The hottest Geopolitics Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top World Politics Topics

Top Links 792 Ripping up books. Turkey's economy stumbling. How heritage is outrunning net zero in industrial Germany and cod evolved to avoid the nets.

Chartbook • 515 implied HN points • 07 Jul 25
🌍 World Politics Geopolitics
  1. There are significant issues with Turkey's economy, and it may be struggling right now. It's important to pay attention to how this could affect the country and its people.
  2. Germany is trying to balance its industrial heritage with new environmental goals. This shows how complex it can be to transition to greener practices while preserving tradition.
  3. Some fish, like cod, have adapted to avoid fishing nets. This highlights how species can change over time to survive in a changing world.

Top Links 808 Dollar reserves. Hundred model war. New risks of nuclear tripolarity.

Chartbook • 457 implied HN points • 23 Jul 25
🌍 World Politics Geopolitics
  1. The dollar's role as the main global currency has changed over the years, particularly from 2000 to the 2010s. There are a lot more dollar reserves now, which makes a big difference.
  2. There's a growing concern about nuclear powers and their relationships, especially as multiple countries develop their own nuclear strategies. This could lead to new risks that the world needs to be aware of.
  3. Understanding past and current economic trends is important for grasping how global finance works now. This can help us navigate future economic challenges.

Iran has fallen*

Unreported Truths • 55 implied HN points • 13 Jan 26
🌍 World Politics Geopolitics
  1. The Iranian government has lost its legitimacy by using mass violence against unarmed protestors, making it effectively a "zombie" state that survives only by force.
  2. Nationwide protests met with brutal repression, internet blackouts, and graphic evidence of killings have produced thousands of deaths and a crisis whose short-term outcome depends on whether security leaders or foreign powers choose to intervene.
  3. Longstanding economic mismanagement, corruption, and prior security failures weakened the regime, and external actions that embarrassed or damaged its capabilities helped accelerate the current uprising.

我最新专栏的中文翻译： 台湾的选举很重要，但其重要性并不像国际媒体所写的那样简单；悲哀的是，台湾的未来不是由台湾人民决定的，而是由中国和美国决定的。

Wang Xiangwei's Thought of the Day on China • 569 implied HN points • 14 Jan 24
🌍 World Politics Geopolitics
  1. Taiwan's election is significant but its future is influenced by China and the US, not just the Taiwanese people.
  2. The outcome of the election may lead to challenges with the opposition party controlling the legislature.
  3. The international media may speculate, but it's ultimately up to Beijing and Washington to determine the future of Taiwan.

Top Links 794 "Reconstructing" Gaza. Alberta's powerhouse economy. Autonomous mining & the map-maker's colors.

Chartbook • 500 implied HN points • 09 Jul 25
🌍 World Politics Geopolitics
  1. The reconstruction of Gaza is a big topic, highlighting the need for planning and resources to rebuild after conflicts.
  2. Alberta is recognized for having a strong economy, showcasing its potential in various sectors.
  3. There are developments in mining technology, particularly focusing on how maps and data are used to enhance mining operations.
Get a weekly roundup of the best Substack posts, by hacker news affinity:

US blocks peace in Gaza, supporting Israel's genocidal war on civilians

Geopolitical Economy Report • 916 implied HN points • 23 Oct 23
🌍 World Politics Geopolitics
  1. The US has blocked peace efforts in Gaza and supported Israel's military actions despite widespread condemnation by experts and human rights organizations.
  2. Israel's illegal blockade of Gaza has caused devastation and humanitarian crisis, leading to international calls for action to end the blockade.
  3. Israel's military attacks in Gaza have resulted in the deaths of thousands of Palestinian civilians, including a high percentage of children and women, raising concerns of genocidal intentions.

Most important stories of 2023: Gaza, Ukraine, China, BRICS, dedollarization, bank crises, inflation

Geopolitical Economy Report • 617 implied HN points • 31 Dec 23
🌍 World Politics Geopolitics
  1. The most important stories of 2023 included Gaza and Ukraine wars, US-China tensions, BRICS expansion, de-dollarization movement, inflation crisis, and bank collapses.
  2. Countries worldwide are making efforts to move away from the US dollar to challenge its dominance in global trade and geopolitical influence.
  3. US involvement in geopolitical events such as tensions with China, coup plots in Peru, and Mexico's stance on US relations continue to shape international dynamics and relations.

