The hottest International relations Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
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Top World Politics Topics
Diane Francis 899 implied HN points 14 Dec 23
  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.
Castalia 339 implied HN points 18 Apr 24
  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.
Matt Ehret's Insights 1277 implied HN points 09 May 23
  1. The integration of leading Nazis into Anglo-American intelligence complex after WWII led to the rise of fascism then and now.
  2. Modern expressions of fascism seen in Ukraine and other post Soviet nations glorify Nazi collaborators.
  3. The financiers and industrialists of the 1920s -1940s were key in fueling fascism with their support and resources, showing that Hitler and Mussolini were not 'their own men'.
Comment is Freed 98 implied HN points 04 Dec 24
  1. Deterrence has been a major concept in defense strategy, especially during the Cold War. It suggests that showing strength can prevent aggression from others.
  2. However, relying solely on deterrence can be tricky. Sometimes threats are not taken seriously, and it might not work in every situation.
  3. The ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine illustrates that a mix of deterrence strategies, like denying enemy advantages, is now more important as new forms of threats continue to arise.
Glenn Loury 1031 implied HN points 10 Dec 23
  1. In war, understanding the strategy does not excuse us from grappling with the moral consequences.
  2. The necessities of war can lead to doing monstrous deeds that require a moral accounting.
  3. It's crucial to acknowledge the moral dilemmas and complexities of conflicts, even when actions deemed necessary have devastating consequences.
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Erick Erickson's Confessions of a Political Junkie 819 implied HN points 16 Jan 24
  1. Donald Trump won the Iowa Caucus with a historic 30-point margin.
  2. Iran conducted a direct missile attack on the U.S. Consulate in Iraq, escalating tensions.
  3. White House evacuated briefly due to pro-Hamas protestors trying to breach security.
Pen>Sword 918 implied HN points 05 Dec 23
  1. Netanyahu's plan involves forcibly displacing Palestinians from Gaza to make way for Israeli occupation and annexation.
  2. The plan includes pushing Palestinians towards the Egyptian border and even towards the Mediterranean Sea, leading to a dire situation for them.
  3. Despite global outrage and opposition, Netanyahu is persisting with his plan to eliminate the Palestinian population of Gaza, causing significant harm and suffering.
C.O.P. Central Organizing Principle. 48 implied HN points 22 Dec 24
  1. The U.S. has been involved in foreign conflicts and actions that some believe are driven by self-interest rather than genuine efforts to combat terrorism.
  2. There are claims that terrorist groups like ISIS have ties to U.S. operations, suggesting a complicated relationship rather than straightforward opposition.
  3. Critics argue that the U.S. government's actions have caused suffering worldwide and question its moral authority to judge other nations.
Bad News 1218 implied HN points 18 Sep 23
  1. The U.S. helped Pakistan cancel elections by providing an IMF bailout funded by a secret Ukraine weapons program.
  2. The IMF bailout demanded harsh structural policy reforms in Pakistan, leading to protests against soaring gas and electricity prices.
  3. The arms sales from Pakistan to the U.S. for Ukraine played a critical role in securing the IMF loan that allowed Pakistan to delay elections and deepen a crackdown on dissenters.
Diane Francis 959 implied HN points 23 Nov 23
  1. Ukrainian President Zelensky warned that Russian forces are planning to attempt a coup in Ukraine by the end of 2023. He has already survived multiple assassination attempts.
  2. Zelensky stressed the importance of Ukraine's fight for freedom, stating that a Russian victory would threaten NATO countries like the Baltics and Poland.
  3. He urged global powers like China and the U.S. to pressure Russia to stop its aggression, highlighting the need for unity among Ukrainians and their allies.
Aaron Mate 200 implied HN points 21 Oct 24
  1. Zelensky warned that some Western countries wanted a long war in Ukraine, even if it meant Ukraine could suffer severely.
  2. He chose to ignore this warning and sided with Western leaders who pushed for ongoing fighting instead of peace.
  3. Now, Zelensky seems to be facing the consequences of that choice, feeling abandoned by those same allies he listened to.
Phillips’s Newsletter 115 implied HN points 26 Nov 24
  1. European countries are starting to talk about their own military actions, especially regarding Ukraine. This shows a shift in how they view their defense responsibilities.
  2. There's a question about whether Europe can really defend itself without support from the USA. Many believe that it's not just about ability, but also mindset.
  3. The main issue isn't capability; it's whether European nations can picture themselves being independent in defense matters. It's more about perception than actual strength.
Drezner’s World 609 implied HN points 01 Feb 24
  1. The global economic order is unraveling based on data from sources like Uppsala Conflict Data Program and Global Peace Index.
  2. China, Russia, and Iran are involved in global conflicts, but China seems to have more complex preferences and constraints on its revisionism.
