The hottest Foreign Relations Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top U.S. Politics Topics
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.
steigan.no 5 implied HN points 10 Nov 24
  1. Tanzania and Russia are working to strengthen their economic ties, focusing on investment in sectors like agriculture, tourism, and energy. This cooperation could lead to new opportunities for both countries.
  2. Vladimir Putin and Donald Trump expressed their willingness to engage in talks after Trump's election win. They believe that U.S.-Russia diplomacy is vital for global stability and resolving ongoing conflicts.
  3. Recent reports suggest that an alleged antisemitic incident in Amsterdam may have been misrepresented. Instead of being unprovoked, the violence was reportedly a response to aggressive behavior from fans of Maccabi Tel Aviv.
Castalia 139 implied HN points 04 Jul 22
  1. Substack aims to create an alternative space for writers and readers, free from ad-driven content and censorship. It's about giving writers control over their work and promoting diverse voices.
  2. There's a growing trend of writers who feel constrained by mainstream media, and Substack allows them to express their thoughts more freely. This attracts those who are critical of current narratives.
  3. Coverage on major issues like the Shanghai lockdown is often limited or biased in mainstream media, leading to a gap filled by firsthand accounts from platforms like Substack that highlight real struggles.
Pekingnology 52 implied HN points 02 Mar 24
  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.
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steigan.no 6 implied HN points 14 Oct 24
  1. Norway's defense budget is set to increase significantly, with every taxpayer contributing around 25,000 NOK in 'war tax' to support military activities. Many in Norway seem to support the military approach without significant opposition.
  2. The United Nations has accused Israel of committing war crimes against Gaza, specifically targeting healthcare systems and personnel. This has led to devastating impacts, especially on children and the overall health infrastructure.
  3. This year's Nobel Peace Prize has been awarded to a group advocating for nuclear disarmament, highlighting a contradiction as Norway, a NATO member, continues to support nuclear strategies while claiming to promote peace.
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.
Castalia 79 implied HN points 18 Nov 22
  1. The war in Ukraine is ongoing with Ukraine recapturing Kherson, highlighting the differences in motivation and organization between Ukrainian and Russian forces. Despite fatigue from the constant news, it's important to recognize the significance of these events.
  2. The collapse of FTX and the downfall of Sam Bankman-Fried has brought a mix of schadenfreude and concern over the fragile state of the crypto industry. Many view the situation as a cautionary tale about the financial reality of crypto and the dangers of unchecked ambition.
  3. There’s a growing call to ban TikTok in the U.S. due to national security concerns, as the app is seen as a tool for espionage by the Chinese government. This reflects a shift in how we view technology, realizing it can be controlled and influenced by powerful entities.
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.
Pekingnology 37 implied HN points 07 Mar 24
  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.
Diane Francis 219 implied HN points 18 Jan 21
  1. January 6 was a chaotic day in America, which coincided with Russian holidays. This situation didn't go unnoticed in Russia, and many people thought it was a gift to Putin.
  2. There is a connection between Russia's political actions and the rise of white supremacist groups in America. The writer argues that Putin's influence has been used to promote division and chaos.
  3. The FBI has shown confusion about foreign interference in American politics, but there is evidence of Russian involvement in stirring up domestic unrest. A new approach to handling Putin's actions is needed to prevent future problems.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Unreported Truths 20 implied HN points 18 Mar 24
  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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Japan Economy Watch 19 implied HN points 16 Nov 21
  1. Biden continued Trump's trade policies, including tariffs, using them as bargaining chips in trade talks with Japan and Europe.
  2. The US is reportedly using climate change as a reason to negotiate tariffs on steel and other products based on their carbon emissions intensity, potentially impacting allies like Japan.
  3. Biden's administration is aiming to reconcile protectionist/nationalist and climate change agendas in trade policies, facing challenges from different voter bases.
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.
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.
Thái | Hacker | Kỹ sư tin tặc 0 implied HN points 30 Jul 21
  1. The writer highlights a discrepancy between their group, VietBay, and the government's messaging related to fundraising activities during the COVID-19 pandemic.
  2. VietBay operates independently of government influence, focusing on assisting those in need without aligning with official government calls for action.
  3. The letter expresses concerns about corruption in Vietnamese embassies overseas, citing issues such as inflated passport fees and lack of transparency in fundraising.
TOP SECRET UMBRA 0 implied HN points 30 Oct 24
  1. There are concerns about foreign spies targeting US tech companies, which could affect national security.
  2. China is involved in cyber activities, including hacking and seabed spying, which raises alarm about security risks.
  3. Post-election violence fears are high in Congress, reminding everyone of the recent chaotic events at the Capitol.
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.