The hottest Geopolitics Substack posts right now

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Winter is Coming ...

Diane Francis β€’ 279 implied HN points β€’ 08 Nov 21
🌍 World Politics International relations Geopolitics Conflict Studies Diplomacy Security Studies
  1. Vladimir Putin uses a type of conflict called 'hybrid warfare' where he attacks without using direct military force. This means he uses tactics like propaganda and threats instead of sending in soldiers.
  2. As winter comes, Putin is making moves that could put pressure on Europe. This is part of his strategy to hurt his enemies without crossing certain lines.
  3. Understanding these tactics is important because they can have big effects on political situations and global stability, especially during cold months.

Ukraine, Taiwan, and the Bullies

Diane Francis β€’ 379 implied HN points β€’ 22 Apr 21
πŸ‡ΊπŸ‡Έ U.S. Politics Foreign Relations Defense Policy Geopolitics International Law Global Security
  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.

Putin and Belarus

Diane Francis β€’ 359 implied HN points β€’ 27 May 21
🌍 World Politics Geopolitics International relations Authoritarianism Human Rights
  1. Putin is increasing control over former Soviet states, especially Belarus, which is becoming more submissive to Moscow's power. This is concerning for the political future of the region.
  2. Belarus lacks strong civil society or support from the diaspora, making it harder for the country to resist Russian influence compared to Ukraine.
  3. Recent aggressive actions, like hijacking a plane to arrest an activist, show a dangerous precedent that threatens exiled activists everywhere and needs international condemnation.

What We Talk About, When We Talk About Talks.

Trying to Understand the World β€’ 7 implied HN points β€’ 19 Feb 25
🌍 World Politics International relations Conflict resolution Geopolitics Diplomacy Foreign Policy
  1. The belief that the U.S. disengaging from Ukraine will change the situation is unrealistic. Ukraine has struggled against a stronger military, and expecting them to succeed without support is not based on reality.
  2. Western leaders have been in denial about the consequences of their support for Ukraine. They were trying to avoid facing the truth of the situation, but eventually, they had to confront it.
  3. Negotiations between the U.S. and Russia may happen, but there’s big uncertainty about what can actually be agreed upon. Major issues need resolution, and both sides seem far apart on their expectations.

Turkey's Terminator

Diane Francis β€’ 339 implied HN points β€’ 24 Jun 21
πŸ•Ή Technology Military technology Geopolitics Drones Artificial Intelligence
  1. The Kargu-2 drone from Turkey is a major development in military technology, as it can operate without human control. This marks a new era in warfare, where machines can make lethal decisions on their own.
  2. These drones have already been used successfully in conflicts, significantly changing the dynamics of warfare. Countries are now interested in acquiring these drones, especially those challenged by bigger militaries.
  3. Experts warn that these autonomous weapons could lead to dangerous situations, where they might target specific groups based on various traits. There's growing concern about the need for global regulations to prevent their misuse.
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Lookout to 2024

New World Same Humans β€’ 85 implied HN points β€’ 17 Jan 24
πŸ•Ή Technology AI Blockchain Robotics Geopolitics Science
  1. Generative AI is set to impact the real economy in 2024, with a focus on automating knowledge worker tasks.
  2. 2024 will see a historic year for global democracy, with tensions rising around deepfake technologies in elections.
  3. Mainstream adoption of blockchain technology is expected to reshape societies with decentralization and innovation.

New World Disorder

Diane Francis β€’ 199 implied HN points β€’ 11 Apr 22
🌍 World Politics Geopolitics International relations Conflict Studies Diplomacy Global Governance
  1. The war in Ukraine has split countries into three groups: those supporting Ukraine, those backing Russia, and those unsure of where to stand. This division shows how global politics have changed since the Cold War.
  2. Many countries, while condemning Russia's actions, are hesitant to take strong action against it, often due to their own interests. Countries like India and Turkey try to balance their relationships with both Russia and the West.
  3. The current situation highlights that there is no simple 'world order' anymore. Instead, countries act based on local politics and their own needs, which can lead to instability and conflicts.