  3. China is publicly rejecting U.S. pressure while privately pressuring Iran, showing limits to their revisionism.
Diane Francis 639 implied HN points 25 Jan 24
  1. The conflict in Gaza is spreading, involving more countries and possibly leading to a larger war in the Middle East.
  2. Iran and Russia are actively trying to provoke the U.S. and distract from their own challenges, aiming to weaken America's influence.
  3. This situation could lead to more violence and instability, with the potential for greater harm to civilians and a complicated global response.
Splattern 79 implied HN points 21 Jul 24
  1. Tanzanians often feel disconnected from their politics, seeing their president as somewhat irrelevant, while they look to foreign influences for real change.
  2. People in developing countries, like Tanzania, see the U.S. president as more impactful in their lives than their own leaders, which shows the global influence America holds.
  3. Voter participation is crucial in the U.S. elections, as every vote counts towards the future and can help push for voting reform, making each citizen's voice significant.
Ginger River Review 668 implied HN points 17 Jan 24
  1. Decision-makers in China realized the importance of not blindly following the West's financial development mode after the 2008 financial crisis.
  2. China is striving to build a strong financial sector based on a combination of economic power, key financial elements, and a focus on preventing financial risks.
  3. Chinese leaders are emphasizing a combination of rule of law and virtue, fostering a unique financial culture, and prioritizing integrity, prudence, innovation, legal compliance, and openness with financial security.
Thinking about... 447 implied HN points 14 Nov 24
  1. Submission happens when people accept lies or narratives that aren't true, which can lead to a sense of division in politics. This creates a power dynamic where some feel they 'own' others by repeating these lies.
  2. There's a chain of submission that exists from Trump voters to Trump and then to leaders like Putin and Xi. This relationship suggests that the power structure affects how countries interact with each other, making America weaker.
  3. If the U.S. backs down on supporting Ukraine, it could embolden other countries like China. Supporting Ukraine is crucial not just for its sake but also for maintaining strength against potential threats globally.
Diane Francis 999 implied HN points 09 Nov 23
  1. A high-ranking Israeli minister suggested using a nuclear bomb against Gaza, which shocked many. This led to calls for the Prime Minister to take stronger action against such extremist views.
  2. There is a growing concern within Israel that the current government, heavily influenced by religious extremists, is eroding democratic values and the rule of law.
  3. Many Israelis, including minorities, are feeling trapped and divided due to the current political situation. While they may stay united during the war, the future after the conflict is uncertain and could lead to further chaos.
Matt Ehret's Insights 1159 implied HN points 26 Jun 23
  1. Throughout history, there have been instances where shadowy actions have been exposed but often don't lead to significant consequences.
  2. American leaders like Lincoln, FDR, and JFK fought against imperial impulses and tried to shine a light on these shadowy forces.
  3. Recent events like the Durham Report have shed light on the fabrication of Russiagate, showing the importance of alliances with countries like Russia and China to counter the global empire.
Diane Francis 1618 implied HN points 05 Jun 23
  1. Canada is giving little military support to Ukraine, especially compared to what other countries like the US are doing. The government has also not met its NATO defense spending commitments.
  2. Trudeau's government lacks expertise, hiring outside consultants for guidance and has made several decisions that hurt Canada's energy sector and military capabilities. This raises concerns about national security.
  3. There are serious issues of foreign influence on Canadian politics, especially from China, which have not been adequately addressed by Trudeau and his administration.
Diane Francis 1478 implied HN points 26 Jun 23
  1. Russia is not just a country; it's an empire with lots of powerful groups fighting for control. This makes it feel more like a mafia organization than a united nation.
  2. Yevgeny Prigozhin, a former friend of Putin, has become a powerful figure by criticizing the military and gaining public support. He raised concerns about how the war is being fought and how soldiers are treated.
  3. Putin's recent challenges show he's losing control. His inability to handle internal conflicts weakens his leadership and could lead to bigger changes in Russia's future.
Diane Francis 759 implied HN points 21 Dec 23
  1. Ukraine needs more military aid from the US and Europe to defend itself against Russia. Without this support, Russia could gain even more territory.
  2. If Ukraine gets the right amount of funding and military equipment this year, it could turn the situation around and push back Russian advances.
  3. If Ukraine loses, it would not only be a big shift in power but could also mean more US troops in Eastern Europe to handle the aftermath.
Diane Francis 179 implied HN points 30 May 24
  1. China is closely watching the outcome of the war in Russia. They may have plans to reclaim territories they lost in the past.
  2. If Russia faces significant changes in leadership, it could lead to instability across its vast territory.
  3. The historical claim over areas like Manchuria could become a priority for China if Russia weakens.
Geopolitical Economy Report 1096 implied HN points 10 Sep 23
  1. Most people in Germany and France blame the United States or NATO for the war in Ukraine, according to a survey by anti-Putin activists.
  2. The public opinion may not significantly affect government policies, as seen by Germany's Foreign Minister's statement about supporting Ukraine despite public opinion.
  3. Results from the polls show that many Europeans perceive the conflict in Ukraine not just as Kiev versus Moscow but as a larger proxy war involving NATO and the US against Russia.
