The hottest Geopolitics Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
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Top World Politics Topics

How to Negotiate with Russia

Thinking about... • 433 implied HN points • 19 Nov 25
🌍 World Politics Geopolitics
  1. Don't make concessions without clear benefits. It's unfair to give up things for others without getting something back.
  2. It's crucial to listen to Ukrainians in negotiations. Their voices matter because they're the ones affected by this conflict.
  3. A lasting peace needs to help rebuild Ukraine. If it doesn't address recovery, it's less likely to hold and lead to real stability.

Plan D

Doomberg • 6499 implied HN points • 13 Oct 24
🌍 World Politics Geopolitics
  1. Turkmenistan, led by the late dictator Niyazov, created a unique cult of personality centered around himself with his image everywhere in the country.
  2. After Niyazov's death, Turkmenistan remained an oppressive state under President Berdimuhamedov, known for its very low score on political rights and civil liberties.
  3. The country has huge energy resources, especially natural gas, making it significant in global energy discussions, particularly concerning China's future energy needs.

Iran War, Day Two

The Cosmopolitan Globalist • 15 implied HN points • 01 Mar 26
🌍 World Politics Geopolitics
  1. An Israeli strike killed Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei and many top Iranian commanders, effectively decapitating Iran’s senior military leadership.
  2. Iran launched a massive missile and drone offensive in retaliation, targeting US bases, Israel, and Gulf states and striking airports and military sites.
  3. Regional air defenses shot down hundreds of incoming weapons but there were still deaths, injuries, and damage, signaling a rapidly escalating, region-wide conflict.

"We Are Coming For the Land of the Ice and Snow"

Fisted by Foucault • 162 implied HN points • 15 Jan 26
🌍 World Politics Geopolitics
  1. The Trump team has pushed a much more aggressive foreign policy with bold moves like seizing political figures, claiming territory, and threatening other states, signaling a return to forceful US action abroad.
  2. The idea of "Turbo America" says the US is not in decline but is reasserting itself by being more extractive of allies to keep global dominance, and recent events are presented as proof of that thesis.
  3. Europe lacks real sovereignty and functions largely as a set of US-aligned vassals, so the traditional concept of a unified "West" is effectively dead unless it’s seen as centered in the United States.

Will Israel Be at War?

Uncharted Territories • 3419 implied HN points • 12 Oct 23
🌍 World Politics Geopolitics
  1. Israel's conflicts mainly occur within areas it currently controls, especially with Palestine.
  2. The biggest threats to Israel are more on an international scale rather than from its immediate neighbors.
  3. Israel's geographic location provides natural defenses, making it reasonably safe from attacks by neighboring countries.
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From Race to Co-opetition

Interconnected • 416 implied HN points • 25 Nov 25
🕹 Technology Geopolitics
  1. The US–China AI relationship is better described as "co-opetition" — a simultaneous mix of competition, cooperation, and mutual co-opting — not a simple zero-sum race.
  2. Competition is fierce among labs and companies in both countries and is spilling into other regions, which can be healthy because a single winner taking everything would be bad for innovation.
  3. Despite rivalry, researchers still collaborate and companies routinely reuse each other’s open-source models, so co-opting is a pragmatic, normal part of how AI ecosystems evolve rather than just theft.

Cloud War: the National Security Strategy Edition

Interconnected • 339 implied HN points • 07 Dec 25
🌍 World Politics Geopolitics
  1. U.S. embassies are now being tasked to promote American companies and steer government contracts to them, even working to push foreign firms out of infrastructure deals in places like Latin America.
  2. Cloud data centers are being treated as critical infrastructure and a major front in U.S.–China competition, with Chinese cloud providers expanding fast across the Western Hemisphere.
  3. U.S. foreign policy has shifted from pushing democracy to prioritizing pragmatic commercial and strategic goals, so diplomats will focus more on making deals and selling American tech than on regime type or election promotion.

Empty Chambers

Doomberg • 5101 implied HN points • 11 Dec 24
🌍 World Politics Geopolitics
  1. Tajikistan's economy relies heavily on remittances from migrant workers in Russia, making the relationship between the two countries very important.
  2. China has invested a lot in Tajikistan and benefits from its natural resources, showing how connected these countries are through trade.
  3. Recent export restrictions by China on critical minerals like antimony can affect the US, especially in military and technology sectors, increasing concerns in the Pentagon.

Top Links 924 Asia's historic comeback. OPEC's pain threshold. An anti-Nazi Bavarian and the sex-plan for spacemen.

