The hottest International relations Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
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Top World Politics Topics

Time to talk about the Panama Canal

Material World • 886 implied HN points • 03 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics International relations
  1. There are long-standing historical tensions regarding control of the Panama Canal. Many believe the U.S. should still control it because of its significant contributions to building it.
  2. The original treaties around the canal were heavily influenced by American power dynamics, resulting in Panama losing much of its sovereignty at the time.
  3. There's ongoing discussion about building a canal in Nicaragua instead. This could solve some current issues with the Panama Canal, like water shortages and size restrictions for ships.

What Have We Here? A Headline Toning-Down the Hype! Something Is Awry Inside Bloomberg News

Brad DeLong's Grasping Reality • 399 implied HN points • 03 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics International relations
  1. News headlines often exaggerate to grab attention, but Bloomberg seems to be toning things down lately. This raises questions about their reporting approach.
  2. Statements from officials about upcoming talks can often be just optimistic hopes rather than facts. There hasn’t been any independent confirmation that a call between Trump and Xi is actually happening.
  3. When headline writers are more cautious than reporters, it suggests something might be off within the news organization. It’s important for news to prioritize informing readers accurately.

Chartbook 258 War, peace and the return of history in 2023

Chartbook • 2532 implied HN points • 01 Jan 24
🌍 World Politics International relations
  1. In 2023, there was a surge in violence globally, with factors like weak state power and new rivalries fueling conflicts.
  2. Poor-country conflicts are influenced by global forces, but the impact on the larger picture is limited.
  3. The world is facing a historical shift with conflicts like the Israel-Palestine dispute challenging traditional models of geopolitical alignment.

Is World War III Already Here?

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 955 implied HN points • 05 Dec 24
🌍 World Politics International relations
  1. The world is facing multiple conflicts, making people question if we are on the brink of a world war. There are tensions in places like Ukraine, Syria, and the Korean Peninsula.
  2. Experts believe there is an ongoing economic war alongside real military conflicts, suggesting that current conditions are similar to those before previous world wars.
  3. To avoid escalating wars, it is essential for adversaries to understand that they won't achieve their goals through military force.

Israel Supporters Are Some Of The Worst People In The World

Caitlin’s Newsletter • 2230 implied HN points • 24 Feb 24
🌍 World Politics International relations
  1. Some Israel supporters display extreme vitriol and disregard for human suffering, justifying monstrous acts against innocent children in Gaza.
  2. The behavior of these specific Israel supporters is seen as shockingly disturbing, leading to accusations of immorality and dishonesty.
  3. The negative behavior highlighted is not exclusive to Israelis or Jews, but extends to various ideological groups, illustrating a troubling trend of unwavering support for violent actions in Gaza.
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Why Did Trump Just Start a Trade War with Our Neighbors?

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 746 implied HN points • 02 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics International relations
  1. Trump has imposed a 25% tariff on goods from Canada and Mexico, causing concern for many. This decision appears sudden and lacks a clear reason.
  2. The tariff could disrupt the economy and long-standing trade agreements. It might lead to increased costs for consumers and harm relations with neighboring countries.
  3. While there's a limit on tariffs for Canadian energy imports to avoid spiking energy prices, the rules are inconsistent and confusing for trade with Mexico.

BRICS bloc is adding members, planning new currency to challenge US dollar

Geopolitical Economy Report • 598 implied HN points • 06 Jun 23
🌍 World Politics International relations
  1. BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa) are expanding and gaining economic and political influence globally.
  2. BRICS members are considering creating a new global reserve currency to challenge the dominance of the US dollar.
  3. The BRICS economies collectively represent a significant share of the global economy, with China contributing the highest share.

Anarcho-tyranny in the UK

Wrong Side of History • 360 implied HN points • 11 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics International relations
  1. Confidence in British justice is very low right now. Many people feel the system is unfair and inconsistent.
  2. There's a common joke that British court cases often involve serious criminals getting light sentences while minor offenses lead to harsh punishments. This makes the justice system look ridiculous.
  3. Britain's reputation has changed over time. It was once seen as a leader in justice and freedom, but now some view it as a cautionary tale of mismanaged law and order.

Xi on financial development; Premier Li's Davos speech; MSS on Taiwan; Spring Festival travel

Sinocism • 334 implied HN points • 17 Jan 24
🌍 World Politics International relations
  1. Xi Jinping emphasizes strong financial development based on solid economic foundation and key core financial elements.
  2. Annual seminar for provincial and ministerial-level cadres focuses on promoting high-quality financial development.
  3. Efforts to accelerate the construction of a modern financial system with Chinese characteristics are crucial for building a strong financial nation.

