The hottest International relations Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top World Politics Topics

Israel Attacked: Pushing Back on Right Wing Disinfo

The Message Box • 3793 implied HN points • 09 Oct 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Disinformation Terrorism International relations Media Social media
  1. Fast-moving events are fertile ground for disinformation, especially when shared without context or confirmation.
  2. The claim that the U.S. funded the attack in Iran is false; the unfrozen funds were for humanitarian assistance only.
  3. Claims circulating that U.S. weapons were used in the attack are also false; the photo shared is from 2021 in Afghanistan, not Israel.

Time to talk about the Panama Canal

Material World • 886 implied HN points • 03 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political History International relations Geopolitics National Security
  1. There are long-standing historical tensions regarding control of the Panama Canal. Many believe the U.S. should still control it because of its significant contributions to building it.
  2. The original treaties around the canal were heavily influenced by American power dynamics, resulting in Panama losing much of its sovereignty at the time.
  3. There's ongoing discussion about building a canal in Nicaragua instead. This could solve some current issues with the Panama Canal, like water shortages and size restrictions for ships.

Saturday Commentary and Review #182

Fisted by Foucault • 140 implied HN points • 29 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics International relations Election Analysis Political theory Social movements Government Policy
  1. Europe is facing a tough time with the rise of far-right politics, and things might get worse as economic problems grow. Many traditional left-wing parties are losing support and influence.
  2. The U.S. is in a strong global position as it hands off power to Trump, with a focus on maintaining military support for Ukraine in the ongoing conflict with Russia.
  3. In Georgia, political tensions are high with protests ongoing after a controversial election. The new president has divided opinions, and many are calling for a rerun of the elections.
Get a weekly roundup of the best Substack posts, by hacker news affinity:

Top Links 565 Trump and chips. The zama zama crisis in South Africa. China's great lift campaign and Algeria in the archive.

Chartbook • 314 implied HN points • 19 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Policy Government International relations Political Analysis
  1. Donald Trump has raised concerns about Taiwan's influence on America's chip industry. He is critical of the CHIPS Act designed to support the semiconductor industry.
  2. There are ongoing issues in South Africa related to illegal mining, commonly referred to as the zama zama crisis. This problem affects both the economy and safety in those areas.
  3. China is promoting a major campaign to improve its infrastructure and economy, often referred to as the great lift campaign. This initiative aims to enhance development and connect regions more effectively.

⚠ How disruptive would a Chinese invasion of Taiwan be?

Faster, Please! • 456 implied HN points • 11 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics International relations Geopolitics Military Strategy Economic Impact Government Policy
  1. An invasion of Taiwan by China could disrupt global stability and economic growth. It might create fear and uncertainty, much like we saw in past wars.
  2. There's concern that the potential conflict could end the current positive economic trends we are experiencing, especially with advancements in technology and AI.
  3. Different possible scenarios of military action by China have been analyzed, showing various levels of impact on the economy. Understanding these scenarios can help us prepare for the future.

Talking about a Ukraine Deal on CNN

John’s Substack • 8 implied HN points • 20 Feb 25
🌍 World Politics International relations Geopolitics Conflict resolution Diplomacy
  1. The U.S. and Europe have different views on how to end the Ukraine war. It's important to understand these differences for better solutions.
  2. A new deal between Russia and the U.S. seems to be forming, which will impact Ukraine's response.
  3. Discussing these topics publicly can help shed light on the complexities of international relations, especially regarding conflicts.

Devoted to "weaker" Russia, exiting Biden team finds "strength" in Ukraine

Aaron Mate • 192 implied HN points • 24 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy National Security Geopolitics Government International relations
  1. Jake Sullivan, the National Security Adviser, believes that the U.S. is in a strong position globally as power dynamics change.
  2. He claims that Russia is struggling and has failed in its efforts in Ukraine, suggesting that they are weaker than before.
  3. However, some of his statements seem to simplify or misrepresent what Russia's actual goals have been since the conflict began.

