The hottest Geopolitics Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
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Top World Politics Topics

The End of Empires

The Cosmopolitan Globalist • 4 implied HN points • 08 Feb 26
🌍 World Politics Geopolitics
  1. Traditional US allies are striking independent deals with China, as seen in Canada’s new strategic partnership and tariff reductions.
  2. Past confrontations like tariffs and high‑profile arrests haven’t stopped rapprochement, showing countries often prioritize trade and economic benefit over political alignment.
  3. Those shifts weaken alliance cohesion and indicate that growing economic ties to China could challenge U.S. global leadership.

Fortress North America

Diane Francis • 679 implied HN points • 20 Oct 22
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Geopolitics
  1. Germany's move to stop using nuclear power made it depend on Russian energy, highlighting how important energy independence is for countries. Now, many are reconsidering their energy policies.
  2. North America could work better together to manage its energy resources and reduce reliance on OPEC countries. By teaming up, the U.S., Canada, and Mexico could supply energy to themselves and help allies like Europe.
  3. Fossil fuels will still be necessary for a long time, and using a mix of energy sources, including renewables and nuclear, is realistic. Proper planning can help reduce emissions while still meeting energy needs.

To Bomb, Or Not To Bomb

Slack Tide by Matt Labash • 139 implied HN points • 21 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Geopolitics
  1. There are important decisions to make regarding the conflict between Israel and Iran, and these decisions affect many people. Thinking carefully before acting in such situations is crucial.
  2. Advice given to leaders needs to consider both the moral and practical implications of their actions. It's important to weigh the consequences before suggesting aggressive strategies.
  3. Personal conduct and image can influence how seriously leaders are taken. Leaders should present themselves well and be responsible in their behavior to earn respect and trust.

A COMPLICATED SETTLEMENT FOR UKRAINE?

Seymour Hersh • 21 implied HN points • 17 Dec 25
🌍 World Politics Geopolitics
  1. Russia and Ukraine are both under severe economic and military stress, and their leaders now appear willing to negotiate a settlement to end the war. Talks focus on a handful of major unresolved points that could determine each country’s future.
  2. US envoys are brokering a deal to release more than $250 billion in frozen Russian assets, with proposals that a new US-led entity would oversee reconstruction, take a large share of profits, and select contractors. The plan reportedly would keep reconstruction funds out of Russian hands.
  3. Career diplomats and officials, notably State Department planners and Army Secretary Daniel Driscoll, are driving the breakthrough while the US president is largely detached, and Putin is under growing domestic and military pressure that limits his options.
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China 'counters US dollar hegemony' with gold reserves, Argentina yuan currency swap deal

Geopolitical Economy Report • 299 implied HN points • 10 Jan 23
🌍 World Politics Geopolitics
  1. China is increasing its gold reserves and signing yuan currency swap deals with countries like Argentina to counter US dollar dominance and promote the use of the renminbi.
  2. Central banks worldwide are diversifying their reserves away from the US dollar, with increased interest in investing in the renminbi to move towards a multipolar currency system.
  3. Argentina is strengthening ties with China through currency swap deals, enhancing economic integration with Brazil, and exploring the creation of a sovereign Latin American currency for regional trade.

The Great Greenland War

Big Serge Thought • 7 implied HN points • 21 Jan 26
🌍 World Politics Geopolitics
  1. A US attempt to seize Greenland could shatter NATO and trigger cascading crises across Europe and beyond, showing how a single aggressive move can produce huge, unpredictable geopolitical shifts.
  2. Coercive American tactics can achieve territorial and political goals without large-scale fighting, but they would deeply damage alliances, spur economic fallout, and leave long-term instability in their wake.
  3. Europe might respond by building an independent defense bloc led by France with conscription and a shared nuclear deterrent, realigning security structures and raising the risk of conflict between competing blocs.

Ukraine's Turning Point

Diane Francis • 6 HN points • 22 Aug 24
🌍 World Politics Geopolitics
  1. Ukraine's recent military actions have turned the tide of the war, causing significant distress for Russia. This bold move has shown Ukraine's strength and highlighted weaknesses within Russia.
  2. Key figures in Russia are publicly questioning Putin's leadership and the war efforts. This shift indicates growing unrest and doubt about the government's stability among the elite.
  3. International dynamics are shifting as world leaders see Russia's struggles. Countries like India and Germany are considering more involvement, which could change the course of support for Ukraine.

