The hottest Foreign Relations Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top U.S. Politics Topics

EU-topia, Wake Up

Diane Francis • 559 implied HN points • 28 Jul 22
🌍 World Politics Foreign Relations
  1. Putin has been using gas supply issues as a weapon against Europe, causing a crisis. Europe is now working on plans to save energy and lessen reliance on Russian gas.
  2. European leaders are starting to understand the serious threat from Putin and are taking steps to unify against him. They are acknowledging the need for a coordinated response to support Ukraine.
  3. There is a growing military presence in Europe, with NATO increasing troops to deter further Russian aggression. The situation in Ukraine is critical for Europe's security, and unity is essential to prevent a wider conflict.

US Ambassador To Canada Hoekstrsa Is A Stupid Cunt & Should Fuck Right Off.

C.O.P. Central Organizing Principle. • 18 implied HN points • 20 Nov 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Relations
  1. The Canadian economy has been affected negatively by trade agreements like NAFTA and the impact of COVID-19.
  2. There is a strong sentiment against America for its role in these economic challenges faced by Canada.
  3. Some individuals express frustration towards US officials and their influence on Canadian affairs.

Banning TikTok

Points And Figures • 506 implied HN points • 13 Mar 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Relations
  1. Banning TikTok raises concerns about government overreach and control over private businesses.
  2. There are complex implications related to the power and influence of Chinese technology and communism in the US.
  3. Questions arise about the balance between individual freedoms and safety when it comes to regulating social media platforms like TikTok.

Xi Reduces Role of Private Firms, Hurts Innovation

Japan Economy Watch • 139 implied HN points • 26 Sep 23
🌍 World Politics Foreign Relations
  1. Xi Jinping's policies of reducing the role of private firms and emphasizing State-Owned Enterprises (SOEs) are hurting innovation and economic growth in China.
  2. Under Xi's leadership, China has seen a decrease in high-quality patents, lower productivity in companies, and a dampening of dynamism in the private sector.
  3. By prioritizing SOEs over private companies, Xi is exacerbating the tradeoff between growth and living standards, hindering the potential for increased personal consumption and economic prosperity.
Get a weekly roundup of the best Substack posts, by hacker news affinity:

Links to Consider, 11/8/2024

In My Tribe • 227 implied HN points • 08 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Relations
  1. Bond markets are reacting to expected inflation, not a debt crisis. This means mortgage rates could rise even if the Fed lowers interest rates.
  2. People notice race because they are naturally group-oriented. Racism stems from our tribal instincts, but it's not built into our thinking.
  3. Fertility rates are dropping worldwide, possibly linked to how technology affects social connections. Research is needed to understand this trend better.

One Day, Everyone Will Have Always Been Against This (w/ Omar El Akkad) | The Chris Hedges Report

The Chris Hedges Report • 146 implied HN points • 19 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Relations
  1. Language can hide the truth about violence and suffering. It helps people look away without feeling guilty, making it easier to ignore what's really happening.
  2. Those living under oppression have their own ways to resist, and it's not fair for outsiders to dictate how they should fight back. Resistance comes in many forms, and often there's no right way to do it.
  3. Acts of love and solidarity are happening every day, even in difficult times. These small actions remind us that we are connected and that caring for one another is essential, despite the harsh realities around us.

Why Kishida Retreated From “New Form of Capitalism”

Japan Economy Watch • 439 implied HN points • 11 Jun 22
🌍 World Politics Foreign Relations
  1. Prime Minister Kishida retreated from his 'new form of capitalism' due to pressure from critics and financial markets misunderstanding his policies as socialist.
  2. The policy document lacked substantive measures to bring about a 'virtuous cycle of growth and distribution' despite initial reform efforts.
  3. Kishida's leadership style, as a consensus-builder, hindered the ability to make significant economic changes and prioritize key economic measures.

Ge Jianxiong on unity and division in China's history

Pekingnology • 94 implied HN points • 18 May 25
🌍 World Politics Foreign Relations
  1. China has a long history of unity and division, but future unification can be achieved peacefully if it reflects the people's will, rather than through force.
  2. To maintain national unity, China needs to address issues like ethnic autonomy and democratization, while ensuring local governments have more control.
  3. Resolving territorial disputes is essential, and it requires realistic compromises rather than an insistence on historical claims.

Joint University Programs with China Escape Financial Reporting

OpenTheBooks Substack • 157 implied HN points • 22 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Relations
  1. Many American universities have received substantial funding from China, potentially beyond hundreds of millions and into the billions. This funding is often linked to joint research programs.
  2. Some universities, like UC Berkeley and Georgia Tech, have faced investigations for failing to report foreign funding accurately. This has raised concerns about national security and the influence of foreign entities in U.S. academia.
  3. There's a call for universities to improve their financial reporting and for Congress to strengthen laws to ensure all foreign funding is disclosed. This is important for protecting U.S. research and technology.