February 2, 2025

Letters from an American • 25 implied HN points • 03 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government Public Policy Elections Political parties International relations
  1. Elon Musk's team has taken control of the U.S. Treasury's payment system, which manages a lot of money and financial info. This raises serious questions about security and who has access to sensitive government data.
  2. Musk's group, made up of young engineers with little experience, seems to have bypassed legal authority to take over government functions. This situation feels like a serious threat to democracy and government integrity.
  3. Trump has initiated a trade war by imposing hefty tariffs on Mexico, Canada, and China, which is causing a backlash from those countries. This could lead to higher prices and job losses for Americans due to retaliatory measures.

What is "Anti-European" and what are the Costs of our Manichean Mindset?

Glenn’s Substack • 419 implied HN points • 21 Jun 24
🌍 World Politics International relations Military conflict European Politics Geopolitical analysis
  1. Open discussion about complex issues, like the war in Ukraine, is important. Without it, we can't find real solutions.
  2. Different countries have various views on what 'Europe' means, affecting how they see issues like democracy and values.
  3. The media often simplifies conflicts into good vs. evil, which can stop meaningful debate and compromise from happening.

See the World Accurately

Interconnected • 354 implied HN points • 12 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Governance Public Policy Political Analysis International relations
  1. Seeing the world accurately is important for investors; it's easy to get lost in wishful thinking. Understanding reality helps make better decisions.
  2. Trump and Obama had similar strategies in their electoral victories, but they aim to govern differently, with Obama favoring institutions and Trump challenging them. This difference is crucial for the political landscape.
  3. China's economic policies are largely based on internal issues, not influenced by US elections. Their approach to managing the economy is quite different and focuses more on state control and gradual adjustments.

Cancelling "Controversial" Scholars

Glenn’s Substack • 439 implied HN points • 16 Jun 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Free speech Censorship Academia Public Debate International relations
  1. Labeling someone as 'controversial' can shut down meaningful debate. It's important to have open discussions, especially about difficult topics like international conflicts.
  2. Censorship often happens under the guise of protecting moral values, but it can prevent us from understanding the full picture. People need to hear all sides of an argument to make informed decisions.
  3. Understanding the other party's perspective in conflicts is crucial for peace. Instead of dividing ourselves, we should look for ways to engage and resolve issues together.

The Tectonic Plates Are Moving in Europe

John’s Substack • 13 implied HN points • 15 Feb 25
🌍 World Politics International relations Geopolitics Conflict Studies Diplomacy Global Affairs
  1. The political situation in Europe is changing quickly and is very important to watch. Events happening now could have big effects on the future.
  2. The Trump administration's actions towards Ukraine and Europe show a clear effort to work with Russia regarding the Ukraine conflict. This indicates a shift in international relations.
  3. Understanding these movements in international politics can help us predict what might happen next in Europe and beyond. It’s a good time to pay attention to global news.

Soviet Ruins and China's Future

ChinaTalk • 474 implied HN points • 21 Oct 24
🌍 World Politics Soviet Union China Cold War Political Economy International relations
  1. China looks to the lessons of the Soviet Union to understand its own economic strategies and potential risks. By studying the past, they hope to avoid similar pitfalls in governance.
  2. The distribution of resources in an economy is crucial for success. If too much is spent on heavy industry and not enough on consumer goods, it can lead to dissatisfaction and inefficiencies.
  3. Khrushchev's time saw a shift in the Soviet mentality from military competition to economic competition with the West. This idea of competing systems is still relevant today, especially in how China views its place in the world.

