The hottest International relations Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
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Top World Politics Topics

Top Links 808 Dollar reserves. Hundred model war. New risks of nuclear tripolarity.

Chartbook • 457 implied HN points • 23 Jul 25
🌍 World Politics International relations
  1. The dollar's role as the main global currency has changed over the years, particularly from 2000 to the 2010s. There are a lot more dollar reserves now, which makes a big difference.
  2. There's a growing concern about nuclear powers and their relationships, especially as multiple countries develop their own nuclear strategies. This could lead to new risks that the world needs to be aware of.
  3. Understanding past and current economic trends is important for grasping how global finance works now. This can help us navigate future economic challenges.

Top Links 794 "Reconstructing" Gaza. Alberta's powerhouse economy. Autonomous mining & the map-maker's colors.

Chartbook • 500 implied HN points • 09 Jul 25
🌍 World Politics International relations
  1. The reconstruction of Gaza is a big topic, highlighting the need for planning and resources to rebuild after conflicts.
  2. Alberta is recognized for having a strong economy, showcasing its potential in various sectors.
  3. There are developments in mining technology, particularly focusing on how maps and data are used to enhance mining operations.

Israel's Intel Failure

Diane Francis • 719 implied HN points • 07 Dec 23
🌍 World Politics International relations
  1. Israel's intelligence missed major warnings about an attack from Hamas, despite receiving detailed information about their plans. Many red flags and alerts were ignored by the leadership.
  2. In September 2023, Ukraine's intelligence warned Israel that a group was preparing Hamas for an attack, but this information did not reach the right people.
  3. Even soldiers on the ground noticed suspicious activity and reported it, but their concerns were dismissed by their commanders, which contributed to the surprise attack.

Ukrainian Exceptionalism

Diane Francis • 979 implied HN points • 07 Sep 23
🌍 World Politics International relations
  1. Ukraine has shown remarkable resilience and innovation in its war against Russia, using advanced technology and a strong community spirit. They are known for developing new weapons like drones that give them an edge despite being outnumbered.
  2. The country boasts a high level of education and has a large number of skilled engineers and IT workers. This expertise helps Ukraine to build and adapt technology quickly to support their military efforts.
  3. Ukraine is transforming how wars are fought with smart tech and creativity. Their approach, including using civilian resources and tech teams, has changed the battlefield and shocked their adversaries.

Trump Is Losing All His Trade Wars, Badly

Brad DeLong's Grasping Reality • 353 implied HN points • 21 Aug 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics International relations
  1. Trump's trade wars aren't helping America. The costs of these tariffs are mostly falling on American consumers and businesses, while the claimed benefits are not materializing.
  2. The tariffs are causing confusion and chaos in the market, making it harder for businesses to plan and invest. This uncertainty is hurting the economy more than the direct costs of the tariffs.
  3. Other countries are finding ways to adapt and strengthen their economies despite U.S. tariffs. The U.S. risks losing its place in global trade as businesses look for alternatives beyond the American market.
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Commentator

Castalia • 339 implied HN points • 20 Mar 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics International relations
  1. The relationship between the US and Israel is strained, especially over the situation in Rafah. Netanyahu seems more focused on his political survival than on international alliances.
  2. The CIA has had deep involvement in Ukraine long before the full-scale invasion, which changes how we understand the war. Ukraine was actively seeking US support and sharing intelligence to strengthen its position against Russia.
  3. There's a new push in the US to ban TikTok due to national security concerns. This reflects a shift toward more government control over technology and the internet, especially regarding threats posed by foreign entities like China.

Japan and Trump

ChinaTalk • 459 implied HN points • 18 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics International relations
  1. Japan and Trump have a complicated relationship shaped by past trade issues. Japan needs to impress Trump with big surprises to maintain good ties.
  2. Shinzo Abe was skilled at building a personal friendship with Trump, which made interactions smoother. Their relationship was based on mutual respect and understanding.
  3. Japanese public opinion is very cautious towards China, driven by history and recent events. Political leadership needs to address both national security and public concerns.

What's Going on with Trump's Trade Wars? An Update

Brad DeLong's Grasping Reality • 476 implied HN points • 13 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics International relations
  1. Trump's trade policy is very unpredictable. Instead of solid agreements, it focuses on entertainment and headlines, which causes confusion among allies and markets.
  2. There are no real trade deals happening; just vague announcements without any legal commitment. This lack of credibility makes other countries hesitant to cooperate with the U.S.
  3. Decoupling from the U.S. is becoming a trend as other countries seek reliable partners. This shift could weaken America's economic power in the long run.

