The hottest Geopolitics Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
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Top World Politics Topics

Eternal 1942

Castalia • 479 implied HN points • 05 Mar 24
đź’ľ History Geopolitics
  1. The research and writing process can feel like stepping into another time, as the author immersed himself in 1942 to better understand that historical period. This experience helped him connect with his characters and the events they were navigating.
  2. In 1942, many believed that fascism showed efficiency and strength compared to liberal democracies, but by the end of the year, perspectives shifted as victories by the Allies began to change the tide of World War II.
  3. The legacy of understanding Nazism as a unique evil has shaped modern politics, leading to a focus on identifying and combatting extremism, something that continues to influence current political discussions.

Winter is Coming

Diane Francis • 959 implied HN points • 23 Nov 23
🌍 World Politics Geopolitics
  1. Ukrainian President Zelensky warned that Russian forces are planning to attempt a coup in Ukraine by the end of 2023. He has already survived multiple assassination attempts.
  2. Zelensky stressed the importance of Ukraine's fight for freedom, stating that a Russian victory would threaten NATO countries like the Baltics and Poland.
  3. He urged global powers like China and the U.S. to pressure Russia to stop its aggression, highlighting the need for unity among Ukrainians and their allies.

Trump And Israel Can't Wait To Start Bombing Iran

Caitlin’s Newsletter • 1802 implied HN points • 17 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Geopolitics
  1. Israel and Trump's administration seem eager to attack Iran now that Syria's air defenses are out of the way. This could lead to airstrikes aimed at stopping Iran from developing nuclear weapons, despite lack of evidence for such activities.
  2. There's a belief that many political movements can be fake and serve to maintain the current power structures instead of creating real change. This suggests that people's frustrations are often redirected back into the system rather than helping them fight against it.
  3. The extreme wealth of billionaires is often seen as irrational. Instead of acting for the common good, their wealth accumulation is driven by personal issues and inner pain, harming society in the process.

The Middle East Metastasizes

Diane Francis • 639 implied HN points • 25 Jan 24
🌍 World Politics Geopolitics
  1. The conflict in Gaza is spreading, involving more countries and possibly leading to a larger war in the Middle East.
  2. Iran and Russia are actively trying to provoke the U.S. and distract from their own challenges, aiming to weaken America's influence.
  3. This situation could lead to more violence and instability, with the potential for greater harm to civilians and a complicated global response.

Michael Oren: Trump Takes a Wrecking Ball to the Middle East Status Quo

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 1451 implied HN points • 06 Feb 25
🌍 World Politics Geopolitics
  1. Trump believes the main issue in the Middle East isn't a Palestinian state, pushing against decades of U.S. policy. He argues that a different approach is needed.
  2. He proposed that the U.S. could take control of Gaza and develop it, suggesting Palestinians could relocate to another country. This idea has sparked both support and backlash.
  3. Trump aims for peace in the region without a Palestinian state, similar to prior agreements with other Arab nations. Critics warn this could lead to more conflict and displacement.
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Toshiba’s Big Technology Export Scandal

The Asianometry Newsletter • 4737 implied HN points • 10 Jan 24
🌍 World Politics Geopolitics
  1. During the post-World War II era, the Soviet Union acquired Western technologies like modern American equipment, affecting global trade dynamics.
  2. Export controls evolved over time in the United States, influenced by historical events, concerns over national security, and international cooperation.
  3. The Toshiba-Kongsberg Incident in 1980s highlighted the challenges of enforcing trade restrictions, the impact on companies like Toshiba, and the need for effective, fair enforcement measures.

American Shadow Creatures Exposed: But Will the Empire Still Win the Day?

Matt Ehret's Insights • 1159 implied HN points • 26 Jun 23
🌍 World Politics Geopolitics
  1. Throughout history, there have been instances where shadowy actions have been exposed but often don't lead to significant consequences.
  2. American leaders like Lincoln, FDR, and JFK fought against imperial impulses and tried to shine a light on these shadowy forces.
  3. Recent events like the Durham Report have shed light on the fabrication of Russiagate, showing the importance of alliances with countries like Russia and China to counter the global empire.