Weekly Top Picks #96

The Algorithmic Bridge • 276 implied HN points • 03 Feb 25
🕹 Technology Geopolitics
  1. OpenAI has launched two new AI agents, Operator and Deep Research, which focus on web tasks and detailed reports. Deep Research is particularly useful right now.
  2. OpenAI's o3-mini model is now free and demonstrates strong reasoning capabilities. This shows that powerful AI tools can be accessible to everyone.
  3. AI technology is evolving rapidly, and companies can benefit collectively from its advancements. Telling an AI to think longer can actually improve its performance.

Putin's Dark Prince

Diane Francis • 519 implied HN points • 09 Jan 23
🌍 World Politics Geopolitics
  1. Yevgeny Prigozhin is a strong contender to succeed Putin because he controls the Wagner Group and has gained wealth during the war. He’s known for being close to Putin and has military influence, which sets him apart from other political figures.
  2. Prigozhin's Wagner Group has been involved in brutal actions, including recruiting prisoners to fight in Ukraine and executing deserters. This shows how ruthless and powerful his group is within Russia's conflict landscape.
  3. After Putin, Russia might face a chaotic power struggle with various factions vying for control. This could lead to political infighting and disintegration, similar to past historical events in Russian history.

Iran's Jewish Population Belies Claims Of Tehran's Genocidal Intent

Stark Realities with Brian McGlinchey • 785 implied HN points • 27 Feb 24
🌍 World Politics Geopolitics
  1. Iran has a significant Jewish population that contradicts claims of genocidal intentions against Jews by the Tehran government.
  2. Iranian Jews enjoy freedom to practice their faith and live peacefully, even though they face limitations in certain aspects of society.
  3. The Iranian government's rhetoric often involves strong language against Israel as a political entity, but it does not necessarily translate to genocidal threats towards Jewish people.

Peak American Empire

Philoinvestor • 216 implied HN points • 25 Feb 23
🌍 World Politics Geopolitics
  1. The dominance of the US dollar is at risk due to changing global dynamics and potential shifts away from the Petrodollar Agreement.
  2. The US military's extensive expenditure is becoming unsustainable in the face of rising global competition and economic changes.
  3. The world is transitioning towards a multipolar order with increased conflict and alternative power structures, marking a decline in traditional American hegemony.

Safe Terrain

Thinking about... • 324 implied HN points • 11 Dec 24
🌍 World Politics Geopolitics
  1. There is a project called Safe Terrain that aims to clear Ukrainian lands of dangerous mines using robots. This helps keep people safe and allows them to go back home.
  2. De-mining is very risky for humans, so using robots for this job is a safer solution. The project needs about $10,000 more to fund thirty robotic platforms for this purpose.
  3. Support from the public can make a big difference for this project. Donating or sharing the message can help keep Ukrainians safe and support their return to normal life.

An Interview With Andriy Zagorodnyuk

Phillips’s Newsletter • 128 implied HN points • 26 Jun 25
🌍 World Politics Geopolitics
  1. Ukraine plans to win the war by using smart strategies and new technologies instead of getting stuck in long fights with Russia. They want to build up their state and economy while still defending against threats.
  2. Drones and unmanned systems are changing how wars are fought. Ukraine needs to adapt quickly to these technologies to keep up with Russia and gain an advantage in the conflict.
  3. European support is crucial for Ukraine, especially in getting advanced military supplies. Maintaining a good relationship with the US is also important for securing needed resources to defend against Russia.

The Captagon Edition

Why is this interesting? • 361 implied HN points • 12 Nov 24
🌍 World Politics Geopolitics
  1. Syria has turned to producing Captagon, a powerful amphetamine, as a primary way to sustain its economy under heavy sanctions. This drug trade is now crucial for the country's finances.
  2. The Captagon business is very profitable, with low production costs and high selling prices in the Middle East. It brings in billions of dollars each year, making it one of Syria's top exports.
  3. The spread of Captagon is causing serious problems for neighboring countries, like rising addiction rates and increased smuggling. This has led to tensions and stricter border controls in those areas.

Putin’s Narrative Power

Comment is Freed • 117 implied HN points • 06 Jul 25
🌍 World Politics Geopolitics
  1. Vladimir Putin continues the war in Ukraine despite not achieving his goals. His stubbornness is driven by a need to avoid humiliation.
  2. Russia's military and political objectives are unrealistic, as they require a neutralized Ukraine, but they are far from reaching them.
  3. Even with some territorial gains, Russia occupies less land now than at the start of the war, and Ukraine has grown stronger and more prepared for defense.