Needle Diplomacy

Diane Francis β€’ 379 implied HN points β€’ 15 Mar 21
🌍 World Politics Geopolitics Vaccination International relations Diplomacy Public Health
  1. Countries are competing to provide vaccines for COVID-19 to gain influence over others. The U.S., China, and Russia have different strategies in this vaccine race.
  2. China is using its vaccine distribution to strengthen ties with developing nations while downplaying its own role in the pandemic's start. This behavior is part of a larger strategy to expand its influence.
  3. The U.S. is collaborating with India, Japan, and Australia through the 'Quad' to counter China's aggressiveness in Asia. This alliance aims to provide vaccines and strengthen political and military ties.

The Missile Will Always Get Through.

Trying to Understand the World β€’ 15 implied HN points β€’ 04 Dec 24
🌍 World Politics Military Strategy International relations Conflict analysis Geopolitics Defense Policy
  1. Russia has developed advanced missile technology that can accurately strike targets far away. This puts them in a strong position since these missiles are hard to intercept.
  2. The West's reliance on manned aircraft for attacks is outdated compared to Russia's focus on missile capabilities. This means Russia can hit important infrastructure while the West struggles to defend against these attacks.
  3. Western leaders may not fully grasp the threat posed by Russia's missile advancements. There is a risk that they will ignore the reality of their vulnerability and not prepare adequately for potential conflicts.

Vladistan

Diane Francis β€’ 239 implied HN points β€’ 06 Dec 21
🌍 World Politics International relations Diplomatic Affairs Geopolitics Military Conflicts Global Security
  1. There is a serious conversation happening between Putin and President Biden about Russia's military actions near Ukraine. This situation is very tense and could have big consequences.
  2. The date December 8 is important for Putin because it marks 30 years since the Soviet Union collapsed. This could influence his thoughts and decisions during the talks.
  3. Overall, the upcoming discussions are critical as they might determine the future relationship between Russia and the West, especially concerning Ukraine.

Biden's Bamboo Curtain

Diane Francis β€’ 259 implied HN points β€’ 20 Sep 21
πŸ‡ΊπŸ‡Έ U.S. Politics Foreign Policy International relations Military Strategy Asia-Pacific Geopolitics
  1. The agreement between the US, UK, and Australia to provide Australia with nuclear-powered submarines is a strong strategy to counter China's aggressive actions in the region. This partnership aims to ensure safer shipping routes in the East and South China Seas.
  2. China is unhappy about this submarine deal as it sees it as a threat to its influence in Asia. The deal has also caused tensions with France, which lost a previous submarine contract with Australia.
  3. The involvement of more countries in military alliances like the Quad shows a collective effort to respond to China's actions. This helps strengthen defense capabilities and creates a united front in the region.

Dealing With The Russian Right

Castalia β€’ 119 implied HN points β€’ 19 Sep 22
🌍 World Politics Geopolitics Authoritarianism Nationalism Philosophy History
  1. Understanding Russian right-wing thinkers like Limonov and Dugin can help explain the mindset behind Putin's actions. This ideology combines fascist elements with a deep-rooted belief in Russia's historical and spiritual superiority.
  2. Putin's view of liberalism and the West is not merely political; it’s seen as a mystical struggle against a perceived enemy. This perspective shapes the narrative that justifies Russia's aggressive actions in Ukraine.
  3. Engaging with these ideas is crucial, as they highlight a coherent worldview that challenges Western values. Recognizing this helps in forming a stronger response to the ideologies driving Russia's political strategies.

December 12, 2024

Letters from an American β€’ 13 implied HN points β€’ 13 Dec 24
πŸ‡ΊπŸ‡Έ U.S. Politics Foreign Relations Biden administration Geopolitics
  1. President Biden's recent trip to Angola highlights the importance of Africa's future and the U.S. involvement in strengthening relationships with African nations. The U.S. aims to gain trust from African countries that have historical reasons to be skeptical.
  2. The Lobito Corridor project, which involves building a railway to help transport minerals, is a key investment effort that benefits local economies and global supply chains. It will significantly decrease travel time for transporting goods, making it more efficient and cost-effective.
  3. The changing political landscape in the Middle East, particularly the fall of the Assad regime in Syria, could affect Russia's influence in Africa. This instability offers new opportunities for the U.S. and its allies to support democratic leadership in African countries.

