The hottest International relations Substack posts right now

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Top World Politics Topics

Top Links 553 Wrangling over lithography machines. Thai coups. Power plays in Vietnam & the collapsing Lao state.

Chartbook • 314 implied HN points • 06 Nov 24
🌍 World Politics International relations Geopolitics Conflict Studies Political Systems
  1. There is ongoing competition and negotiation regarding lithography machines, which are crucial for semiconductor manufacturing. This shows how technology is tied to global power dynamics.
  2. Recent political changes, like coups in Thailand, highlight instability in the region. Such events can shift the balance of power and affect international relations.
  3. Vietnam's power struggles and the crisis in Laos indicate significant challenges in governance and stability in Southeast Asia. These issues impact the lives of many people in these countries.

The Fall of Assad & What it Means for The Middle East (w/ Alastair Crooke) | The Chris Hedges Report

The Chris Hedges Report • 173 implied HN points • 10 Dec 24
🌍 World Politics Middle East Geopolitics International relations Conflict analysis Political Dynamics
  1. The fall of Assad in Syria changes the political landscape of the Middle East. It might lead to power struggles among various groups like Hayat Tahrir al-Sham and increase tensions involving Turkey and Israel.
  2. Syria's economy is heavily damaged, with lost oil resources and widespread poverty. Without recovering these resources, the country will struggle to rebuild and provide for its people.
  3. The situation has potential global implications as conflicts may spread, involving neighboring countries like Lebanon and Iraq, and could even lead to a war with Iran which would have serious consequences for the entire region.

Top Links 537 TIGER indices looking grim. South Sudan's misery. The 1990s revisited and Soldier's Paradise.

Chartbook • 400 implied HN points • 21 Oct 24
💰 Finance Economic Policy Global Markets Data Analysis International relations
  1. The TIGER indices are showing a negative trend, indicating economic challenges ahead. This suggests that global economic recovery may be slower than expected.
  2. South Sudan is facing significant difficulties, highlighting ongoing humanitarian issues. These problems need urgent attention to improve the situation for its people.
  3. There are connections being made to the 1990s, suggesting that some current geopolitical situations may resemble past conflicts. This raises concerns about the repetition of history in today's world.

Lords A'Leaping

imetatronink • 2338 implied HN points • 20 Nov 23
🌍 World Politics Geopolitics International relations
  1. The author's genealogical roots trace back to the Channel Islands, Scottish Highlands, and County Clare, Ireland.
  2. The author expresses rebelliousness against imagined authority and disdain for the British aristocracy.
  3. The author critiques 'Lord Ashcroft's' call for the west to confront Russia, deeming it futile and akin to the Titanic's fate.

The Vatnik Tell

Phillips’s Newsletter • 128 implied HN points • 31 Dec 24
🌍 World Politics International relations Conflict Studies Political theory Geopolitics Security Studies
  1. The term 'non-aligned' is a key point in discussions about Ukraine's future and its relationships with NATO and Russia.
  2. For Ukraine to maintain this 'non-aligned' status, it can't join NATO or host foreign troops for security.
  3. The statements from different speakers show a consistent view that Ukraine must stay clear of foreign military influence to avoid escalating tensions.
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Two Mexicos

Diane Francis • 1218 implied HN points • 26 Feb 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Trade Relations Crime Policy Economic Growth Drug policy International relations
  1. Mexico's economy is booming, making it the top trading partner for the U.S. since it offers tariff-free exports, especially in manufacturing. This growth is significant, but it also hides the country's ongoing struggles with crime and drug cartels.
  2. The drug trade contributes greatly to violence in Mexico, with over 30,000 murders recorded in a single year. This results in a stark contrast between a thriving economy and a dangerous underworld, leading to chaos in many regions.
  3. The U.S. has a role in Mexico's challenges due to its demand for drugs and porous borders. Solutions like sealing the border and addressing addiction more effectively may be necessary to help both countries combat these issues.