The Greatest Illusion

Phillips’s Newsletter • 97 implied HN points • 12 Nov 25
🌍 World Politics International relations
  1. Trade specialization does not guarantee peace and security between nations. Just because countries trade a lot doesn't mean they won't go to war.
  2. The idea that economic ties will lead to friendship and reduce conflict has been proven wrong. History shows that war can break out despite strong trade relations.
  3. Countries need to rethink their strategies and vulnerabilities in a changing world. Relying solely on global trade might limit their independence and security.

Fentanyl Crossing in "Vaginal Cavities and Rectums"

CrashOut by Ioan Grillo • 432 implied HN points • 05 Dec 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics International relations
  1. Cartels recruit young U.S. citizens near the border as 'body carriers' to smuggle fentanyl in hidden body cavities.
  2. Fentanyl smuggling through body carriers is a growing problem, with significant amounts being brought illegally into the United States.
  3. Social media platforms like Instagram are being used by cartels to entice and recruit young individuals to smuggle dangerous drugs.

The Asia Century

Diane Francis • 579 implied HN points • 25 Sep 23
🌍 World Politics International relations
  1. The main competition in geopolitics is between the U.S. and China, with some experts predicting a return to an Asia-centered world economy. This means that countries like China and India might regain their historical economic dominance.
  2. China still has strong economic momentum, but its growth may face challenges due to increased competition and internal issues like high youth unemployment and economic mismanagement.
  3. Regions like ASEAN are rising in importance and could offer new economic opportunities, as they are already a major trading partner with the West and have diverse economies.

the fall of rome 2.0

bad cattitude • 223 implied HN points • 12 Aug 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics International relations
  1. Western Europe is experiencing economic stagnation, while Eastern Europe is seeing growth. This might result in a significant shift in power and prosperity within the continent.
  2. There's concern that Europe’s reliance on low-trust cultures and high welfare systems is leading to social and cultural decline. People fear for the future as crime and instability rise.
  3. The idea of welcoming migrants to bolster declining populations may backfire, as it could threaten the very culture and structure of European societies. There's a risk of losing what makes these societies thrive.

Debate: Should the U.S. Intervene in Iran?

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 352 implied HN points • 17 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics International relations
  1. The U.S. is debating whether to intervene in Iran to stop its nuclear program, especially after Israel's recent actions. It's a big decision for President Trump, who needs to consider if Iran is a real threat.
  2. There are two main views on this issue: one group believes the U.S. should stay out of Middle Eastern conflicts, while the other supports military action to prevent Iran from getting nuclear weapons.
  3. Israeli leaders argue that Iran's threat is not just a regional issue but affects global security, including the U.S. This raises questions about America's role in international conflicts.

In Africa, Russia is playing the West like a fiddle

An Africanist Perspective • 573 implied HN points • 09 Sep 23
🌍 World Politics International relations
  1. Russia's influence in Africa is hyped up in Western media compared to its actual economic and military ties with African states.
  2. African states respond to Russia based on their specific interests and not as puppets, often driven by the desire to access resources at lower costs, especially amidst economic constraints.
  3. African nations should be cautious not to overly rely on Russia militarily or economically, aiming to prioritize domestic sovereignty and economic growth by carefully considering policy decisions and avoid getting deeply entwined with Russia.

US admits weather pushed Chinese balloon off course, US shot down hobbyists' $12 balloon in $2M missile attack

Geopolitical Economy Report • 637 implied HN points • 19 Feb 23
🌍 World Politics International relations
  1. US officials acknowledged the Chinese balloon they shot down was likely blown off course by unexpected weather.
  2. The US Air Force spent roughly $2 million using missiles to destroy a $12 hobbyist balloon, causing unnecessary expenditure.
  3. US intelligence officials later admitted that the Chinese balloon may have been diverted off course by weather, leading to a potential misunderstanding and an unnecessary military response.

Anthropic's Dario Amodei on AI Competition

ChinaTalk • 681 implied HN points • 05 Feb 25
🕹 Technology International relations
  1. The competition in AI between the US and China is becoming more intense, with new players like DeepSeek entering the market. Each country needs to stay ahead to maintain power and safety.
  2. Export controls are important for managing technology sharing and preventing potential misuse of AI by authoritarian regimes. This helps keep a balance while still allowing beneficial uses of AI.
  3. AI has the potential to support democracy and create fairer systems, but it's important to ensure safety and responsible use. The focus should be on how technology is used rather than just who creates it.

