The hottest Geopolitics Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
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Top World Politics Topics

Misreading the Room

Doomberg • 6365 implied HN points • 20 Jan 25
🌍 World Politics International relations Geopolitics Energy Policy Latin America Authoritarianism
  1. Venezuela used to be one of the world's top oil producers but has seen its production decline by over 80% due to mismanagement and political issues. This has made the country really poor compared to its past.
  2. Maduro, the current president, has taken provocative actions as his power weakens, including making bold statements about 'liberating' Puerto Rico with military help.
  3. Venezuela has huge oil reserves and could be an important energy supply for the U.S., creating a potential interest in the country from U.S. leaders.

The American Empire is Losing Money in Europe. Will It Abandon Europe?

Glenn’s Substack • 859 implied HN points • 23 Aug 24
🌍 World Politics Geopolitics International relations Economics Political Economy Security Studies
  1. Europe is struggling because it is not adapting to the new multipolar world. Instead of building ties with other major economies, it is relying heavily on the U.S., which makes it weaker.
  2. Countries around the world are trying to diversify their economic connections to avoid too much dependence on a single superpower. Europe, on the other hand, is falling behind by sticking closely to U.S. interests.
  3. As the U.S. shifts its focus to Asia, Europe risks losing its political and economic relevance. If Europe doesn’t change its approach, it might find itself increasingly sidelined.

Putin's Sudan

Diane Francis • 899 implied HN points • 19 Aug 24
🌍 World Politics International relations Conflict Studies Geopolitics Humanitarian Issues Foreign Policy
  1. Sudan is currently experiencing a brutal civil war that has caused many civilian deaths and destruction, especially in its capital, Khartoum.
  2. Media attention has mostly focused on other conflicts, like the wars in Ukraine and Gaza, which means Sudan's crisis is often overlooked.
  3. Russia, under Putin, is involved in Sudan by providing mercenaries and exploiting its resources, worsening the humanitarian situation.

Turkey's Neutrality

Diane Francis • 999 implied HN points • 15 Aug 24
🌍 World Politics Geopolitics Foreign Relations International Affairs Diplomacy Terrorism
  1. Turkey is a growing economy that plays an important role in world politics. It has good relations with many countries, even those that usually clash.
  2. The Turkish president is a skilled leader who knows how to handle complex international issues. His style of governance raises some concerns, but he is not seen as a dictator.
  3. Turkey's neutrality in global conflicts helps create stability. It balances relationships with major powers like the West, Russia, and China.

Russia and China: From "Marriage of Convenience" to Strategic Partnership

Glenn’s Substack • 559 implied HN points • 30 Aug 24
🌍 World Politics Geopolitics International relations Economic Systems Global Alliances
  1. Russia has shifted its focus from the West to the East, forming a closer relationship with China after feeling isolated by the West. This change is part of a broader strategy to create a new economic landscape in Eurasia.
  2. China is rising as a major global player and has shown it can challenge US economic leadership. It has invested heavily in infrastructure and is leading efforts for a new financial architecture.
  3. The partnership between Russia and China is more than just a temporary alliance against the US. Both countries recognize they can benefit from working together to shape a new international economic system that includes other nations.
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NATO invades Russia?

Glenn’s Substack • 739 implied HN points • 22 Aug 24
🌍 World Politics International relations Military Affairs Geopolitics Conflict Studies Diplomacy
  1. NATO's involvement in the war may blur the lines between a proxy war and direct conflict, raising concerns about escalation.
  2. Russia has been cautious in its response to NATO actions, as retaliating could lead to a larger global conflict.
  3. The recent invasion of Kursk by Ukraine and NATO has led to significant Ukrainian casualties and weakened defensive positions, with NATO's role now more apparent.

Point of No Return in Middle East & Ukraine

Glenn’s Substack • 519 implied HN points • 30 Aug 24
🌍 World Politics Geopolitics Diplomacy Conflict International relations Military Affairs
  1. Both Israel and Ukraine are in conflicts they can't win and are escalating their actions instead of seeking peace. This makes the situation more dangerous.
  2. The countries are trying to involve the US more deeply in their wars, hoping that American support will change their fortunes.
  3. There is a lack of serious discussions or diplomatic efforts to address the escalating tensions, which could lead to a wider conflict.