Guilt by Association

Doomberg • 6508 implied HN points • 12 Apr 23
🔬 Science Geopolitics
  1. Old practices of thrift are now merchandised as 'upcycling.'
  2. Utilizing byproducts from manufacturing and petrochemical industry is both necessary and economical.
  3. High oil prices incentivize more oil drilling, leading to oversupply and lower natural gas prices in the US.

A Dying Françafrique?

An Africanist Perspective • 949 implied HN points • 22 Feb 23
🌍 World Politics Geopolitics
  1. France's influence in its former African colonies is declining significantly, with protests against the CFA currency and reminders of colonial history weakening French ties.
  2. France is no longer the dominant power in francophone Africa, as China has become the largest trade partner and countries like Central African Republic and Mali are forging closer security ties with Russia.
  3. The erosion of economic dependency, the rise of new major power competitors, and the decline in voting similarity between France and its African colonies are key factors in the declining French influence in the region.

The Geopolitical Monopoly Board: Venezuela, Ukraine, Iran, Cuba, Greenland, Canada, Taiwan, Somalia, Minnesota and The Blob (Part One)

Dr. Pippa's Pen & Podcast • 46 implied HN points • 14 Jan 26
🌍 World Politics Geopolitics
  1. Global geopolitics is being portrayed as a strategic Monopoly board where major powers and smaller territories alike are contested pieces in a broader chess match.
  2. The central conflict is framed as an internal struggle over control of cash flows and influence—the so-called "Blob"—rather than a classic ideological or superpower war.
  3. There are allegations of coordinated interference through intelligence networks, NGOs, voting-machine systems, and billionaire funding that have shaped elections and policy, fueling deep mistrust between the U.S. administration and its European and Canadian allies.

Talking Iran with The Judge

John’s Substack • 8 implied HN points • 27 Feb 26
🌍 World Politics Geopolitics
  1. A guest on the 'Judging Freedom' show discussed U.S. misadventures and interventions around the globe.
  2. The conversation focused mainly on Iran and the risks associated with U.S. policy toward that country.
  3. There was a clear hope that President Trump will avoid initiating military action or "pulling the trigger" against Iran.

Ukraine: Stalemate or Checkmate

Diane Francis • 779 implied HN points • 13 Nov 23
🌍 World Politics Geopolitics
  1. The war in Ukraine is currently stuck in a stalemate, and new technology from the West is needed to change that. Many believe Ukraine is losing, but they've actually done significant damage to Russia's military.
  2. Ukraine's counteroffensive slowed down due to delays in receiving promised military support from NATO, giving Russia a chance to prepare defenses.
  3. The recent conflict in Israel and Gaza is drawing attention and resources away from Ukraine, which could be part of Putin's strategy to gain an advantage in the war.

Trump Is A Whiny Little Chicken Hawk.

C.O.P. Central Organizing Principle. • 36 implied HN points • 14 Jan 26
🌍 World Politics Geopolitics
  1. Donald Trump is accused of secretly directing Ukrainian strikes, even attempts on Putin, and using US military and diplomatic channels to shape Western responses at the UN.
  2. Russia's Oreshnik missile is described as a game-changing conventional weapon that can surgically hit military targets, undermining nuclear deterrence and outpacing Western defenses.
  3. The West is portrayed as escalating the conflict with proxies, sanctions, and nuclear saber-rattling while repeating historical patterns of aggression, and the writer argues this approach is dangerous and that Trump must be removed to avoid disaster.

