The hottest Geopolitics Substack posts right now

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Top World Politics Topics

End of Year Review: the Russo-Ukraine War

Comment is Freed • 99 implied HN points • 29 Dec 24
🌍 World Politics Geopolitics
  1. The Russo-Ukraine War is a prolonged conflict with no clear solution in sight. Both sides are struggling with ongoing military challenges and the need to adapt strategies.
  2. Ukraine continues to resist despite facing tough circumstances, while Russia shows urgency in its operations but has faced significant casualties. There's a conversation about whether Russia can sustain its fighting force in the long term.
  3. US support for Ukraine has been mixed, with concerns about military aid and restrictions on how it can be used. This might affect Ukraine's chances of a successful outcome, especially if the leadership changes.

Yan Xuetong on China–U.S. talks, Ukraine, and international order without global leadership

Pekingnology • 41 implied HN points • 24 Jun 25
🌍 World Politics Geopolitics
  1. China-U.S. relations depend on U.S. actions, especially regarding tariffs and trade negotiations. If the U.S. reduces tariffs significantly, a major agreement between the two could happen.
  2. Technological competition is crucial in China-U.S. relations. The U.S. fears China's advancements and is actively limiting access to technology for Chinese students to maintain its edge in tech innovation.
  3. Europe is seeking more independence in global affairs and may take on a stronger leadership role, especially in the context of the Ukraine conflict. This shift indicates a desire for Europe to rely less on the U.S. for security and strategic guidance.

Flailing Around Over Venezuela

John’s Substack • 6 implied HN points • 19 Dec 25
🌍 World Politics Geopolitics
  1. The Trump administration has made a mess of the situation in Venezuela and worsened diplomatic problems there.
  2. European governments are moving to seize Russian assets as part of broader geopolitical measures.
  3. Ceasefires in Gaza and Lebanon are routinely violated by Israeli actions, showing they are fragile and often ignored.

Vicki Victae

Fisted by Foucault • 236 implied HN points • 10 Mar 24
🌍 World Politics Geopolitics
  1. The Seventh Seal is a timeless movie loved for its themes of good and evil, faith and reason, and more, making it a perfect film.
  2. Death in The Seventh Seal is portrayed as a character that awaits no one, honest in his fatalistic inevitability.
  3. Victoria Nuland, a serious figure, symbolizes a US Empire focus on a Trotskyite jihad against Russia throughout her career.

When the Houthis Found “the Cloud"

Interconnected • 231 implied HN points • 13 Mar 24
🌍 World Politics Geopolitics
  1. The Houthis damaged four undersea cables in the Red Sea, disrupting 25% of data traffic in that area, showing the vulnerability of global data connectivity.
  2. More than 20 countries are involved in the ownership and operation of these damaged undersea cables, highlighting the geopolitical implications of such incidents.
  3. A Hong Kong company, HGC Global Communications, played a central role in addressing the cable damages, emphasizing the fragility of the global data network despite its powerful infrastructure.
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The West-Berlinization Of Europe

Autodidact Obsessions • 8 implied HN points • 22 Nov 25
🌍 World Politics Geopolitics
  1. Europe is currently very weak and vulnerable due to its lack of military strength and dependence on expensive resources. This means it might struggle to defend itself or secure what it needs.
  2. The EU has spent a lot of money on welfare for refugees, which some argue could have been used to build up its military and navy. This has led to an economic strain on Europe.
  3. There is a growing belief that Europe has lost its diplomatic power and credibility because it relied on the US for protection without fully supporting it in conflicts, which may leave Europe in a tough spot moving forward.

Rare Earth and China

TP’s Substack • 39 implied HN points • 19 Jun 25
🌐 International Geopolitics
  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.

Wars of Policies, Regimes and Peoples

Gideon's Substack • 40 implied HN points • 18 Jun 25
🌍 World Politics Geopolitics
  1. Wars can be about more than just territory; they often involve political objectives. Countries fight for reasons like policy changes rather than just land or survival.
  2. Israel's war with Iran appears to aim for regime change rather than just degrading military threats. If Israel wants to win, it must consider what happens after the conflict.
  3. Even if Israel achieves military success in its current campaign, it could lead to instability in the region. Demonstrating political skills is crucial for Israel to ensure long-term security and regional cooperation.

The 'discounted' Yandex offload

The PhilaVerse • 247 implied HN points • 05 Feb 24
💼 Business Geopolitics
  1. Yandex is selling its remaining Russian businesses for $5.2 billion due to a mandatory discount imposed by the Russian government.
  2. The transaction involves cash in Chinese Yuan and is led by a consortium of senior managers and investors.
  3. Yandex aims to recover value for divested businesses, unlock growth for international businesses, and allow divested businesses to operate under new ownership.