Putin Wants to Destroy Ukraine. Can Trump Stop Him?

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 463 implied HN points • 13 Aug 25
🌍 World Politics Geopolitics
  1. Putin doesn't see Ukraine as a real country, which complicates any peace talks. He wants to control Ukraine to make Russia stronger.
  2. Past U.S. presidents often misjudge Putin's intentions, which leads to bad decisions in dealing with Russia.
  3. Any meeting between the U.S. and Russia about Ukraine needs to include Ukraine itself, or it won't be fair or effective.

Why Kupyansk Matters

Comment is Freed • 102 implied HN points • 18 Dec 25
🌍 World Politics Geopolitics
  1. Russia pushes a story that its bigger forces and readiness to take heavy losses make victory inevitable, and that idea encourages fatalism about Ukraine’s chances.
  2. Western media and some policymakers repeat this framing, which creates pressure to accept deals that would hand over Ukrainian territory.
  3. Ukrainian resistance at places like Kupyansk shows the picture isn’t so clear, and those defensive successes weaken Moscow’s claim of inevitable victory and change the political calculations.

The Kabul Water Crisis Edition

Why is this interesting? • 422 implied HN points • 15 Aug 25
🌞 Climate & Environment Geopolitics
  1. Kabul is facing a severe water crisis that threatens the city's future, with groundwater levels dropping drastically. If nothing changes, the city could run out of water by 2030, affecting millions of residents.
  2. The issue in Kabul is linked to rapid urban growth, poor political management, and neglected infrastructure. This situation mirrors other cities globally, highlighting a common problem with over-extraction of underground water sources.
  3. Once cities use too much groundwater and their infrastructure deteriorates, fixing the problem becomes very difficult. It takes a long time to recharge aquifers and repair the damage, making prevention crucial.

Russia's Sopranos

Diane Francis • 1478 implied HN points • 26 Jun 23
🌍 World Politics Geopolitics
  1. Russia is not just a country; it's an empire with lots of powerful groups fighting for control. This makes it feel more like a mafia organization than a united nation.
  2. Yevgeny Prigozhin, a former friend of Putin, has become a powerful figure by criticizing the military and gaining public support. He raised concerns about how the war is being fought and how soldiers are treated.
  3. Putin's recent challenges show he's losing control. His inability to handle internal conflicts weakens his leadership and could lead to bigger changes in Russia's future.

The United States should decouple it’s West Africa policy from France

An Africanist Perspective • 1128 implied HN points • 19 Aug 23
🌍 World Politics Geopolitics
  1. Decoupling the United States' West Africa policy from France could benefit both sides by strengthening relations and providing mutual economic and geopolitical advantages.
  2. The rise in anti-French sentiment in Africa could lead to a wider anti-West sentiment, potentially impacting America's standing in the region and relationships with individual African countries.
  3. Public opinion in African states is becoming increasingly important in shaping foreign policy decisions, highlighting the need for major global powers to have capable allies and engage meaningfully with the region.

Why Ukraine Must Win

Diane Francis • 759 implied HN points • 21 Dec 23
🌍 World Politics Geopolitics
  1. Ukraine needs more military aid from the US and Europe to defend itself against Russia. Without this support, Russia could gain even more territory.
  2. If Ukraine gets the right amount of funding and military equipment this year, it could turn the situation around and push back Russian advances.
  3. If Ukraine loses, it would not only be a big shift in power but could also mean more US troops in Eastern Europe to handle the aftermath.

Contours of a US-China Tech Grand Bargain

Interconnected • 709 implied HN points • 08 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Geopolitics
  1. The US and China are working on a tech agreement that could change the way they trade technology and materials. This could lead to better cooperation on key tech issues like semiconductors and rare earth materials.
  2. China has advantages in supplying critical materials, while the US holds the edge in semiconductor technologies. Both sides will have to negotiate carefully to balance their needs and strengths.
  3. Access to the consumer tech market is crucial for both countries. A deal involving TikTok might help set guidelines for how Chinese companies can operate in the US, which could shape future technology negotiations between the two nations.