Chartbook • 457 implied HN points • 17 Nov 25
🌍 World Politics Geopolitics
  1. Asia has seen a major comeback in its economy, changing the global economic landscape. It's shifting how power and influence are distributed worldwide.
  2. OPEC (Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries) is facing challenges in maintaining its desired oil prices. This could affect global energy markets and economics.
  3. There are interesting stories highlighted, including one about an anti-Nazi Bavarian and plans for adventurous life in space. These narratives offer unique perspectives and insights into cultural history.

Weekend Update #165: Why the Pantomime?

Phillips’s Newsletter • 262 implied HN points • 28 Dec 25
🌍 World Politics Geopolitics
  1. The US appears to be running a two-track diplomacy by publicly negotiating with Ukraine while privately coordinating with Russia, which can string Ukraine along and give Moscow more time to prosecute the war.
  2. The Anchorage summit has become an informal framework that both the US and Russia cite as the baseline for any deal, and that framework seems to narrow options in ways that pressure Ukraine to concede territory like the Donbas.
  3. Western cruise missiles have proven useful in striking Russian infrastructure, but longer‑range systems like Taurus and Tomahawk would be more effective, and withholding them limits Ukraine’s ability to hit high‑value targets.

Beijing's Bubble Bursts Part 3

Diane Francis • 1338 implied HN points • 04 Mar 24
🌍 World Politics Geopolitics
  1. China's Belt and Road Initiative, which aimed to help poorer countries, has led many into deep debt instead of prosperity. This has turned some of these nations into vassal states rather than providing mutual benefits.
  2. Many countries that participated in BRI are facing serious economic issues and corruption scandals tied to Chinese investments. Projects often fail or are poorly managed, leaving these nations in worse situations.
  3. China's own economy is struggling, with declining exports and a high number of non-performing loans. The situation suggests that both China and its debt-laden partners are in precarious positions.

Nomonhan, 1939

Global Inequality and More 3.0 • 1706 implied HN points • 05 Jul 25
💾 History Geopolitics
  1. The Nomonhan conflict in 1939 was a key battle between Japan and the Soviet Union that lasted four months. It showed the differing military strategies and political tensions between the two powers.
  2. The outcome of the battles influenced World War II alliances, as Stalin's decisions were affected by Japan's aggression and his need to manage threats from both Germany and Japan.
  3. Japan's defeats at Nomonhan led to a shift in its focus from attacking the USSR to launching an attack on the United States, which was driven by a need for resources after facing US oil embargoes.

Putin Kills Navalny

Diane Francis • 1498 implied HN points • 16 Feb 24
🌍 World Politics Geopolitics
  1. Alexei Navalny, a prominent Russian opposition leader, has died under suspicious circumstances while imprisoned, raising concerns about government involvement.
  2. Navalny was known for his anti-corruption efforts and faced multiple assassination attempts, including being poisoned with a nerve agent.
  3. Despite the risks, Navalny inspired protests against the Russian government, demonstrating the public's desire for change and challenging Putin's regime.

DeepSeek: What the Headlines Miss

ChinaTalk • 4121 implied HN points • 26 Jan 25
🕹 Technology Geopolitics
  1. Export restrictions on AI chips only recently started, so it’s too soon to judge their effectiveness. The new chips might still perform well for AI tasks, keeping development ongoing.
  2. DeepSeek's advancements in efficiency show that machine learning can get cheaper over time. It’s possible for smaller companies to do more with less, but bigger companies benefits from these efficiencies too.
  3. The gap in computing power between the US and China is significant. DeepSeek admits they need much more computing power than US companies to achieve similar results due to export controls.

From Idealism to Realism

The Honest Broker Newsletter • 4357 implied HN points • 13 Jan 25
🌞 Climate & Environment Geopolitics
  1. Geopolitics often influences climate policies more than climate science itself. Countries prioritize their own interests over global climate agreements.
  2. The belief that scientific knowledge would automatically lead to climate action has proven overly optimistic. Many expected that understanding climate issues would unite nations, but it hasn't happened.
  3. Adapting to climate change is a slow process. The world will continue to gradually change, but there won't be a simple or happy resolution to the challenges posed by a warming planet.

Bombing to Lose

John’s Substack • 14 implied HN points • 07 Mar 26
🌍 World Politics Geopolitics
  1. Netanyahu and Trump lack a coherent strategy to win the US-Israeli war against Iran, so Iran is likely to come out ahead.
  2. President Trump made a major blunder by taking the United States into war with Iran.
  3. Even a pro-Israel leader like Joe Biden refused to attack Iran in April and October 2024, resisting Israeli efforts to draw him in.

