The hottest International relations Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
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Top World Politics Topics

Trump Just Handed China the Tools to Beat America in AI

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 292 implied HN points • 11 Aug 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics International relations
  1. Lifting the ban on exporting advanced AI chips to China could allow them to catch up in technology and military power. This is a concern for America's global standing.
  2. The U.S. government may profit from the sale of these chips by taking a percentage of the revenue, contradicting the original purpose of the export ban aimed at national security.
  3. Access to advanced AI chips has been crucial for China's AI development, and easing restrictions will likely help them close the gap with the U.S. in artificial intelligence.

Devant la guerre

Global Inequality and More 3.0 • 1087 implied HN points • 05 Dec 24
🌍 World Politics International relations
  1. E. H. Carr's book highlights how the international system can be unfair and lead to conflict. He sees similar patterns in past events and today's world.
  2. Carr argues that for peace to last, stronger nations need to share power and resources with weaker ones. If they don't, it creates resentment and can eventually lead to war.
  3. The current situation with Russia shows parallels to what happened with Germany before World War II. Both situations involved dissatisfied powers that used force to change their circumstances.

Asia's Great Power Wars

ChinaTalk • 815 implied HN points • 13 Feb 25
🌍 World Politics International relations
  1. East Asian countries have a long history of peaceful coexistence, unlike Europe, where wars were common. They managed to build relationships based on respect and understanding, even with power imbalances.
  2. Many conflicts in East Asia were driven by internal issues rather than outside threats. Most dynasties fell because of internal problems, showing that the real danger often comes from within rather than from other nations.
  3. The idea that smaller nations have to band together against a bigger power like China isn't always true. East Asian countries often engage with China on their own terms, navigating relationships carefully without treating it as a direct threat.

Russian Revisionism

Diane Francis • 699 implied HN points • 18 Sep 23
🌍 World Politics International relations
  1. Russia has a long history of spreading misinformation to hide the truth about its actions and policies. This dishonesty is a key part of its government strategy.
  2. Two major false narratives are currently promoted by Russia: one is that it is a great empire deserving of pride, and the other is that Ukraine is not a real country invaded by Russia for noble reasons.
  3. Disinformation tactics include tailoring messages to different groups and undermining Ukraine's efforts, showing how Russia manipulates information to divert blame and distract from its own wrongdoings.

What exactly is South Africa getting from its diplomatic dalliance with Russia and other BRICS states?

An Africanist Perspective • 692 implied HN points • 27 May 23
🌍 World Politics International relations
  1. South Africa's exclusion from the G7 Summit suggests a decline in its global influence and ability to engage as a middle power.
  2. Historically, South Africa missed opportunities to establish itself as a key player in Africa, affecting its ability to leverage regional influence.
  3. To enhance its geopolitical position, South Africa can focus on building strong continental partnerships, particularly in sectors like trade, security, and climate issues.
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Party reform plan; Central Social Work Department 中央社会工作部; Qin Gang speaks with Ukraine FM; TikTok

Sinocism • 687 implied HN points • 16 Mar 23
🌍 World Politics International relations
  1. A reform plan involving new Party bodies has been introduced to better control key parts of the system.
  2. The Central Financial Work Committee will impact the financial system, focusing on reducing corruption.
  3. The creation of the Central Commission for Science and Technology raises concerns about science and technology collaborations with other countries.

Matti Friedman: The Family that Never Came Home

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 788 implied HN points • 20 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics International relations
  1. A family from Israel faced a tragic loss, as the husband returned home alive but his wife and two children did not. Their deaths shocked the community, making it hard for people to accept the reality at first.
  2. On a certain day, masked individuals displayed four coffins at a ceremony in Gaza, while Israeli TV chose to show happy pictures of the deceased taken before the conflict. This highlights the stark difference in how narratives are presented in media.
  3. The piece reflects on the emotional impact of loss during war and how it can affect families, leading to deep sorrow and disbelief among their loved ones.

What Xi Believes

ChinaTalk • 919 implied HN points • 10 Jan 25
🌍 World Politics International relations
  1. Xi Jinping believes Chinese modernization should focus on people's needs rather than just economic growth. He criticizes Western models for causing inequality and promotes a version that fits China's unique culture and history.
  2. The Chinese Communist Party is essential for Xi's vision of modernization. He insists that without the Party's leadership, China cannot succeed and stresses the need for discipline within the Party.
  3. Struggle is a key theme for Xi, who sees it as vital for the Party's survival and China's progress. He encourages a proactive approach to risks, stating that avoiding challenges can lead to decline.