America's Money Nuke

Diane Francis • 499 implied HN points • 25 Apr 22
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Relations
  1. Janet Yellen is a key figure in managing the U.S. economy, showing that size doesn't matter when it comes to leadership.
  2. The financial tools created by her department are seen as powerful weapons meant to combat global threats, specifically targeting Russia.
  3. These economic strategies aim to influence international relations and bring about significant changes in global politics.

China - It's Over

How the Hell • 571 implied HN points • 01 Sep 23
🌍 World Politics 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.

Zelensky is literally selling Ukraine to US corporations on Wall Street

Geopolitical Economy Report • 219 implied HN points • 09 Sep 22
🌍 World Politics Foreign Relations
  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.

The Last Supper

The Weekly Gazette • 15 implied HN points • 17 Nov 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Relations
  1. In 1993, a major dinner at the Pentagon for defense contractors led to big changes in the U.S. defense industry. Many companies merged or went out of business, leaving only five major contractors in the field.
  2. This consolidation allowed a few companies to hold significant power over military spending, making lobbying crucial for their survival. They shifted focus to securing government contracts after many defense budgets were cut.
  3. The relationship between defense contractors and U.S. foreign policy became tighter, especially as conflicts like the Iraq War arose. This has raised concerns about how much influence these companies have over decisions affecting national and global security.

America's empire of jocks versus the old-style empire of nerds

Matthew's Notebook • 98 implied HN points • 19 Feb 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Relations
  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.

Pakistan warns of foreign-backed regime-change attempt, to disrupt China/Russia alliance

Geopolitical Economy Report • 299 implied HN points • 04 Apr 22
🌍 World Politics Foreign Relations
  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.

Links to Consider, 3/7

In My Tribe • 318 implied HN points • 07 Mar 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Relations
  1. Girard's mimetic theory explains how desires are often copied from others, leading to a cycle of crisis and scapegoating in communities.
  2. Noah Smith points out the shift in progressive causes towards Palestine, indicating a potential change in the unrest of the 2010s.
  3. Charles Kesler highlights the difference between National Conservatism and American Conservatism in terms of prioritizing individual vs. group rights.

Trump's cabinet is Israel First

Aaron Mate • 153 implied HN points • 15 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Relations
  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.

Narrative and reality in Trump 47

Gray Mirror • 157 implied HN points • 07 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Relations
  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.

Why Does Trump Like William McKinley So Much?

Michael Tracey • 111 implied HN points • 31 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Relations
  1. Donald Trump praised William McKinley during his inauguration, highlighting McKinley's leadership in the Spanish-American War and economic growth. This shows how Trump may want to connect his presidency with historical figures who embraced expansionism.
  2. McKinley's decision to conquer the Philippines went against previous U.S. foreign policy, leading to a controversial war. The conflict raised questions about America's role in imperialism and its impact on other nations.
  3. Trump's reinstatement of the name 'Mount McKinley' reflects his administration's desire to signal a certain policy direction, often aligning with expansionist historical figures, despite local opposition in Alaska.

War on Gaza (w/ Joe Sacco) | The Chris Hedges Report

The Chris Hedges Report • 111 implied HN points • 22 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Relations
  1. Joe Sacco uses graphic journalism to share stories from war zones, bringing a unique perspective that traditional media often misses. His work combines drawings and humor to convey tough realities.
  2. Sacco raises important questions about how we define aggression and self-defense, especially in context of the violence in Gaza. He suggests we need new terms to describe the complex nature of these conflicts.
  3. The discussion highlights the moral dilemmas faced in voting and supporting policies that contribute to violence, questioning how citizens can remain complicit while wanting change.

Samuel Charap's "Peace" Plan for Putin

Phillips’s Newsletter • 126 implied HN points • 28 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Relations
  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.

Chinese Vloggers Glorify Hamas with Cosplay and Posts

Wenhao’s news blog • 58 implied HN points • 20 Dec 23
🌍 World Politics Foreign Relations
  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.

Washington's $300 billion dilemma

The Dossier • 303 implied HN points • 28 Feb 24
🌍 World Politics Foreign Relations
  1. Western powers imposed sanctions on Russia by freezing $300 billion of Russian assets in the US and Europe, aiming to weaken the Russian economy, but the impact on the Russian war effort has been limited.
  2. The idea of seizing Russia's frozen $300 billion stash is being considered by the Biden Administration and Congress as a punitive measure, but legalizing such action through Congress is required.
  3. Seizing the $300 billion would be an unprecedented event with potential far-reaching consequences, including implications on the U.S. dollar's status as a global reserve currency and market signals about its stability.

Trump’s Taiwan Tariff Shock

Taipology • 102 implied HN points • 28 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Relations
  1. Trump has proposed very high tariffs on chips from Taiwan, which could hurt many businesses that rely on these products. This move is seen as harmful, especially for Taiwan, which has been a strong ally.
  2. People online are really upset about Trump's tariffs, criticizing the decision and questioning its economic logic. It seems like some are even saying it might lead to more inflation in the U.S.
  3. There are concerns that Taiwan needs to start thinking for itself instead of just following U.S. demands. Building more chip plants in the U.S. could be ruinous for Taiwan's economy.

