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2024 Year in Review (Part 2)

Phillips’s Newsletter • 85 implied HN points • 26 Dec 24
🌍 World Politics Geopolitics Conflict Military International relations Diplomacy
  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.

Weekend Update #108: Ukrainian Ranged Strike is Authorized--But so far is Limited.

Phillips’s Newsletter • 167 implied HN points • 24 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy Military Aid Nuclear Threats International relations Conflict analysis
  1. Ukraine can now use US weapons for long-range strikes against Russian military targets, but there are strict limits on how they can be used. They have very few missiles available, which could limit their effectiveness in the ongoing war.
  2. Putin has reacted strongly to these developments, claiming he might escalate the conflict and use nuclear weapons. However, experts believe he is unlikely to act against NATO because it could further harm Russia's position in the war.
  3. The US is sending anti-personnel land mines to Ukraine, a controversial decision given their historical dangers to civilians. This move shows how the changing nature of warfare has made these weapons seem more necessary.

On the Brink of WW3: The Dangerous Interregnum

Glenn’s Substack • 259 implied HN points • 01 Jun 24
🌍 World Politics International relations Power Dynamics Nuclear policy Global Conflict Security Studies
  1. The world is experiencing a period of uncertainty between two types of power structures: unipolarity and multipolarity. This confusion can lead to increased competition among major nations.
  2. Such power struggles create risks that could escalate into serious conflicts, potentially even a nuclear war.
  3. Understanding these tensions is important for recognizing the dynamics of global relationships and the potential for future crises.

Worrying About TikTok During An Active Genocide

Caitlin’s Newsletter • 1532 implied HN points • 11 Mar 24
🌍 World Politics Genocide Invasion Ethnic conflict Human Rights International relations
  1. Benjamin Netanyahu's defiance against Biden's 'red line' highlights the questionable enforcement of policies.
  2. Footage of Israeli soldiers' actions in Gaza raises concerns about societal issues and atrocities.
  3. Focusing on trivial matters like TikTok during a humanitarian crisis like a genocide is a distraction from more significant issues.
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Ignore What Western Officials Say About Israel; Watch Their Actions Instead

Caitlin’s Newsletter • 1667 implied HN points • 13 Feb 24
🌍 World Politics Israel Gaza US Policy International relations Government actions
  1. It's important to focus on the actions of Western officials regarding Israel, rather than their words.
  2. Many officials express concern publicly about Israel's actions, but their lack of concrete actions speaks volumes.
  3. By observing the actual movements of money, weapons, and resources, one can uncover the true intentions of officials.

Nyhetsbrev steigan.no 18.02.2025

steigan.no • 6 implied HN points • 18 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy Elections International relations Political News Geopolitics
  1. Negotiating with the EU can be risky for countries like Norway, as it may not align with their national interests. It's essential to prioritize what's best for Norway rather than just following EU agendas.
  2. The relationship between the EU and the US is changing, and Europe may need to find its own voice and stance in global politics, especially regarding partnerships with other countries like China.
  3. There's a concern that European leaders may not be respected as strong partners in negotiations, particularly in conflicts like the one in Ukraine. Focusing too much on past agreements could weaken future influence.

Weeked Update #109: Ukrainian Land for NATO?

Phillips’s Newsletter • 132 implied HN points • 01 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy Military Strategy Elections International relations Legislation
  1. Ukrainian President Zelensky suggested that Ukraine might consider giving up some territory in exchange for NATO membership. This could stop the current fighting but raises big legal questions about land ownership.
  2. There's some hope for Ukraine supporters with Trump's recent choice of Keith Kellogg as his Ukraine envoy. Kellogg is known for wanting to continue aid to Ukraine, but his overall influence may be limited.
  3. Ukraine has started limited attacks on Russian military targets. This may help them hold onto strategic areas, but it's still too early to tell how it will affect the conflict's direction.

Nyhetsbrev steigan.no 15.02.2025

steigan.no • 8 implied HN points • 15 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Policy Government International relations Public Opinion
  1. US Vice President JD Vance criticized the EU for being undemocratic and suppressing free speech during his speech at a security conference. He emphasized that the real threat to Europe comes from its own actions, not from outside nations like Russia.
  2. There is a growing belief that the war in Ukraine has been a proxy conflict, with the US using Ukraine to challenge Russia, and the West is now facing the reality of losing that conflict. European nations will need to take more responsibility for their own defense.
  3. The pharmaceutical industry is heavily influencing medical practices by donating to patient organizations and shaping health policies, which raises concerns about the integrity and independence of healthcare recommendations.