Gaza’s Hunger Games

The Chris Hedges Report • 316 implied HN points • 29 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics International relations
  1. Starvation is being used as a weapon against Palestinians. This tactic aims to destroy their ability to sustain themselves and force them to leave their homes.
  2. People are facing extreme dangers while trying to access food. Many risk their lives to reach aid hubs, often facing gunfire and trampling in desperate crowds.
  3. The current situation in Gaza is pushing people into a state of extreme dependence and humiliation, as aid is tightly controlled and often withheld.

Make America a Continent Again

Atlas of Wonders and Monsters • 729 implied HN points • 26 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics International relations
  1. The word 'America' means different things to different people. In many Spanish-speaking countries, it refers to the whole continent, not just the United States.
  2. Donald Trump's actions and statements about territories like Greenland and the Gulf of Mexico may upset international relationships and suggest a more aggressive stance.
  3. The strong American influence on the continent comes with a responsibility to act as a stabilizing power. If Trump fails to do so, it could affect how Americans are viewed in the rest of the Americas.

Ukraine's Zelensky admits he sabotaged Minsk peace deal with Russia, West blocked negotiations

Geopolitical Economy Report • 637 implied HN points • 12 Feb 23
🌍 World Politics International relations
  1. Ukraine's Zelensky admitted to sabotaging the Minsk peace deal with Russia, using it to prepare for war instead of implementing it as agreed.
  2. The West, including former Israeli Prime Minister Bennett, has been reported to have blocked peace negotiations between Ukraine and Russia, favoring escalations over peace talks.
  3. Prior to Russia's invasion of Ukraine in 2022, the West rejected Moscow's demands for written security guarantees, sparking tensions and contributing to the conflict.

Why the U.S. China Hawks are Hurting the U.S.

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 236 implied HN points • 04 Aug 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics International relations
  1. Banning tech exports to China might seem like a smart move, but it actually helps them push their own technology forward.
  2. China is making big strides in semiconductor technology, like creating graphene-based devices that are much faster and more efficient.
  3. American companies are missing out on huge investment opportunities because of strict policies against collaborating with Chinese firms.

Poland's Alarm

Diane Francis • 919 implied HN points • 20 Apr 23
🌍 World Politics International relations
  1. Poland is increasing its military to protect against Russian threats, wanting to lead Europe in security efforts. This shows Poland's strong belief in standing up to aggressors.
  2. European leaders need to pay attention to warnings about rising threats from Russia and China. If they ignore these problems, it could lead to bigger issues for the whole continent.
  3. There is a need for unity among European countries to ensure their security. Smaller nations are stepping up while larger ones like Germany and France may not be doing enough.

Top Links 761 The limits of China's domestic market. Gold digging in Syria. African drone poliferation & the making of Balamory.

Chartbook • 343 implied HN points • 06 Jun 25
🌍 World Politics International relations
  1. China's domestic market has limitations that affect its overall economic growth. Understanding these limits can help us see potential challenges for China's future.
  2. There is ongoing gold mining in Syria, which raises questions about the human and environmental cost. It's important to be aware of the impacts of such activities in conflict zones.
  3. African countries are increasingly using drones, which could change security dynamics on the continent. This shift might lead to both opportunities and risks for the region.

The Not-So-Marvelous Mrs. Merkel

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 830 implied HN points • 12 Dec 24
🌍 World Politics International relations
  1. Angela Merkel was once seen as a strong leader for Western democracy, especially during challenging times in 2016.
  2. Despite her efforts to do what she thought was right, Merkel's time in power is now viewed as having many mistakes.
  3. Her memoir reflects on her life and leadership, but she seems to avoid acknowledging her role in the issues that arose during her chancellorship.

Eye on Eurasia Special Report: The Ukraine Battlelab

Glen’s Substack • 19 implied HN points • 06 Sep 24
🌍 World Politics International relations
  1. Global instability is on the rise because various authoritarian countries are backing Russia, which could lead to more conflicts.
  2. The war has shown how crucial technology is in modern battles, especially with drones and cyber warfare, and the U.S. needs to improve its defense systems against Russian capabilities.
  3. Peace is fragile now, as many countries have the ability and willingness to attack each other, highlighting the importance of keeping arms treaties and agreements.

'World War 3 has already started' between US and Russia/China, argues French scholar

Geopolitical Economy Report • 697 implied HN points • 15 Jan 23
🌍 World Politics International relations
  1. French scholar Emmanuel Todd argues that World War III has begun between the US and Russia/China due to the Ukraine proxy war.
  2. Todd points out that Russia's resilience against Western sanctions challenges the American imperial system and its hold on Europe.
  3. Todd criticizes the overreliance on GDP as a metric, highlighting the adaptive capacity of the Russian economy due to a significant role for the state compared to the US neoliberal economic model.

