The hottest International relations Substack posts right now

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Top World Politics Topics

Putin Weaker? Nyet

Diane Francis โ€ข 939 implied HN points โ€ข 31 Jul 23
๐ŸŒ World Politics International relations Geopolitics Conflict Studies Foreign Policy Military Affairs
  1. Wagner, a private military group, is a key part of Putin's strategy and makes a lot of money from warfare and operations around the world.
  2. Putin uses Wagner not just for military actions but also to gain influence and control over resources in African countries, often through illegal means.
  3. Despite issues in Ukraine, Putin remains strong because of his partnerships and the ongoing power of groups like Wagner in the global landscape.

Facebook censors journalist Seymour Hersh's report on Nord Stream pipeline attack

Geopolitical Economy Report โ€ข 837 implied HN points โ€ข 26 Apr 23
๐ŸŒ World Politics Censorship Media Government Conflict International relations
  1. Facebook censored a report by journalist Seymour Hersh on the Nord Stream pipeline sabotage, instead directing users to a website funded by a NATO member state, Norway.
  2. The US government and media failed to offer an alternative explanation to Hersh's report on the attacks, despite attempting to undermine his credibility.
  3. Western governments, not just Facebook, have censored Russian and Iranian media outlets, such as RT and Sputnik, as well as seizing the domain of Iran's Press TV.

Beginning of the End for Russia

Diane Francis โ€ข 1099 implied HN points โ€ข 24 Jun 23
๐ŸŒ World Politics International relations Geopolitics Military Affairs Political Movements Conflict analysis
  1. Prigozhin, a Russian warlord, openly rebelled against the government, criticizing the war in Ukraine as unjust and driven by greed.
  2. His actions have created unrest within Russia, as some military units are refusing to fight against him, which could weaken Putin's hold on power.
  3. Even if Prigozhin fails in his rebellion, he has already challenged Putin, highlighting discontent and a potential shift in power dynamics within Russia.

Russia will collapse

Diane Francis โ€ข 1139 implied HN points โ€ข 15 Jun 23
๐ŸŒ World Politics Geopolitics Nationalism Sovereignty Conflict International relations
  1. Russia is facing a financial crisis and military decline, which could lead to its collapse, similar to the Soviet Union's breakup in 1991.
  2. Various regions in Russia are seeking more independence or outright separation, especially those closer to Europe, making a breakup seem increasingly likely.
  3. If Russia does break apart, it could create numerous new nations, but the West needs to prepare for this possibility and support those regions in establishing their independence.
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The case for keeping Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger within ECOWAS

An Africanist Perspective โ€ข 356 implied HN points โ€ข 24 Feb 24
๐ŸŒ World Politics Geopolitics International relations Security
  1. Landlocked countries like Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger depend heavily on coastal ECOWAS states for trade, and leaving ECOWAS could lead to economic and logistical challenges that may affect the movement of goods, people, and migrant workers.
  2. There is a historical precedent of military coups in the Sahel region that ECOWAS leaders need to consider when deciding how to handle the situation, including the need for constructive dialogue and understanding the motivations behind the putschists.
  3. The current crisis in ECOWAS highlights the challenges that African regional economic communities and the African Union will face as individual countries are pulled in different directions by global powers, emphasizing the need for regional unity and effective diplomacy.

BIDENโ€™S LAST HURRAH AGAINST RUSSIA AND PUTIN

Seymour Hersh โ€ข 79 implied HN points โ€ข 26 Nov 24
๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ธ U.S. Politics Foreign Policy Elections Military Affairs International relations Political strategy
  1. Biden is feeling frustrated as he deals with a tough situation in Ukraine while other Democratic leaders are stepping back from him. There are concerns about whether he can manage the ongoing conflict and his future as a president.
  2. He made controversial decisions to provide advanced weaponry to Ukraine, leading to escalations from Russia and raising fears of a larger global conflict. People are worried about the humanitarian impact of using landmines in the war.
  3. There's talk that Trump has been communicating informally with Putin about ways to potentially end the war. Some experts believe Putin is waiting for the right moment to negotiate, while Biden continues to face criticism for his foreign policy approach.