Leaps of Faith Become Harder over Time

Eva’s Substack β€’ 19 implied HN points β€’ 29 Jan 24
🌍 World Politics International cooperation Technology Geopolitics Artificial Intelligence Trust
  1. Cooperation in fields like AI becomes harder as time passes and stakes rise, emphasizing the need for international cooperation to prevent risks from powerful AI.
  2. Starting a trust-building process in a low-trust environment often requires a costly signal, such as a country opting out of AI competition to demonstrate trustworthiness.
  3. As time progresses and AI systems advance, taking a leap of faith in AI cooperation becomes increasingly risky and costly, making initiating serious international cooperation crucial.

Nyhetsbrev steigan.no 08.10.2024

steigan.no β€’ 7 implied HN points β€’ 08 Oct 24
🌍 World Politics International relations Conflict analysis Geopolitics Political Economy
  1. There was a terrorist attack in Pakistan that killed two Chinese workers. A group claiming responsibility for the attack wants independence for a region in Pakistan.
  2. The Swedish battery company Northvolt is facing bankruptcy. They need to pay a significant amount in taxes soon or risk financial collapse.
  3. Israel has provided Ukraine with a missile warning system to boost its defense capabilities. This support comes amid increased military tensions in the region.

Harry and Meghan's Nuke

Diane Francis β€’ 319 implied HN points β€’ 11 Mar 21
πŸ‡ΊπŸ‡Έ U.S. Politics Monarchy Racism Media Geopolitics
  1. The British Royal Family is facing serious scrutiny after Harry and Meghan's revealing interview. The couple shared troubling experiences about racism and mental health struggles within the royal circle.
  2. Many Commonwealth nations, like Barbados, are reconsidering their ties to the monarchy. This shift is fueled by historical issues like colonialism and recent revelations from Harry and Meghan's stories.
  3. There is a growing call in countries like Australia and Canada to replace the monarchy with local leadership. People feel it's time for a head of state who truly represents their nation's citizens.

Nyhetsbrev steigan.no 19.10.2024

steigan.no β€’ 6 implied HN points β€’ 19 Oct 24
🌍 World Politics International relations Geopolitics Conflict analysis Human Rights Public Policy
  1. The situation in Gaza is worsening, with many people facing food shortages due to a blockade. Humanitarian aid has been blocked, increasing the risk of famine.
  2. Zelensky's statements about Ukraine seeking nuclear weapons led to confusion and were officially denied by his office. Ukraine did not have control over the nuclear arsenal it inherited after the Soviet Union collapsed.
  3. There are concerns about the European Union's growing centralized power under Ursula von der Leyen. Critics say this shift reduces national democratic control and could lead to a more authoritarian governance structure.

You're invited

The Cosmopolitan Globalist β€’ 5 implied HN points β€’ 20 Feb 25
🌍 World Politics International relations Geopolitics Foreign Policy Human Rights Conflict Studies
  1. This weekend, there will be discussions on important topics, including Russia's secret activities in Africa and their impact on Europe.
  2. Philip Obaji is a journalist who has bravely reported on human rights abuses by Russian paramilitaries in Africa, and he will share his insights on this troubling situation.
  3. Former US Ambassador Robert Holley will join discussions about his experiences in Morocco and the Western Sahara conflict, providing valuable perspectives on North Africa.

When Ukraine Is Over ...

Trying to Understand the World β€’ 8 implied HN points β€’ 15 Jan 25
🌍 World Politics International relations Conflict resolution Diplomacy Geopolitics Security Studies
  1. Ending a war is complicated and involves different types of agreements. There are various steps to consider, like ceasing hostilities and addressing the conflict's root causes.
  2. Negotiations can be tricky since different parties might have different motivations and understandings. What one side sees as an agreement, the other might see as a temporary measure.
  3. For peace to happen, all involved must genuinely want to end the fighting and agree on terms that are acceptable to everyone. If there’s not real commitment, even signed agreements may not hold up.