"Kursk changed the war"

Glenn’s Substack • 539 implied HN points • 29 Aug 24
🌍 World Politics International relations Military conflict Diplomacy Geopolitics Security Studies
  1. The situation is tense between NATO and Russia, with both sides pretending not to be in a direct conflict. This makes it seem like a war is already taking place without formal recognition.
  2. Recent attacks on Russian territory and nuclear plants are pushing the situation closer to nuclear war. This escalation raises serious concerns about global safety.
  3. The American government's silence on these actions raises questions about their real intentions and strategy in the region. It makes people wonder how they plan to address these conflicts.

Weekend Update #119: Fighting Men With Machines Is A Good Thing: Ukraine Should Aim To Do More And More Of It

Phillips’s Newsletter • 213 implied HN points • 08 Feb 25
🌍 World Politics Military Strategy International relations Conflict analysis Geopolitics War reporting
  1. Using machines, like drones, to fight can be a good strategy for Ukraine. It's safer for soldiers and can be more effective against Russian forces.
  2. Recent reports show that Russian advances have slowed down, which might indicate a shift in the conflict. It seems that despite expectations of a Ukrainian collapse, they are holding their ground.
  3. Ukraine has been successful in making small advances into Russian territory, which gives them leverage in any potential talks. This suggests that Ukraine is not as weak as some media portray.

𝗔𝗜 𝗚𝗲𝗼𝗽𝗼𝗹𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗰𝘀 𝗱𝗲𝗯𝗮𝘁𝗲! My conversation with China’s Victor Gao plus a hot take on new essay by Anthropic’s CEO Dario Amodei

Marcus on AI • 4979 implied HN points • 29 Jan 25
🕹 Technology AI Geopolitics Innovation Startups Export Controls
  1. In the race for AI, China is catching up to the U.S. despite export controls. This shows that innovation can thrive under pressure.
  2. DeepSeek suggests we can achieve AI advancements with fewer resources than previously thought. Efficient ideas might trump just having lots of technology.
  3. Instead of just funding big companies, we need to support smaller, innovative startups. Better ideas can lead to more successful technology than just having more money.

Our Sixty Days of Nuclear Chicken Have Begun

TK News by Matt Taibbi • 10440 implied HN points • 20 Nov 24
🌍 World Politics International relations Conflict Studies Nuclear policy Geopolitics Military Strategy
  1. The situation in Ukraine is getting riskier as peace talks are expected after Trump's inauguration. This is causing both Russia and the U.S. to escalate their military actions.
  2. Recent attacks involving U.S.-made ATACMS missiles have heightened tensions and alarmed Russian media. They are worried about this being a significant moment in history.
  3. There's a growing fear that we might be approaching a major conflict, with some comparing it to the dangers of the Cuban Missile Crisis. A nuclear response from Russia is now more likely, raising serious concerns.

Weekly Top Picks #96

The Algorithmic Bridge • 276 implied HN points • 03 Feb 25
🕹 Technology Artificial Intelligence Machine Learning Automation Geopolitics Research
  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.

German Dysfunction

Diane Francis • 1079 implied HN points • 05 Aug 24
🌍 World Politics International relations Geopolitics European Politics Defense Policy Security Studies
  1. Germany, despite being the richest and largest economy in Europe, has been slow to take charge in defending against Russian aggression.
  2. Recent military budget cuts indicate a lack of commitment to support Ukraine effectively, raising concerns about Germany's leadership role in Europe.
  3. Historical factors like post-war guilt and strong business ties to Russia influence Germany's cautious stance towards military involvement.

DeepSeek: Links and Memes (So Many Memes)

SatPost by Trung Phan • 244 implied HN points • 01 Feb 25
🕹 Technology AI Software Innovation Semiconductors Geopolitics Open Source
  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.

DeepSeek: What the Headlines Miss

ChinaTalk • 4121 implied HN points • 26 Jan 25
🕹 Technology AI Geopolitics Export Controls Computing
  1. Export restrictions on AI chips only recently started, so it’s too soon to judge their effectiveness. The new chips might still perform well for AI tasks, keeping development ongoing.
  2. DeepSeek's advancements in efficiency show that machine learning can get cheaper over time. It’s possible for smaller companies to do more with less, but bigger companies benefits from these efficiencies too.
  3. The gap in computing power between the US and China is significant. DeepSeek admits they need much more computing power than US companies to achieve similar results due to export controls.