Andrew Potter: The West's slow betrayal of our inconvenient Ukrainian friends

The Line • 1375 implied HN points • 09 Feb 24
🌍 World Politics Foreign Policy Global Conflict International relations Human Rights Geopolitics
  1. The West has not fully embraced Ukraine's fight as its own, despite rhetoric from NATO.
  2. Ukraine continues to resist Russian aggression, even without strong Western support.
  3. There is growing opposition within conservative groups towards supporting Ukraine, affecting decisions and aid.

American Sovereignty is Back

From the New World • 70 implied HN points • 09 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Regulatory Policy Free speech International relations Digital economy
  1. Mark Zuckerberg is planning to work with Trump to resist European laws that he feels limit American tech companies. This shows a shift in power dynamics between the US and Europe regarding tech regulations.
  2. American tech companies have relied heavily on European markets but are pushing back against strict regulations like the GDPR and Digital Markets Act. They believe it's time for the US to take back control over its tech landscape.
  3. The competition in technology, particularly around AI, is now seen as a matter of national security. American companies want to innovate freely without foreign interference, which aligns with the values of freedom of speech and democracy.

Odds and Ends #48: The most important week of Labour government so far?

Odds and Ends of History • 737 implied HN points • 23 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government Elections Policy International relations News
  1. New Zealand's Parliament is unique and different from what you might expect. The atmosphere there is more relaxed and open to discussions.
  2. There's a discussion about a very significant week for the Labour government, suggesting it may have impacted its future direction strongly.
  3. A British tech company has reached unicorn status, showing that innovation and success are happening in the UK tech scene.

‘Western dominance has ended’, EU foreign-policy chief admits, warning of ‘West against the Rest’ geopolitics

Geopolitical Economy Report • 1116 implied HN points • 04 Mar 24
🌍 World Politics Geopolitics Diplomacy International relations Global South UN
  1. The era of Western dominance has ended, according to the EU foreign-policy chief. Europe should not see the world as 'the West against the Rest'.
  2. Global geopolitical tensions could push Europe into a bleak future. Europe must improve relations with the Global South to avoid becoming geopolitically irrelevant.
  3. In international forums like the UN, Europe often aligns with the US against the majority of countries from the Global South. This shows a stark division in voting patterns.

"Greatness" after the Bulldozer

Charles Eisenstein • 13 implied HN points • 13 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political theory Social Issues Immigration Civil Rights International relations
  1. Human beings are all equal and deserve compassion. No matter where we come from, we all share the same fundamental worth.
  2. A nation's greatness can’t come from hurting others. We must remember that helping others strengthens our own society.
  3. The real change we need is about love and understanding, not just switching one group in power for another. We should focus on healing and forgiveness to create a better world.

What Does Hitting Scaling Law Limit Mean for US-China AI Competition

Interconnected • 246 implied HN points • 18 Nov 24
🕹 Technology AI Machine Learning International relations Global Competition Data science
  1. The scaling law for AI models might be losing effectiveness, meaning that simply using more data and compute power may not lead to significant improvements like it did before.
  2. US export controls on AI technology may become less impactful over time, as diminishing returns on AI model scaling could lessen the advantages of having the most advanced hardware.
  3. If AI development slows down, the urgency for a potential 'AI doomsday' scenario may decrease, allowing for a more balanced competition between the US and China in AI advancements.

Nyhetsbrev steigan.no 24.02.2025

steigan.no • 5 implied HN points • 24 Feb 25
🌍 World Politics Geopolitics International relations Conflict analysis Security Studies Diplomacy
  1. The conflict in Ukraine has been prolonged by Western interests, particularly from the US, which aimed to weaken Russia rather than protect Ukraine.
  2. European leaders have mostly followed US policies, losing their own independence in foreign affairs and often supporting conflicts that hurt their own interests.
  3. The end of the war may come from negotiations involving major powers like the US and Russia, suggesting Europe needs to reassess its loyalties and priorities.