Why honour matters

kamilkazani • 530 implied HN points • 02 Sep 23
🌍 World Politics International relations
  1. In a polarised environment, global events can become tools for political accusations.
  2. It's dangerous to appease malevolent forces as it can lead to harm.
  3. Making concessions can weaken your position, so it's important to stand firm and not give in.

The most epic (and literal) gaslighting of all time

The Crucial Years • 1903 implied HN points • 05 Mar 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics International relations
  1. Exxon prioritizes profit over renewable energy, stating wind and solar power don't offer sufficient returns for shareholders.
  2. Exxon's history of deceit and denial regarding climate change has hindered progress for decades.
  3. The need for government intervention to address the climate crisis is highlighted, as market profits often impede meaningful solutions.

Realism without the Tragedy?

Taipology • 55 implied HN points • 29 Nov 25
🌍 World Politics International relations
  1. War often comes from the rise of new powers, and resisting this change can lead to conflict. It's important for existing powers to find a way to incorporate rising powers into the order to avoid war.
  2. Honor, fear, and interest are the main reasons for war, not just economics. Clear communication about boundaries is crucial to prevent misunderstandings that can lead to major conflicts.
  3. Current leaders may lack the imagination to see the dangers of nuclear war. We must remember the lessons of the past and not underestimate the consequences of modern warfare.

Putin’s high-stakes space gamble aims to bring the US to the table

Glen’s Substack • 19 implied HN points • 05 Sep 24
🌍 World Politics International relations
  1. Russia is planning to set up a new anti-satellite system, which could threaten U.S. space assets and communications. They might even use a nuclear weapon in space, which would disrupt electronics on a wide scale.
  2. Putin aims to control low Earth orbit because it's crucial for modern warfare and global communication. This control could help him negotiate better with the U.S. over arms talks.
  3. The U.S. should ignore Putin's threats and focus on improving its own space defenses. It's important for the U.S. to have a strong plan in space to counter Russia's ambitions.

Top Links 762 Historicizing fx reserves. Russia's economy running hot. The fall of a fascist explorer & the "Ruler of My Heart".

Chartbook • 329 implied HN points • 07 Jun 25
💰 Finance International relations
  1. FX reserves are important to understand as they reflect a country's financial health and global standing. Historicizing these reserves helps us see how they've changed over time.
  2. Russia's economy is experiencing significant growth, which has both local and global implications. It's a situation worth monitoring as it may affect global markets.
  3. The discussion around a 'fascist explorer' suggests an examination of controversial figures and their influence on society. It highlights the importance of understanding complex historical narratives.

The Putin Pivot

Diane Francis • 839 implied HN points • 04 May 23
🌍 World Politics International relations
  1. Countries around the world are stepping away from Putin as his army struggles in Ukraine. People are noticing the ongoing violence and loss of life.
  2. Russia's military is facing big problems, including shortages of ammo and low morale among troops. Many soldiers are unhappy and refuse to fight without proper support.
  3. The battle for Crimea is key for both Ukraine and Russia. If Ukraine can regain control of Crimea, it could lead to a major shift in the war and possibly impact Putin's power.

Putin's Nuclear Gambit

Diane Francis • 699 implied HN points • 19 Jun 23
🌍 World Politics International relations
  1. Putin's government is under pressure, and they have made nuclear threats that raise serious concerns in the West. The potential use of a nuclear power plant as a dangerous weapon makes the situation even more alarming.
  2. A nuclear attack or even an explosion at a nuclear facility could cause terrible fallout that would affect many countries, not just Ukraine. This poses huge risks to human health and the environment.
  3. Western countries need to respond more strongly to Russia's actions, like moving nuclear weapons to Belarus and occupying Ukraine's nuclear sites. Supporting Ukraine more aggressively could help prevent a nuclear disaster.

Chartbook 333 Asia in the age of polycrisis.

Chartbook • 844 implied HN points • 17 Nov 24
🌍 World Politics International relations
  1. Asia's fast-growing economies may appear to offer solutions to the West's challenges, but that's not the complete picture.
  2. The concept of 'polycrisis' is relevant to both Asia and the West, suggesting interconnected issues that affect both regions.
  3. Understanding these global challenges requires looking beyond regional success stories and recognizing the shared complexities.

October 16 2023

S/FJ • 491 implied HN points • 16 Oct 23
🌍 World Politics International relations
  1. Sasha Frere-Jones' memoir 'Earlier' was released recently with an excerpt in The New York Review and a chapter in Harper's
  2. Attended a Palestine rally in Times Square where the atmosphere was civil despite differing views
  3. Reflecting on various articles and documentaries about the Palestine-Israel conflict, including the perspective of Palestinian Youth Movement