Saturday Commentary and Review #178

Fisted by Foucault • 187 implied HN points • 02 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Public Policy Political strategy Government Agencies International relations
  1. Elections in the USA are more complicated and possibly rigged than people think. There's a lot of doubt about whether they are truly fair and free, especially after events surrounding the 2020 election.
  2. Government agencies can sometimes act in ways that contradict their original missions, such as the case with ICE and drug trafficking operations. This shows a lack of coordination and oversight within government bodies.
  3. The idea of BRICS as a powerful alternative to Western financial systems isn't as strong as it seems. Current economic ties with the US make it hard for developing nations to shift away from the dollar.

Would Europe Be Better Off Without NATO?

Phillips’s Newsletter • 103 implied HN points • 13 Dec 24
🌍 World Politics International relations Security Studies European Politics Geopolitical Strategy
  1. Some people think NATO is very important for Europe, but others believe Europe should think about defending itself without relying on NATO.
  2. There are worries that NATO might not protect European interests and could even make things worse for Europe in a changing world.
  3. Many believe Europe should not ignore global threats and that it needs to rethink its security and defense strategies for the future.

With Russia ‘on the march’ in Ukraine, the US pulls away

Aaron Mate • 207 implied HN points • 03 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy Military Affairs Congress Political strategy International relations
  1. The US government initially believed that its support for Ukraine would effectively counter Russia's advances. However, their recent admission shows that this support did not yield the expected results.
  2. After a significant funding boost, officials now realize that Russia is still making territorial gains in Ukraine, contrary to their earlier predictions.
  3. The situation has prompted discussions about the need for negotiations with Russia, a shift from previous views that such talks would be premature.

After Navalny Part 2

Diane Francis • 559 implied HN points • 11 Mar 24
🌍 World Politics International relations Political Systems Civil Society Democracy Human Rights
  1. In the past, people in Russia struggled with chaos and mistrust after experiencing harsh government control. This history has made it hard for them to build a trusting society.
  2. Unlike Russia, Ukraine has a strong civil society that has successfully protested against corruption and for a brighter future. Their ability to unite shows a different relationship with governance.
  3. Alexei Navalny's recent death highlighted the continued repression in Russia, as only a few people paid their respects, showing a lack of trust and support for change among the citizens.

"Peace summit" without negotiations to end the Ukraine War

Glenn’s Substack • 179 implied HN points • 19 Jun 24
🌍 World Politics International relations Conflict resolution Diplomacy Security Studies Geopolitics
  1. The recent 'peace summit' didn't include Russia or discuss everyone’s security concerns, which is a big problem.
  2. The summit focused more on getting signatures for a declaration instead of really solving the conflict.
  3. There might be pressure now for a real peace summit that actually tries to end the war instead of just picking a side.

The West is Sleepingwalking into Major Wars - Alastair Crooke, Alexander Mercouris & Glenn Diesen

Glenn’s Substack • 179 implied HN points • 19 Jun 24
🌍 World Politics Conflicts International relations Geopolitics Military Affairs Diplomacy
  1. The West is not fully aware of the risks it faces, which could lead to major conflicts.
  2. Ignoring signs of rising tensions might result in bigger problems for everyone.
  3. It's important for leaders to engage in dialogue and understand global dynamics better to avoid war.

Populism is winning all over the World. The Evidence

Welcome to Absurdistan • 1474 implied HN points • 08 Jul 23
🌍 World Politics Populism Government Policies Economic Shifts Corruption International relations
  1. Populism is gaining traction worldwide, as evidenced by recent events and shifts in power.
  2. Corporations and media outlets are facing resistance and pushback from a growing populist movement.
  3. There is a significant movement towards change and opposition to established systems and norms.

Five Things Liberals Say To Avoid Taking A Real Position On Gaza

Caitlin’s Newsletter • 1606 implied HN points • 02 Feb 24
🌍 World Politics Middle East Ideology Conflict Humanitarianism International relations
  1. Liberals often use emotional expressions like 'It's heartbreaking!' to avoid taking a real political stand on Gaza.
  2. The 'It's complicated!' excuse is often used by liberals to downplay the clear oppression happening in Gaza.
  3. Many liberals deflect criticism of their support for Israel's actions in Gaza by bringing up 'BUT TRUMP!' or expressing vague hopes for peace without committing to actionable solutions.