The Geopolitical Monopoly Board: Venezuela, Ukraine, Iran, Cuba, Greenland, Canada, Taiwan, Somalia, Minnesota and The Blob

Dr. Pippa's Pen & Podcast • 45 implied HN points • 14 Jan 26
🌍 World Politics Geopolitics
  1. Criminal networks in Latin America are increasingly moving into legitimate businesses, which could make it easier to earn money legally and help clean up regional economies.
  2. Exposed problems with Venezuelan voting systems are being used as evidence that outside actors manipulated elections, fueling claims that Western intervention shaped color revolutions and raising the risk of wider geopolitical conflict and resource-control moves.
  3. Allegations of large-scale fraud tied to Somali-run businesses in Minnesota claim billions were paid out and sent abroad, prompting federal investigations, political fallout, and broader concerns about systemic corruption and weakened trust in institutions.

German leftist lawmaker says US soldiers and nukes must leave her country

Geopolitical Economy Report • 916 implied HN points • 01 Apr 23
🌍 World Politics Geopolitics
  1. German Left Party lawmaker Sevim Dağdelen called for US soldiers and nuclear weapons to leave Germany, emphasizing the need for a shift in the relationship with the US.
  2. Dağdelen addressed the Bundestag, highlighting concerns about US military bases in Germany operating as extraterritorial areas outside German law, and called for an end to this situation.
  3. She criticized Germany's alignment with US foreign policy decisions, such as supporting NATO actions in Ukraine and failing to condemn the US war of aggression in Iraq, calling for a more independent stance on international issues.

China Capitulates

Diane Francis • 919 implied HN points • 21 Aug 23
🌍 World Politics Geopolitics
  1. China's economy is facing serious issues like high unemployment and a faltering currency, partly due to mistakes made by its government. It has realized that battling the U.S. economically is not a winning strategy.
  2. Historically, China has had a troubled relationship with Russia, and its current closeness to Moscow is hurting its ties with the West. To improve its situation, China is now working to distance itself from Russia and fix its foreign policy.
  3. China's leaders are trying to mend relations with the U.S. and other countries to strengthen their economy. This shift shows they understand the importance of cooperation instead of conflict.

The Biggest Under-Reported Story of 2025

Phillips’s Newsletter • 137 implied HN points • 18 Nov 25
🌍 World Politics Geopolitics
  1. China is increasing its support for Russia in the war, which could significantly impact the situation in Ukraine.
  2. Unlike Russia, China has the vast resources to supply weapons and support, making a prolonged conflict more likely.
  3. Under Donald Trump's presidency, US support for Ukraine has decreased, allowing China to step up its backing for Russia.

The Folly of A War With Iran

The Chris Hedges Report • 548 implied HN points • 13 Jun 25
🌍 World Politics Geopolitics
  1. A war with Iran could lead to severe consequences, as Iran has strong military alliances and resources, making it a tough opponent. It wouldn't be an easy conflict for Israel or the U.S.
  2. The potential conflict might not only distract from human rights issues in Gaza and the West Bank, but also escalate tensions in the entire region, possibly making alliances stronger between Iran, Russia, and China.
  3. Past military interventions have often resulted in unforeseen complications and long-term struggles. The belief that a quick military solution will work against Iran ignores the lessons learned from previous wars.

Middle East Morass

Diane Francis • 839 implied HN points • 19 Oct 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Geopolitics
  1. Joe Biden supported Israel while also stressing the need to avoid mistakes like those made after 9/11. He warned that anger shouldn't lead to prolonged conflict that causes more instability.
  2. The situation in the Middle East is tense, with Iran and other countries expressing aggression towards Israel. Neighboring countries like Jordan and Egypt are worried about an influx of Palestinian refugees due to potential violence.
  3. There is a call for a regional summit to address the ongoing crisis and seek a two-state solution. A collective effort from countries like Egypt and Saudi Arabia is seen as crucial for peace.

NATO Escalation & Propaganda Take Us to War

Glenn’s Substack • 119 implied HN points • 10 Jun 24
🌍 World Politics Geopolitics
  1. NATO's actions are escalating tensions, which could lead to war. It's important to understand how military alliances affect global peace.
  2. Propaganda plays a big role in shaping public opinion about war. People need to be critical of the information they receive.
  3. Dialogue and conversation are crucial to prevent misunderstandings. Clear communication can help avoid unnecessary conflict.

