The hottest International relations Substack posts right now

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Top World Politics Topics

Tiktok Versus Econ 101

From the New World • 32 implied HN points • 21 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government Policy Economics International relations Social media
  1. Bytedance has not sold TikTok despite pressure and a law requiring it to do so. This uncertainty could significantly drop the company's value.
  2. The Chinese government might see TikTok as valuable for its ability to gather data and influence opinions, which could outweigh financial gains from a sale.
  3. If TikTok is forced to sell, there may be concerns about hidden data management practices and potential risks of Chinese access to user information.

A Little Bit of Everything

Fisted by Foucault • 180 implied HN points • 26 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy Elections International relations War Crimes Political strategy Populism
  1. The US is seeing some major changes in its foreign policy due to a new incoming administration, which could complicate the situation in Ukraine. This transition may affect how the US interacts with Russia and its allies.
  2. Recent arrest warrants by the ICC for world leaders, including Israel's Prime Minister, have raised questions about the fairness of international justice and America's role in it. This has made the US look hypocritical to other countries.
  3. Germany's economy is struggling, with job cuts and company shutdowns indicating a larger issue. Many Germans feel their country isn't what it used to be, leading to potential shifts in political support.

Germany: A Political not an Industry Problem?

CDR Salamander • 1120 implied HN points • 30 Jan 24
🌍 World Politics Military European Politics Security International relations NATO
  1. Germany is facing a security challenge due to political issues more than industry problems.
  2. Europe struggles to defend against threats with minimal naval power from major Continental European nations.
  3. The lack of military strength in Europe, particularly in Germany, poses significant challenges due to demographic shifts, political disruptions, and economic factors.
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al-Qaida-led Jihadis Enter Aleppo (Again)

Fisted by Foucault • 165 implied HN points • 29 Nov 24
🌍 World Politics Conflict Terrorism Middle East International relations Government
  1. al-Qaida-led fighters are attacking Aleppo and have already gained control of many towns. This is creating a serious problem for the Syrian government.
  2. The fighting has resulted in many casualties, including both combatants and civilians, with reports of air strikes causing deaths.
  3. The current regional tensions, especially with Hezbollah occupied in Lebanon, have left Syria vulnerable to these new attacks.

Biden and Netanyahu’s endless war for US-Israeli supremacy

Aaron Mate • 392 implied HN points • 13 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy Middle East Military Strategy International relations Political alliances
  1. The US and Israeli governments are working together to maintain their power in the Middle East. They support actions that weaken groups like Hezbollah and Iran to keep control.
  2. Recent conflicts, like the violence in Gaza and Lebanon, are being used by Israel to push forward aggressive policies. The US backs Israel's military actions, seeing it as a way to reshape the region.
  3. There are signs of internal disagreement within the US government about the strategy in the Middle East. Some officials worry that the current approach could lead to more overall conflict.

The Oil War

Diane Francis • 1099 implied HN points • 29 Jan 24
🌍 World Politics International relations Geopolitics Energy Politics Environmental Issues
  1. Illicit oil trade is booming, with many ships smuggling oil from Russia and Iran. This trade helps fund wars and poses environmental risks due to poorly maintained vessels.
  2. China and India play a major role in supporting Russia's economy by importing significant amounts of oil. This trend allows them to profit while indirectly supporting Russia's actions in Ukraine.
  3. Despite existing sanctions, the criminal activity in the oil sector continues to thrive. It's important for international authorities to step up enforcement and regulation to stop this dangerous trade.

Europe's 2024 Resolution

Diane Francis • 1199 implied HN points • 15 Jan 24
🌍 World Politics Geopolitics International relations Military Affairs Foreign Policy Defense Strategy
  1. Europe is realizing the serious threat Russia poses, leading to stronger military support for Ukraine. Countries like Germany and the UK are stepping up with more weapons and defenses.
  2. Despite heavy losses, Ukraine is making gains and has the support of its allies. They believe that if they keep fighting, they can defeat Russia and reclaim their land.
  3. There's growing unity among European nations, and many are considering tough measures like seizing Russian assets to help Ukraine. Leaders are optimistic about ultimate victory against Russia's aggression.

