The hottest Geopolitics Substack posts right now

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The Fall of Syria: What You Need to Know

The Corbett Report • 19 implied HN points • 15 Dec 24
🌍 World Politics Geopolitics Middle East International relations Conflict analysis Regime Change
  1. Syria's recent conflict ended with a sudden takeover by rebel groups, which many believe were backed by foreign powers. This shift raises questions about how such a big change happened so quickly after years of fighting.
  2. The new leadership in Syria, primarily led by Hay'at Tahrir al-Sham, is viewed suspiciously as they have ties to past terrorist groups. This raises concerns about their true intentions and how they will govern the country.
  3. The situation in Syria is complex, involving multiple countries and interests. It's not just a local conflict, but a part of a larger struggle that could have implications far beyond Syria's borders.

Extradition battles, Japan's Defense White Paper, Hybrid Russian cybercrime, Chinese text input method vulnerabilities, Putinism in a nutshell

Natto Thoughts • 59 implied HN points • 11 Aug 23
🌍 World Politics International relations Cybersecurity Geopolitics Dictatorship National Security
  1. US facing setbacks in extraditing suspects from Russia, with delays in decisions
  2. Japan's Defense White Paper upsetting China by calling their military activities a strategic challenge
  3. Vulnerabilities found in the Sogou input method used widely in China, raising concerns about eavesdropping and Chinese government monitoring

Chess with Vlad

Diane Francis • 519 implied HN points • 15 Apr 21
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy Diplomacy Military Strategy Geopolitics International relations
  1. Biden's decision to withdraw troops from Afghanistan was seen as smart, but his handling of the situation with Putin and Ukraine was not viewed the same way. Engaging in talks without firm actions may show weakness.
  2. Putin operates by different rules and often violates agreements, making it hard for the West to effectively respond. The trust in diplomacy alone is misplaced when dealing with aggressive actions.
  3. To genuinely challenge Putin, the U.S. needs to adopt a stronger stance. This involves military readiness and severe economic sanctions rather than just discussions or temporary measures.

The Syrian Army Has Not Surrendered!

C.O.P. Central Organizing Principle. • 18 implied HN points • 14 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy Military Action Political Commentary Conflict analysis Geopolitics
  1. The Syrian Army is still fighting and has not surrendered to opposing groups backed by the US. This indicates their determination to maintain control.
  2. There is ongoing violence from the HTS terrorists against unarmed Syrian citizens, which is being shared on social media. This situation shows the serious threats faced by ordinary people in Syria.
  3. The US's involvement in Syria is viewed as a declining empire facing challenges at home, suggesting a possible shift in global power dynamics.
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Talibanistan

Diane Francis • 419 implied HN points • 16 Aug 21
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics War Terrorism Foreign Policy Military Geopolitics
  1. The U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan shows that military actions alone can't solve complex political issues. After years of involvement, the Afghan government fell apart quickly without Western support.
  2. History shows that invading countries often leads to more problems, like the rise of terrorist groups. Similar mistakes made in Iraq created chaos and suffering that continue today.
  3. Effective ways to fight terrorism might be better funding for early warning systems and surveillance instead of waging wars. Wars rarely lead to peace and stability.

The Geopolitics of the Arctic

The Climate Historian • 19 implied HN points • 26 Mar 24
🌍 World Politics Geopolitics International relations Environmental Policy Global Economy Resource Management
  1. The Arctic is becoming a very important area for countries around the world because of its natural resources and changes due to climate change. Many nations are paying more attention to it now.
  2. Climate change is rapidly warming the Arctic, which is causing ice to melt and opening new shipping routes. This affects not just local communities but also global weather patterns.
  3. As Asia's economy grows, countries like China are increasing their interest in the Arctic. This shift creates new possibilities and challenges for international cooperation in the region.

Putin Punks NATO

Diane Francis • 459 implied HN points • 14 Jun 21
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics International relations Military Strategy Geopolitics Diplomacy
  1. NATO is struggling to handle Russia's actions since the Soviet Union collapsed. Putin's tactics have weakened many democratic nations and are aimed at rebuilding Russian influence.
  2. Ukraine and Georgia should receive more support from NATO to defend against Russian threats. Granting them closer ties could help strengthen their security and better counter Russian aggression.
  3. NATO needs to develop a stronger strategy to deal with Russia and its ambitions. This includes addressing issues like Russian energy projects that threaten European security and taking decisive action against Russia's expansionist goals.