Putin's Amigo

Diane Francis โ€ข 579 implied HN points โ€ข 14 Dec 23
๐ŸŒ World Politics Geopolitics International relations Conflict Diplomacy Military Affairs
  1. Nicolas Maduro, the president of Venezuela, is a strong ally of Putin and has worsened his country's economy despite its oil wealth.
  2. Maduro has allowed Russian companies and military groups to operate in Venezuela, contributing to his regime's security and resource extraction.
  3. Recently, Maduro claimed land in Guyana and threatened invasion, which is seen as a distraction from his own economic issues and has raised tensions in the region.

Nyhetsbrev steigan.no 11.02.2025

steigan.no โ€ข 6 implied HN points โ€ข 11 Feb 25
๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ธ U.S. Politics Government Media Policy International relations Public Opinion
  1. Elon Musk has suggested shutting down U.S.-funded media like Radio Free Europe, arguing they are ineffective and filled with 'radical left-wing' activists. This has sparked a debate on the role of state-funded media.
  2. USAID is often viewed as a humanitarian organization, but some claim it operates like a regime change apparatus that influences media for political purposes, particularly in Eastern Europe.
  3. Experts are warning against the Norwegian government's heavy investment in unproven energy projects and emphasize the need to reassess the economic viability of these initiatives to avoid wasting taxpayer money.

We need to talk about micro-treason

Jeff Giesea โ€ข 219 implied HN points โ€ข 08 May 24
๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ธ U.S. Politics National Security Government Public Opinion Social media International relations
  1. Using TikTok can be seen as a security risk because it is owned by a Chinese company. Many people believe it could contribute to a national security threat if many users stay connected.
  2. The idea of 'micro-treason' is introduced to describe small actions that collectively make a country vulnerable. This term helps us discuss the impact of seemingly harmless behaviors.
  3. It's important for society to be more aware of actions that could harm national security, even if those actions seem small at an individual level. We need to have conversations about these issues to protect our country.

The Znachki Edition

Why is this interesting? โ€ข 1327 implied HN points โ€ข 21 Feb 24
๐ŸŒ World Politics International relations Global Conflicts Political Reforms Peace efforts
  1. Commemorative pins like 'znachki' from the Soviet era reflected hope for prosperity and open exchange of ideas across borders
  2. Certain 'znachki' symbolized optimism for peace and collaboration, contrasting with current geopolitical tensions
  3. The collection of 'znachki' serves as a wistful reminder of past hopes for Russia's future and the ongoing need for change

China's Russia

Diane Francis โ€ข 1059 implied HN points โ€ข 22 Jun 23
๐ŸŒ World Politics Geopolitics International relations Conflict Studies Diplomacy
  1. The Russia-Ukraine War may lead to the breakup of Russia, similar to the Soviet-Afghanistan War. Russia is losing allies and financial resources, which could cause some regions to want independence.
  2. China has a significant interest in the resource-rich areas of Russia, especially Manchuria, which used to belong to China. As Russia weakens, China might look to reclaim these lands, boosting its own economy.
  3. The partnership between China and Russia is changing. China is distancing itself from Russia after the Ukraine invasion and is cautiously moving towards the West, showing it might not support Russia like before.

Vlad the Terrible

Diane Francis โ€ข 1019 implied HN points โ€ข 29 Jun 23
๐ŸŒ World Politics International relations Geopolitics Conflict Studies Military Strategy Political Analysis
  1. Putin is facing serious challenges to his power after a failed mutiny, showing that his grip on Russia is weakening. Many in his inner circle are worried and uncertain about his leadership.
  2. The oligarchs and elites in Russia are tired of the ongoing war and its negative impact on their businesses. They might push for a change in leadership or a shift in strategy to stabilize the country.
  3. There is potential for a new administration of moderates to emerge, which could lead to negotiations to end the war in Ukraine and help rebuild Russia.

Politburo meeting, no announcement of Third Plenum; Li Shangfu missing from study session; Evergrande chairman under "control"; TikTok

Sinocism โ€ข 766 implied HN points โ€ข 28 Sep 23
๐ŸŒ World Politics International relations Economic Policy Government Foreign Policy Social Impact
  1. The Politburo meeting did not announce the dates for the Third Plenum, raising speculation about possible delays or disagreements.
  2. During the Politburo Study Session on WTO reform, key officials were absent, indicating potential areas of concern.
  3. Evergrande's chairman being placed under police surveillance raises doubts about the company's ability to avoid liquidation, impacting other struggling real estate firms.