Saturday Commentary and Review #181

Fisted by Foucault • 154 implied HN points • 23 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics International relations Political Philosophy Defense Policy Social movements Public Policy
  1. The collapse of the Syrian government has surprising global effects, especially concerning China's security. The presence of Uyghur militants fighting in Syria poses a potential threat to China's Xinjiang region.
  2. In many Western societies, the traditional separation between government and private interests has blurred. This post-liberal shift often sees political agendas influencing both public opinion and private actions.
  3. European nations are currently facing significant challenges, including economic passivity and loss of sovereignty. This has led to a sense of pessimism and isolation among many Europeans as they perceive a decline in their collective influence.

Experience Davos From Your Own Living Room

Phillips’s Newsletter • 69 implied HN points • 23 Jan 25
🌍 World Politics International relations Global Governance Conflict resolution Political institutions
  1. The World Economic Forum at Davos was not just for the elite this year; diverse voices, including those from less powerful backgrounds, were invited to participate.
  2. The current conflicts and political changes show that the old international order is struggling, and while it may not collapse immediately, it is failing to address pressing global issues, like the war in Ukraine.
  3. Future security for Ukraine may depend more on European institutions like the EU rather than NATO, which poses challenges for Ukraine's integration and support in these complex times.

Beijing's Bubble Bursts Part 3

Diane Francis • 1338 implied HN points • 04 Mar 24
🌍 World Politics Geopolitics International relations Economic Policy Debt crisis Regional conflicts
  1. China's Belt and Road Initiative, which aimed to help poorer countries, has led many into deep debt instead of prosperity. This has turned some of these nations into vassal states rather than providing mutual benefits.
  2. Many countries that participated in BRI are facing serious economic issues and corruption scandals tied to Chinese investments. Projects often fail or are poorly managed, leaving these nations in worse situations.
  3. China's own economy is struggling, with declining exports and a high number of non-performing loans. The situation suggests that both China and its debt-laden partners are in precarious positions.

Devant la guerre

Global Inequality and More 3.0 • 1087 implied HN points • 05 Dec 24
🌍 World Politics International relations War Studies Historical Analysis Political theory Peace Studies
  1. E. H. Carr's book highlights how the international system can be unfair and lead to conflict. He sees similar patterns in past events and today's world.
  2. Carr argues that for peace to last, stronger nations need to share power and resources with weaker ones. If they don't, it creates resentment and can eventually lead to war.
  3. The current situation with Russia shows parallels to what happened with Germany before World War II. Both situations involved dissatisfied powers that used force to change their circumstances.

Top Links 561 Will Goldman be the Trump profiteer? Ukraine bonds bounce on talk of peace & "warrior boards".

Chartbook • 300 implied HN points • 15 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Policy Finance Public Opinion International relations
  1. Goldman Sachs is performing really well in the stock market, showing a big gain this month.
  2. There are rumors about peace talks regarding Ukraine, causing a positive shift in Ukraine bonds.
  3. The term 'warrior boards' is mentioned, suggesting an interest in military-related investments or decisions.

A Requiem For Ba'athism (Part 1 of 2)

Fisted by Foucault • 128 implied HN points • 27 Dec 24
🌍 World Politics Geopolitics Middle East International relations Historical context Political Philosophy
  1. The Syrian government quickly collapsed, with major cities falling to opposition forces in a matter of weeks. This rapid change marked the end of Ba'athism and the Assad family's rule.
  2. The regime's failure was due to a mix of internal issues like demoralization among troops and lack of support from allies like Iran and Hezbollah. It wasn't a heroic battle but rather a series of local surrenders.
  3. The collapse of the Assad regime shows how much the political landscape in the Arab world has changed. It's also seen as a broader consequence of historical grievances and foreign interventions in the Middle East.

Putin Kills Navalny

Diane Francis • 1498 implied HN points • 16 Feb 24
🌍 World Politics International relations Geopolitics Human Rights Authoritarianism Political Activism
  1. Alexei Navalny, a prominent Russian opposition leader, has died under suspicious circumstances while imprisoned, raising concerns about government involvement.
  2. Navalny was known for his anti-corruption efforts and faced multiple assassination attempts, including being poisoned with a nerve agent.
  3. Despite the risks, Navalny inspired protests against the Russian government, demonstrating the public's desire for change and challenging Putin's regime.

