The hottest Foreign Relations Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top U.S. Politics Topics
In My Tribe 318 implied HN points 07 Mar 24
  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.
Letters from an American 16 implied HN points 27 Nov 24
  1. Trump announced he wants to impose high tariffs on products from Mexico, Canada, and China, blaming them for drug problems and immigration issues. This could hurt trade and raise prices for everyday things.
  2. There has been a recent decline in drug overdose deaths and illegal border crossings, which contradicts Trump's claims. Most fentanyl cases are linked to U.S. citizens, not immigrants from other countries.
  3. Biden successfully helped negotiate a ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon after ongoing violence. He aims for lasting peace in the Middle East while calling for better treatment of Palestinian issues.
steigan.no 7 implied HN points 06 Jan 25
  1. The situation in Ukraine is dire, with reports of a weakened military and a desperate counteroffensive. Many believe that continued fighting will lead to more loss and destruction for Ukraine.
  2. There are growing concerns about a potential new pandemic related to bird flu, with warnings of its severity. It's important to stay informed and cautious about health advisories.
  3. George Orwell's '1984' serves as a warning as we increasingly see patterns of censorship and control in society. Reflecting on its themes can help us recognize and resist similar trends today.
Proof 155 implied HN points 08 Mar 24
  1. The source of the money for a $91 million bond in Trump's defamation and rape case seems to have major Kremlin ties, raising concerns about national security.
  2. The situation suggests a potential compromise of the presumptive Republican nominee for president by a hostile foreign power through foreign entanglements.
  3. The post implies a significant case of foreign interference in the 2024 U.S. presidential election, similar to what occurred in 2016 and 2020.
steigan.no 6 implied HN points 08 Jan 25
  1. Joe Biden's release of 11 detainees from Guantanamo sparked debate about the treatment of prisoners and human rights. Many believe holding them without trial is wrong, while others fear it could endanger safety.
  2. Donald Trump's comments about using military force to take control of strategic territories like the Panama Canal raised concerns. Some see this as a dangerous escalation in U.S. foreign policy.
  3. Mark Zuckerberg admitted that Facebook has conducted unfair censorship, which affected millions of users. This raises questions about free speech on social media platforms and their influence on public discourse.
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Aaron Mate 187 implied HN points 29 Jan 24
  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
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.
Fisted by Foucault 378 implied HN points 02 Jul 23
  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.
eugyppius: a plague chronicle 179 implied HN points 30 Jan 24
  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
Diane Francis 559 implied HN points 28 Jul 22
  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.
Japan Economy Watch 139 implied HN points 26 Sep 23
  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.
Japan Economy Watch 439 implied HN points 11 Jun 22
  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.
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.
steigan.no 8 implied HN points 13 Dec 24
  1. The use of a chemical called Bovaer in livestock feed is controversial. While it aims to reduce methane emissions from animals, experts warn it might disrupt the natural digestive processes and have unknown long-term effects on both animals and humans.
  2. Poland and other EU countries are wary about Ukraine joining the EU. They fear that Ukraine's poorer economy might lead to reduced funding and benefits for themselves, causing financial strain.
  3. There's an increasing trend in the U.S. to ramp up military spending, with a proposed budget of $895 billion for defense. This reflects a growing focus on military initiatives and support for various countries amidst ongoing global conflicts.
Diane Francis 499 implied HN points 25 Apr 22
  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.
Michael Tracey 101 implied HN points 15 Mar 24
  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.
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.
Wenhao’s news blog 58 implied HN points 20 Dec 23
  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.
Phillips’s Newsletter 93 implied HN points 10 Feb 24
  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.
steigan.no 7 implied HN points 04 Dec 24
  1. Consumers in the UK are threatening to boycott products containing the methane inhibitor Bovaer, which is being added to cattle feed. This is in response to growing concerns about environmental impact and customer preferences.
  2. Ukrainian special units, known as 'White Wolves', are reportedly assisting extremist groups in Syria, using advanced drone technology. This highlights the complex and controversial international alliances in ongoing conflicts.
  3. Saudi Arabia is reconsidering its defense pact with the US, wanting a simpler agreement that prioritizes Palestinian statehood. This shows shifting dynamics in Middle Eastern politics and the importance of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
Common Sense with Bari Weiss 74 implied HN points 13 Mar 24
  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.
Fisted by Foucault 220 implied HN points 13 May 23
  1. The UK is facing severe economic decline and social issues due to centralization in London
  2. Francis Fukuyama's views on liberalism have evolved over the years, impacting his stance on technology and politics
  3. Proposed restrictive hate speech legislation in Ireland and transparency concerns with NGOs operating in Europe are raising questions about freedom of speech and funding sources
Séamus Malekafzali 138 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.
Proof 57 implied HN points 15 Mar 24
  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.
Espionage& 2 implied HN points 09 Jan 25
  1. Russia allegedly spent $30 million to influence the Taliban against American soldiers, reportedly as revenge for past CIA actions in Afghanistan. This shows how geopolitics can be shaped with money.
  2. The article raises concerns about the role of British Intelligence and suggests they might be trying to influence U.S. politics, particularly regarding Trump’s support for Ukraine.
  3. There's a mention of the previous 'Russiagate' scandal which impacted Trump’s presidency, hinting that similar tactics may be used again in the future. This points to ongoing political manipulation.
Diane Francis 439 implied HN points 13 May 21
  1. The recent cyberattack on a major U.S. oil pipeline is believed to have ties to Russia and may have been orchestrated by hackers linked to the Russian government.
  2. The U.S. faces serious vulnerability to cyberattacks, as many critical infrastructures lack proper security, and major attacks have increased recently.
  3. There are calls for the U.S. to take stronger actions against Russia, such as sanctions or shutting down important pipelines that benefit Russia economically.
Castalia 79 implied HN points 26 Apr 23
  1. The recent U.S. intelligence leak highlights serious security flaws and morale issues within the military. Access to sensitive information seems too lax, allowing unauthorized personnel to leak crucial documents.
  2. AI technology is increasingly being used in censorship, affecting how we communicate and share information. Restrictions based on certain topics show that platforms are enforcing strict guidelines that may stifle open discourse.
  3. Emmanuel Macron's recent comments on global conflicts indicate a growing pressure in Europe for a more independent foreign policy. His stance may weaken NATO's unity in facing challenges from Russia and China during critical times.
Seymour Hersh 48 implied HN points 27 Feb 24
  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.
steigan.no 6 implied HN points 06 Nov 24
  1. Trump is considering banning certain vaccines if he becomes president again. He has linked vaccines to health issues in the past.
  2. There's a new global power shift happening, moving away from Western dominance. Countries are coming together for a more balanced world order.
  3. Germany's government is facing a major crisis and might break apart due to internal disagreements and economic problems.
Diane Francis 379 implied HN points 22 Apr 21
  1. Putin and China are increasingly aggressive, and their actions present a big challenge for Biden and the U.S. They are acting like bullies and trying to expand their influence.
  2. Both Ukraine and Taiwan are standing strong against these threats. Ukraine is preparing for possible war, while Taiwan is building up its defenses.
  3. The world needs to work together to stop the aggression from Russia and China. Biden must rally support from other countries to protect global peace and security.