Yes: This Is Worth Signing: Economists Who Are Neither Bought Nor Crazy Oppose Broad-Based Tariffs

Brad DeLong's Grasping Reality • 1137 implied HN points • 06 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics International relations
  1. Broad-based tariffs are generally not a good idea because they can harm the economy. Instead of helping, they often lead to higher prices and lower productivity.
  2. Historically, tariffs have not stopped the decline of manufacturing jobs in the U.S., which is mainly due to increased productivity and changes in demand. The economy is doing well even with trade deficits.
  3. Foreign investment is important for the U.S. economy, and tariffs can actually hurt growth. Successful economies attract foreign capital, which has helped the U.S. prosper throughout its history.

Global Refugee Mess

Diane Francis • 939 implied HN points • 02 Oct 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics International relations
  1. Many wealthy countries are facing problems after accepting large numbers of refugees. Issues like crime and social unrest have been reported in places like Sweden and Canada.
  2. There are concerns about how the current refugee system is exploited, with some people using it to gain access to these countries without being true refugees. This has led to discussions about revising the UN Refugee Convention.
  3. Countries like Britain are calling for reforms to manage migration better. They believe that protecting borders and ensuring proper integration is crucial for both the safety of their societies and the well-being of genuine refugees.

TLP Week in Review, 1/28-2/3

The Liberal Patriot • 471 implied HN points • 03 Feb 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics International relations
  1. The Atlantic discusses the negative mindset affecting trust in people. Let's focus on positivity and belonging.
  2. Foreign Affairs compares current conflicts to pre-WWII signs. Awareness is crucial to prevent a global war.
  3. Freedom House reports on autocratic regimes using tactics on US campuses. This undermines academic freedom.

This Is Not an Administration. This Is Not Even a Renaissance Court. This Is, Pure & Simple, a Chaos-Monkey House

Brad DeLong's Grasping Reality • 476 implied HN points • 10 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics International relations
  1. Foreign policy decisions can change quickly and unpredictably, leading to confusion and instability for both allies and adversaries.
  2. The lack of a clear and consistent policy process means important decisions can be reversed without accountability, relying too much on one person's whims.
  3. When a government prioritizes personal loyalty over institutional expertise, it risks repeating the mistakes of past authoritarian regimes.

Our Picks of the Week: War, Peace, and TikTok Jacobins

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 533 implied HN points • 27 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics International relations
  1. Recent U.S. and Israeli military actions have raised questions about the effectiveness of striking Iran's nuclear program, suggesting that damage might only delay their progress for a short while.
  2. A Democratic socialist candidate, Zohran Mamdani, won the New York City mayoral primary by connecting with voters looking for change, demonstrating the growing appeal of progressive ideas.
  3. Daniel Lurie, a new mayor in San Francisco, aims to undo policies that have led to city problems, focusing on practical solutions rather than ideology to address major issues.

International Womens Day and Ukraine

Diane Francis • 359 implied HN points • 08 Mar 24
🌍 World Politics International relations
  1. International Women's Day highlights the contributions and struggles of women, especially in times of crisis. It's a reminder to honor and support women everywhere.
  2. The situation in Ukraine shows how women are playing a vital role in the fight against adversity. Their bravery and resilience are inspiring.
  3. Media coverage, like interviews and broadcasts, helps bring attention to the stories of women in conflict. Sharing these stories is important for awareness and change.

Ukraine: Stalemate or Checkmate

Diane Francis • 779 implied HN points • 13 Nov 23
🌍 World Politics International relations
  1. The war in Ukraine is currently stuck in a stalemate, and new technology from the West is needed to change that. Many believe Ukraine is losing, but they've actually done significant damage to Russia's military.
  2. Ukraine's counteroffensive slowed down due to delays in receiving promised military support from NATO, giving Russia a chance to prepare defenses.
  3. The recent conflict in Israel and Gaza is drawing attention and resources away from Ukraine, which could be part of Putin's strategy to gain an advantage in the war.

The Air In Gaza Smells Like Corpses

Caitlin’s Newsletter • 1606 implied HN points • 08 Nov 24
🌍 World Politics International relations
  1. Gaza has a strong smell of death from the destruction and loss of life happening there. This image is powerful and haunting.
  2. The suffering in Gaza is connected to the wider state of the world, where we cannot escape the pain and consequences of war.
  3. Even as we try to move on in our daily lives, the horrors happening in places like Gaza stick with us, shaping our thoughts and feelings.