Jihadistan

Diane Francis β€’ 219 implied HN points β€’ 26 Aug 21
🌍 World Politics Terrorism Geopolitics National Security International relations Middle East
  1. The situation in Afghanistan after the U.S. withdrawal could lead to more civil wars and a new home for terrorists, making Pakistan very vulnerable.
  2. Pakistan has a long history of harboring terrorists and is facing its own internal issues, which puts the region at greater risk.
  3. The Taliban's rise may increase challenges for Pakistan, India, and Iran, creating new tensions and potential conflicts in the area.

Global Times Interview on US-China Relations

John’s Substack β€’ 4 implied HN points β€’ 05 Nov 24
🌍 World Politics Geopolitics International relations Diplomacy Conflict Studies Political Analysis
  1. The interview discusses the current state of US-China relations. It's important to understand how these two countries interact and affect each other.
  2. The conversation took place in Beijing and reflects Chinese perspectives on these relations. Listening to different viewpoints can help us get a fuller picture.
  3. Understanding the dynamics of international relations is key for future interactions. Being aware of these factors can influence how countries might behave moving forward.

How The US Got Beaten In Its Own Game In Ukraine: The Full Story

Oz’s Newsletter β€’ 19 implied HN points β€’ 28 Dec 23
🌍 World Politics Geopolitics Conflict Diplomacy Warfare Negotiation
  1. The US's plan to apply the Afghanistan playbook in Ukraine against Russia backfired.
  2. Russia's successful strategies, including using alternative international financial payment systems, led to major economic consequences for the US.
  3. The Ukraine war did not go as planned for the US, with Russia's military tactics proving effective and US efforts in the Middle East also facing challenges.

How American Shock Capitalism Fostered the Russia-Ukraine War

JoeWrote β€’ 30 implied HN points β€’ 27 Feb 24
🌍 World Politics Geopolitics Nationalism Oligarchy Capitalism War
  1. Geopolitical conflicts, like the Russia-Ukraine War, are often oversimplified as 'Good Guys vs. Bad Guys,' but understanding the complexities behind these conflicts is crucial to preventing future tragedies.
  2. The implementation of Shock Capitalism in Russia post-Soviet Union led to a catastrophic economic collapse, increased income inequality, and the rise of an oligarchy, setting the stage for social unrest and Putin's consolidation of power.
  3. Nationalism, particularly in Russia, has been used by leaders like Putin to distract from domestic issues, justify military action, and boost popularity, highlighting the dangerous impact of nationalism when fueled by political agendas.

The Forest and the Trees: Ukraine's Strategic Dissipation

Big Serge Thought β€’ 13 implied HN points β€’ 31 Oct 24
🌍 World Politics Military conflict International relations Geopolitics War Analysis
  1. In Ukraine, the ongoing war has led to a lack of clear strategy and focus, making it hard to achieve their goals. They keep changing their plans without a solid path to victory.
  2. Ukraine has aimed for total victory by wanting to reclaim all its original territories, but this goal seems unrealistic given the current military situation. They're stuck and can't find a way to negotiate or end the conflict.
  3. Ukraine's attempts to open new fronts or provoke NATO intervention have not worked and have even made things worse. Their operations are not helping them win, and they're losing valuable resources in the process.

The Stock Market Sits On The Edge Of The End Of The World

QTR’s Fringe Finance β€’ 51 implied HN points β€’ 12 Oct 23
πŸ’° Finance Stock Market Geopolitics Monetary Policy Fiscal policy Global Conflicts
  1. Geopolitical volatility and flawed monetary policy make current times unique and potentially volatile.
  2. Debt levels, monetary policies, and government spending are creating unprecedented financial challenges.
  3. Artificial market boosts, geopolitical tensions, and social unrest are contributing to a fragile economic situation.

The Big Happening

Big Serge Thought β€’ 8 implied HN points β€’ 23 Dec 24
🌍 World Politics Middle East Geopolitics Military Conflicts Foreign Relations
  1. The rapid collapse of the Assad regime in Syria shows how quickly power can shift in a conflict. Just a few weeks saw a government built over a decade disintegrate.
  2. Syria's future is uncertain because its diverse regions and groups are hard to unite. Without a stable political arrangement, the country risks further violence and division.
  3. External powers, like Turkey and Israel, are now playing a big role in shaping Syria's outcomes. Their interests may clash, making it tough to find long-lasting peace.