How Will The Ukraine War End?

John’s Substack • 6 implied HN points • 03 Feb 26
🌍 World Politics Geopolitics
  1. Ukraine could collapse on the battlefield soon because Russia currently has the upper hand in forces, a favorable casualty-exchange ratio, and Western military support is dwindling.
  2. If Ukraine does not collapse, Russia may escalate massively to force an end to the war, and some Russian strategists are openly urging extreme measures.
  3. While the use of nuclear weapons is considered unlikely, desperate great powers can still take drastic risks — as shown by Japan's surprise attack on Pearl Harbor in 1941.

Are We Inching toward World War III?

Nonzero Newsletter • 395 implied HN points • 25 Oct 24
🌍 World Politics Geopolitics
  1. North Korean troops are now involved in the Ukraine war on Russia's side. This could increase tensions and lead to wider conflict if other countries respond.
  2. A new AI development allows chatbots to interact with computers like humans, but it's still not perfect. This could change how we use AI in everyday tasks.
  3. Kamala Harris is getting support from former congresswoman Liz Cheney, raising questions about her foreign policy direction. This might upset some progressive voters.

Russia's Tragic Troika

Diane Francis • 719 implied HN points • 01 Sep 22
🌍 World Politics Geopolitics
  1. Mikhail Gorbachev tried to improve Russia by ending the Cold War and allowing more freedom, but his changes led to chaos and the fall of the Soviet Union. Many in the West praise him, while people in Russia hold a different view.
  2. Boris Yeltsin, who followed Gorbachev, struggled with corruption and poor leadership, which made life tough for Russians. He gave power to Vladimir Putin, who eventually took control and changed the country into a more authoritarian regime.
  3. The three leaders—Gorbachev, Yeltsin, and Putin—represent different challenges for Russia. Instead of working for the people, their actions often hurt the nation and fueled ongoing problems both at home and abroad.

Iran, Israel, USA and World War 3 | Chris Hedges | UNAPOLOGETIC

The Chris Hedges Report • 125 implied HN points • 20 Jun 25
🌍 World Politics Geopolitics
  1. The conflict between Israel and Iran could have serious consequences, including the risk of drawing the USA into a larger war.
  2. There are concerns about whether the shifting priorities of Israel and the Pentagon are genuine or just a cover for ongoing issues in the region.
  3. The actions of Arab states in response to the situation may lead to negative consequences for them in the future.

The latest open artifacts (#6): Reasoning models, China's lead in open-source, and a growing multimodal space

Democratizing Automation • 261 implied HN points • 27 Jan 25
🕹 Technology Geopolitics
  1. Chinese AI labs are now leading the way in open-source models, surpassing their American counterparts. This shift could have significant impacts on global technology and geopolitics.
  2. A variety of new AI models and datasets are emerging, particularly focused on reasoning and long-context capabilities. These innovations are making it easier to tackle complex tasks in coding and math.
  3. Companies like IBM and Microsoft are quietly making strides with their AI models, showing that many players in the market are developing competitive technology that might not get as much attention.

Incredible India

Diane Francis • 479 implied HN points • 19 Jan 23
🌍 World Politics Geopolitics
  1. India has recently surpassed China as the most populous nation and is experiencing rapid economic growth. It's now the fifth-largest economy, moving towards becoming the third-largest by 2030.
  2. The government has introduced biometric ID cards for citizens, which help people access many services efficiently. This has reduced corruption in aid transfers, benefiting the poorest citizens.
  3. India's geopolitical influence is growing, as it balances relationships with many global powers. With its economic strength and involvement in groups like the G20, India is becoming an important player on the world stage.

Putin's Recession

Diane Francis • 499 implied HN points • 05 Jan 23
🌍 World Politics Geopolitics
  1. The war between Russia and Ukraine is causing major economic problems worldwide, including inflation and slow growth. It's clear that the conflict is not ending soon and will have lasting effects.
  2. Economic forecasts for 2023 are not looking good, with many experts predicting recessions in Europe and slow growth globally. Despite this, some polls show that many people are still hopeful for improvement compared to last year.
  3. There are rising tensions worldwide, with countries like the US and NATO increasing military spending. Meanwhile, there's a chance for stronger unity in Europe against threats, particularly from Russia.