Putin's 143 Million Prisoners

Diane Francis • 1139 implied HN points • 22 Jan 24
🌍 World Politics International relations Conflict Studies Political Movements Government Systems Human Rights
  1. Putin's control over Russia is strong, but many Russians are unhappy with the war and rising costs of living. Polls show support for the war is dropping as more people face tough times.
  2. There's a growing anti-war movement, especially from the families of soldiers. These women are protesting in quiet ways and bringing attention to the high casualty rates in the military.
  3. Despite seeming powerful, Putin faces challenges from within Russia. Discontent among the public and elite feuds could threaten his ability to maintain control.

China on Harris and Trump Tech Policy

ChinaTalk • 222 implied HN points • 05 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics International relations Economic strategy
  1. Harris and Trump have very different plans for technology policies if elected. Harris will likely keep regulations tight, while Trump wants to ease rules to boost innovation.
  2. Both candidates agree on being tough on Chinese technology. They see the need to grow American tech while limiting China's influence.
  3. Harris may push for stricter antitrust laws against big tech, while Trump could allow more mergers. Each approach will have a big effect on the tech world.

Liberal Strategy: Not getting jokes.

Unsafe • 963 implied HN points • 11 Feb 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Media Trump administration Political alliances International relations Satire
  1. The media often overreacts to everything Trump says, which can sometimes be seen as jokes.
  2. Trump's comments about NATO provoked strong responses from various news outlets and prompted debates about international relations.
  3. The New York Times's response to Trump's remarks was particularly critical, highlighting the potential impact on international order.

Israel Assassination Backfires (and Other Mideast Updates)

Nonzero Newsletter • 384 implied HN points • 11 Oct 24
🌍 World Politics Middle East International relations Conflict analysis Foreign Policy Political Leadership
  1. Israel's assassination of a Hamas leader led to a more radical leadership taking over, resulting in a rise in suicide attacks against Israel again.
  2. Kamala Harris called Iran the biggest threat to the U.S., which some experts worry could lead to more conflict between the U.S. and Iran.
  3. Geoffrey Hinton, known as the 'Godfather of AI,' recently won a Nobel Prize for his work in AI, highlighting concerns about uncontrolled AI development.

Chartbook 258 War, peace and the return of history in 2023

Chartbook • 2532 implied HN points • 01 Jan 24
🌍 World Politics Violence Conflict Globalization International relations
  1. In 2023, there was a surge in violence globally, with factors like weak state power and new rivalries fueling conflicts.
  2. Poor-country conflicts are influenced by global forces, but the impact on the larger picture is limited.
  3. The world is facing a historical shift with conflicts like the Israel-Palestine dispute challenging traditional models of geopolitical alignment.

Is It Possible To Stay Sane on Israel/Gaza?

Castalia • 419 implied HN points • 10 May 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Middle East International relations Conflict resolution Political Rhetoric Public Opinion
  1. It's tough to find a balanced view on the Israel-Palestine conflict with so much chaos happening. Both sides have strong feelings, but finding common ground is really important.
  2. Terms like 'colonialism' and 'genocide' are used differently by different people, which can confuse discussions. Understanding the exact meanings behind these words is key to clearer conversations.
  3. Thinking about all the suffering in Gaza and the political arguments can be really overwhelming. It's important to take a step back, breathe, and try to view things from all sides to stay sane.

When Oligarchs go Bad

The Cosmopolitan Globalist • 20 implied HN points • 25 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political parties Extremism Democracy Authoritarianism International relations
  1. Democracies face a challenge in protecting themselves from groups that want to undermine them while still allowing freedom of expression. Finding the right balance is difficult, especially in places with a troubled history.
  2. Germany has strict laws to monitor and potentially ban parties that threaten its democratic values, but it is challenging to enforce these laws without appearing biased or suppressing free speech.
  3. The rise of far-right groups, like the AfD in Germany, highlights a growing trend towards extreme nationalism and xenophobia, often fueled by the support of external powers like Russia. These movements can harm democracy and threaten social cohesion.