German leftist lawmaker says US soldiers and nukes must leave her country

Geopolitical Economy Report • 916 implied HN points • 01 Apr 23
🌍 World Politics International relations
  1. German Left Party lawmaker Sevim Dağdelen called for US soldiers and nuclear weapons to leave Germany, emphasizing the need for a shift in the relationship with the US.
  2. Dağdelen addressed the Bundestag, highlighting concerns about US military bases in Germany operating as extraterritorial areas outside German law, and called for an end to this situation.
  3. She criticized Germany's alignment with US foreign policy decisions, such as supporting NATO actions in Ukraine and failing to condemn the US war of aggression in Iraq, calling for a more independent stance on international issues.

Can Great Power Politics Be Ethical?

Castalia • 299 implied HN points • 27 Mar 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics International relations
  1. Great power politics often involves tough choices where states prioritize their own interests. This leads to conflicts and a belief that violence can sometimes be necessary to maintain power.
  2. Realism, a key theory in international relations, suggests that international laws and good intentions often don't work. Instead, powerful nations will act according to their own interests, regardless of fairness.
  3. Despite hopes for a more cooperative international system, powerful states rarely act differently than weaker ones, and this creates a cycle of conflict driven by the pursuit of power.

China’s Rural Reform: A History Not Designed but Discovered

Pekingnology • 113 implied HN points • 03 Dec 25
🌍 World Politics International relations
  1. China's rural reform was not planned but happened by chance. Farmers' actions led to changes that officials didn't expect.
  2. The reforms showed that farmers were the real drivers of change, as they started using new methods and stood up against outdated rules.
  3. Policymaking during this time was reactive and focused on listening to farmers instead of following strict plans. This helped create a more flexible and innovative agricultural system.

China Capitulates

Diane Francis • 919 implied HN points • 21 Aug 23
🌍 World Politics International relations
  1. China's economy is facing serious issues like high unemployment and a faltering currency, partly due to mistakes made by its government. It has realized that battling the U.S. economically is not a winning strategy.
  2. Historically, China has had a troubled relationship with Russia, and its current closeness to Moscow is hurting its ties with the West. To improve its situation, China is now working to distance itself from Russia and fix its foreign policy.
  3. China's leaders are trying to mend relations with the U.S. and other countries to strengthen their economy. This shift shows they understand the importance of cooperation instead of conflict.

The Biggest Under-Reported Story of 2025

Phillips’s Newsletter • 137 implied HN points • 18 Nov 25
🌍 World Politics International relations
  1. China is increasing its support for Russia in the war, which could significantly impact the situation in Ukraine.
  2. Unlike Russia, China has the vast resources to supply weapons and support, making a prolonged conflict more likely.
  3. Under Donald Trump's presidency, US support for Ukraine has decreased, allowing China to step up its backing for Russia.

The Folly of A War With Iran

The Chris Hedges Report • 548 implied HN points • 13 Jun 25
🌍 World Politics International relations
  1. A war with Iran could lead to severe consequences, as Iran has strong military alliances and resources, making it a tough opponent. It wouldn't be an easy conflict for Israel or the U.S.
  2. The potential conflict might not only distract from human rights issues in Gaza and the West Bank, but also escalate tensions in the entire region, possibly making alliances stronger between Iran, Russia, and China.
  3. Past military interventions have often resulted in unforeseen complications and long-term struggles. The belief that a quick military solution will work against Iran ignores the lessons learned from previous wars.

This Has to Stop Now

Discourse Blog • 845 implied HN points • 18 Oct 23
🌍 World Politics International relations
  1. There is a call for one side to end the conflict and bring a ceasefire.
  2. Forensic evidence hints at the cause of a tragic incident, yet all parties have a history of deceit.
  3. One party holds the power to swiftly stop the loss of innocent lives in the conflict.

Top Links 809 About that dam in Tibet. Supermarketisation. The history of political arithmetic & China's "Five Major Homes".

Chartbook • 400 implied HN points • 24 Jul 25
🌍 World Politics International relations
  1. The post discusses a dam in Tibet, highlighting its significance and impact. It's an interesting look at how such projects can shape regions and communities.
  2. It mentions supermarketisation, which refers to the trend of making goods and services more widely available and accessible. This can change how people shop and interact with local businesses.
  3. The history of political arithmetic in China and its concept of 'Five Major Homes' is explored. This can help us understand China's governance and economic strategies better.