Appeasement at Munich

Thinking about... • 775 implied HN points • 14 Feb 25
🌍 World Politics International relations
  1. History shows that appeasing aggressors can lead to greater conflicts. Just like in 1938, giving in can make things worse in the long run.
  2. Ukraine’s resistance has changed the situation. By fighting back, they have prevented further aggression and have kept a major conflict from escalating.
  3. If the U.S. supports appeasement, it risks creating a stronger aggressor. A Russian victory over Ukraine could lead to more wars and even nuclear threats in the future.

Did Trump Just End a War—or Start One?

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 403 implied HN points • 22 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics International relations
  1. There's a lot of discussion about whether recent military actions will bring peace or create more conflict. People have mixed feelings about it.
  2. Social media is buzzing with reactions, from joy to anger, as many express their political views on these developments.
  3. It’s unclear what the long-term effects of this situation will be. Even officials might not fully understand what's happening right now.

A New World Order

Diane Francis • 679 implied HN points • 14 Sep 23
🌍 World Politics International relations
  1. A new global order is forming as powers like India and Saudi Arabia are stepping up, while Russia and China face challenges. This shift is changing how countries interact in the world.
  2. The G20 is evolving to include more voices from the Global South, especially after the African Union joined. This hints at a more balanced power dynamic in global discussions.
  3. India has been gaining influence, showing its potential as a leader for developing nations. It's boosting its economy and connections, moving ahead with significant projects like the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor.

Profiting From Genocide

The Chris Hedges Report • 372 implied HN points • 02 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics International relations
  1. Many companies are making big profits from the Israeli occupation of Palestine. This includes tech firms, banks, and even universities, which are involved in various ways.
  2. The report emphasizes that these corporations are complicit in serious human rights violations and could face legal consequences for their actions. It calls for these companies to stop their cooperation with Israel.
  3. The ongoing violence against Palestinians is not just a political issue but also a profitable business, which has turned into a cycle of exploitation and oppression with widespread accountability needed.

US Congress plots to save dollar dominance amid global de-dollarization rebellion

Geopolitical Economy Report • 677 implied HN points • 28 Jun 23
🌍 World Politics International relations
  1. The US Congress held a hearing about the global movement toward de-dollarization, with concerns over challenges from China and Russia to the US financial system dominance.
  2. Lawmakers discussed how aggressive US sanctions weakened dollar dominance, pushing countries to seek alternative financial systems.
  3. Experts highlighted the economic benefits of the dollar's dominance, like lower borrowing costs and savings for the US economy, while warning about potential threats.

Keir Starmer needs to prepare for a world without America

Odds and Ends of History • 1206 implied HN points • 07 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics International relations
  1. America's political situation is very unstable, and this could lead to problems for the rest of the world. If the U.S. struggles to maintain its role as a superpower, it could change global security and trade.
  2. Without strong American support, countries like Russia and China may act more aggressively. This could result in more conflict, especially in places like Taiwan and the South China Sea.
  3. Countries that share democratic values, like those in Europe, should work together more closely. For Britain, reconnecting with Europe may be necessary to ensure security and stability in an uncertain global environment.

Ukraine and Goliath

Diane Francis • 999 implied HN points • 25 May 23
🌍 World Politics International relations
  1. Ukraine is gaining international support by meeting with world leaders. This has helped them secure financial aid and military resources to strengthen their fight.
  2. The battle in Bakhmut has exposed weaknesses in Russia's military. While it has been costly, it has delayed Russian advances and boosted Ukraine's strategic planning.
  3. Ukraine is preparing to improve its air force with advanced jets and defense systems. This will help protect its skies and enhance its military capabilities against Russia.

This Week in Canada: Don’t Try to Say No to a Land Acknowledgment

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 421 implied HN points • 12 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics International relations
  1. A Canadian company is trying to lead the U.S. in deep-sea mining, which could provide important minerals for technology like phones and electric cars.
  2. The U.S. government is looking to change rules that made deep-sea mining difficult since 1982, pushing to take advantage of these resources quickly.
  3. There is a debate around the idea of land acknowledgments in Canada, highlighting differing views on their importance and impact.

Russia's Global Genocide

Diane Francis • 999 implied HN points • 22 May 23
🌍 World Politics International relations
  1. Putin's war in Ukraine is described as a genocide that threatens food supplies for millions around the world. His actions have severely impacted agriculture in Ukraine, which is known as the 'breadbasket' of Europe.
  2. Landmines and destruction from the war have made farming extremely dangerous and led to a significant drop in crop yields. Experts say it will take years to repair the damage and restore Ukraine's agricultural productivity.
  3. The ongoing conflict is causing a global food crisis, with many people facing hunger and food insecurity. Countries, especially in Africa, are feeling the effects, as they rely heavily on grain exports from Ukraine.