The most epic (and literal) gaslighting of all time

The Crucial Years • 1903 implied HN points • 05 Mar 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Climate Energy Legislation Economy International relations
  1. Exxon prioritizes profit over renewable energy, stating wind and solar power don't offer sufficient returns for shareholders.
  2. Exxon's history of deceit and denial regarding climate change has hindered progress for decades.
  3. The need for government intervention to address the climate crisis is highlighted, as market profits often impede meaningful solutions.

The secondary and tertiary effects of recent unveilings

TP’s Substack • 57 implied HN points • 05 Jan 25
🌍 World Politics Military Affairs Defense technology Geopolitics International relations
  1. China is developing advanced aircraft like the J-36, which is expected to have significant capabilities, including powerful radar and electronic warfare systems. This could change the balance of air power in the region.
  2. The J-36's range allows it to extend China's air dominance much further away from its borders, making it vital for potential military operations in areas like Guam and the South China Sea.
  3. This military advancement may pressure the U.S. to upgrade its own aircraft programs, potentially delaying their timelines and affecting their ability to defend allies in East Asia.

The Six Big Questions of 2025

Phillips’s Newsletter • 81 implied HN points • 02 Jan 25
🌍 World Politics Geopolitics Conflict International relations Defense Strategies
  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.

The Russia in Syria Edition

Why is this interesting? • 603 implied HN points • 10 Dec 24
🌍 World Politics Military Strategy International relations Regional conflicts Power Dynamics
  1. Syria is now in a very unstable state after Assad's regime is gone. This situation brings many challenges, like dealing with chemical weapons and returning refugees.
  2. Russia's naval port in Tartus and airfield in Hmeimim are key for their military power in the Middle East. Losing these would hurt Russia's strategy, especially with ongoing issues in Ukraine.
  3. Moscow is working hard to keep these bases by forming new alliances and adapting their approach. This shows how important Syria is for Russia's influence in the region.

Putin, Ukraine, and the World

Diane Francis • 959 implied HN points • 03 Feb 24
🌍 World Politics International relations Conflict Studies Geopolitics Security Issues
  1. Putin is seen as a major force behind many global conflicts and issues today. His actions are not just limited to Ukraine but impacting many regions worldwide.
  2. There is a strong belief that Russia's corrupt government, or kleptocracy, needs to be dismantled to achieve peace. Tackling this is viewed as essential for global stability.
  3. The message emphasizes the importance of acknowledging Ukraine’s resilient people and their talent in the face of adversity. Supporting them is crucial for a healthier world.

End of Year Review: the Middle East

Comment is Freed • 56 implied HN points • 09 Jan 25
🌍 World Politics Middle East Conflict Diplomacy International relations Security
  1. The Middle East situation has been changing rapidly, especially with Iran's influence weakening and challenges faced by groups like Hamas and the Assad regime in Syria.
  2. Israel's strategy in the Gaza conflict has faced many criticisms, particularly for not clearly defining what victory looks like and for the high civilian casualty rates due to its military approaches.
  3. With leadership changes expected, particularly with Trump returning, the future of Israel-Palestine relations and Iran's stability could shift, bringing new challenges and potential for conflict.

Nyhetsbrev steigan.no 20.02.2025

steigan.no • 6 implied HN points • 20 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Commentary International relations Defense Policy Media Criticism Public Health
  1. There are concerns about how governments and media handle information regarding wars, similar to how it was during the Vietnam War. People are worried that the truth is being manipulated.
  2. The dialogue about peace in Ukraine is changing, particularly with Trump speaking directly to Russia, which has upset European leaders. They feel sidelined in the discussions.
  3. There is a growing fear and paranoia about Russia's actions and intentions in Europe, with calls for increased military readiness despite a lack of evidence for immediate threats.