The Genocide Cafe Does Not Get To Play Villain & Saviour, When Only The Public Will be Punished.

C.O.P. Central Organizing Principle. • 12 implied HN points • 04 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Analysis Trade Policies Government Accountability International relations
  1. Political tariffs can act like sanctions, leading to conflicts and affecting the public while politicians remain unscathed. It's important to recognize how these actions can impact everyday people.
  2. Trade agreements like NAFTA have hurt Canada and Mexico, creating imbalanced economic conditions and leading to exploitation. Many workers suffer due to unfair practices that keep them in poverty.
  3. The ongoing political drama often distracts from real issues, such as the humanitarian crises caused by conflict. It's crucial to stay informed about how these decisions affect civilians and the broader implications.

Weekend Update #112: Ukraine Strikes a Senior Russian Officer (Again).

Phillips’s Newsletter • 183 implied HN points • 22 Dec 24
🌍 World Politics Conflict International relations Military operations Geopolitics War Strategy
  1. Ukraine has launched a targeted strike against a senior Russian officer, showing the ongoing pattern of both sides aiming at each other's high-ranking military leaders during the conflict. Such attacks have been common throughout the war, not a surprising escalation.
  2. The fighting has shifted to smaller areas, particularly near Pokrovsk and Kurakhove, indicating that key battle zones are becoming more condensed rather than expanding. This trend shows the difficulty both sides face in gaining significant ground.
  3. Russia is now relying on North Korean forces to bolster its efforts in Kursk due to significant losses. The North Koreans are struggling with the reality of modern warfare, suffering heavy casualties.

Our First Trump 2.0 Test (and How to Pass It)

Nonzero Newsletter • 372 implied HN points • 15 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Policy Public Opinion International relations Social Issues
  1. Many Republicans and Democrats change their views on election fairness based on whether their side wins. This shows how closely tied our beliefs are to our political outcomes.
  2. The Biden administration is still providing military aid to Israel even though they didn't meet certain requirements. This decision suggests a complex relationship between the U.S. and Israel, despite past expectations for accountability.
  3. Top AI companies are struggling to create more advanced models. There are concerns that they might be running out of high-quality training data, which could slow down progress in AI development.

A China-Russia-Iran-North Korea Box of Evil Boxing In Joe Biden

Peter Navarro's Taking Back Trump's America • 1729 implied HN points • 22 Jan 24
🌍 World Politics Geopolitical Tensions Global Conflicts International relations Authoritarian Regimes Military Strategy
  1. A group of countries might be plotting to weaken America by attacking its allies and draining its resources.
  2. The plot involves various tactics like creating distracting fronts, hindering military responses, and destabilizing elections.
  3. The end goal seems to be to weaken America's global presence and influence.

Joe Biden is a War Criminal

Pen>Sword • 1976 implied HN points • 01 Jan 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government International relations Foreign Policy Political critique War
  1. Biden's actions near the Gaza border transformed his image from 'Sleepy Joe' to 'Genocide Joe', catalyzed by aiding Israeli aggression.
  2. Biden's administration poured billions into Israel, supporting a violent war as civilian casualties, especially children, continued to rise.
  3. An exploration of how Biden's actions in the Israel-Palestine conflict redefined his presidential legacy, painting him as a war criminal facilitating genocide.

Chris Hedges on MOATS: Catastrophe for the Palestinians and the Region

The Chris Hedges Report • 137 implied HN points • 22 Dec 24
🌍 World Politics International relations Conflict Studies Middle East Human Rights Political Analysis
  1. The situation for the Palestinians is dire, leading to increased suffering and instability in the region.
  2. There are significant consequences for neighboring countries as the conflict escalates, potentially affecting their security and politics.
  3. Understanding this issue requires recognizing the historical context and ongoing impact on people's lives in the affected areas.