Between Western Hegemony & Eurasian Multipolarity

Glenn’s Substack • 179 implied HN points • 17 Jun 24
🌍 World Politics International relations Geopolitics Conflict Studies Security Studies Diplomacy
  1. NATO and Russia have had tensions for 30 years, leading to a potential conflict. It's important to understand this history to see how we got here.
  2. There is a growing idea of a multipolar world, especially in Eurasia, that could lead to more stability. Different countries working together can balance power and prevent wars.
  3. Shifting from a Western-dominated world to a multipolar approach might help create a more peaceful global environment. Looking beyond just one powerful nation can support better international relations.

Nyhetsbrev steigan.no 21.02.2025

steigan.no • 4 implied HN points • 21 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy Government Elections Political Commentary International relations
  1. The relationship between Ukraine and the USA is souring, as both leaders exchange sharp insults. It seems the initial friendship is now over, which could have broader implications for support.
  2. New discussions between the USA and Russia suggest a possible withdrawal of American troops from NATO countries that joined after 1990. This could change the security landscape in Europe significantly.
  3. Research shows that vitamin D can help protect against COVID-19 vaccine-related heart issues, highlighting the importance of proper health management and nutrition in preventing illness.

Nyhetsbrev steigan.no 19.02.2025

steigan.no • 5 implied HN points • 19 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy Diplomacy Conflict resolution Political Analysis International relations
  1. There's a big shift in US-Russia relations where both sides are talking about normalizing diplomatic ties and ending the war in Ukraine. This could change many global dynamics.
  2. European countries seem confused and troubled by the US-Russia talks. They feel left out and worry about how this will affect their own positions.
  3. A recent study shows that organic farming is better for the environment and soil health than conventional methods. It highlights the benefits of organic practices in reducing emissions and improving biodiversity.

Gratitude to Ukraine (2024)

Thinking about... • 390 implied HN points • 16 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics International relations Democracy Security Civil Rights Conflict resolution
  1. We owe a lot to Ukraine for their fight against Russian aggression. Their resistance has made the world a safer place and reduced the chances of major conflicts.
  2. Ukrainians remind us that freedom isn't just given to us; it's something we must work for and defend. Their struggle teaches us the real meaning of freedom and democracy.
  3. Ukrainians show incredible courage and perseverance in the face of war. Their strength and generosity, even during tough times, inspire us to appreciate our connections and responsibilities to each other.

World Policing or World Perfecting?

In My Tribe • 637 implied HN points • 19 Oct 24
🌍 World Politics Foreign Policy Military Strategy Global Governance International relations Regional conflicts
  1. Policing the world can be necessary sometimes, like ensuring safe navigation and commerce. However, trying to forcefully change other countries' systems usually leads to problems.
  2. Past U.S. actions in the Middle East often focused too much on perfection, like trying to build democracies instead of just maintaining order. This overreaching has had high costs without much benefit.
  3. America should find a balance between policing and staying less involved globally. While policing might not be ideal, it's often better than allowing worse alternatives like unchecked aggression from other nations.

Proxy warriors float nukes, troops for Ukraine

Aaron Mate • 129 implied HN points • 26 Nov 24
🌍 World Politics International relations Military Strategy Geopolitical Tensions Conflict analysis
  1. NATO countries are using strong and risky language as Russia makes gains in Ukraine. This kind of talk can make a bad situation even worse.
  2. The concept of 'proxy warriors' suggests that other countries might send weapons or troops to further the conflict without directly getting involved themselves.
  3. The situation in Ukraine highlights the dangers of escalating military involvement, especially regarding nuclear weapons and troop deployments.

We Should Be in the French Moment

Phillips’s Newsletter • 79 implied HN points • 20 Dec 24
🌍 World Politics International relations Foreign Policy Geopolitics Leadership
  1. France has a historical vision for strong leadership in Europe, which includes being independent from other powers like the USA.
  2. In the past, French leaders wanted to build the country's economic and military strength, especially its nuclear capabilities.
  3. Currently, there seems to be a hesitation in France to fully step into the role of leadership, even in a moment that could be significant for the country.

Joe Biden: An ‘End of History’ Cheerleader Living in a Future That Could Never Exist

Matt Ehret's Insights • 1316 implied HN points • 16 Sep 23
🌍 World Politics Geopolitics Global Alliances International relations Economic Development
  1. Forward-thinking politicians once believed in a rules-based liberal order as the only option.
  2. Joe Biden was an early advocate for the 'End of History' and the new world order.
  3. The rise of a multipolar alliance and initiatives like the Belt and Road Initiative have challenged the unipolar world order.