Bust Sanctions Busters

Diane Francis • 619 implied HN points • 02 May 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Sanctions Foreign Policy Economic Policy Legislation International relations
  1. Russia is using loopholes to avoid sanctions, making it harder to punish their economy. The West needs to tighten these sanctions and go after those helping Russia evade them.
  2. The U.S. is starting to take action against foreign banks that help Russia, focusing on countries like China and Turkey. This is a step in the right direction, but more needs to be done.
  3. There is a push to confiscate $300 billion in Russian assets frozen after the invasion. Europe needs to come together to support these efforts to apply more pressure on Putin.

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 International relations Geopolitics Crisis Management Diplomacy Intelligence
  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.

Netanyahu vs. the Diaspora

Diane Francis • 799 implied HN points • 04 Apr 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy Public Opinion Political Activism Government Policy International relations
  1. Netanyahu's government is facing backlash from Jewish communities worldwide due to its actions in Gaza, which are leading to rising anti-Semitism and a tarnished image of Israel.
  2. The Jewish diaspora feels disconnected from the Israeli government's decisions and wants a stronger voice in how Israel is run, especially regarding policies that impact human rights and inclusivity.
  3. Many Israelis are unhappy with Netanyahu's leadership, with calls for his resignation growing, and there is a sense that if changes don’t happen soon, it could threaten the essence of Zionism itself.

Top Links 542 King coal. How Europe is still buying Russian gas. Big money is not speaking up for Harris & the Empresa de China.

Chartbook • 329 implied HN points • 26 Oct 24
🌍 World Politics International relations Energy Policy Economics Geopolitics Environmental Issues
  1. Europe is still buying Russian gas despite the ongoing conflict, showing a complicated relationship with energy sources.
  2. Global coal consumption has hit record highs due to rising electricity demand around the world.
  3. There seems to be a lack of support from major investors for politicians like Harris and companies like Empresa de China.

In which NATO brings Europe closer to nuclear war for the purpose of teaching North Korea a lesson, and also just because

eugyppius: a plague chronicle • 264 implied HN points • 22 Nov 24
🌍 World Politics International relations Military Strategy Nuclear policy Geopolitical Tensions Conflict resolution
  1. NATO's actions could make Europe more vulnerable to nuclear conflict, especially with increasing tensions between Russia and the West.
  2. Recent military strikes and responses show that this conflict is escalating and could lead to serious consequences for all parties involved.
  3. Some European politicians seem to underestimate the risks of warfare, believing the US will always protect them from the fallout of their provocative decisions.

Joint statement on Israeli sanctions against the media

Distributed Email of Secrets • 759 implied HN points • 10 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics International relations Civil Rights Government Policy
  1. Israel imposed sanctions on Haaretz, a major newspaper, preventing it from receiving government funding and contact from government employees. This is seen as an attempt to control the media narrative surrounding the government actions.
  2. The government has also targeted international media like Al Jazeera, which raises concerns about press freedom in the region. Many have criticized these actions as dangerous and suppressive.
  3. Organizations are calling for the international community to support press freedom and lift the sanctions against media outlets in Israel and Palestine.

Khomeini on Brain Drain

Bet On It • 261 implied HN points • 12 Nov 24
🌍 World Politics International relations Immigration Policy Political theory Human Rights Regional conflicts
  1. Khomeini expressed indifference towards the brain drain from Iran, suggesting those who left were not valuable to the country. He believed that if people felt the need to leave, they should just go.
  2. He argued that the fleeing intellectuals would not contribute positively to Iran, indicating a preference for different thinkers. Khomeini felt that the country should not mourn those who left.
  3. He highlighted the struggles of Iranians wanting to emigrate due to restrictions, imagining how different Iran's population would be if those people had been welcomed elsewhere.

Are We Inching toward World War III?

Nonzero Newsletter • 395 implied HN points • 25 Oct 24
🌍 World Politics Conflict International relations Military Strategy Geopolitics Foreign Policy
  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.