7 Implications of DeepSeek’s Victory Over American AI Companies

The Algorithmic Bridge • 1443 implied HN points • 27 Jan 25
đź•ą Technology Geopolitics
  1. DeepSeek is a new Chinese AI startup that has quickly become a big player in the AI world, challenging even leading American companies. This highlights a shift in innovation coming from China.
  2. DeepSeek's models are showing competitive results compared to top US models, thanks to their unique approaches and optimization strategies. They have managed to create effective AI solutions without needing as much expensive hardware.
  3. The company promotes an open-source philosophy, aiming to make AI technology more accessible. This could change how AI companies operate and compete in the market, possibly lowering costs for everyone.

Orban Must Go

Diane Francis • 779 implied HN points • 15 Dec 23
🌍 World Politics Geopolitics
  1. Hungary's leader, Viktor Orban, is blocking financial support for Ukraine, causing frustration among EU members. This has made talks about Ukraine joining the EU more complicated.
  2. Orban has been criticized for corrupt practices and controlling the media in Hungary. His actions might even lead to Hungary being suspended from the EU if he continues to break its rules.
  3. Ukraine's hopes for a European future depend heavily on financial support, which is now uncertain. Without this funding, winning the war and joining the EU could be impossible for Ukraine.

Natan Sharansky: Why Can’t Israel’s Leader Visit Auschwitz?

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 1534 implied HN points • 09 Jan 25
🌍 World Politics Geopolitics
  1. Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu can't attend the Auschwitz commemoration due to war crime charges from the ICC. This situation is highly ironic since it's a significant event related to Jewish history.
  2. The ICC's charges against Netanyahu have been criticized by the Biden administration as having no legal basis, but Poland has not taken action to support his attendance.
  3. Important legal concepts like 'crimes against humanity' and 'genocide' were created by Polish-born Jews after the Holocaust, which adds another layer of irony to the accusations against Israel today.

ChinAI #251: A surprise in the data on China's chip imports

ChinAI Newsletter • 609 implied HN points • 22 Jan 24
đź•ą Technology Geopolitics
  1. China's chip imports dropped for the first time in consecutive years due to geopolitical factors and increased demand in emerging industries like 5G and AI.
  2. China has been focusing on localizing chip production to reduce the trade deficit, with the self-sufficiency rate increasing from 16.6% in 2020 to 23.3% in 2023.
  3. In the past ten years, China's chip industry experienced significant growth, with chip imports and exports doubling in quantity and value.

China Waiting

Diane Francis • 179 implied HN points • 30 May 24
🌍 World Politics Geopolitics
  1. China is closely watching the outcome of the war in Russia. They may have plans to reclaim territories they lost in the past.
  2. If Russia faces significant changes in leadership, it could lead to instability across its vast territory.
  3. The historical claim over areas like Manchuria could become a priority for China if Russia weakens.

BMT Episode 08 Andrei Martyanov & Mike Mihajlovic talk about the Tucker/Putin Interview

Black Mountain Analysis • 530 implied HN points • 09 Feb 24
🌍 World Politics Geopolitics
  1. The discussion focused on the Tucker Carlson / President Putin interview and its impact on the conflict and Western audience.
  2. There was an in-depth analysis of the geopolitical dynamics influencing the conflict in Ukraine.
  3. They explored various aspects such as denazification, the possibility of World War III, military leadership changes, and potential developments in Ukraine.
  4. Explore the full episode to delve into these insights.