What we learned at Davos 2024: global aristocracy intends on 'Rebuilding Trust' through censorship and surveillance

The Dossier โ€ข 903 implied HN points โ€ข 19 Jan 24
๐ŸŒ World Politics Surveillance Censorship International relations Leadership
  1. The conference theme was 'Rebuilding Trust' but no one acknowledged any wrongdoing.
  2. There was no real debate at Davos, just a gathering for the global ruling class to unite behind shared agendas.
  3. China took the spotlight at Davos, while the event faced low American representation and criticism from outside sources.

Israel's Real Existential Threat

Diane Francis โ€ข 699 implied HN points โ€ข 26 Oct 23
๐ŸŒ World Politics Middle East Geopolitics Humanitarian Terrorism International relations
  1. Israel is facing a severe humanitarian crisis in Gaza after its military actions, causing widespread destruction and displacement of civilians. Many worry this could escalate the conflict and create a larger regional war.
  2. Iran and Russia are seen as key players in stirring conflict in the Middle East, with their actions indirectly putting pressure on Israel and its neighbors.
  3. Israel's approach to its military defense has led to backlash and a perception of double standards, affecting its relationships with neighboring countries and global opinion.

South Korea Steps Up

Diane Francis โ€ข 779 implied HN points โ€ข 14 Aug 23
๐ŸŒ World Politics International relations Military Affairs Geopolitics Conflict Studies Diplomacy
  1. South Korea has increased its support for Ukraine, marking a significant shift in its international stance. This is partly due to South Korea's own history of being affected by Russian aggression during the Korean War.
  2. The country has been exporting military supplies to Ukraine and is officially joining its alliance, showcasing its readiness to confront threats from North Korea and Russia.
  3. A South Korean soldier, Sgt Kim Jae-kyung, has actively campaigned for support of Ukraine, reminding people that South Korea received help from many nations in its own time of need.

Turkey's Russia

Diane Francis โ€ข 939 implied HN points โ€ข 03 Jul 23
๐ŸŒ World Politics Geopolitics International relations Regional conflicts Military Affairs
  1. Ramzan Kadyrov, a leader in Chechnya, has shown loyalty to Putin but could also cause trouble in the North Caucasus region. His past actions and armed forces make him a figure to watch closely.
  2. The North Caucasus is home to many non-Russian people who have faced harsh treatment. As Russia weakens, there could be movements for independence in this area.
  3. Many people in the North Caucasus are unhappy with Russia's military actions, especially since they have lost many young men in the conflict. This growing resentment might lead to changes in the region soon.

Biden bombs Yemen so Israel can bomb Gaza

Speaking Security โ€ข 393 implied HN points โ€ข 26 Jan 24
๐ŸŒ World Politics Conflict Military Humanitarian Diplomacy International relations
  1. Biden is bombing Yemen in response to attacks by the Houthi movement disrupting global shipping.
  2. An easy solution to the crisis would be for Biden to end Israel's military offensive with a single phone call.
  3. The ongoing bombings in Yemen by the US-backed coalition and Biden's actions are deemed cruel and ineffective.

Why does the US support Israel? A geopolitical analysis with economist Michael Hudson

Geopolitical Economy Report โ€ข 617 implied HN points โ€ข 13 Nov 23
๐ŸŒ World Politics Geopolitics Middle East International relations Foreign Policy Global Economy
  1. US support for Israel is primarily driven by geopolitical strategies and control over the Middle East region.
  2. The US sees Israel as a military base to exert control over oil reserves in the Middle East and maintain dominance in the global economy.
  3. Historical parallels can be drawn between the Crusades and current US strategies in the Middle East, indicating power struggles for oil resources and global control.

Nagorno-Karabakh update: September 21 2023

Foreign Exchanges โ€ข 727 implied HN points โ€ข 22 Sep 23
๐ŸŒ World Politics Conflict Ceasefire Diplomacy Atrocities International relations
  1. A new status quo in the south Caucasus region is emerging following recent events in Nagorno-Karabakh.
  2. A ceasefire has been declared between Azerbaijan and Karabakh, with Karabakh authorities agreeing to disarm their defense forces and remove Armenian military forces.
  3. Concerns about potential ethnic cleansing and the implications for Armenia's diplomatic relationships are key issues arising from the situation.