Why Russia Can't Win, Part Two

Diane Francis • 859 implied HN points • 21 Mar 24
🌍 World Politics Geopolitics Conflict Diplomacy International relations Security
  1. Ukrainians have a strong sense of identity and civil society, showing their pride through cultural differences from Russia. They resist oppression and demonstrate unity in protest and defense.
  2. Despite losing part of their territory, Ukraine remains a rich country with valuable resources and intellectual talent. This strength enables them to innovate and fight back against Russian aggression.
  3. The conflict has shown that Ukraine's determination to fight is unwavering, and many allies in Europe recognize the urgency to support them against an existential threat.

Ask us your questions

Comment is Freed • 21 implied HN points • 04 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Analysis Current Events Public Policy International relations Political Commentary
  1. New subscribers are welcomed and encouraged to ask questions about any topics discussed. It's a great way to engage with the content.
  2. Recent topics covered include British politics, U.S. issues, and the situation in Ukraine, highlighting specific challenges and events.
  3. Subscribers can choose to submit their questions either publicly in the comments or anonymously via email for a response later.

Will US collect its $10 million bounty on former AQ leader in Syria?

Aaron Mate • 150 implied HN points • 18 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy Middle East Military Human Rights International relations
  1. The US has a $10 million bounty on a former Al Qaeda leader in Syria, raising questions about whether they will collect it. This situation highlights the troubles of the ongoing conflict in the region.
  2. Israel has faced criticism for denying Palestinians their right to self-determination and has been accused of causing a high civilian toll in its military actions in Gaza.
  3. There is debate around Iran's involvement in the Middle East, as some view it as a more reasonable actor compared to Israel, particularly regarding peace proposals that include a Palestinian state.

Talking Ukraine on "The Deep Dive"

John’s Substack • 7 implied HN points • 18 Feb 25
🌍 World Politics International relations Geopolitics Conflict Studies Security Studies Diplomacy
  1. The discussion focused on Ukraine and its current situation. It's clear that the geopolitical context is quite complex and evolving.
  2. The conversation coincided with significant political developments, like Trump's announcement regarding Putin. This shows how quickly events can change the narrative around Ukraine.
  3. Engaging with experts such as military personnel provides deeper insights into the issues at hand. Their perspectives can help us understand the implications of political decisions.

Haiti or Hades?

Diane Francis • 779 implied HN points • 28 Mar 24
🌍 World Politics International relations Human Rights Security Issues Crisis response Geopolitics
  1. Haiti is struggling a lot while the Dominican Republic is doing well. This difference started a long time ago when Spain occupied the DR and made policies that helped them succeed.
  2. Today, gangs in Haiti control most of the country, causing violence and chaos. Many people have been killed, and the police are unable to handle the situation.
  3. The Dominican Republic is building a wall to keep out the violence from Haiti. They are asking for help from the UN and the US to bring peace and security to the area.

US sends Israel 100+ weapons shipments. Most Americans oppose it - but Biden ignores them.

Geopolitical Economy Report • 916 implied HN points • 09 Mar 24
🌍 World Politics Israel US Genocide Humanitarian International relations
  1. Polls show that a majority of North Americans oppose the US sending weapons to Israel, but the Biden administration has sent over 100 arms shipments regardless.
  2. 52% of North Americans want to end US weapons shipments to Israel, with majority opposition from voters who didn't support Trump, Biden voters, and young Democrats.
  3. UN experts have accused Israel of carrying out genocide, while areas in Gaza face starvation and dire humanitarian crises amid the conflict.

Coleman Hughes on the New Racism

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 2517 implied HN points • 13 Feb 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Race Leadership International relations
  1. Coleman Hughes advocates for a return to color-blind ideals in addressing race issues, which contrasts with current prominent black intellectuals.
  2. President Biden is facing concerns about his age and capability to run for a second term, with a high percentage perceiving him as too old for the role.
  3. There are proposals for encouraging newer and better Palestinian leadership, especially in Gaza, by ensuring reconstruction aid is channeled effectively and used to empower a new elite.