Behavioural Geopolitics: What it means for the coming years

Klement on Investing • 7 implied HN points • 25 Feb 26
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Geopolitics
  1. Very powerful countries tend to feel more threatened and become more hawkish, which leads them to intervene militarily and economically even against weaker rivals.
  2. When checks on government power are weak, leaders can use state actions to benefit allies and big companies, increasing corruption and privileging private interests over the public good.
  3. Encouraging allies to rearm can make them more independent and confident, which may create new rivalries and strain old alliances, and could prompt deals or conflicts over strategic assets like semiconductors and Taiwan.

Balaji, the Network State and mark-to-market thinking

Taipology • 91 implied HN points • 12 Dec 25
đź”® Crypto Geopolitics
  1. A small startup community in Forest City is trying out the "network state" idea, blending intentional community life with tech and decentralization experimentation. It works like a real-world lab for new ways people might organize outside traditional nation-states.
  2. The geopolitical view presented is that the United States may be weakening while China grows into a dominant model, and many of those shifts are not yet fully recognized or priced into global thinking. If those trends continue, alliances, economies, and governance could change significantly.
  3. The future is uncertain so we should proceed carefully, learning through patient experimentation rather than rushing to a single outcome. Decentralized technologies and cooperative experiments might offer alternatives to state power, but they need responsible testing and time to prove themselves.

The Putin Kleptocracy

Diane Francis • 839 implied HN points • 30 Nov 23
🌍 World Politics Geopolitics
  1. Putin has built a powerful system in Russia that's very wealthy and focused on military strength. He controls a lot of valuable resources, more than anyone else in the world.
  2. The amount of money Putin has is staggering, making him the richest person by some estimates, even though he isn't listed as a billionaire anywhere. Most Russian billionaires are actually just working for him.
  3. This huge amount of wealth allows Putin to have a lot of influence over world affairs and wars, showing how money can shape power and control in the world.

Thinking Backwards.

Trying to Understand the World • 8 implied HN points • 25 Feb 26
🌍 World Politics Geopolitics
  1. The West is trapped in wishful thinking and intellectual ignorance about large-scale war and Russia, so leaders keep hoping for a miracle instead of facing political and military realities.
  2. Russia is pursuing a broad attrition strategy that targets Ukraine's overall war-making capacity, and modern technologies like drones now often favor the defender, so counting territory gains or losses misses the real strategic impact.
  3. Talk of "rearmament" is mostly money and slogans without coherent aims; sensible policy must start with clear strategic objectives and then work down to missions, tasks, capabilities and concepts of operation before buying equipment.

USA & NATO responsible for Ukraine war, German & French public say in poll

Geopolitical Economy Report • 1096 implied HN points • 10 Sep 23
🌍 World Politics Geopolitics
  1. Most people in Germany and France blame the United States or NATO for the war in Ukraine, according to a survey by anti-Putin activists.
  2. The public opinion may not significantly affect government policies, as seen by Germany's Foreign Minister's statement about supporting Ukraine despite public opinion.
  3. Results from the polls show that many Europeans perceive the conflict in Ukraine not just as Kiev versus Moscow but as a larger proxy war involving NATO and the US against Russia.

Taking Power Amidst the Turbulence (w/ Dylan Saba) | The Chris Hedges Report

The Chris Hedges Report • 93 implied HN points • 18 Dec 25
🌍 World Politics Geopolitics
  1. The Gaza genocide exposes the limits of the post‑World War II, U.S.‑led rules‑based order and signals a weakening of American hegemony, producing a more chaotic and unstable global balance. This erosion of norms increases geopolitical instability even if U.S. military power remains significant.
  2. Effective resistance can come from targeting strategic chokepoints—ports, supply chains, and critical infrastructure—and from building cross-border solidarity, since smaller or marginalized actors can inflict outsized impacts when they act strategically. Examples like actions at ports and Yemen’s strikes show how leverage at circulation points can matter more than conventional military power.
  3. Democracies are consolidating authoritarian measures to suppress dissent while the left has been weakened by electoral cooptation; to push back requires rebuilding militant, long‑term movements and broad solidarity networks outside reliance on party elites. Sustained grassroots organizing, labor coordination, and community institutions are necessary to pressure power and defend civil liberties.