For Biden, ending Israel’s mass murder in Gaza is a ‘non-starter’

Aaron Mate • 314 implied HN points • 19 Feb 24
🌍 World Politics Foreign Relations
  1. Biden's White House supports Israel's military operations in Gaza, even if they harm civilians, and is not planning to punish Israel for any actions in Rafah.
  2. The Biden administration is continuing to provide weapons and support to Israel, rather than using its influence to demand an end to the assault on Gaza.
  3. The US and its allies are suspending funding for UNRWA and blocking vital aid to Gaza, showing an alignment with Israel's actions and a lack of support for Palestinian well-being.

There Are No Drug Cartels!

C.O.P. Central Organizing Principle. • 30 implied HN points • 09 Aug 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Relations
  1. Some believe that drug cartels don't really exist; instead, they think the CIA controls drug trafficking through various middlemen. This suggests a hidden government involvement in the drug trade.
  2. There are claims that famous figures and events related to drug trade are misrepresented in Hollywood movies. This makes people question the truth behind what they see in film and television.
  3. The opioid crisis and rising deaths due to drugs like Fentanyl are linked to government actions and decisions. These claims highlight concerns about accountability in the health and drug policies.

Lets All Blame Ukraine: The Whitewash Gets Nasty

Phillips’s Newsletter • 115 implied HN points • 29 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Relations
  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.

Chris Hedges Live Q&A NOW: What Happens Under Trump in Palestine

The Chris Hedges Report • 86 implied HN points • 24 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Relations
  1. Chris Hedges is hosting a live Q&A about Trump and Palestine. He encourages people to join and ask questions during the session.
  2. The discussion likely focuses on the impacts of Trump's policies on the situation in Palestine, which is a sensitive and important topic.
  3. People can support Chris Hedges' work by subscribing to his publication, which offers both free and paid options.

On the US/EU tariff deal, aka another YUGE win for Donald Trump

Unreported Truths • 31 implied HN points • 28 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Relations
  1. The US/EU tariff deal is seen as a major victory for Donald Trump. It gives the US more favorable terms while requiring the EU to lower their tariffs.
  2. European leaders have noticeably lost leverage in negotiations, leading to what some call an embarrassing outcome for the EU.
  3. The tariffs are low enough that they may help American manufacturing without causing much inflation, suggesting a potential positive impact on the US economy.

The Flim Flam Man Blinked!

C.O.P. Central Organizing Principle. • 36 implied HN points • 24 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Relations
  1. Trump's military strategies have not worked well, as he seems outmatched by conflicts, especially with Iran. His approaches often feel like bluffs that don't lead to real peace.
  2. Many policies seem to prioritize corporate and military interests rather than the people, leading to feelings of betrayal among citizens. This suggests a disconnect between the government and the people it represents.
  3. There is a strong call for acknowledging and reconciling with First Nations, as some believe American policies interfere with justice for indigenous peoples. A change in leadership and priorities is portrayed as necessary for progress.

BIWEEKLY BRIEFLY NOTED: For 2024-12-14 Sa

Brad DeLong's Grasping Reality • 92 implied HN points • 14 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics 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.

August 17, 2025

Letters from an American • 23 implied HN points • 18 Aug 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Relations
  1. Trump's recent meeting with Putin shifted U.S. foreign policy to align more with Russia, moving away from traditional allies like Ukraine and NATO. This change raises concerns about America's standing in global relations.
  2. The Trump administration is using military forces in American cities under the pretext of managing crime, which many see as a way to exert control and instill fear among people.
  3. There is a growing division and hostility within America, driven by Trump's actions and rhetoric. This situation threatens the democratic values that the country has upheld for a long time.

August 16, 2025

Letters from an American • 23 implied HN points • 17 Aug 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Relations
  1. Trump met with Putin in Alaska, which was controversial since Putin is accused of serious crimes. This meeting appeared more like a power play for Putin than a productive dialogue.
  2. There were conflicting signals about what both leaders wanted from the summit. While Trump seemed optimistic, it was unclear if any real progress was made on important issues like Ukraine.
  3. Russia's presence at this meeting suggested that they want to reestablish their power on the world stage. This worried leaders in Ukraine and Europe, who thought Trump might make concessions to Putin.

'Hate and lust for vengeance are passed like poison from one generation to the next'

God's Spies by Thomas Neuburger • 110 implied HN points • 23 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Relations
  1. Hate and revenge can be taught from one generation to the next, much like a curse that keeps going.
  2. The actions of powerful countries, like the U.S. and Israel, have serious consequences that may lead to more violence and retribution.
  3. It's important to remember the past and understand that people who suffer might seek revenge, which can lead to cycles of violence that never seem to end.