AE: Dubai

Castalia • 119 implied HN points • 19 Mar 23
🏝 Travel Geopolitics
  1. Idris is an Afghan interpreter who has worked hard to help evacuate many people from Afghanistan after the U.S. withdrawal. His mission has become more organized and efficient over time.
  2. In Dubai, the social divide is evident, with a stark contrast between the luxurious lifestyles of the wealthy and the lives of workers who make it possible. Rashid, a local with a luxurious life, expresses dissatisfaction despite his wealth.
  3. Zahra, a U.S. citizen, gets into trouble while trying to help others in Afghanistan, highlighting the complexity of humanitarian efforts in a turbulent environment. Her rescue reveals the messy realities of negotiation and dependence on local power structures.

Build the Wall

Diane Francis • 379 implied HN points • 29 Nov 21
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Geopolitics
  1. Russia is using migration as a strategy, similar to how it has happened at the U.S.-Mexico border since 2016.
  2. There are concerns that leaders like Putin are influencing the high number of migrants at the U.S. border, which reached 1.7 million this year.
  3. The issue of migration is not new, but the manipulation behind it has become more apparent recently.

You're Invited

The Cosmopolitan Globalist • 3 implied HN points • 09 Jan 26
🌍 World Politics Geopolitics
  1. The group's upcoming session will focus on recent events in Venezuela and may also cover Iran and other major global developments.
  2. Anyone is welcome to join a Zoom discussion on Sunday at 4:30 pm Paris time, and the group stresses that it's friendly and open to interested subscribers.
  3. Readers are invited to continue reading this post for free, with a paid subscription offered for additional content.

Vlad's Euro War

Diane Francis • 379 implied HN points • 11 Nov 21
🌍 World Politics Geopolitics
  1. Russia has been in conflict with Europe for seven years, but this is often overlooked. It’s important to recognize how long this issue has been ongoing.
  2. Vladimir Putin uses different types of warfare, including hybrid and traditional methods. This strategy aims to weaken the European Union and its member states.
  3. The importance of Remembrance Day highlights the need to remember all wars and their impacts. We should not forget the ongoing challenges posed by Russia towards Europe.

The Great Decoupling

Diane Francis • 379 implied HN points • 04 Nov 21
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Geopolitics
  1. China and the United States are moving further apart, starting with a trade war. This separation is changing how both countries interact.
  2. President Xi Jinping's absence from international events shows a bigger trend of isolation. It’s not just about COVID; it highlights a deeper disconnect.
  3. The changes happening between these two nations have shifted policies and relationships globally. The impacts of this 'decoupling' will be felt everywhere.

It is not Nicaragua that is 'isolated'; it's the US and EU

Geopolitical Economy Report • 239 implied HN points • 11 Jan 22
🌍 World Politics Geopolitics
  1. Nicaragua's Sandinista government is not isolated but has support from countries in Asia, Africa, and Latin America.
  2. Western corporate media disregards the large allies of Nicaragua in Asia, Africa, and Latin America, focusing on the US and EU.
  3. The international influence is shifting as Asia progresses, Latin America and Africa develop, and South-South integration strengthens.

Sting – brought to you by Boeing and Raytheon

Anxiety Addiction & Ascension • 59 implied HN points • 27 Feb 23
🌍 World Politics Geopolitics
  1. Ukraine conflict is seen as similar to the Vietnam War - an unwinnable situation that needs celebrity endorsement for public support.
  2. Supporting Ukraine in the conflict inadvertently fuels the war machine, benefiting defense contractors like Boeing and Raytheon.
  3. The idea that Ukraine is a thriving liberal democracy is challenged, with a belief that the conflict serves the geopolitical interests of the West rather than aiming for a resolution.

Extradition battles, Japan's Defense White Paper, Hybrid Russian cybercrime, Chinese text input method vulnerabilities, Putinism in a nutshell

Natto Thoughts • 59 implied HN points • 11 Aug 23
🌍 World Politics Geopolitics
  1. US facing setbacks in extraditing suspects from Russia, with delays in decisions
  2. Japan's Defense White Paper upsetting China by calling their military activities a strategic challenge
  3. Vulnerabilities found in the Sogou input method used widely in China, raising concerns about eavesdropping and Chinese government monitoring

Sanctions against Russia worked… sort of

Klement on Investing • 3 implied HN points • 08 Jan 26
🌍 World Politics Geopolitics
  1. Sanctions clearly reduced Russia’s official import volumes, so they had a real economic effect, but many imports continued through workarounds so the impact was only partial.
  2. Most of the replacement wasn’t from friendly manufacturers — about two‑thirds was re‑routing sanctioned goods through neighboring countries and about one‑third was substitution with third‑party products.
  3. The impact was uneven across sectors: science and technology lost roughly 30% of imported inputs while manufacturing fell about 10%, so some industries were hit much harder than others.