Glen’s Substack 39 implied HN points 06 Sep 24
  1. Ukrainian General Syrskyi explained that the Kursk operation aims to stop Russian forces from launching new attacks and to boost Ukrainian morale.
  2. He noted that Ukrainian troops have successfully halted Russian advances in the Pokrovsk direction, showing that their strategy is working.
  3. Syrskyi emphasized the need for Ukraine to be smarter in warfare due to Russia's material advantages, focusing on effective tactics and high-tech weaponry.
Thinking about... 324 implied HN points 11 Dec 24
  1. There is a project called Safe Terrain that aims to clear Ukrainian lands of dangerous mines using robots. This helps keep people safe and allows them to go back home.
  2. De-mining is very risky for humans, so using robots for this job is a safer solution. The project needs about $10,000 more to fund thirty robotic platforms for this purpose.
  3. Support from the public can make a big difference for this project. Donating or sharing the message can help keep Ukrainians safe and support their return to normal life.
Glen’s Substack 39 implied HN points 05 Sep 24
  1. Ukrainian military chief Kyrylo Budanov is using new technology like sea drones to attack the Russian navy in the Black Sea. This modern strategy is similar to Sir Francis Drake’s historic tactics.
  2. Ukraine’s use of unmanned surface vehicles (USVs) is changing naval warfare and helping them take on Russia's stronger navy. These drones are proving effective in disrupting supply lines and targeting enemy ships.
  3. Despite being outmatched in the Black Sea, Ukraine's innovative use of USVs is forcing Russia to alter its strategies and pull back its naval forces, which might help Ukraine resume its grain exports.
Diane Francis 1159 implied HN points 07 Aug 23
  1. A recent meeting in Jeddah with global leaders, excluding Russia, highlighted the widespread recognition of Russia's aggressive role in the Ukraine war.
  2. Putin's actions have severe consequences beyond Ukraine, affecting global food and energy supply, and creating instability in other regions, especially Africa.
  3. The meeting served as a crucial step for countries to come together to stop Putin, showing that this war is not just a regional issue but a global problem that needs collaboration to solve.
Diane Francis 1059 implied HN points 28 Sep 23
  1. Putin is under pressure to improve Russia's military situation quickly. His aggressive tactics are leading to more risks and causing problems for his already strained forces.
  2. Russian military leaders face issues with payments and morale, creating a culture of incompetence. Some officers even sold information to Ukraine, showing a lack of trust and discipline.
  3. Ukraine is gaining ground with new support from Western weapons, making it harder for Russia to maintain control, especially in Crimea. This shift could lead to significant changes in power if Ukraine succeeds.
Comment is Freed 131 implied HN points 07 Nov 24
  1. Trump's presidency might lean towards nationalism and isolationism. This could challenge established alliances like NATO and impact international cooperation.
  2. Expect unpredictability in Trump's upcoming administration, with potential government restructuring and a focus on unilateral decisions. This may lead to issues in the usual functioning of government.
  3. Trump's approach to foreign conflicts, especially in Ukraine and the Middle East, could shift, leading to concerns among allies about U.S. support and stability in those regions.
Diane Francis 1039 implied HN points 09 Oct 23
  1. Israel's surprise attack by Hamas has highlighted serious issues within its government and military. The focus on internal politics and building settlements may have weakened their military readiness.
  2. Iran's involvement in the attack is significant, as it aims to strengthen regional opposition to Israel and disrupt potential peace deals. This raises worries about a broader conflict in the region.
  3. The ongoing conflict raises questions about how Israel can effectively respond without worsening its internal divides or causing more civilian harm, as the situation in Gaza remains dire.
Doomberg 231 implied HN points 09 Jan 25
  1. Natural gas is a key issue in the relationship between Russia and Europe. This topic has a long history and is very relevant today.
  2. The geopolitical situation is changing rapidly, which affects how countries interact regarding energy resources.
  3. Looking ahead, it's important to understand the current gas crisis to anticipate future developments in energy supply and security.
Phillips’s Newsletter 177 implied HN points 20 Oct 24
  1. North Korean combat troops may soon join Russia in the Ukraine war, which could change the dynamics on the battlefield. Ukraine's leaders believe over 10,000 troops are being prepared to fight.
  2. Despite claims of rapid Russian advances, the actual progress on the ground has been minimal, raising concerns about the strategy of limiting support for Ukraine. The slow pace of advances suggests a grinding war continues.
  3. President Zelensky has proposed a five-point victory strategy for Ukraine, but there is little support from Western allies, particularly the US, making the situation challenging for Ukraine as it seeks increased military aid.
Erick Erickson's Confessions of a Political Junkie 719 implied HN points 08 Jan 24
  1. NFL dominated TV ratings with 93 of top 100 broadcasts last year
  2. Biden's Defense Secretary was hospitalized without notifying the administration, causing communication issues
  3. Biden's campaign fundraising is not meeting expectations, causing concerns within the team