You're not going to like what comes after Pax Americana

Noahpinion • 55706 implied HN points • 07 Oct 23
🌍 World Politics Geopolitics Global order
  1. The global order is experiencing increased conflict and instability following the decline of Pax Americana.
  2. Recent events like the Hamas attack on Israel and the ethnic cleansing in Nagorno-Karabakh demonstrate the shifting power dynamics and challenges to peace.
  3. The rise of a multipolar world with new power players like China is ushering in a more chaotic international landscape.

Is The Chip War Already Lost?

Doomberg • 5608 implied HN points • 16 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy Trade Relations Geopolitics Sanctions Technology Policy
  1. The U.S. has tightened sanctions on China, particularly in the semiconductor industry, to weaken its tech growth. This move aims to limit China's access to advanced chip manufacturing technology.
  2. In response, China has imposed its own export restrictions, targeting materials critical for the tech industry in the U.S. This indicates that both countries are in an escalating trade war.
  3. China's efforts to develop its own semiconductor capabilities are showing significant progress, raising concerns about its growing self-sufficiency in this critical industry.

What could go right?

The Cosmopolitan Globalist • 28 implied HN points • 18 Jun 25
🌍 World Politics Middle East International relations Foreign Policy Conflict resolution Geopolitics
  1. Israel could work with internal opposition in Iran to bring about a change in government. This might mean that Iranians themselves are key to making this happen, with support from Israel.
  2. There may be a plan for what happens after the regime falls. If there's a quick and orderly transition to a new government, it could prevent chaos and help stabilize the country.
  3. The fall of the Iranian regime could lead to positive changes not just in Iran, but throughout the Middle East. It might inspire democratic movements across the region and reduce the influence of radical politics.

Bad Weather

Sarah Kendzior’s Newsletter • 6949 implied HN points • 15 Mar 24
🌍 World Politics Geopolitics Middle East Conflict International relations Political Extremism Human Rights
  1. The author reflects on the unpredictability of storms and the feeling of imminent apocalypses in the midst of bad weather.
  2. There is a discussion about political figures and international affairs, focusing on the potential consequences and implications of their actions.
  3. The narrative transitions between personal reflections, societal observations, and historical analogies, all within the context of turbulent weather and its implications.

Weekend Update #118: The Trump Administration’s Talking Points are Straight from Moscow

Phillips’s Newsletter • 235 implied HN points • 02 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Trump administration Foreign Policy Geopolitics Ukraine conflict
  1. Trump's team seems to be saying things that match Russian ideas about the war. This suggests they might be planning a deal that might not help Ukraine much.
  2. There's evidence that Ukraine is managing to strike Russian oil facilities, which can hurt Russia's economy. This shows Ukraine's strength, even without significant support from the U.S.
  3. Some political figures are spreading negative views about Ukraine's chances, even as the situation on the ground shows that Russia is facing difficulties. This creates a misleading narrative about Ukraine's future.

From Idealism to Realism

The Honest Broker Newsletter • 4357 implied HN points • 13 Jan 25
🌞 Climate & Environment Climate Science Geopolitics Environmental Policy Sustainability Crisis Management
  1. Geopolitics often influences climate policies more than climate science itself. Countries prioritize their own interests over global climate agreements.
  2. The belief that scientific knowledge would automatically lead to climate action has proven overly optimistic. Many expected that understanding climate issues would unite nations, but it hasn't happened.
  3. Adapting to climate change is a slow process. The world will continue to gradually change, but there won't be a simple or happy resolution to the challenges posed by a warming planet.

Niall Ferguson: The Vibe Shift Goes Global

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 6543 implied HN points • 12 Dec 24
🎭️ Culture Trends Pop culture Aesthetics Geopolitics Society
  1. Culture influences politics and geopolitics, making it important to understand cultural trends.
  2. There have been distinct vibe shifts in pop culture over the years, each with its own style, like Hipster/Indie and Hypebeast/Woke.
  3. Recent changes in tech culture reflect a shift towards a more unfiltered environment, especially with Elon Musk's influence.

Scale AI’s Alexandr Wang’s Predictions for AI In 2025: Geopolitical Turf Wars Escalate, AI Agents Progress, Data Beats Compute

Big Technology • 5629 implied HN points • 12 Dec 24
🕹 Technology AI Geopolitics Military Data Innovation
  1. The competition between the U.S. and China in AI will heat up, with each country trying to promote their AI technology globally. This battle will affect which AI systems become the global standard.
  2. In 2025, we might see AI agents become more useful in everyday life, helping with tasks like managing emails and planning trips. People will likely start trusting these agents to handle bigger parts of their work and personal lives.
  3. Military use of AI is expected to grow significantly, with AI agents being implemented to process large amounts of data and improve logistical operations. This could change how wars are fought and complicate decisions about military autonomy.