Curator

Castalia • 399 implied HN points • 04 Apr 24
🎭️ Culture AI Impact Cultural Trends Philosophy International relations
  1. AI is changing the way we work and create, making many jobs redundant while offering new opportunities for creativity. It's important to think about how we value work and identity in this new landscape.
  2. There is a shift happening in culture where algorithms and commercial success often overshadow true artistic expression. For high culture to survive, artists need to step away from these pressures and create in their own space.
  3. The idea of progress isn't always straight or guaranteed. Examining different historical world orders, especially non-European ones, can give us new ideas about what is possible for our future.

Biden's parting Ukrainian sacrifice

Aaron Mate • 139 implied HN points • 21 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy Military Actions Political Analysis International relations Crisis response
  1. The US is allowing long-range strikes into Russia, and the UK is supporting this decision. This could escalate tensions in the region.
  2. Ukraine seems to be caught in the middle of these decisions, often paying the highest price. It highlights the cost of being involved in global conflicts.
  3. Biden's administration appears to be making bold choices as it wraps up its term, which raises concerns about the implications for Ukraine's future.

THE SHOW NOTES: Ignoring Iran, UN Workers Helped Hamas, & On This Day in 2019...

Erick Erickson's Confessions of a Political Junkie • 799 implied HN points • 29 Jan 24
🌍 World Politics Iran UN Finance Terrorism International relations
  1. Iranian proxy militias launched a drone strike against a US outpost in Jordan, resulting in casualties.
  2. Israeli government confirms that UN workers helped Hamas invade Israel in October 7th attack.
  3. Remote workers faced higher layoff rates in 2023 compared to office workers.

The Prigozhin Parable

Diane Francis • 1518 implied HN points • 24 Jul 23
🌍 World Politics International relations Political Economy Geopolitics Military Strategy Conflict analysis
  1. The Prigozhin affair shows that Russia is controlled by a group of wealthy oligarchs who care more about money than the well-being of their people. This makes it hard to negotiate or find solutions to the ongoing war.
  2. Putin's response to the Prigozhin situation reveals his weakness and the corruption within the military. Despite military losses, he continues to escalate the conflict instead of seeking peace.
  3. To effectively end the war, the West needs to take strong actions against Russian oligarchs and their assets. The future of Russia may involve breaking it into smaller states, similar to what happened with the Soviet Union.

Israel, Iran, and Russia

Diane Francis • 1298 implied HN points • 12 Oct 23
🌍 World Politics Geopolitics Conflict International relations Middle East Terrorism
  1. The relationship between Russia and Iran is dangerous as they support each other's military activities and share resources. This partnership can worsen conflicts in the Middle East and pose threats globally.
  2. Russia has been using the situation in Israel to distract from its own actions in Ukraine. The narratives pushed by Russia aim to weaken Western support for Ukraine while exploiting the violence in Israel.
  3. To find peace, it's important for both Russia to be stopped in Ukraine and for Hamas and Hezbollah to be dealt with. A united effort from wealthy Arab nations, alongside the U.S. and Europe, is needed to negotiate a two-state solution for Palestinians.

2024 Year in Review: Part 1

Phillips’s Newsletter • 80 implied HN points • 18 Dec 24
🌍 World Politics International relations Conflict analysis War Studies
  1. In 2023, the key lesson was that traditional land warfare strategies used by the US and NATO are not effective in the Russo-Ukraine War. This suggests a need for new approaches to combat.
  2. The events of the Battle of Bakhmut and Ukraine's counteroffensive highlighted the unique challenges of this conflict. They show that each situation may require different tactics than previously thought.
  3. As we look at the first half of 2024, understanding these lessons will be crucial for future military strategies and actions in not just Ukraine, but potentially for NATO as well.

Euros Fight Back!!!

Diane Francis • 899 implied HN points • 14 Dec 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics International relations Political strategy Geopolitics Conflict resolution
  1. The EU has started talks to let Ukraine join, showing strong support for Ukraine against Putin. This decision represents unity among European nations.
  2. Hungary's Prime Minister faced pressure from other leaders, including a tactful dinner invitation from Macron. This helped to avoid any vetoes on Ukraine's accession.
  3. The EU's support for Ukraine's fight means that Putin's strategy to divide and conquer has failed. Ukraine is now backed by a stronger coalition of nations.

Commentator

Castalia • 339 implied HN points • 18 Apr 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Geopolitics War Strategy International relations Elections
  1. Israel and Iran are in a tense situation, but neither seems eager for a full-blown war. Both countries are more focused on saving face rather than escalating the conflict.
  2. The war in Ukraine is dragging on, with Ukrainian troops feeling exhausted and struggling for resources. The leaders need to rethink their strategies before it's too late.
  3. Trump's upcoming court trial could significantly impact the election season, as he will be tied up in the courtroom. It creates a unique situation that could shape the political landscape in America.