Three Globalisations and a Geopolitical Game of Chinese Weather Checkers

Agribusiness Matters • 98 implied HN points • 11 Feb 24
🌍 World Politics Geopolitics
  1. Agribusinesses are adapting to a new era of 'strategic capitalism', with a focus on geopolitical maneuvers.
  2. Countries like India and China are enhancing food security through measures like launching procurement portals and diversifying import sources for pulses.
  3. China's geopolitical hunger games involve tactics like weather modification, river water obstruction, and artificial islands to gain a strategic advantage.

The Battle for Pokrovsk

Comment is Freed • 77 implied HN points • 24 Aug 25
🌍 World Politics Geopolitics
  1. Ukraine needs to keep fighting until Russia realizes it can't win through military force or diplomacy. The stakes are high, and Ukraine is focused on building better defenses against attacks.
  2. Recent battles in Ukraine, especially around Pokrovsk, show just how chaotic the situation is. It's different from the usual expectations of fixed battle lines.
  3. Ukrainian forces are striking back at Russian oil refineries, disrupting their resources. They recently showcased a powerful new missile that can hit targets far away.

No Hostage Deal, So Far

Pieter’s Newsletter • 119 implied HN points • 05 Feb 24
🌍 World Politics Geopolitics
  1. No clear details on the hostage negotiations are available yet, creating uncertainty on the terms and outcome.
  2. Israel's objectives of eliminating Hamas and ensuring hostages' release are proving incompatible, leading to tough decisions.
  3. A potential peace deal involving the release of prisoners, ceasefire, and support goods brings uncertainty and geopolitical implications.

Top Links 580 How Bejing took over in Hong Kong. The dark tanker fleet off Malaysia. Potato collusion & freeing hermit crabs from plastic.

Chartbook • 314 implied HN points • 06 Dec 24
🌍 World Politics Geopolitics
  1. Beijing's influence in Hong Kong has grown significantly, leading to a shift in control over its financial hub. This change impacts how the West interacts with Hong Kong's economy.
  2. There are dark tanker fleets off Malaysia, which implies issues related to shipping and potentially illegal activities. It raises questions about maritime security and trade.
  3. Interesting stories include 'potato collusion' and efforts to free hermit crabs from plastic, highlighting different aspects of culture and environmental issues. These topics show how diverse and quirky news can be.

Top Links 536 The crisis in Cuba. Europe's dependence on the USA. The failure of intelligence in Ukraine & from Marx to Baumol to Butler.

Chartbook • 371 implied HN points • 20 Oct 24
🌍 World Politics Geopolitics
  1. Cuba is facing a significant crisis, which could impact its people and economy.
  2. Europe relies heavily on the USA, affecting its political and economic decisions.
  3. There have been failures in intelligence regarding the situation in Ukraine, showing gaps in understanding global issues.

The Davos Donnybrook

John’s Substack • 8 implied HN points • 23 Jan 26
🌍 World Politics Geopolitics
  1. Mark Carney warned of a growing rupture between the United States and its NATO allies, signaling rising transatlantic tensions.
  2. Trump used his Davos speech to push a radical shift in U.S. foreign policy, emphasizing tougher and unconventional approaches.
  3. His 'Board of Peace,' originally aimed at Gaza, has morphed into a proposal that could serve as an alternative to the United Nations.

Trying to Wreck Iran and Failing

John’s Substack • 10 implied HN points • 14 Jan 26
🌍 World Politics Geopolitics
  1. The US and Israel have been central in stoking protests in Iran with the aim of breaking the country apart rather than just forcing regime change, and that campaign has failed.
  2. Ukraine is in desperate straits: millions are evading mobilization, hundreds of thousands are AWOL, Russian drone and missile strikes are inflicting heavy damage, and even Kyiv residents are being urged to leave.
  3. The discussion also highlighted other geopolitical flashpoints like Greenland and Venezuela, suggesting wider international instability beyond Iran and Ukraine.

Russia's Armaggedon-ism

Diane Francis • 599 implied HN points • 17 Oct 22
🌍 World Politics Geopolitics
  1. Russia's use of nuclear threats has mostly backfired, making Ukraine more determined and leading to increased support for military aid from the West.
  2. Despite claiming nuclear readiness, Russia has not prepared its military for actual nuclear deployment, showing that these threats are mainly for intimidation.
  3. The war has led to a stronger alliance among Western nations and a shift in Putin's strategy towards recruiting more troops instead of relying on nuclear options.