SITREP 1/28/24: US Troops Suffer Fatalities in Strikes as Escalation Grows

Simplicius's Garden of Knowledge • 10791 implied HN points • 29 Jan 24
🌍 World Politics Warfare Geopolitics Diplomacy Nationalism
  1. US troops suffered fatalities in strikes, highlighting escalation tensions.
  2. Confusion arises about the location of the troop fatalities, raising questions about US involvement in the region.
  3. Potential for a major conflict or withdrawal in the Middle East, with significant implications for the US and global economy.

Empty Chambers

Doomberg • 5101 implied HN points • 11 Dec 24
🌍 World Politics International relations Geopolitics Military Affairs Economic Policy Resource Management
  1. Tajikistan's economy relies heavily on remittances from migrant workers in Russia, making the relationship between the two countries very important.
  2. China has invested a lot in Tajikistan and benefits from its natural resources, showing how connected these countries are through trade.
  3. Recent export restrictions by China on critical minerals like antimony can affect the US, especially in military and technology sectors, increasing concerns in the Pentagon.

Gas Gobbler

Doomberg • 5947 implied HN points • 24 Nov 24
🌍 World Politics Energy Policy Geopolitics International relations
  1. Turkey is trying to become the main hub for natural gas in Europe. They want to take advantage of the energy crisis and their strategic location.
  2. The recent election in Georgia shows a struggle between pro-Russian and pro-European forces. The results have raised questions about interference and democracy.
  3. The energy routes in this region are very important. They connect different countries and are crucial for Turkey's goals and influence over Europe's energy supply.

Ukraine's Gold Medal

Diane Francis • 919 implied HN points • 29 Jul 24
🌍 World Politics War International relations Geopolitics Military Strategy Diplomacy
  1. Ukraine has been successful in pushing back Russian forces, especially around the city of Kharkiv and in Crimea. Their clever use of technology, like drones, has helped them gain the upper hand.
  2. Western countries are increasing their military and financial support to Ukraine as they prepare for future challenges. They are also allowing Ukraine to strike military targets within Russia.
  3. The situation in Crimea is vital for Ukraine, as weakening Russia's stronghold there can put pressure on their military and economic resources, impacting Putin's control.

Rare Earth and China

TP’s Substack • 39 implied HN points • 19 Jun 25
🌐 International Trade Relations Resource Management Geopolitics Economic Policy
  1. China dominates the rare earth market, producing around 94% of these materials used in magnets. They are also increasing their control over the entire supply chain.
  2. China has been restricting exports of rare earth materials, especially higher-value products like magnets, likely to strengthen their manufacturing capabilities and hurt foreign competitors.
  3. Research and patents on rare earth technology are concentrated in China, meaning they have the expertise needed to produce high-quality magnets, which are essential for industries like electric vehicles and renewable energy.

Data Warfare

How the Hell • 110 implied HN points • 12 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics National Security Defense Policy Military Strategy Intelligence Geopolitics
  1. Offensive data operations are being considered as a strategy against China. This means using information tactics to weaken their tech progress.
  2. The military industry is cautious about discussing these strategies openly. They think the ideas are good but worry about public talks.
  3. These operations aim to disrupt and slow down China's advancements in AI, which could have big implications for global technology competition.

Conflict Acceleration

Pieter’s Newsletter • 159 implied HN points • 03 Oct 24
🌍 World Politics Middle East Terrorism International relations Conflict Geopolitics
  1. Iran launched a missile attack against Israel, but it was mostly stopped, showing the reckless nature of their actions. The attack could've hit important places, highlighting the dangers in the region.
  2. There was a recent terrorist attack in Jaffa where seven Israelis were killed. This violence adds to the ongoing struggles and tensions, and it seems to strengthen Israel's resolve to fight back.
  3. Amid these dark events, there was a positive story of a victim from ISIS being rescued in Gaza. This offers hope that, despite the violence, there are people working for good and a chance for better days.

Plan D

Doomberg • 6499 implied HN points • 13 Oct 24
🌍 World Politics Geopolitics Energy Authoritarianism Resources Diplomacy
  1. Turkmenistan, led by the late dictator Niyazov, created a unique cult of personality centered around himself with his image everywhere in the country.
  2. After Niyazov's death, Turkmenistan remained an oppressive state under President Berdimuhamedov, known for its very low score on political rights and civil liberties.
  3. The country has huge energy resources, especially natural gas, making it significant in global energy discussions, particularly concerning China's future energy needs.