Ukrainians And Americans Are Done With This War, But It Keeps Escalating Anyway

Caitlin’s Newsletter • 1420 implied HN points • 28 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics International relations
  1. Many people in Ukraine and the U.S. want the war to end, but it continues to escalate. It's frustrating that instead of working toward peace, governments push for more conflict.
  2. The idea of protecting democracy through war seems hollow when the focus is on sending young people to fight instead of finding solutions.
  3. Independent media can often get caught up in mainstream narratives, leading some to lose sight of their original purpose. Authentic voices are important for meaningful discussions.

Transcript - America This Week, November 22, 2024: "Gambling With Nukes"

TK News by Matt Taibbi • 1438 implied HN points • 23 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics International relations
  1. The use of missiles in Ukraine is escalating, with one missile being identified as potentially the first intercontinental ballistic missile used in a conflict. This is a significant step in warfare technology.
  2. Russia has updated its nuclear doctrine to include non-nuclear states in conflicts with its territory, raising fears that nuclear weapons could be used against Ukraine.
  3. Amid the serious global events, some people seem unbothered or unaware of the impact this escalation has on international relations and security.

Ceasefire or Not, Iran Looks for Ways to Reduce the Risk of a U.S. Reprisal

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 505 implied HN points • 24 Jun 25
🌍 World Politics International relations
  1. Iran launched missiles at a U.S. military base in Qatar after the U.S. attacked Iranian nuclear sites. This act raised concerns about escalating military conflict in the region.
  2. Despite a ceasefire announcement by former President Trump, it was reported that Iran had not confirmed such an agreement and was considering further retaliation.
  3. U.S. officials were skeptical about Iran adhering to the ceasefire, expressing doubt that it would bring lasting peace and stability.

MOAR Pointless Sanewashing of Trump via the Myths of a Rational-Actor "Trump Administration" & a Consistent-Preferences Trump

Brad DeLong's Grasping Reality • 422 implied HN points • 15 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics International relations
  1. The idea of a 'Trump administration' acting like a rational and consistent entity is misleading. This oversimplifies the complexities of Trump's actual decision-making and relationships.
  2. Putin likely sees any cooperation with Trump as untrustworthy due to the chaotic nature of Trump's leadership. He isn't invested in a relationship based on Trump's inconsistent positions.
  3. Judging Putin's actions based on the false assumption that he misplayed his cards is dangerous. It doesn't accurately reflect the geopolitical realities at play in the Ukraine situation.

NATO Escalation & Propaganda Take Us to War

Glenn’s Substack • 119 implied HN points • 10 Jun 24
🌍 World Politics International relations
  1. NATO's actions are escalating tensions, which could lead to war. It's important to understand how military alliances affect global peace.
  2. Propaganda plays a big role in shaping public opinion about war. People need to be critical of the information they receive.
  3. Dialogue and conversation are crucial to prevent misunderstandings. Clear communication can help avoid unnecessary conflict.

Commentator

Castalia • 379 implied HN points • 21 Feb 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics International relations
  1. It's really hard to talk about the Israel-Gaza conflict because people have strong feelings and different views. It's important to recognize Israel's right to defend itself, but many innocent people in Gaza are suffering too.
  2. Alexei Navalny showed great courage by returning to Russia despite knowing the risks. He represents the idea of standing firm on one's principles, and his legacy challenges us to think about bravery in the face of tyranny.
  3. The current political situation in the U.S. has lots of people worried about Biden's age and electability. There's a growing discussion about whether it's time for the Democratic Party to find a new candidate who could energize voters and win the upcoming election.

January 19, 2026

Letters from an American • 35 implied HN points • 20 Jan 26
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics International relations
  1. The president privately and publicly pushed for control of Greenland and obsessively complained about the Nobel Prize, sending aggressive messages that ignore history, law, and diplomatic norms.
  2. He is actively undermining the post–World War II rules-based international order — backing autocrats, trying to seize Venezuelan assets, and proposing a self-styled “Board of Peace” that would concentrate power.
  3. Those moves have sparked broad alarm and calls for accountability from journalists, clergy, former officials, and allied governments, and have already prompted concrete responses like Denmark boosting troops in Greenland.

Israel: A Trap and No Endgame

Diane Francis • 799 implied HN points • 23 Oct 23
🌍 World Politics International relations
  1. Israel is facing a complicated situation with no clear end goal, especially regarding the future of Gaza. The military actions may not solve the underlying issues and could make things worse for everyone involved.
  2. The humanitarian crisis in Gaza could lead to more terrorism and instability in the region if not properly addressed. There needs to be a solid plan for who will govern Gaza after Israel's military actions.
  3. The international community should push for negotiations that address the Palestinian issue. It's important for everyone in the region, including Arab states and Israel, to find a peaceful solution together.