A Document For a New American Century (Part 1 of 2)

Fisted by Foucault • 81 implied HN points • 14 Dec 25
🌍 World Politics Geopolitics
  1. U.S. foreign policy has long been unpredictable, which makes it hard for other countries to plan and for alliances to be stable.
  2. The 2025 National Security Strategy signals a realist shift away from liberal globalism, stressing national sovereignty, bilateral deals, and an acceptance that U.S. global domination is limited.
  3. That shift contains a clear tension: the administration wants to avoid "forever wars" and not confront Russia and China simultaneously, yet still prevent rivals from dominating places like the Middle East, creating practical contradictions in policy.

After Venezuela, Greenland Needs A Nuke.

JoeWrote • 54 implied HN points • 07 Jan 26
🌍 World Politics Geopolitics
  1. The U.S. government is using unilateral military force and public threats to control other countries, directly violating their sovereignty.
  2. That aggressive posture is eroding international norms and reviving imperialist doctrines, while allies, the media, and domestic politicians are not effectively checking it.
  3. Facing this threat, vulnerable nations may rush to acquire nuclear weapons or strengthen their militaries as the only reliable deterrent, even though that raises global danger.

What I Learned about how the U.S. Handled the Run-Up to Russia's Invasion of Ukraine

Drezner’s World • 845 implied HN points • 27 Feb 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Geopolitics
  1. The U.S. believed Putin invaded Ukraine due to perceptions of Russian weakness, not U.S. weakness.
  2. Intelligence was used effectively by the Biden administration to persuade allies and delay Russia's invasion.
  3. Biden officials concluded that pre-emptive sanctions wouldn't have deterred Russia and focused on seizing oligarchs' assets to highlight corruption.

Inside Assad’s ‘Human Slaughterhouse.’ Plus. . .

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 1298 implied HN points • 13 Dec 24
🌍 World Politics Geopolitics
  1. The fall of Assad's regime in Syria marks a major change in the country's political landscape. Many people are unsettled about what this means for safety and future leadership.
  2. Syria's Christians are particularly worried about their safety and what might happen next now that Assad is gone. There are fears that the new leaders might not protect them.
  3. The harsh reality of Assad's regime is becoming clearer as people look back on the horrors of his rule. Many are seeking answers about missing loved ones and want to confront the legacy of violence in places like Sednaya prison.

Taiwan: Trump’s Most Dangerous Global Challenge

The Upheaval • 1135 implied HN points • 20 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Geopolitics
  1. China sees taking over Taiwan as a crucial goal to establish itself as a world superpower. They've set deadlines for this, with some leaders believing they need to act soon before circumstances change.
  2. The U.S. military faces serious challenges in defending Taiwan, including its reliance on long supply chains and manufacturing that could leave it vulnerable in a conflict. This might make it hard to respond quickly if an invasion happens.
  3. Defending Taiwan is not just about supporting democracy; it's about protecting U.S. interests globally. Losing Taiwan could shake the U.S.'s standing in the world and lead to a big economic crisis at home.

The Prigozhin Puzzle

Diane Francis • 839 implied HN points • 28 Aug 23
🌍 World Politics Geopolitics
  1. Yevgeny Prigozhin's death raises many questions. People are wondering if it was an accident or if he was murdered, and what this means for the future of Russia and the Wagner Group.
  2. The U.S. is starting to train Ukrainian pilots, showing a shift in support for Ukraine against Russia. This could help Ukraine strengthen its military position.
  3. Prigozhin's demise could lead to more instability in Russia. Without his presence, the country might see further divisions among its leaders and military, speeding up its economic problems.

Putin Weaker? Nyet

Diane Francis • 939 implied HN points • 31 Jul 23
🌍 World Politics Geopolitics
  1. Wagner, a private military group, is a key part of Putin's strategy and makes a lot of money from warfare and operations around the world.
  2. Putin uses Wagner not just for military actions but also to gain influence and control over resources in African countries, often through illegal means.
  3. Despite issues in Ukraine, Putin remains strong because of his partnerships and the ongoing power of groups like Wagner in the global landscape.