Chess with Vlad

Diane Francis • 519 implied HN points • 15 Apr 21
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Geopolitics
  1. Biden's decision to withdraw troops from Afghanistan was seen as smart, but his handling of the situation with Putin and Ukraine was not viewed the same way. Engaging in talks without firm actions may show weakness.
  2. Putin operates by different rules and often violates agreements, making it hard for the West to effectively respond. The trust in diplomacy alone is misplaced when dealing with aggressive actions.
  3. To genuinely challenge Putin, the U.S. needs to adopt a stronger stance. This involves military readiness and severe economic sanctions rather than just discussions or temporary measures.

Talibanistan

Diane Francis • 419 implied HN points • 16 Aug 21
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Geopolitics
  1. The U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan shows that military actions alone can't solve complex political issues. After years of involvement, the Afghan government fell apart quickly without Western support.
  2. History shows that invading countries often leads to more problems, like the rise of terrorist groups. Similar mistakes made in Iraq created chaos and suffering that continue today.
  3. Effective ways to fight terrorism might be better funding for early warning systems and surveillance instead of waging wars. Wars rarely lead to peace and stability.

The Geopolitics of the Arctic

The Climate Historian • 19 implied HN points • 26 Mar 24
🌍 World Politics Geopolitics
  1. The Arctic is becoming a very important area for countries around the world because of its natural resources and changes due to climate change. Many nations are paying more attention to it now.
  2. Climate change is rapidly warming the Arctic, which is causing ice to melt and opening new shipping routes. This affects not just local communities but also global weather patterns.
  3. As Asia's economy grows, countries like China are increasing their interest in the Arctic. This shift creates new possibilities and challenges for international cooperation in the region.

2024 Year in Review (Part 2)

Phillips’s Newsletter • 85 implied HN points • 26 Dec 24
🌍 World Politics Geopolitics
  1. Ukraine's Kursk offensive showed that surprises are still possible in modern warfare. This campaign was unexpected and changed the course of their struggle.
  2. In the first half of 2024, Ukraine faced tough challenges due to reduced U.S. aid and heavy losses in battles. However, they adapted and found ways to fight back effectively.
  3. The Russian military strategy of micro-advances faced setbacks, allowing Ukraine to regroup and launch a strong counter-offensive later in the year.

Putin Punks NATO

Diane Francis • 459 implied HN points • 14 Jun 21
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Geopolitics
  1. NATO is struggling to handle Russia's actions since the Soviet Union collapsed. Putin's tactics have weakened many democratic nations and are aimed at rebuilding Russian influence.
  2. Ukraine and Georgia should receive more support from NATO to defend against Russian threats. Granting them closer ties could help strengthen their security and better counter Russian aggression.
  3. NATO needs to develop a stronger strategy to deal with Russia and its ambitions. This includes addressing issues like Russian energy projects that threaten European security and taking decisive action against Russia's expansionist goals.

The Moral Bankruptcy of the West

John’s Substack • 84 implied HN points • 24 Dec 24
🌍 World Politics Geopolitics
  1. Recent reports accuse Israel of committing genocide in Gaza. Organizations like Human Rights Watch and Amnesty International have highlighted these issues.
  2. Countries like the United States, Britain, and Germany, which claim to care about human rights, are seen as supporting these actions rather than stopping them.
  3. Many human rights advocates and the media in the West have been unusually silent about the situation in Gaza, raising questions about their moral stance.

Vlad's bluff

Diane Francis • 319 implied HN points • 10 Jan 22
🌍 World Politics Geopolitics
  1. Dr. Andrei Illarionov believes that the current crisis is mainly a bluff, influenced by the Western media.
  2. Negotiations are starting between Russia and the U.S. regarding the situation in Ukraine.
  3. The media's role in shaping the narrative around the crisis is significant and often underreported.

The Six Big Questions of 2025

Phillips’s Newsletter • 81 implied HN points • 02 Jan 25
🌍 World Politics Geopolitics
  1. Ukraine is increasing its long-range weapons to target Russia more effectively. This means they are ready for deeper strikes, which could change the dynamics of the conflict.
  2. The focus will be on military production from both sides in 2025. This could determine who has the upper hand in the ongoing war.
  3. There are key questions that need answers to understand how the war will unfold in 2025. These questions are critical for predicting the future events in the conflict.

Why Putin Went to War to Keep Ukraine Out of the European Union

Japan Economy Watch • 239 implied HN points • 10 Mar 22
🌍 World Politics Geopolitics
  1. Ukraine's desire to join the European Union led to Putin's aggression and military actions.
  2. EU membership offers economic benefits like trade and foreign direct investment, leading to growth and modernization.
  3. The shift towards the EU in trade and foreign investment is helping Ukraine move away from Russian influence and progress towards a more prosperous and independent future.