Macron's Manifesto

Diane Francis • 1139 implied HN points • 14 Mar 24
🌍 World Politics International relations Military Strategy European Politics Geopolitics Security Issues
  1. Macron believes Europe needs to support Ukraine strongly, even considering sending troops. He's pushing for unity among European nations to confront the threat from Russia.
  2. France aims to become Europe's military leader, filling the gap left by Germany's cautious approach. Macron emphasizes that Europe needs to strengthen its own defense capabilities.
  3. There's a growing realization among European leaders that they need to increase military spending. Countries like Poland are already looking to invest more in their defense amid the ongoing conflict.

Keir Starmer needs to prepare for a world without America

Odds and Ends of History • 1206 implied HN points • 07 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Climate Governance International relations Political parties Elections
  1. America's political situation is very unstable, and this could lead to problems for the rest of the world. If the U.S. struggles to maintain its role as a superpower, it could change global security and trade.
  2. Without strong American support, countries like Russia and China may act more aggressively. This could result in more conflict, especially in places like Taiwan and the South China Sea.
  3. Countries that share democratic values, like those in Europe, should work together more closely. For Britain, reconnecting with Europe may be necessary to ensure security and stability in an uncertain global environment.

Ukraine 2024

Diane Francis • 1338 implied HN points • 19 Feb 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics International relations Foreign Policy Defense Spending Election Impact Geopolitical Strategy
  1. Ukraine's survival depends on support from the U.S. and Europe. More military aid is needed to avoid losing territory to Russia.
  2. The war's future could lead to a 'frozen conflict' if funds are not increased. Without proper backing, Ukraine may struggle to rebuild and defend itself.
  3. Europe is becoming more self-sufficient in military resources. Countries like Germany are stepping up their military production to support Ukraine better.

Why Israel Won’t Take the Win

Nonzero Newsletter • 519 implied HN points • 18 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy Military Affairs Political strategy Elections International relations
  1. Israel has an opportunity to declare victory after the death of a key Hamas leader, which might allow for a ceasefire and de-escalation of conflict.
  2. The U.S. has sent troops and missile defense systems to Israel, but this support may encourage Israel to continue its aggressive actions rather than seek peace.
  3. There are concerns that U.S. military support for Israel could drag the U.S. into broader conflicts and worsen America's global reputation.

Where are the Realists Defending Trump?

Phillips’s Newsletter • 95 implied HN points • 11 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Policy Governance Political theory International relations
  1. Great powers, especially nuclear ones, act to protect their interests. This means they are sensitive to threats near their borders.
  2. The idea of security and power is important in international relations, with all states seeking to ensure their safety, no matter their government type.
  3. Donald Trump is using language that aligns with realist views in foreign policy, particularly in how he frames issues related to Russia.

Glory to Ukraine!

Diane Francis • 1278 implied HN points • 24 Feb 24
🌍 World Politics Conflict International relations Human Rights Geopolitics War
  1. The war in Ukraine started two years ago and is still ongoing. This shows the ongoing struggle and resilience of the Ukrainian people.
  2. Russia is portrayed as the aggressor, while Ukraine is seen as brave and deserving of support. It's important to recognize the efforts and courage of those fighting for their country.
  3. People are encouraged to help Ukraine by donating and keeping them in their thoughts and prayers. Every little support counts in times of crisis.

The unfathomable bottomless stupidity of Suella Braverman

Striking 13 • 2535 implied HN points • 10 Nov 23
🌍 World Politics Government Policy Leadership International relations Current Events
  1. The focus should be on the real problems that are evident rather than getting lost in technical details or strategic calculations.
  2. Stupidity seems to be a requirement for success in modern British politics, with individuals gaining attention and promotions through controversial remarks and actions.
  3. The rise of individuals lacking competence in key roles can have significant consequences, leading to failures in policy-making and governance.