Ukrainian General Syrskyi Describes Aims and Goals of Kursk Operation in First-Ever CNN Interview

Glen’s Substack • 39 implied HN points • 06 Sep 24
🌍 World Politics Geopolitics
  1. Ukrainian General Syrskyi explained that the Kursk operation aims to stop Russian forces from launching new attacks and to boost Ukrainian morale.
  2. He noted that Ukrainian troops have successfully halted Russian advances in the Pokrovsk direction, showing that their strategy is working.
  3. Syrskyi emphasized the need for Ukraine to be smarter in warfare due to Russia's material advantages, focusing on effective tactics and high-tech weaponry.

The enemy within

Comment is Freed • 112 implied HN points • 10 Dec 25
🌍 World Politics Geopolitics
  1. The US National Security Strategy sides with nationalist 'Patriotic Parties' and raises alarms about demographic change, amounting to direct interference in European domestic politics.
  2. The NSS downplays Russia’s role as an aggressor in Ukraine and pushes for 'stabilising' relations and a quick peace without addressing justice, which could reward aggression and weaken European security.
  3. The document matters and must be taken seriously, but the administration is inconsistent and factional, so Europeans should judge actions over words and prepare for different possible US approaches.

Francis Drake’s swashbuckling spirit lives on in Kyiv’s Black Sea battles

Glen’s Substack • 39 implied HN points • 05 Sep 24
🌍 World Politics Geopolitics
  1. Ukrainian military chief Kyrylo Budanov is using new technology like sea drones to attack the Russian navy in the Black Sea. This modern strategy is similar to Sir Francis Drake’s historic tactics.
  2. Ukraine’s use of unmanned surface vehicles (USVs) is changing naval warfare and helping them take on Russia's stronger navy. These drones are proving effective in disrupting supply lines and targeting enemy ships.
  3. Despite being outmatched in the Black Sea, Ukraine's innovative use of USVs is forcing Russia to alter its strategies and pull back its naval forces, which might help Ukraine resume its grain exports.

Russia's World War III

Diane Francis • 1159 implied HN points • 07 Aug 23
🌍 World Politics Geopolitics
  1. A recent meeting in Jeddah with global leaders, excluding Russia, highlighted the widespread recognition of Russia's aggressive role in the Ukraine war.
  2. Putin's actions have severe consequences beyond Ukraine, affecting global food and energy supply, and creating instability in other regions, especially Africa.
  3. The meeting served as a crucial step for countries to come together to stop Putin, showing that this war is not just a regional issue but a global problem that needs collaboration to solve.

The China-is-not-Russia Summit

Diane Francis • 879 implied HN points • 16 Nov 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Geopolitics
  1. The US and China are trying to improve their relationship to avoid conflicts and create rules for their economic competition. Both countries want to cooperate for their own benefits.
  2. China's economy is struggling, while the US is doing better, leading China to change its approach, especially after distancing itself from Russia. This change shows China's focus on economic connections over military alliances.
  3. During the summit, the leaders emphasized the importance of communication and addressing shared concerns. This effort aims to ease tensions and strengthen their crucial trading relationship.

Putin's Push

Diane Francis • 1059 implied HN points • 28 Sep 23
🌍 World Politics Geopolitics
  1. Putin is under pressure to improve Russia's military situation quickly. His aggressive tactics are leading to more risks and causing problems for his already strained forces.
  2. Russian military leaders face issues with payments and morale, creating a culture of incompetence. Some officers even sold information to Ukraine, showing a lack of trust and discipline.
  3. Ukraine is gaining ground with new support from Western weapons, making it harder for Russia to maintain control, especially in Crimea. This shift could lead to significant changes in power if Ukraine succeeds.