Why Putin Went to War to Keep Ukraine Out of the European Union

Japan Economy Watch • 239 implied HN points • 10 Mar 22
🌍 World Politics Geopolitics International relations European Union Russia Ukraine
  1. Ukraine's desire to join the European Union led to Putin's aggression and military actions.
  2. EU membership offers economic benefits like trade and foreign direct investment, leading to growth and modernization.
  3. The shift towards the EU in trade and foreign investment is helping Ukraine move away from Russian influence and progress towards a more prosperous and independent future.

Total Kievan Debellation

Big Serge Thought • 13 implied HN points • 09 Jan 25
🌍 World Politics Military conflict International relations Geopolitics War Strategy Global Security
  1. In 2024, Russia made significant gains in southern Donetsk, overcoming Ukrainian defenses and pushing the front closer to key areas like Pokrovsk. This was a crucial change after years of stalled fighting.
  2. Ukraine's attempts to expand its military efforts, particularly with the offensive into Kursk, did not succeed and left its defenses in Donbas weakened. Many resources were spent ineffectively, further straining Ukraine's situation.
  3. Ukraine is facing rising manpower issues, with mobilization efforts falling short and desertions increasing. Their ability to maintain sufficient fighting power is decreasing, making their future in the war very uncertain.

Japan’s Vulnerability If There’s A New Recession

Japan Economy Watch • 179 implied HN points • 07 Jul 22
💼 Business Economy Geopolitics Finance History
  1. Japan's vulnerability to economic shocks like a new recession is high, historically showing outsized reactions that affect living standards and geopolitics.
  2. The Japanese economy takes bigger hits from global shocks compared to other rich countries, recovering more slowly and experiencing slower growth.
  3. Japan's economic vulnerability stems from imbalanced growth where GDP growth hasn't translated effectively into wider population benefits like wage growth, creating long-term instabilities.

The Gathering Storm

Diane Francis • 339 implied HN points • 15 Nov 21
🌍 World Politics Geopolitics History International relations Sovereignty Conflict
  1. The fall of the Soviet Union happened 30 years ago and was a big deal in history. It influenced how countries interact today.
  2. Vladimir Putin sees the collapse of the Soviet Union as a major loss for Russia. He believes it affected Russia's power and position in the world.
  3. The USSR's defeat in Afghanistan played a significant role in its downfall. It caused chaos that led to the eventual break-up of the country.

CIA intimidated Britain to force 'ally' to cut ties with China's Huawei

Geopolitical Economy Report • 119 implied HN points • 26 Aug 22
🌍 World Politics Geopolitics Diplomacy International relations
  1. The CIA under the Trump administration pressured Britain to sever ties with Huawei, impacting the UK's economy and 5G infrastructure development.
  2. Despite British intelligence finding Huawei not to be a threat, the US forced the UK to ban the tech giant, prioritizing political motives over technical considerations.
  3. US exerted influence on other countries in the Five Eyes network to follow suit in banning Huawei, straining relationships and showcasing geopolitical power dynamics.

Three Different Articles on the War Between Israel and Hamas

Fisted by Foucault • 104 implied HN points • 25 Jan 24
🌍 World Politics Middle East International relations Conflict Diplomacy Geopolitics
  1. The article discusses South Africa's personal connection to defending Palestine and its efforts at the International Court of Justice, seeking to address the Israel-Palestine conflict.
  2. Germany's commitment to Israel's security as a 'reason of state' is explored, reflecting on the historical context and political decisions made by Angela Merkel.
  3. Former Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert's take on the Gaza conflict and his perspective on the root cause behind the terrorist attacks in Israel.

Sordid Arabia and Jared

Diane Francis • 459 implied HN points • 06 May 21
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy Human Rights Middle East Geopolitics Political Scandals
  1. Jamal Khashoggi was a journalist who was killed gruesomely in a Saudi consulate, which raised international outcry. His death highlighted serious issues with human rights in Saudi Arabia.
  2. Jared Kushner and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman worked together closely, reshaping alliances in the Middle East. Their relationship had significant implications for U.S. foreign policy and the potential sale of nuclear technology.
  3. Despite controversies and ethical questions surrounding Kushner's dealings during the Trump administration, he has continued to amass wealth and influence in the region, showing how personal and political interests can intertwine.