Political Genocide

Diane Francis • 1019 implied HN points • 18 Jan 24
🌍 World Politics International relations Human Rights Conflict Studies Geopolitics War Crimes
  1. South Africa accuses Israel of genocide but ignores serious actions by Russia, Iran, and China that also fit the definition of genocide. This suggests a selective focus in addressing global human rights issues.
  2. Israel was attacked by Hamas and retaliated against them, which does not mean they committed genocide. They took steps to protect civilians, which shows they were acting in self-defense.
  3. Labeling a country that is defending itself from genocide as guilty of genocide is legally confusing and not just, according to legal experts. It's important to differentiate between acts of war and acts of genocide.

The Democrats Praying for an Open Convention

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 1683 implied HN points • 11 Mar 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Presidential Election International relations Mental health Therapy
  1. Speculation about Michelle Obama entering the presidential race as an alternative to Joe Biden is circulating, but Michelle Obama has repeated she will not be running for president.
  2. Concerns are rising among Democratic insiders about President Biden's declining faculties and the need for a possible replacement before the next election.
  3. There's a complex dynamic between President Biden and Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu, but a change in Israeli leadership may have to come from within, not due to external pressures.

".....but a whimper."

Fisted by Foucault • 190 implied HN points • 13 Nov 24
🌍 World Politics Geopolitics International relations Democracy Elections
  1. Georgia has a history of movements for change, but recent protests after an election were surprisingly quiet. This might indicate a lack of energy or uncertainty among the citizens about how to respond.
  2. Many NGOs in Georgia rely heavily on foreign funding, but the government has started to restrict their influence to protect its own power. This has made the situation tricky for the opposition.
  3. Despite wanting to join the EU, many Georgian citizens are not willing to challenge the current government. Concerns about potential war with Russia also play a role in their hesitance.

King Netanyahu

Diane Francis • 819 implied HN points • 15 Feb 24
🌍 World Politics Middle East Conflict International relations Governance Human Rights
  1. Tensions are rising in Israel because of its actions in Gaza. Many worry about the impact on civilians and refugee situations.
  2. There is a significant disagreement between Israelis and global opinion on the future peace solution. Most Israelis oppose a two-state solution.
  3. Many Israelis feel disillusioned with Netanyahu's leadership and are leaving the country. Some feel unsafe or unrepresented due to his government’s actions and policies.

My latest #ThoughtoftheDayonChina: Taiwan's election matters but not in the way the global media has written; Sadly, Taiwan’s future is not decided by people in Taiwan, but by China and US.

Wang Xiangwei's Thought of the Day on China • 1022 implied HN points • 14 Jan 24
🌍 World Politics Taiwan China United States International relations
  1. Taiwan's election outcome may not affect its future as much as China and the US's decisions do.
  2. Taiwan's pro-sovereignty ruling party's victory could escalate tensions between Taiwan, China, and the United States.
  3. Despite the election results, maintaining peace in cross-strait relations depends heavily on Washington and Beijing.

Anderson Cooper’s Feigned Indignation at the Idea the U.S. Commits War Crime Shows Primary Ideological Function of U.S. Media

The Column • 1749 implied HN points • 19 Jul 23
🌍 World Politics War Crimes US Hegemony International relations
  1. U.S. media tends to uphold the idea that the U.S. has noble intentions despite evidence of war crimes.
  2. The distinction between murder and manslaughter when evaluating U.S. actions in wars may not be morally significant.
  3. U.S. sanctions and actions can deliberately harm civilians despite claims of good intentions.

Ukraine’s Kursk 2.0 Offensive – The Strategic Implications of the Sudzha Bridgehead

Glen’s Substack • 118 implied HN points • 12 Aug 24
🌍 World Politics Military Strategy Geopolitics International relations Conflict analysis Eastern Europe
  1. Ukraine has taken control of the significant city of Sudzha, which helps them advance further into Russian territory. This might change the dynamics of the war as they threaten Russian supply lines.
  2. The Sudzha bridgehead allows Ukraine to disrupt Russian logistics and potentially attack key military bases nearby. This could weaken Russia's operations in the region.
  3. By holding Sudzha, Ukraine improves its chances of bargaining in future negotiations. It also creates a new chapter in their struggle for independence from Russian influence.