Strategic or tactical? China’s leaders have tried hard to reassure investors. The wisdom of Chinese philosopher Hu Shih comes to mind: “More study of problems, less talk of ‘isms’”.

Wang Xiangwei's Thought of the Day on China • 196 implied HN points • 03 Apr 23
🌍 World Politics Geopolitics
  1. China's leaders are working hard to reassure investors amid economic challenges.
  2. There is skepticism surrounding China's commitment to its reform and opening up policies.
  3. Recent measures suggest China is addressing concerns about legal protections for entrepreneurs.

Russia: A Terrorist State

Diane Francis • 619 implied HN points • 29 Sep 22
🌍 World Politics Geopolitics
  1. Russia is accused of being a terrorist state due to its actions in Ukraine and against European energy infrastructure. This has led to calls for it to be designated a state sponsor of terrorism.
  2. The sabotage of gas pipelines has heightened tensions in Europe, causing market disturbances and urgency in securing alternative energy supplies as winter approaches.
  3. There's growing concern about Russian citizens fleeing mobilization, as some may pose security risks in Europe, highlighting the need for vigilance among European nations.

Zelensky As A War Leader

Phillips’s Newsletter • 94 implied HN points • 26 Jul 25
🌍 World Politics Geopolitics
  1. It's important not to think any war leader is irreplaceable. Sometimes new leaders can bring fresh energy and ideas that improve the situation.
  2. When leaders get too much praise, they might not accept criticism well. This can make them think they're always right, which isn't good for making tough decisions.
  3. History shows that changing leadership during a war can lead to better outcomes, like when David Lloyd George took over from Henry Asquith in World War I and made things more effective.

Weekly Wrap

Syncretica • 157 implied HN points • 21 Nov 23
💰 Finance Geopolitics
  1. Phosphorus is a new concern due to lithium battery materials collapsing.
  2. Consider managing economic and financial entanglements with China.
  3. Energy modeling needs to focus on distribution and geopolitical shocks.

DeepSeek: Links and Memes (So Many Memes)

SatPost by Trung Phan • 244 implied HN points • 01 Feb 25
🕹 Technology Geopolitics
  1. DeepSeek is changing the AI game by showing that smaller teams can produce top models at lower costs. They've made big AI breakthroughs using fewer resources than big companies like OpenAI, reshaping how we think about AI development.
  2. The reaction to DeepSeek's success shook up the stock market, especially for companies like Nvidia. Their approach made many investors reconsider the value and costs associated with AI, leading to huge market losses.
  3. DeepSeek's open-source strategy encourages collaboration and innovation. By sharing their models, they invite others to improve upon their work, which could lead to even greater advancements in AI technology.

The Consequences Of Israel's Hegemony

The Weekly Dish • 107 implied HN points • 27 Jun 25
🌍 World Politics Geopolitics
  1. The two-state solution for Israel and Palestine is no longer a viable option. The current situation seems to solidify the dominance of one group over the other.
  2. Settlement expansions in contested areas are increasing rapidly. This growth can lead to more tensions and conflicts between communities.
  3. The ongoing struggles in the region show the importance of dialogue and resolution. Without proper communication, the cycle of violence may continue.

Behavioural Geopolitics: Power makes militant

Klement on Investing • 2 implied HN points • 18 Feb 26
🌍 World Politics Geopolitics
  1. Leaders and people in more powerful countries often feel more threatened by weaker rivals and become more hawkish, with a stronger willingness to support military or aggressive actions.
  2. Feeling powerful pushes decision-makers into fast, intuitive (System 1) thinking that amplifies emotions and leads to exaggerated threat perceptions and riskier choices.
  3. Less powerful countries tend to be more cautious and analytical because they face higher costs from escalation, so they assess threats more rationally and act more restrainedly.

Talking Great Power Politics in Moscow

John’s Substack • 6 implied HN points • 30 Jan 26
🌍 World Politics Geopolitics
  1. A recent Cross Talk podcast episode explored how great power politics is returning after the unipolar era.
  2. The conversation focused especially on the motivations behind President Trump's foreign policy choices.
  3. The episode continued a long-running dialogue about US–Russia relations and realist perspectives, linking current debates to discussions from about a decade ago.