End of Year Review: the Russo-Ukraine War

Comment is Freed • 99 implied HN points • 29 Dec 24
🌍 World Politics Geopolitics Conflict analysis International relations Military Strategy Diplomacy
  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.

Important Editorial in Pirate Wires

From the New World • 32 implied HN points • 22 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics AI Policy Economic Policy Political Influence Election Strategy International relations
  1. The new administration will focus on promoting American leadership in AI. They believe that America should take the lead in advancing technology instead of holding it back.
  2. Foreign partnerships in AI should align with American standards. The U.S. will not share access to its technology unless it benefits American interests.
  3. All collaborations must aim to enhance AI research and availability. The goal is to boost innovation rather than impose restrictions.

Trump and the Rise of Asia

Global Inequality and More 3.0 • 770 implied HN points • 03 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Leadership Globalization Inequality International relations
  1. Western elites feel confused and uneasy with Trump's approach, much like Eastern European elites felt with Gorbachev. They see him as changing the norms that they are used to.
  2. European leaders are struggling to adapt to changes brought by Trump. They tend to view his presidency as a temporary disruption rather than a challenge to their rule.
  3. China's rise is shifting economic power away from the West, and many in the Western middle class may feel a decline in their global status as Asian economies grow rapidly.

Tariffs are a necessary tool in the trade arsenal

The Dossier • 181 implied HN points • 26 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Trade policy Economics Government International relations Negotiation
  1. Tariffs can be an important tool for negotiating better trade deals. They act as a bargaining chip that can encourage countries to agree to more favorable terms.
  2. Having the option to use tariffs is similar to keeping nuclear weapons for defense. It creates a stronger position and may deter other nations from unfair practices.
  3. Recent threats of tariffs from U.S. leaders have prompted other countries to open discussions, showing that the threat of tariffs can lead to positive negotiations.

Did NATO provoke Russia's invasion of Ukraine?

Glenn’s Substack • 239 implied HN points • 28 Jun 24
🌍 World Politics International relations Conflict Studies Geopolitics Security Studies Foreign Policy
  1. NATO may have played a role in provoking Russia's invasion of Ukraine. This idea is supported by some evidence in discussions.
  2. The argument about NATO's involvement gets complicated because it can be mistaken for supporting Russia's actions. It's important to separate facts from opinions.
  3. Understanding these events requires looking at the facts without bias. People often mix up facts with the narratives they want to believe.

The Hamas Mafia

Diane Francis • 1738 implied HN points • 27 Nov 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Terrorism Corruption International relations Middle East
  1. Hamas leaders live a lavish lifestyle far from the conflict, while they exploit the people of Gaza for their own wealth. They collect taxes on smuggled goods and skim donations meant for the needy.
  2. The unemployment rate in Gaza is extremely high, and most people live in poverty. Despite winning elections in 2007, Hamas has not delivered on promises of better living conditions, but instead, they persist in conflict.
  3. Hamas operates like a criminal organization, focusing on financial gain through warfare and corruption. Their actions harm the very people they claim to represent, and the global community needs to take action against these corrupt regimes.

Israel Supporters Are Some Of The Worst People In The World

Caitlin’s Newsletter • 2230 implied HN points • 24 Feb 24
🌍 World Politics Middle East Conflict Human Rights International relations Ethnic conflict War
  1. Some Israel supporters display extreme vitriol and disregard for human suffering, justifying monstrous acts against innocent children in Gaza.
  2. The behavior of these specific Israel supporters is seen as shockingly disturbing, leading to accusations of immorality and dishonesty.
  3. The negative behavior highlighted is not exclusive to Israelis or Jews, but extends to various ideological groups, illustrating a troubling trend of unwavering support for violent actions in Gaza.