Putin's May 9 Move

Diane Francis • 239 implied HN points • 05 May 22
🌍 World Politics Geopolitics International relations Military Affairs Diplomacy Conflict Studies
  1. Putin's May 9 event is a big deal in Russia, celebrating their history. People are curious how he will talk about the situation in Ukraine.
  2. He has three main choices for his speech: claim victory, end the conflict, or escalate things further. Each option has big implications for the future.
  3. This speech will signal what direction Russia might take next regarding their Ukraine strategy. So, everyone is paying close attention.

Angela's Ashes

Diane Francis • 359 implied HN points • 27 Sep 21
🌍 World Politics International relations Political Leadership Geopolitics European Politics Conflict resolution
  1. Germany is in a tricky situation as it looks for a new chancellor after Angela Merkel. The process will take time, which leaves the country in uncertainty for a few months.
  2. Merkel's leadership is seen as problematic due to her close ties with Putin, especially with decisions like welcoming a large number of refugees and supporting the Nord Stream 2 pipeline.
  3. The next German government might struggle to deal with Europe’s challenges because it could be made up of several conflicting parties, potentially weakening Germany's position in the EU.

Putin's Rasputin

Diane Francis • 459 implied HN points • 19 Apr 21
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy Geopolitics International relations National Security Defense Strategy
  1. Putin is focused on creating chaos and doesn't want peace or cooperation with the West. He sees opportunities to pressure Ukraine and other countries while the world leaders struggle to understand his motives.
  2. Dugin's ideas from 1997 have guided Russia's aggressive actions and ambitions to form a Eurasian Empire. His strategies have played out in global events, showing how he anticipated and influenced major geopolitical shifts.
  3. The best way to deal with Putin is not through diplomacy but by taking strong actions. Countries need to prepare to retaliate against Russia's moves and support Ukraine directly to deter further aggression.

American Hubris

Diane Francis • 379 implied HN points • 19 Aug 21
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy Military Strategy Political Beliefs Geopolitics International relations
  1. The U.S. learned from the Soviet Union's mistakes in Afghanistan, realizing that trying to change a country's culture and society through force leads to failure.
  2. America's methods of foreign intervention have damaged its credibility, making allies nervous and other nations skeptical of U.S. reliability in crises.
  3. Instead of military force, America should focus on diplomatic and economic strategies to build relationships and influence other countries, similar to China's approach with projects like the Belt and Road Initiative.

Putin Punks America

Diane Francis • 439 implied HN points • 13 May 21
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Cybersecurity Foreign Relations National Security Intelligence Geopolitics
  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.

Nyhetsbrev steigan.no 23.10.2024

steigan.no • 8 implied HN points • 23 Oct 24
🌍 World Politics Geopolitics International relations Conflict Studies Military Affairs Diplomacy
  1. Yemen has launched military operations using hypersonic missiles against Israeli targets, supporting Palestine and Lebanon amidst ongoing conflicts.
  2. China and India have reached an agreement to resolve old border conflicts, enhancing their diplomatic relations and collaboration.
  3. BRICS nations are gaining influence, presenting an alternative to the US-led order, and highlighting the global shift towards a multipolar world.

Gaming Refugees

Diane Francis • 339 implied HN points • 30 Aug 21
🌍 World Politics Refugee Crisis Human Rights International relations Geopolitics
  1. Many people are fleeing their home countries due to fear of persecution or tough living conditions. They can either apply for immigration legally or, if they leave without permission, they are considered refugees.
  2. Countries like Belarus and Turkey are using refugees as a way to push back against the European Union. This has created a complicated situation where borders are being fortified and people are stuck in limbo.
  3. The refugee crisis is affecting many regions, not just Europe. There are millions displaced worldwide, and countries are struggling to manage the growing numbers and the challenges that come with them.

