. American adventurers have shifted from learning dead languages to extreme sports and custom guns.
  2. Modern-day U.S. special forces represent a shift from covert to overt military rule in the American empire.
  3. The old British imperial administration produced intellectually curious and ruthless figures, contrasting with the contemporary American style.
Geopolitical Economy Report 299 implied HN points 04 Apr 22
  1. Pakistan's Prime Minister Imran Khan is facing a foreign-backed regime-change attempt due to his opposition to US foreign policy and his effort to strengthen Pakistan's relations with China and Russia.
  2. Khan's vocal support for Palestinian liberation and his anti-colonial voice on the international stage have made him a target for hostile global elites.
  3. The regime-change efforts in Pakistan reflect a geopolitical power play involving Western interests seeking to assert control and discipline Pakistan amidst its growing alliances with China and Russia.
God's Spies by Thomas Neuburger 70 implied HN points 18 May 23
  1. Domestic activism like vegan advocacy can be labeled as potential domestic terrorism by security agencies.
  2. There is a tactic called the 'foreign-domestic switcheroo' where attention shifts from foreign threats to domestic targets as a means of censorship and control.
  3. History shows that American security agencies have been involved in regime change internationally and may also wield power domestically.
Seymour Hersh 45 implied HN points 03 Aug 23
  1. The Senate Armed Services Committee prioritizes culture war over the war in Ukraine during a hearing for the new chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.
  2. Air Force General Charles Q. Brown, Jr., the first African American to lead a branch of the US Armed Forces, is nominated to be the new chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.
  3. The Senate committee expressed a hard-line stance, focusing on China as the primary competitor and addressing other threats like Russia, Iran, and North Korea.
Seymour Hersh 63 implied HN points 10 May 23
  1. The article discusses the refusal of the Biden administration to declassify 48-year-old Senate testimony by James Angleton, the notorious onetime head of CIA counterintelligence.
  2. Pervez Musharraf criticized US efforts to monitor Pakistan's nuclear arsenal due to the US policy of denying Israel's membership in the global nuclear club.
  3. The text mentions Seymour Hersh's encounter with James Angleton, who was in charge of the CIA's illegal domestic spying program and part of Washington's Old Boys network.
Geopolitical Economy Report 99 implied HN points 20 Jan 22
  1. Democrats and Republicans share about 95% of the same imperialist and capitalist policies, despite contrasting rhetoric.
  2. Biden's presidency has not significantly diverged from Trump's policies, maintaining actions like sanctions on Cuba and war in Yemen.
  3. The US government, under both Democratic and Republican leadership, prioritizes corporate interests over public well-being, leading to a dysfunctional regime.
Alex's Personal Blog 1 HN point 13 Mar 24
  1. There's a big debate about TikTok and its data privacy, with concerns around Chinese ownership and government access.
  2. Key figures like Brendan Carr and Elon Musk have contrasting views on TikTok's presence in the US.
  3. The suggestion is to divest TikTok from its Chinese owner rather than outright ban it, to address concerns while maintaining its popularity.
Political Currents by Ross Barkan 12 implied HN points 28 Apr 23
  1. Japan features advanced public transportation infrastructure like high-speed trains and clean, efficient metro systems.
  2. Japan's historical significance and economic growth have shaped societal norms and attitudes towards outsiders.
  3. Despite economic challenges and political stagnation, Japan maintains a unique cultural identity and commitment to technological innovation.
Novum Newsletter 1 HN point 14 Feb 23
  1. American culture has a tendency toward paranoia and anxieties over decline as a superpower.
  2. Declinist panics have been a consistent part of America's history since becoming a superpower.
  3. The current panic over spy balloons in the skies is different from past panics and may be fueled by other motivations.
Global Community Weekly (GloCom) 0 implied HN points 09 Feb 24
  1. Former Russian president Dmitry Medvedev warned of a nuclear 'apocalypse' if NATO attacks Russia. He stated that Russia will use ballistic and cruise missiles with special warheads in response.
  2. Medvedev criticized Western leaders for urging war preparations against Russia, calling it 'dangerous drivel'. He accused NATO of trying to bolster support for Ukraine while ignoring domestic issues.
  3. There are rising fears of potential 'proxy war' escalating into direct conflict between Russia and NATO. Moscow has accused Western intelligence of aiding attacks, leading to heightened tensions.
Michelle Rempel Garner 0 implied HN points 19 Mar 23
  1. The Canadian Prime Minister and his party are trying to shift the focus from a foreign election interference scandal.
  2. Upcoming events like American President Biden's visit and the federal budget presentation are seen as attempts to change the political narrative.
  3. Challenges like the need for significant policy wins, economic problems, and potential spoilers from various fronts may hinder the Liberals' efforts to alter the political channel.