Five books that impressed me this year

Klement on Investing • 6 implied HN points • 02 Dec 25
📚 Literature Geopolitics
  1. Geopolitical and security risks are real and urgent — Russia’s aggression, cyber attacks, and the danger of nuclear escalation mean countries need strong civil defence, resilient digital systems, and capable intelligence. Digital tools like Estonia’s e‑ID show how preparedness and technology can make a big difference.
  2. Understanding political history and terms matters because fascism is not the same as Nazism, and democratic rights can be eroded slowly through intimidation and legal changes. Vigilance and clear definition help people spot and resist authoritarian shifts.
  3. Clear, entertaining science writing can both teach and debunk myths — manned deep‑space travel and wormholes are far less practical than popular imagination suggests. We can learn far more safely and cheaply with probes and good physics.

Geopolitics and Georgia

John’s Substack • 4 implied HN points • 29 Dec 25
🌍 World Politics Geopolitics
  1. NATO's 2008 pledge to bring Georgia into the alliance was followed by a war with Russia in August 2008 that Georgia lost.
  2. Georgia remains in a precarious strategic position, caught between the influence of the EU on one side and Russia on the other.
  3. A recent interview about European geopolitics was translated into Georgian, limiting English-speakers' access, but it was posted so followers might translate it back into English.

Military Metrics and the Russian 2024 Offensive

Phillips’s Newsletter • 103 implied HN points • 22 Oct 24
🌍 World Politics Geopolitics
  1. How a war is presented can greatly influence public perception. It's important to understand that not everything shown in the media represents the true situation on the ground.
  2. Recent reports highlight Russian advances in Ukraine, which may create the impression of inevitable success. However, these reports can sometimes be misleading or exaggerated.
  3. Understanding military metrics and outcomes requires looking beyond flashy maps and headlines. A deeper analysis can provide a clearer picture of the actual progress in a conflict.

Japan’s Vulnerability If There’s A New Recession

Japan Economy Watch • 179 implied HN points • 07 Jul 22
💼 Business Geopolitics
  1. Japan's vulnerability to economic shocks like a new recession is high, historically showing outsized reactions that affect living standards and geopolitics.
  2. The Japanese economy takes bigger hits from global shocks compared to other rich countries, recovering more slowly and experiencing slower growth.
  3. Japan's economic vulnerability stems from imbalanced growth where GDP growth hasn't translated effectively into wider population benefits like wage growth, creating long-term instabilities.

The Gathering Storm

Diane Francis • 339 implied HN points • 15 Nov 21
🌍 World Politics Geopolitics
  1. The fall of the Soviet Union happened 30 years ago and was a big deal in history. It influenced how countries interact today.
  2. Vladimir Putin sees the collapse of the Soviet Union as a major loss for Russia. He believes it affected Russia's power and position in the world.
  3. The USSR's defeat in Afghanistan played a significant role in its downfall. It caused chaos that led to the eventual break-up of the country.

CIA intimidated Britain to force 'ally' to cut ties with China's Huawei

Geopolitical Economy Report • 119 implied HN points • 26 Aug 22
🌍 World Politics Geopolitics
  1. The CIA under the Trump administration pressured Britain to sever ties with Huawei, impacting the UK's economy and 5G infrastructure development.
  2. Despite British intelligence finding Huawei not to be a threat, the US forced the UK to ban the tech giant, prioritizing political motives over technical considerations.
  3. US exerted influence on other countries in the Five Eyes network to follow suit in banning Huawei, straining relationships and showcasing geopolitical power dynamics.

AI Roundup 102: The Stargate Project

Artificial Ignorance • 71 implied HN points • 24 Jan 25
🕹 Technology Geopolitics
  1. The Stargate Project is a huge partnership by OpenAI, SoftBank, and Oracle to build new AI data centers in the U.S., promising up to $500 billion investment. This is much larger than past projects like the Manhattan and Apollo projects.
  2. China is making fast progress in AI, with new models from companies like DeepSeek that can compete with major Western models. This raises concerns for leading U.S. labs about staying ahead in AI technology.
  3. There are new challenges in measuring AI performance since current benchmarks are not effective anymore. A new test called 'Humanity's Last Exam' highlights this issue as AI systems advance beyond human-level capabilities.

Sordid Arabia and Jared

Diane Francis • 459 implied HN points • 06 May 21
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Geopolitics
  1. Jamal Khashoggi was a journalist who was killed gruesomely in a Saudi consulate, which raised international outcry. His death highlighted serious issues with human rights in Saudi Arabia.
  2. Jared Kushner and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman worked together closely, reshaping alliances in the Middle East. Their relationship had significant implications for U.S. foreign policy and the potential sale of nuclear technology.
  3. Despite controversies and ethical questions surrounding Kushner's dealings during the Trump administration, he has continued to amass wealth and influence in the region, showing how personal and political interests can intertwine.