Coleman Hughes on the New Racism

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 2517 implied HN points • 13 Feb 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics 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.

Are War Crimes and Ranged Fires The Future Of War?

Phillips’s Newsletter • 117 implied HN points • 07 Nov 25
🌍 World Politics International relations
  1. The future of war may involve increased use of long-range weapons, making clear battlefields less relevant.
  2. Countries seem to be more willing to commit war crimes while using these weapons, showing a troubling trend.
  3. This shift in warfare is visible from major countries like the USA and Russia and might lead to more targeting of non-combatants.

The Scramble for French Africa

Diane Francis • 659 implied HN points • 04 Sep 23
🌍 World Politics International relations
  1. Recent military coups in former French colonies, like Gabon and Niger, reflect growing instability as local governments lose support and seek new alliances. This situation is often fueled by foreign powers, especially China and Russia, looking to expand their influence.
  2. France's past colonial actions led to many African countries facing issues like dictatorship and lack of democracy, which has contributed to current unrest. Many African nations feel abandoned by France, leading to a rejection of French military assistance.
  3. As countries like China and Russia gain power in Africa, France is struggling to keep its influence. New leadership may not guarantee democracy, but there is a hope for fair elections and rights, though many see these coups as just swapping one corrupt leader for another.

Brazil's Lula travels to China and calls to end US dollar dominance

Geopolitical Economy Report • 657 implied HN points • 16 Apr 23
🌍 World Politics International relations
  1. Brazil's President Lula da Silva visited China to deepen strategic partnerships and challenge US dollar dominance by signing cooperation agreements, focusing on trading in local currencies.
  2. China is Brazil's largest trading partner, with significant trade surpluses, and both countries have seen substantial growth in bilateral trade over the years.
  3. Political coups in Brazil, backed by the US, led to economic downturns, but under Lula and Dilma, the country advanced, lifting millions out of poverty and shaping key economic relationships.

Ukraine Support Holds

Diane Francis • 699 implied HN points • 10 Aug 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics International relations
  1. Support for Ukraine is strong among many countries, including the US and EU nations. Polls show that people want to continue helping Ukraine against Russia.
  2. Most Americans believe military aid to Ukraine is important, and a large majority oppose negotiations unless Russia withdraws first. This suggests a clear message that people want to see Ukraine win.
  3. Concerns about the security risks of helping Ukraine have decreased over time. Many European citizens also want stronger military ties and support for Ukraine as a united front against Russian aggression.

The New York Times simps for nationalism abroad

Yasha Levine • 648 implied HN points • 21 Feb 23
🌍 World Politics International relations
  1. The New York Times is accused of projecting nationalist ideas onto foreign countries while not supporting nationalism domestically.
  2. The writer critiques the idea that Russia needs to be broken up for democracy to flourish, highlighting the implication that a multi-ethnic country is seen as illegitimate.
  3. The essay discusses the importance of homogeneity in a nation-state, contrasting it with the diversity of multi-ethnic societies.

Let's Take AOC's Foreign Policy Vision Seriously

I Might Be Wrong • 9 implied HN points • 18 Feb 26
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics International relations
  1. She’s pitching an alternate foreign policy that centers working people and presented that vision at international forums like the Munich Security Conference.
  2. A few public gaffes — mixups about Taiwan, Venezuela, and trans-/trans-Atlantic wording — have dominated coverage and distracted from her substantive points.
  3. Her team and supporters want people to look past the slip-ups and engage seriously with the policy proposals she’s putting forward, including campaign-released clips and panels.

against civilisational nostalgia: western identity and global cognitive drift

Brain Pizza • 397 implied HN points • 10 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics International relations
  1. It's important to embrace different perspectives rather than sticking to a single historical narrative. This openness helps societies grow and learn from each other.
  2. Cognitive biases can cloud our views of the world and limit our understanding. To improve, we should recognize these biases and seek out diverse viewpoints.
  3. Instead of aiming for a mythical sense of unity, we should focus on adapting and cooperating with one another. Learning from our differences can lead to better governance and innovation.

Ninety Days for Zero Deals, & Zero Certainty for the Future

Brad DeLong's Grasping Reality • 330 implied HN points • 08 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics International relations
  1. Trump's trade deals created a lot of noise but little real action. Instead of actual agreements, there were just threats and vague promises.
  2. Countries are struggling to manage the unpredictability of U.S. trade policies. They are trying to either appease or confront the U.S. while also finding ways to protect their own economies.
  3. This situation leads to uncertainty in the global market, making it hard for businesses to plan. Investors are more worried about policy changes than about any inherent advantages in trade.