War Games and Nuclear Weapons: A Modest Proposal

Phillipsโ€™s Newsletter โ€ข 61 implied HN points โ€ข 03 Dec 24
๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ธ U.S. Politics War Strategy Nuclear policy Political Commentary International relations
  1. War games involving nuclear weapons should reflect real-life consequences so players appreciate the seriousness of their actions. This means making it personal, such as considering how decisions could affect family and friends.
  2. Current war games often feel detached from reality, as players can drop bombs and then return to their normal lives without any real stakes. This disconnect makes players less aware of the real-world implications of their choices.
  3. Introducing more realistic scenarios in war games could lead to deeper understanding and conversation about the impact of nuclear warfare, making it a topic people take more seriously.

Russia leaves neoliberal West to join World Majority - Economists Radhika Desai and Michael Hudson explain

Geopolitical Economy Report โ€ข 717 implied HN points โ€ข 20 Apr 23
๐ŸŒ World Politics Geopolitics International relations Neoliberalism Global South
  1. Russia is turning away from the West and moving towards integration with the 'World Majority' in the Global South.
  2. There is a shift towards a multipolar world order, with countries like China and Russia promoting a move away from Western finance capitalism towards a more socialist global majority.
  3. Keynes' proposals for a new international financial system, including bancor and International Clearing Union, are being revisited by China and show a push away from the dominance of the US dollar.

Nyhetsbrev steigan.no 07.02.2025

steigan.no โ€ข 7 implied HN points โ€ข 07 Feb 25
๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ธ U.S. Politics Political News Health Policy International relations Government funding Public Health
  1. There are strong calls from many medical professionals and organizations to remove COVID-19 vaccines from the market due to concerns about safety and significant health risks.
  2. Recent discussions between Russia and the USA regarding Ukraine suggest a potential shift in strategy, with the USA looking for new elections in Ukraine to facilitate negotiations.
  3. CRISPR technology is being considered in Norway for gene editing in agriculture, but there are ongoing debates about the risks and regulations surrounding its use.

The Demise of the Liberal International Order and the Return of Great Power Rivalry

Glennโ€™s Substack โ€ข 99 implied HN points โ€ข 10 Jun 24
๐ŸŒ World Politics International relations Geopolitics Power Dynamics Conflict Studies Diplomacy
  1. The liberal international order is in decline, which means the traditional alliances and cooperation among countries are weakening. This shift is leading to more competition between powerful nations.
  2. The situation in Ukraine has escalated, showing how tensions between countries are rising and affecting global stability. This is a sign that countries are prioritizing their own interests over collaboration.
  3. The future of US-European relations is uncertain as old partnerships are tested. There's a growing need for these nations to rethink their strategies for dealing with one another and the new world dynamics.

Russian Revisionism

Diane Francis โ€ข 699 implied HN points โ€ข 18 Sep 23
๐ŸŒ World Politics Geopolitics Disinformation Conflict International relations History
  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.

Nyhetsbrev steigan.no 09.02.2025

steigan.no โ€ข 6 implied HN points โ€ข 09 Feb 25
๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ธ U.S. Politics Political Analysis International relations Geopolitics Corruption Foreign Policy
  1. Norway is often seen as a very corrupt country despite its positive image. This illusion can be hard to break, but it's important to recognize the reality of corruption in Norwegian society.
  2. Many believe that Norway operates as a type of 'democratic dictatorship' where real freedom of speech is lacking and dissenting opinions face significant challenges.
  3. The current global and local political environment shows the need for a shift in how we view our identities, especially regarding national arrogance and moral superiority.

Taking Illiberalism seriously

Theory Matters โ€ข 10 implied HN points โ€ข 29 Jan 25
๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ธ U.S. Politics Democracy International relations Elections Authoritarianism
  1. We need to be careful about how we talk about democracy. It's not just about having elections; real democratic health needs strong institutions and genuine respect for rules.
  2. Illiberal regimes are becoming more common, and this is challenging liberal democracies. People can still vote but might not accept the results, which creates confusion about what democracy really means.
  3. Political and international stability isn't the same as true democracy. Democracies need to be able to adapt and face challenges, rather than just maintaining a facade of order.