Nyhetsbrev steigan.no 22.10.2024

steigan.no • 8 implied HN points • 22 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy Public funding Military Affairs Elections Geopolitics Economic Policy
  1. Norway is providing a significant amount of money, 3.2 billion euros, to support democracy in various EU countries. However, many in Norway are concerned about the lack of funding for local services like schools and hospitals.
  2. The recent EU victory in Moldova's referendum was very narrow and reflects a divided opinion among the people. Many local voters opposed joining the EU, but overseas Moldovans influenced the result in favor of it.
  3. Israel's airstrikes in Lebanon have severely damaged financial institutions linked to Hezbollah. This has resulted in civilian evacuations and heightened tensions in the region, with many people affected by the ongoing conflict.

Beijing Bullyboys

Diane Francis • 399 implied HN points • 17 May 21
🌍 World Politics International relations Geopolitics Defense Policy
  1. Taiwan is facing pressure from China to be absorbed back into its rule. Despite being economically successful, Taiwan remains isolated diplomatically with only a few countries recognizing it as independent.
  2. Taiwan dominates the global semiconductor market, making it vital for the world economy. Its advanced technology keeps it at the forefront, making it hard for competitors like China to catch up.
  3. Many countries, especially in Asia, have concerns about China's growing influence. It's important for these nations to support Taiwan, and better alliances are needed to counter China's ambitions.

Commentator

Castalia • 99 implied HN points • 16 Feb 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Geopolitics Military Policy Media Studies Public Health Trans issues
  1. Seymour Hersh has reported that the U.S. was involved in sabotaging the Nord Stream pipelines, which raises questions about media credibility and the motivations behind such actions. His claims challenge the official narratives about who may have been responsible.
  2. The war in Ukraine is escalating, with increased military support from the U.S. and more involvement in the conflict. This raises concerns about the implications of deeper military commitments and the possibility of a prolonged war.
  3. The debate around gender-affirming hormones for minors has intensified, with some reports suggesting inadequate oversight and the potential for irreversible medical interventions. Many are questioning how decisions are made in trans health care for young people.

Da Wei on China-U.S. Relations following Xi-Biden meeting in San Francisco

Pekingnology • 90 implied HN points • 07 Jan 24
🌍 World Politics Geopolitics International cooperation
  1. The meeting between President Xi and President Biden in San Francisco sent a positive message of wanting to manage and stabilize the bilateral relationship between China and the U.S.
  2. Concrete agreements were made between the two countries on issues like fentanyl cooperation, lifting sanctions, people-to-people exchanges, and military dialogues.
  3. There is a need to control the level of confrontation and competition between China and the U.S. to prevent it from escalating into something worse, despite the fundamental negative nature of the relations in recent years.

Happy Birthday Ukraine

Diane Francis • 339 implied HN points • 23 Aug 21
🌍 World Politics International relations Geopolitics Conflict Studies Democracy National Security
  1. Ukraine declared its independence from Russia 30 years ago, which was a major moment in ending the Soviet Empire. This anniversary is important to celebrate.
  2. Despite ongoing conflict and challenges, Ukraine has built a strong army and shows great determination to protect its freedom and seek European integration.
  3. The people of Ukraine have stood up against corruption and fought for their rights through peaceful protests, which have led to significant reforms and a push towards democracy.

Back with The Judge

John’s Substack • 6 implied HN points • 07 Nov 24
🌍 World Politics International relations Foreign Policy Geopolitics Security Issues Diplomacy
  1. The speaker recently returned from a trip to Europe and resumed their regular discussions on a show called 'Judging Freedom' with Judge Napolitano.
  2. They talked about concerning foreign policy issues that are currently affecting the world.
  3. The discussions are often seen as depressing due to the serious nature of the topics covered.

Stone, Scissors, Paper.

Trying to Understand the World • 9 implied HN points • 05 Feb 25
🌍 World Politics International relations Military Strategy Global Security Geopolitics Conflict analysis
  1. Western political leaders lack knowledge about military strategy and security, which makes it hard for them to respond effectively to current conflicts. They need to understand past lessons from wars and develop a clearer strategy moving forward.
  2. Technological advancements in warfare, like drones and tanks, should be understood in context rather than treated as standalone solutions. Their effectiveness depends on various factors, including the enemy's capabilities and the specific goals of a conflict.
  3. The war in Ukraine is changing the dynamics of European security. European nations need to reconsider their approaches to defense and their relationship with Russia, moving beyond outdated policies and focusing on collective interests and independence.