Sanctions 'undermine hegemony of dollar', US Treasury admits

Geopolitical Economy Report • 637 implied HN points • 21 Apr 23
🌍 World Politics International relations
  1. US Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen acknowledged that unilateral sanctions could weaken the dominance of the dollar.
  2. Sanctions have caused millions of deaths around the world, with examples like Iraq and Venezuela.
  3. Yellen implied that US plans involve using some of Russia's seized foreign exchange reserves to fund Ukraine reconstruction, which could have geopolitical implications.

Criminals welcome as US recruits foreign proxies to wage 'irregular war' on adversaries

Geopolitical Economy Report • 637 implied HN points • 18 May 23
🌍 World Politics International relations
  1. The US military recruits foreign fighters as proxies for irregular warfare but does not vet them for past atrocities.
  2. Special Operations Command plays a significant role in secretive shadow wars across the globe.
  3. US special operations forces have been active in the majority of countries worldwide, focusing heavily on irregular warfare.

We are all (latent) cosmopolitan globalists

Brain Pizza • 397 implied HN points • 07 Jun 25
🌍 World Politics International relations
  1. We all share the same planet and face global challenges together. Our problems during situations like the pandemic show that we're interconnected.
  2. The pandemic highlighted the need for cooperation between countries. Decisions made in one place can affect the entire world.
  3. Embracing our identity as global citizens can lead to better solutions for everyone. By working together, we can tackle big issues more effectively.

Top Links 760 China's emissions reach a turning point. Mondrian goes dancing & Kazakh stunts.

Chartbook • 400 implied HN points • 05 Jun 25
🌍 World Politics International relations
  1. China's emissions are changing, and it seems like they might be hitting a significant point. This could affect global climate efforts.
  2. South Korea's trade surplus with the USA has also increased significantly since COVID, not just China's. This shows how trade dynamics are shifting.
  3. The article features links and insights that could provide interesting perspectives on current economic and environmental trends.

The Genocide in Gaza and Its Enablers

Eunomia • 334 implied HN points • 26 Jan 24
🌍 World Politics International relations
  1. Biden's response to the war in Gaza shows the consequences of giving another state unlimited support.
  2. Many Democrats believe that Israel is committing genocide in Gaza, yet Western governments are hesitant to act on this evidence.
  3. Public confidence in Biden's ability to handle international crises is low, especially after his support for Israel during the Gaza conflict.

Russia Collapses

Diane Francis • 1199 implied HN points • 16 Mar 23
🌍 World Politics International relations
  1. Many Russians are living in poverty due to the long-lasting war and its effects on the economy. People are struggling with basic needs like heat, water, and jobs.
  2. Putin is not being truthful about the state of the Russian economy. Western sanctions are hurting it badly, and many businesses have shut down as capital is leaving the country.
  3. Russia's energy trade is in trouble because of price caps and Europe moving away from Russian oil and gas. This is leading to a significant drop in state revenues and economic decline.

Breaking History Ep. 29: How to Extract the British Hand from Pakistan

Matt Ehret's Insights • 334 implied HN points • 25 Jan 24
🌍 World Politics International relations
  1. In Breaking History Ep. 29, there's discussion on extracting British influence from Pakistan and creating energy sovereignty.
  2. The role of the Belt and Road Initiative, new infrastructure developments, and energy sovereignty in Pakistan is highlighted.
  3. The Bhutto family's legacy in the fight for energy sovereignty and the role of current Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto Zardari are discussed.

NATO + Ukraine

Diane Francis • 759 implied HN points • 10 Jul 23
🌍 World Politics International relations
  1. NATO is discussing whether to commit to Ukraine's future membership, which many believe is crucial given Ukraine's sacrifices.
  2. Without a clear commitment from NATO, the ongoing conflict may continue longer than necessary.
  3. There's a strong call for NATO to provide Ukraine with a no-fly zone and air support immediately.

President

Venture Prose • 539 implied HN points • 05 Nov 23
🌍 World Politics International relations
  1. Being a president comes with immense challenges like managing debt, dealing with administrative issues, and navigating societal tensions.
  2. To make a country like France attractive, competitive, and profitable, leaders need to focus on positive impact, simplicity in implementation, and clear accountability.
  3. France has the potential to excel in areas like nuclear energy, artificial intelligence, agriculture, and education, but effective automation and addressing system abuse are essential for profitability.