ChatGPT, North Koreans, and America's Infrastructure

Of All Trades โ€ข 8 implied HN points โ€ข 17 May 25
๐Ÿ•น Technology Cybersecurity Remote work Engineering AI International relations
  1. North Korean remote IT workers are being used by the regime to earn foreign money, often through scams and cybercrime. They can make a lot of money for the government by working remotely.
  2. These workers are also stealing the identities of professional engineers to create fake design documents. This could lead to serious safety issues because the real engineers might be held responsible for bad work they didn't do.
  3. There's a concern that this situation could harm the future of remote design and national security. It's important to have strict systems to verify who is doing work and how to ensure public safety.

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

An Africanist Perspective โ€ข 692 implied HN points โ€ข 27 May 23
๐ŸŒ World Politics Diplomacy Geopolitics International relations Foreign Policy
  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.

The Politicization of Science Diplomacy

The Honest Broker Newsletter โ€ข 667 implied HN points โ€ข 29 Feb 24
๐ŸŒ World Politics Global Health International relations Geopolitics Diplomacy
  1. Nations are considering a Pandemic Agreement to enhance preparedness and response to disease outbreaks, focusing on science advice for a new international science advisory committee.
  2. Implementing a new science advisory committee to oversee genetic research and supervision of pandemic potential pathogens across various settings is challenging due to current political and diplomatic hurdles.
  3. The politicization of science diplomacy poses risks like compromising scientific integrity, creating 'policy-based evidence,' and jeopardizing the independence of expert advisory mechanisms, showing the need for stronger institutions where science intersects with politics.

Party reform plan; Central Social Work Department ไธญๅคฎ็คพไผšๅทฅไฝœ้ƒจ; Qin Gang speaks with Ukraine FM; TikTok

Sinocism โ€ข 687 implied HN points โ€ข 16 Mar 23
๐ŸŒ World Politics Reform Financial system 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.

A New World Order

Diane Francis โ€ข 679 implied HN points โ€ข 14 Sep 23
๐ŸŒ World Politics Geopolitics Global Governance 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.

Israel Admits Failure in Gaza

Johnโ€™s Substack โ€ข 16 implied HN points โ€ข 17 Jan 25
๐ŸŒ World Politics Middle East International relations Conflict resolution Geopolitics
  1. Israel has recognized that it has not defeated Hamas in Gaza. This shows a shift in the country's position and strategy.
  2. The recent ceasefire agreement allows Palestinians to return home and includes aid for Gaza, indicating a significant concession from Israel.
  3. Despite the agreement, there's uncertainty about whether the ceasefire will last, and Israel still lacks a clear plan to win the conflict in Gaza.

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

Geopolitical Economy Report โ€ข 677 implied HN points โ€ข 28 Jun 23
๐ŸŒ World Politics Geopolitics Global Economy International relations Financial system
  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.

Nyhetsbrev steigan.no 06.02.2025

steigan.no โ€ข 7 implied HN points โ€ข 06 Feb 25
๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ธ U.S. Politics Public Health International relations Economic Policy Political Leadership Global Health
  1. Argentina has decided to withdraw from the World Health Organization (WHO) because they believe COVID lockdowns caused a severe economic crisis. The president described those lockdowns as potentially harmful to humanity.
  2. WikiLeaks released a massive amount of documents revealing questionable activities by USAID, suggesting it has connections to intelligence operations and funding destabilizing actions globally.
  3. China warned at a recent global meeting about the dangers of dividing the world into opposing systems. They emphasized the need for international cooperation to tackle common challenges and maintain stability.

Ukraine and Goliath

Diane Francis โ€ข 999 implied HN points โ€ข 25 May 23
๐ŸŒ World Politics International relations Military Strategy Conflict resolution Geopolitics Diplomacy
  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.

It's time to call this World War III

The Cosmopolitan Globalist โ€ข 56 implied HN points โ€ข 22 Nov 24
๐ŸŒ World Politics Global Conflict Military Strategy International relations Geopolitics Foreign Policy
  1. The current situation is being compared to World War III, with serious threats to global peace. We need to recognize this and act to stop aggressors like Russia.
  2. Strength is crucial in dealing with Putin. History shows that he responds only to a strong defense, and if we show weakness, it could lead to bigger conflicts.
  3. The war in Ukraine affects not just Europe but also global security. If we abandon Ukraine, it could encourage other aggressor nations like China and Russia to pursue their goals, risking further instability.

Russia's Global Genocide

Diane Francis โ€ข 999 implied HN points โ€ข 22 May 23
๐ŸŒ World Politics Geopolitics Conflict International relations Human Rights
  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.