Garry Kasparov: Israel Refuses to Accept the World As It Is

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 1975 implied HN points • 17 Jun 25
🌍 World Politics Geopolitics
  1. Israel has recently launched a significant military campaign against Iran's nuclear program, marking a critical shift in geopolitical stability.
  2. The Israeli strikes have not only weakened Iran militarily but have also caused political turmoil, affecting high-ranking officials in Tehran.
  3. There are concerns about the potential consequences of Israel's actions, with some predicting risks of escalation and calls for regime change, but the status quo may have been an illusion all along.

February 24, 2026

Letters from an American • 28 implied HN points • 25 Feb 26
🌍 World Politics Geopolitics
  1. Ukraine resisted and adapted instead of collapsing, mobilizing civilians and growing its military while innovating with drones and other technologies to keep fighting.
  2. U.S. policy shifted from strong support and coordinated sanctions under Biden to a more Russia-friendly stance under Trump, which disrupted funding, diplomacy, and aid and helped shift momentum on the battlefield.
  3. The war has reshaped global politics and economies: sanctions and allied support initially weakened Russia, Europe is moving toward greater self-reliance, but the conflict remains unresolved and has caused heavy civilian suffering.

HOISTED FROM THE ARCHIVES: International Relations Has a "Mearsheimer" Problem

Brad DeLong's Grasping Reality • 169 implied HN points • 06 Jan 26
🌐 International Geopolitics
  1. Some realist arguments (like Mearsheimer's) treat great-power aggression as inevitable. That way of thinking can shift blame away from leaders and make theoretical predictions sound like excuses for war crimes.
  2. Russia’s behavior is better explained by long-standing internal factors—autocracy, militarism, and leadership choices—rather than primarily by NATO expansion. Putin’s domestic politics push adventurism that is often counterproductive.
  3. In the modern world military conquest rarely produces durable control and tends to create lasting enemies. Lasting influence comes more from soft power and economic ties than from tanks and occupation.

Jake Sullivan

ChinaTalk • 429 implied HN points • 18 Nov 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Geopolitics
  1. It's really important to invest time in long-term strategies while handling immediate crises. Jake Sullivan emphasized that setting aside time for the bigger picture helps improve the country's future.
  2. Managing national security means balancing urgent issues with long-term goals, and it takes a team to keep that balance. Having people who remind leaders about these long-term objectives is crucial.
  3. The U.S. needs to be more aggressive and quicker in its industrial policy to compete globally. Jake mentioned that the ability to mobilize resources effectively for national security should be a top priority.

Operation Epic Fury

Who is Robert Malone • 23 implied HN points • 28 Feb 26
🌍 World Politics Geopolitics
  1. A joint US–Israeli military campaign reportedly began with airstrikes on Iran that hit senior regime leaders, and the U.S. president publicly urged Iranians to seize the moment.
  2. Iran launched widespread retaliatory missile and drone strikes against Israel and several Gulf and regional states, causing civilian casualties and prompting strong condemnations.
  3. Deep divisions between Iran’s IRGC and its regular military, plus Saudi Arabia’s pledge to back attacked countries, make responsibility for strikes unclear and raise the risk the conflict could escalate beyond the original actors.

When counterculture and empire merge

All-Source Intelligence Fusion • 1281 implied HN points • 11 Aug 25
🕹 Technology Geopolitics
  1. DEF CON, the big hacker conference, is teaming up with the U.S. military and some strict governments, which is upsetting a lot of hackers.
  2. Despite human rights issues related to some sponsors, many attendees seemed unconcerned while enjoying the conference's activities.
  3. There were protests at the event against U.S. military actions and a strong awareness of global issues like violence in Palestine.

Macron's Manifesto

Diane Francis • 1139 implied HN points • 14 Mar 24
🌍 World Politics Geopolitics
  1. Macron believes Europe needs to support Ukraine strongly, even considering sending troops. He's pushing for unity among European nations to confront the threat from Russia.
  2. France aims to become Europe's military leader, filling the gap left by Germany's cautious approach. Macron emphasizes that Europe needs to strengthen its own defense capabilities.
  3. There's a growing realization among European leaders that they need to increase military spending. Countries like Poland are already looking to invest more in their defense amid the ongoing conflict.