The Year of Failing To Understand.

Trying to Understand the World β€’ 9 implied HN points β€’ 18 Dec 24
🌍 World Politics Conflict resolution International relations Political theory Geopolitics Military Strategy
  1. In 2024, the West struggled to understand global events, often failing to grasp the real reasons behind them. This gap in understanding is seen as a mix of ignorance and arrogance.
  2. There are deeper issues at play in conflicts, such as the role of religion and the nature of violence in different societies. These aspects often go unnoticed in western perspectives, leading to misinterpretations of motivations.
  3. As global dynamics shift, the West's old ways of thinking are becoming less effective. The next year could bring important changes that the West will need to face, potentially leading to new opportunities and understandings.

Artificial intelligence and world building

World Game β€’ 4 implied HN points β€’ 10 Feb 25
πŸ•Ή Technology Artificial Intelligence World Building Geopolitics Software Development Data Privacy
  1. AI is not just about creating smart apps; it's about building entire virtual worlds that can change our reality. This changes how we think about what intelligence really is.
  2. The recent success of the Chinese company DeepSeek shows that smaller companies can challenge big tech by making powerful AI accessible and affordable for everyone.
  3. The models we use, like AI, are shaped by their creators and can have hidden biases. This means the reality we see through AI is influenced by the values and choices of those who build them.

Druze and Jews in the Golan Heights

The Cosmopolitan Globalist β€’ 9 implied HN points β€’ 10 Dec 24
🌍 World Politics Middle East Conflict Religion International relations Geopolitics
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Commentator

Castalia β€’ 39 implied HN points β€’ 26 May 23
🌍 World Politics Geopolitics International relations Conflict Studies Political theory Foreign Policy
  1. Putin's decision to invade Ukraine is linked to a shift in his beliefs and Ukraine's move towards the West. This brought the two into conflict.
  2. Many think Putin saw a chance to act when he believed the West, especially the U.S., was weak after events like the Afghanistan withdrawal.
  3. Despite the current challenges, Putin had a long period where he appeared strong on the world stage, influencing his risky decisions.

The Sword Is Mightier...

Trying to Understand the World β€’ 6 implied HN points β€’ 22 Jan 25
🌍 World Politics International relations Military Strategy Geopolitics Conflict resolution Diplomatic Affairs
  1. Military action should always have a clear purpose, focusing on the political goals you want to achieve. This prevents the mistakes of sending forces just to 'show determination' without a real plan.
  2. Creating lasting peace requires knowing what the end situation should look like. If no one agrees on the goals, it's hard to move forward and find solutions that work for everyone involved.
  3. Using military forces to solve political issues often fails. A successful resolution needs to be driven by political agreement, not just military presence, to avoid further conflict.

Russia Makes One Of Those Checkmate In One, Moves And Pulls Netanyahu's Teeth From His head.

C.O.P. Central Organizing Principle. β€’ 12 implied HN points β€’ 19 Oct 24
🌍 World Politics International relations Geopolitics Conflict Studies Diplomatic Affairs Military Strategy
  1. Russia's navy is now in Iranian ports, which could shift power dynamics between the US, Israel, and Iran. This move shows Russia's growing influence in the region.
  2. There's a shift towards a multi-polar world where countries are moving away from being controlled by US financial power. This means other countries are taking more control over trade and diplomacy.
  3. Many American business leaders want a break from constant wars and military influence. There's a belief that the public will soon push back against the political and corporate systems controlling elections.

End of The Year Mudbath Overkill

Euro Desk Paris β€’ 19 implied HN points β€’ 18 Dec 23
🌍 World Politics European Union Immigration Culture Geopolitics Global South
  1. The European Union faces challenges in maintaining peace and unity amidst conflicts like the war in Ukraine.
  2. Leaders in Europe may need to address the issue of refugees and develop a strategy for peace during the holiday season.
  3. Criticisms towards the Euro and EU leadership suggest a need for open debate and potential changes to current structures.