Hubris to Humiliation

Diane Francis • 1039 implied HN points • 09 Oct 23
🌍 World Politics Geopolitics
  1. Israel's surprise attack by Hamas has highlighted serious issues within its government and military. The focus on internal politics and building settlements may have weakened their military readiness.
  2. Iran's involvement in the attack is significant, as it aims to strengthen regional opposition to Israel and disrupt potential peace deals. This raises worries about a broader conflict in the region.
  3. The ongoing conflict raises questions about how Israel can effectively respond without worsening its internal divides or causing more civilian harm, as the situation in Gaza remains dire.

A Crack in the Ice of Geopolitics: Greenland, Svalbard, Bornholm, Canada, the Digital Iron Curtain and Suez

Dr. Pippa's Pen & Podcast • 42 implied HN points • 21 Jan 26
🌍 World Politics Geopolitics
  1. Greenland is suddenly a high-stakes strategic prize, with the US pushing for greater control as part of bigger security bargains, while the Inuit insist on autonomy and resent being treated like a pawn.
  2. Western unity is fraying as several European countries and Canada cozy up to China or act independently, straining NATO cohesion and intelligence sharing and worrying the US about unreliable partners.
  3. Economic and tech coercion is rising — threats of tariffs and criticism of Europe’s reliance on Chinese-made tech hint at a coming 'digital iron curtain' and increased risk of trade and technology decoupling.

Ukraine Opens Up A New War At Sea

Phillips’s Newsletter • 131 implied HN points • 01 Dec 25
🌍 World Politics Geopolitics
  1. Ukraine has recently launched attacks against Russian oil tankers in the Black Sea, suggesting they want to expand their naval operations. This indicates a significant escalation in the maritime aspects of their conflict.
  2. One attack even targeted a Turkish-owned tanker carrying Russian oil off the coast of Senegal, highlighting the global impact of these naval actions.
  3. These events show that Ukraine is willing to operate far from its borders, possibly changing the dynamics of the war at sea and impacting international shipping.

Ukraine Breakthrough

Diane Francis • 159 implied HN points • 03 Jun 24
🌍 World Politics Geopolitics
  1. Ukraine is being allowed to use long-range missiles against targets in Russia, which could change the war's dynamics.
  2. This move is seen as significant for Ukraine's military strategy.
  3. The discussion on this topic reflects broader discussions about international support for Ukraine in the conflict.

Ask us anything

Comment is Freed • 24 implied HN points • 06 Feb 26
🌍 World Politics Geopolitics
  1. Paying subscribers can submit questions in the comments or anonymously by email, and answers are posted the following week though not every question is guaranteed a reply.
  2. The newsletter focuses on current politics and international affairs — covering UK government crises and elections, US–Iran tensions, Trump-related developments, the war in Ukraine, and related interviews and analysis.
  3. Most posts are paywalled; a paid subscription (about ÂŁ4.50/month or ÂŁ45/year) supports the work, gives full access, and the newsletter publishes roughly three times a week to a large readership.

"Damn the Jews!"

Kevin’s Newsletter • 511 implied HN points • 01 Feb 24
🌍 World Politics Geopolitics
  1. The Houthi movement in Yemen is popular for opposing Israeli actions in Gaza and has support across West Asia and North Africa.
  2. US public opinion is divided on Middle East policy, with many Americans favoring a ceasefire in Gaza and opposing further Middle East wars.
  3. The Houthi slogan, particularly the phrase 'a curse upon the Jews,' may pose a PR problem in the US and alternative translations are being considered.

Ruble, Rubble, Death Spiral

Diane Francis • 999 implied HN points • 24 Aug 23
🌍 World Politics Geopolitics
  1. Russia is facing a financial crisis due to a sharp drop in oil prices and reduced exports. This has made it difficult for them to fund their military operations and keep the economy stable.
  2. Ukraine is actively targeting Russian shipping routes to disrupt their oil exports. This strategy not only impacts Russia's income but also serves as a psychological tactic against the Russian public.
  3. With many skilled workers leaving Russia and international isolation tightening, the country's currency is weakening. This causes increasing economic pressure on the government, making it harder for them to maintain control.