China deepens ties with Venezuela, challenging US 'hegemonic mindset'

Geopolitical Economy Report • 837 implied HN points • 16 Sep 23
🌍 World Politics Geopolitics
  1. China and Venezuela have deepened their strategic partnership, challenging the hegemonic mindset and sanctions imposed by the US.
  2. Venezuela has significant economic potential due to its vast oil and gas reserves, attracting interest from China as a reliable energy partner.
  3. The growing alliance between Venezuela and China symbolizes a shift towards South-South cooperation, emphasizing mutual development and multipolarity in today's global landscape.

Beginning of the End for Russia

Diane Francis • 1099 implied HN points • 24 Jun 23
🌍 World Politics Geopolitics
  1. Prigozhin, a Russian warlord, openly rebelled against the government, criticizing the war in Ukraine as unjust and driven by greed.
  2. His actions have created unrest within Russia, as some military units are refusing to fight against him, which could weaken Putin's hold on power.
  3. Even if Prigozhin fails in his rebellion, he has already challenged Putin, highlighting discontent and a potential shift in power dynamics within Russia.

Greenland Exposes The Greenback

QTR’s Fringe Finance • 35 implied HN points • 21 Jan 26
💰 Finance Geopolitics
  1. Forcing a takeover of Greenland would look like overreach and weakness, not strength; seizing territory signals an empire that’s compensating rather than leading.
  2. Aggressive moves would shatter credibility with allies, neutrals, and investors, making the country seem reckless and pushing people toward safer assets like gold.
  3. Loss of reserve status happens quietly through market reactions, so the real indicator is how bond, currency, and gold markets reallocate capital afterward.

Russia will collapse

Diane Francis • 1139 implied HN points • 15 Jun 23
🌍 World Politics Geopolitics
  1. Russia is facing a financial crisis and military decline, which could lead to its collapse, similar to the Soviet Union's breakup in 1991.
  2. Various regions in Russia are seeking more independence or outright separation, especially those closer to Europe, making a breakup seem increasingly likely.
  3. If Russia does break apart, it could create numerous new nations, but the West needs to prepare for this possibility and support those regions in establishing their independence.

The case for keeping Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger within ECOWAS

An Africanist Perspective • 356 implied HN points • 24 Feb 24
🌍 World Politics Geopolitics
  1. Landlocked countries like Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger depend heavily on coastal ECOWAS states for trade, and leaving ECOWAS could lead to economic and logistical challenges that may affect the movement of goods, people, and migrant workers.
  2. There is a historical precedent of military coups in the Sahel region that ECOWAS leaders need to consider when deciding how to handle the situation, including the need for constructive dialogue and understanding the motivations behind the putschists.
  3. The current crisis in ECOWAS highlights the challenges that African regional economic communities and the African Union will face as individual countries are pulled in different directions by global powers, emphasizing the need for regional unity and effective diplomacy.

Climate Policy 2023: Walls, Guns And Prisons

¡Do Not Panic! • 628 implied HN points • 30 Nov 23
🌍 World Politics Geopolitics
  1. A lot is being done about climate change, but it's not branded as climate policy.
  2. Climate policy is more about prioritizing industry profits, nationalism, and order maintenance than cutting fossil fuel emissions.
  3. Under capitalist climate policy, there's an incentive to weaken collective structures and increase private provisions for safety.

Putin's Amigo

Diane Francis • 579 implied HN points • 14 Dec 23
🌍 World Politics Geopolitics
  1. Nicolas Maduro, the president of Venezuela, is a strong ally of Putin and has worsened his country's economy despite its oil wealth.
  2. Maduro has allowed Russian companies and military groups to operate in Venezuela, contributing to his regime's security and resource extraction.
  3. Recently, Maduro claimed land in Guyana and threatened invasion, which is seen as a distraction from his own economic issues and has raised tensions in the region.

Walking Beijing

Chris Arnade Walks the World • 958 implied HN points • 21 Feb 25
🏝 Travel Geopolitics
  1. Beijing and Shanghai are both shaped by the same government plans focused on modernization, making them feel very similar despite their differences.
  2. The city has transformed from old, chaotic neighborhoods to new, orderly structures, as the government aims for a future of wealth and progress.
  3. Walking in Beijing shows a stark contrast; the streets are wide and often empty, with public transport making it easier for people to avoid walking long distances.