De-Mechanizing and De-Populating the Front Line

Phillips’s Newsletter • 94 implied HN points • 10 Feb 25
🌍 World Politics Military Strategy Conflict analysis Geopolitics
  1. UAV technology is making the front lines very dangerous for both soldiers and vehicles. It's important to adapt quickly to these changing battlefield conditions.
  2. The Russian military is moving away from mechanical vehicles and is now using donkeys and horses for logistics. This shift shows a significant change in their supply strategies.
  3. Using too many soldiers at the front lines might be risky for Ukraine, given the advanced threats posed by UAVs. Smart planning is essential for safety and effectiveness.

Nyhetsbrev steigan.no 01.03.2025

steigan.no • 8 implied HN points • 01 Mar 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Relations Public Health Political Activism Geopolitics Government funding
  1. The relationship between NATO allies is currently in crisis, caused by conflicts involving leaders like Trump and Zelensky. The situation suggests a breakdown in what was once a united West.
  2. There are discussions about the potential for a ban on COVID-19 vaccines in the U.S., with concerns growing about their safety and effectiveness as new evidence emerges.
  3. Greece is experiencing unprecedented strikes and protests in response to political corruption and a tragic train accident, reflecting a deep public dissatisfaction with the government.

Talking Ukraine with Former Ukrainian Journalist of the Year: Diana Panchenko

John’s Substack • 5 implied HN points • 27 Feb 25
🌍 World Politics International relations Conflict Studies Geopolitics Media Coverage War Analysis
  1. The discussion covers the origins and current status of the Ukraine war. It's important to understand how the conflict started to grasp its present situation.
  2. The podcast features insights from experienced journalists, shedding light on various perspectives about the war. Listening to experts can give a deeper understanding of complex issues.
  3. The podcast title 'War & Peace: Reloaded' suggests a reflective approach on the themes of conflict and resolution. It emphasizes the ongoing struggles and the search for peace in Ukraine.

Washington Drops Ukraine, Israel Backs Down On Hamas Demands

Caitlin’s Newsletter • 2360 implied HN points • 13 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy National Security International relations Geopolitics Conflict resolution
  1. The U.S. is no longer supporting Ukraine's NATO membership and is discussing territory compromises for peace, which could deeply affect Ukraine's future.
  2. Israel appears to be easing its stance regarding a ceasefire with Hamas, leading to an increased flow of aid into Gaza.
  3. This situation serves as a reminder for other allies of the U.S. about the potential risks of getting involved in conflicts tied to U.S. interests.

Israel attacks Iran

Comment is Freed • 97 implied HN points • 13 Jun 25
🌍 World Politics International relations Geopolitics Conflict Studies Middle East Security Studies
  1. Israel has launched serious attacks on Iran's nuclear program, leaving Iran unsure of how to respond. This attack seems to be more than just a bluff.
  2. The outcome of the situation heavily depends on the US's reaction. Without US support, Israel may struggle to achieve its goals.
  3. Iran might hold back its retaliation to avoid escalating conflict and dragging the US into the situation, especially as its own position has weakened over the years.

The Hostage Deal Is the Price of Israel’s Failures

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 3046 implied HN points • 15 Jan 25
🌍 World Politics International relations Middle East Conflict resolution Peace negotiations Geopolitics
  1. Israel is close to making a deal with Hamas to release captives. The first step involves freeing 33 hostages, including children and the elderly.
  2. The deal has three phases that could lead to the end of the conflict, but each phase relies on the success of the previous one.
  3. If the deal works, it will bring mixed feelings in Israel, with joy for the hostages' return but also anger and disappointment about the circumstances.

NATO's Nemesis

Diane Francis • 979 implied HN points • 11 Jul 24
🌍 World Politics International relations Geopolitics Military Alliances Conflict Studies Eastern Europe
  1. NATO needs to step up its strength and resolve in the face of threats like Putin's actions. The alliance was formed to counter aggressiveness similar to what we see today.
  2. To truly support Ukraine, NATO should declare a clear path for Ukraine’s membership. This would reduce Putin's motivation to continue the war.
  3. NATO’s military budget is significantly larger than Russia’s, which shows that if united, the alliance could effectively counter Putin’s aims.