The Future of Sino-Africa Relations

An Africanist Perspective • 59 implied HN points • 03 Jan 23
🌍 World Politics Economic Development Geopolitics
  1. Bureaucratic competence is crucial in fostering successful partnerships between China and African countries. China can support African nations in developing effective governmental structures to improve economic growth and avoid corruption.
  2. Investing in African agriculture presents a win-win scenario for both China and African countries. Enhancing agricultural productivity can lead to economic development, food security, and reduction of trade deficits.
  3. China can enhance Sino-African relations by actively involving African countries in Chinese value chains, boosting investments in African human capital, and gaining a more nuanced understanding of African politics. These approaches can contribute to sustainable growth and positive partnerships.

November 11, 2024

Letters from an American • 21 implied HN points • 12 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Policy Parties Geopolitics Governance
  1. The Taliban celebrated Trump's election, seeing it as a chance to improve ties with the U.S. They hope he'll back their strict policies, like banning girls' education.
  2. There is confusion within the Republican Party after Trump’s win. Trump wants to control appointments and leadership roles, but traditional Republicans are pushing back against his demands.
  3. Despite Trump's victory, many voters supported Democratic policies, like abortion rights and minimum wage increases, showing a gap between Trump's agenda and what people actually want.

Nyhetsbrev steigan.no 29.10.2024

steigan.no • 7 implied HN points • 29 Oct 24
🌍 World Politics International relations Geopolitics Conflict Studies Diplomatic Affairs Peace Studies
  1. A recent study shows that people who received mRNA COVID-19 vaccines may have a higher risk of acute heart disease, especially among younger adults compared to those who got other types of vaccines.
  2. Israel has not achieved its goals in its current conflict, with Hamas still active and casualties continuing to rise, leading to international criticism of the situation.
  3. The Rockefeller family has had a significant impact on global medicine and academia, funding many institutions and shaping health policies for over a century.

Nyhetsbrev steigan.no 16.12.2024

steigan.no • 3 implied HN points • 16 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy Military Strategy Geopolitics Economic Policy International relations
  1. The Munich analogy, often used in political discussions, oversimplifies complex current events by comparing them to past conflicts, which may not be relevant today.
  2. In the Ukraine war, military actions appear inevitable as both sides perceive each other as existential threats, raising concerns about the potential for wider conflict.
  3. Recent studies predict a more severe pandemic than COVID-19, emphasizing the risks of using fear to impose compliance with stringent measures in the future.

The Uterine Lottery

Polymathic Being • 66 implied HN points • 03 Dec 23
📖 Philosophy Evolutionary biology Economics Geopolitics Sociology
  1. Our existence is not entirely random; it is influenced by mate selection, education, health, and life decisions passed down through generations.
  2. Economic and geopolitical factors contribute to inequality, with the Pareto Principle indicating that a small percentage holds a majority of wealth and success.
  3. Sociological structures, traditions, and decisions made by our ancestors play a significant role in shaping who we are today.

Swarm Geopolitics: Everything, Everywhere, All at Once: Hamas, Houthis, SMERSH, Spies, Ecuador and Organized Crime

Dr. Pippa's Pen & Podcast • 55 implied HN points • 15 Jan 24
🌍 World Politics Geopolitics Espionage Military International relations
  1. Geopolitical conflicts are emerging globally and may be connected in a web of strategies.
  2. Russia and China are utilizing a clever swarm strategy to create problems for the US and NATO on multiple fronts.
  3. There are concerns about fake intelligence feeds and sophisticated cyberattacks influencing international events.

Trashghanistan

Diane Francis • 339 implied HN points • 15 Jul 21
🌍 World Politics International relations Military History Conflict Studies Geopolitics Terrorism
  1. Afghanistan has a long history of being invaded but remains unconquerable due to its tough terrain and complex mix of ethnic groups. The U.S. is just the latest empire to fail there after others like the British and Soviets.
  2. Despite the spending of $2.21 trillion over 20 years, the U.S. could not build a stable government in Afghanistan. Corruption and lack of oversight led to a weak Afghan security force, making it easy for the Taliban to regain control.
  3. The withdrawal of U.S. troops is seen as a mistake by some former leaders, but the public supports it. Unfortunately, many Afghans face a grim future as the Taliban reemerges and the country is likely to fall back into poverty and chaos.