Lightning Strikes Twice

imetatronink • 3085 implied HN points • 14 Sep 23
🌍 World Politics Geopolitics
  1. The Russian military strategy involves careful planning, patience, and adaptability.
  2. The Battle of Kursk in 1943 exemplified the use of Russian military deception known as maskirovka.
  3. Current events in Ukraine suggest Russian strategic prowess and an unexpected turn of events may be imminent.

Putin debunks Tucker Carlson's warmongering anti-China propaganda, mocks his CIA ties

Geopolitical Economy Report • 1455 implied HN points • 10 Feb 24
🌍 World Politics Geopolitics
  1. Putin criticized Tucker Carlson's anti-China rhetoric and CIA ties, highlighting China's peaceful cooperation philosophy.
  2. Geopolitical strategies that try to separate Russia and China have been endorsed by both Republicans and far-right leaders in Europe.
  3. Tucker Carlson's past as a neoconservative and CIA applicant contrasts with his present-day populist image and anti-China stance.

To Greenland and Back

Comment is Freed • 119 implied HN points • 22 Jan 26
🌍 World Politics Geopolitics
  1. A negotiated Greenland 'framework' calmed the crisis but left open tough questions about how to keep NATO functioning under the pressures of a disruptive U.S. president.
  2. The push to 'acquire' Greenland looked unnecessary for alliance security and felt driven more by personal motives—treating territory like real estate and anger over a Nobel snub—than by clear strategic need.
  3. The core issue is the U.S. president's behavior and whether it signals a permanent rupture in transatlantic ties or simply a shift toward a different, more unpredictable relationship.

Israel and Iran: "Don't"

Diane Francis • 819 implied HN points • 15 Apr 24
🌍 World Politics Geopolitics
  1. Iran recently launched an attack on Israel using missiles and drones, but it was unsuccessful and failed to hit any targets. This shows a weakness in Iran's military capabilities.
  2. The attack was a response to an Israeli bombing in Damascus, which Iran views as a violation of its sovereignty. This highlights ongoing tensions between the two countries.
  3. Both nations seem to be stuck in a cycle of retaliation, where one action prompts a reaction, but the effectiveness of these responses is questionable. It raises concerns about the escalation of conflict in the region.

Complete Disregard for International Law (MOATS w/ George Galloway)

The Chris Hedges Report • 167 implied HN points • 06 Jan 26
🌍 World Politics Geopolitics
  1. There is a complete disregard for international law in recent military interventions and foreign actions.
  2. Those interventions are argued to be motivated by the seizure of vast oil reserves rather than legitimate legal or humanitarian reasons.
  3. Independent commentators and reader-supported outlets are highlighting and criticizing this pattern, urging the public to recognize resource-driven motives.

LETTER FROM LONDON

Seymour Hersh • 27 implied HN points • 27 Feb 26
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Geopolitics
  1. Traveled to London for an awards event, didn’t win the prize, and had the return to Washington delayed by Northeast storms.
  2. The State of the Union came across as a performative show and raised concerns that the U.S. is preparing a Middle Eastern military buildup without clear aims.
  3. Commentators warn that a tendency for the leader to believe his own lies and be surrounded by flatterers, rather than honest advisers, increases the risk of reckless foreign-policy decisions.

Glory to Ukraine!

Diane Francis • 1278 implied HN points • 24 Feb 24
🌍 World Politics Geopolitics
  1. The war in Ukraine started two years ago and is still ongoing. This shows the ongoing struggle and resilience of the Ukrainian people.
  2. Russia is portrayed as the aggressor, while Ukraine is seen as brave and deserving of support. It's important to recognize the efforts and courage of those fighting for their country.
  3. People are encouraged to help Ukraine by donating and keeping them in their thoughts and prayers. Every little support counts in times of crisis.

The Big Picture

John’s Substack • 11 implied HN points • 08 Mar 26
🌍 World Politics Geopolitics
  1. The University of Chicago's Graham School has a strong extension program.
  2. On March 3, 2026 John J. Mearsheimer did a long interview with Jennifer Lind.
  3. They discussed major issues spanning the last 250 years of U.S. foreign policy.

Lords A'Leaping

imetatronink • 2338 implied HN points • 20 Nov 23
🌍 World Politics Geopolitics
  1. The author's genealogical roots trace back to the Channel Islands, Scottish Highlands, and County Clare, Ireland.
  2. The author expresses rebelliousness against imagined authority and disdain for the British aristocracy.
  3. The author critiques 'Lord Ashcroft's' call for the west to confront Russia, deeming it futile and akin to the Titanic's fate.