Saying "Hamas Just Needs To Surrender" Is Saying "We'll Kill Kids Until We Get What We Want"

Caitlin’s Newsletter • 1625 implied HN points • 09 Mar 24
🌍 World Politics Conflict Humanitarian Aid Genocide International relations Military Actions
  1. Saying 'Hamas Just Needs To Surrender' equates to endorsing killing children until demands are met.
  2. The US and Israel view civilian casualties in Gaza as Hamas's fault for not yielding to military demands.
  3. US aid to Gaza is used as leverage to pressure Hamas, supporting the starvation and coercion of Gazan civilians.

Tankers South

Irina Slav on energy • 982 implied HN points • 15 Jan 24
🌍 World Politics Conflict International relations Economy Military Energy
  1. Tanker traffic in the Red Sea is being disrupted due to missile strikes between the Houthis and the Combined Military Forces, leading to rerouted vessels and rising prices.
  2. Container freight rates for vessels traveling to Europe from Asia have reached a 15-month high, with fears of the situation worsening.
  3. Higher shipping prices and emissions are a consequence of vessels avoiding the Red Sea route, affecting the cost of various goods and causing some companies to switch from ships to planes.

Idiocracy and the Electrolytes of the Masses

American Dreaming • 169 implied HN points • 15 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Political parties Public Opinion Government Policy International relations
  1. Donald Trump's re-election could cause big changes in Europe, especially with NATO and relationships with Russia. Countries may need to boost their defenses if they can't rely on the US.
  2. There are worries Trump might change laws about presidential terms, which could allow him to hold on to power longer. This would be a big move away from democratic traditions.
  3. Many American voters seem more focused on cheap prices than moral issues, which might explain why they support Trump despite his past actions. It shows a disconnect between civic responsibility and consumer desires.

Seeking long war in Ukraine, Biden approves long-range strikes into Russia

Aaron Mate • 186 implied HN points • 18 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy Military Strategy International relations
  1. Biden has allowed Ukraine to use long-range missiles, even though he was worried about it before. This decision marks a big step in the ongoing conflict with Russia.
  2. Biden has privately expressed concerns that Ukrainian President Zelensky is asking for too much military support, fearing it could escalate to a larger war.
  3. With Trump set to take over soon, Biden seems to be making these choices to solidify his stance on the Ukraine situation before leaving office.

Stone, Scissors, Paper.

Trying to Understand the World • 9 implied HN points • 05 Feb 25
🌍 World Politics International relations Military Strategy Global Security Geopolitics Conflict analysis
  1. Western political leaders lack knowledge about military strategy and security, which makes it hard for them to respond effectively to current conflicts. They need to understand past lessons from wars and develop a clearer strategy moving forward.
  2. Technological advancements in warfare, like drones and tanks, should be understood in context rather than treated as standalone solutions. Their effectiveness depends on various factors, including the enemy's capabilities and the specific goals of a conflict.
  3. The war in Ukraine is changing the dynamics of European security. European nations need to reconsider their approaches to defense and their relationship with Russia, moving beyond outdated policies and focusing on collective interests and independence.

Alexei Navalny RIP

Castalia • 759 implied HN points • 18 Feb 24
🌍 World Politics Authoritarianism Civil Rights International relations Political History
  1. Alexei Navalny was a brave opposition leader in Russia who stood up against Putin's regime. Despite facing imprisonment and even being poisoned, he returned to Russia to show his strength and courage.
  2. He represented a connection to a time of hope in the 1990s when many Russians wanted change. His death marks a significant point in the decline of political dissent in Russia.
  3. Navalny believed in the power of truth and courage over fear. He thought that standing up for what is right was worth the risk, even if it seemed like nothing would change.