Iran War, Day Three. All hell breaks loose.

The Cosmopolitan Globalist • 11 implied HN points • 02 Mar 26
🌍 World Politics Geopolitics
  1. The war escalated sharply as US and Israeli strikes hit Iranian targets, killing and injuring many people, including several US service members, while Iran launched missiles and drones in retaliation. The fighting also involved friendly-fire losses of US jets and reports of senior Iranian figures killed.
  2. The conflict is spilling across the region: Hezbollah fired into northern Israel and Israel hit Lebanon hard, Gulf energy infrastructure was struck (including an Aramco refinery and Qatar’s LNG facility), and regional powers and European countries are preparing to defend partners or target Iran’s missile and drone capabilities.
  3. There is a high risk of wider instability and asymmetric attacks, with Iran declaring a global "fire and revenge" campaign, authorities warning about lone-wolf and cyber attacks, and angry rhetoric and talk of possible US ground forces raising the chance of further escalation.

‘Western dominance has ended’, EU foreign-policy chief admits, warning of ‘West against the Rest’ geopolitics

Geopolitical Economy Report • 1116 implied HN points • 04 Mar 24
🌍 World Politics Geopolitics
  1. The era of Western dominance has ended, according to the EU foreign-policy chief. Europe should not see the world as 'the West against the Rest'.
  2. Global geopolitical tensions could push Europe into a bleak future. Europe must improve relations with the Global South to avoid becoming geopolitically irrelevant.
  3. In international forums like the UN, Europe often aligns with the US against the majority of countries from the Global South. This shows a stark division in voting patterns.

Can You Do Regime Change Without Changing A Regime?

Phillips’s Newsletter • 179 implied HN points • 06 Jan 26
🌍 World Politics Geopolitics
  1. The US operation ousted Maduro but left the regime's military, political, and foreign backers largely intact, so power simply shifted to figures like Delcy Rodríguez or Diosdado Cabello.
  2. Because a genuine opposition leader wasn't installed, American influence in Venezuela has weakened and the remaining options—full invasion or more leader abductions—are costly and politically unpalatable.
  3. The drug‑trafficking rationale looks like a pretext while strategic goals (like oil) seem central, highlighting a recurring US overconfidence in its ability to remake foreign regimes and a misunderstanding of doctrines like the Monroe Doctrine.

2024 could be the pivotal year for Cold War 2

Noahpinion • 10529 implied HN points • 12 Feb 24
🌍 World Politics Geopolitics
  1. 2024 could be a pivotal year for Cold War 2, with China's weakening economy and potential U.S. instability altering the global balance of power.
  2. China's economic strength is the core of New Axis power, posing a significant threat to the liberal world order by potentially overwhelming the U.S. in a war.
  3. The economic rise of China is a key factor driving Cold War 2, with its manufacturing might elevating the threat posed by the New Axis.

Khamenei's dead!

The Cosmopolitan Globalist • 13 implied HN points • 28 Feb 26
🌍 World Politics Geopolitics
  1. The post claims Iran's Supreme Leader Khamenei has died and is being treated as a breaking story with updates promised throughout the day.
  2. Coverage of this news has sidelined another urgent story about Anthropic and the Defense Department, and more developments are expected tomorrow.
  3. The update appears on Substack with paid subscription options but also offers a free post, and readers are encouraged to bookmark the page for follow-up updates.

World War III

Doomberg • 302 implied HN points • 25 Nov 25
🌍 World Politics Geopolitics
  1. Global tensions are rising, hinting at a potential worldwide conflict. It's important to stay informed about these developments.
  2. Using mental models can help us understand and predict how these conflicts might evolve. This can guide our decisions and thoughts about the future.
  3. Being aware of the changes in the balance of power among countries is crucial. It influences not just politics, but also economics and daily life.

My Terrorists Face Judgment Day

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 1669 implied HN points • 13 Jun 25
🌍 World Politics Geopolitics
  1. Some people are happy about the downfall of powerful figures in Iran, as they have caused a lot of suffering. They see this as a moment of justice.
  2. The author has faced serious threats from Iran's government, including attempts to kidnap and kill them. This shows how dangerous it can be to speak out against oppressive regimes.
  3. The fight for freedom and safety isn't just personal for the author; it's part of a larger struggle many people are facing. Their story highlights the importance of independent journalism in uncovering these issues.