The hottest International relations Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
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Top World Politics Topics

It's Now or Never

Séamus Malekafzali • 495 implied HN points • 06 Nov 23
🌍 World Politics International relations
  1. Hezbollah and other allies in the Axis of Resistance faced a major test of their purpose amidst conflict in Gaza and Israel.
  2. Significant escalation in tensions was seen with the involvement of various groups and nations, including threats of military action from the Houthis.
  3. The absence of a prompt response from Nasrallah raised questions and anticipation of further actions from Hezbollah.

Poison, Putsch, or Prigozhin?

Diane Francis • 779 implied HN points • 15 May 23
🌍 World Politics International relations
  1. Evgeny Prigozhin from Wagner Group is publicly criticizing Russia's military failures, which shows that things might be unstable in the Kremlin. His actions suggest he could be positioning himself for a potential leadership role if there's a regime change.
  2. Russia's military is facing significant issues, with reports of retreats and poor leadership. This might lead to a potential coup where military leaders and oligarchs come together to replace Putin if conditions worsen.
  3. The internal conflict within Russia is growing as Prigozhin highlights the flaws in military strategies. If Russia continues to struggle in the war, the next leader will need to pivot from aggressive nationalism to seek peace and address the country's issues.

John Bolton: Why America Needs Greenland

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 709 implied HN points • 03 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics International relations
  1. The idea of the U.S. buying Greenland isn't new, and Trump has talked about it several times, suggesting it's important for national security.
  2. Greenland has historical ties to U.S. security interests, especially since World War II, when it helped protect against threats in the North Atlantic.
  3. Ambassador John Bolton believes there's a strong case for the U.S. to pursue this acquisition, although he thinks Trump's approach has complicated things.

Putin's Ethnic Cleansing

Diane Francis • 959 implied HN points • 18 Mar 23
🌍 World Politics International relations
  1. The International Criminal Court has issued a warrant for Putin, accusing him of war crimes related to the kidnapping and abuse of Ukrainian children. This severely damages his reputation and complicates Russia's relationship with China.
  2. Evidence shows that Russia has committed genocide by forcibly deporting and adopting Ukrainian children without consent. This has caused immense suffering for families and has been documented as a violation of international law.
  3. Negotiating with Putin is deemed impossible because attempts at peace would allow him to retain stolen territories. The situation reflects a larger narrative of unchecked aggression and violence against innocent civilians.

Trump and the Rise of Asia

Global Inequality and More 3.0 • 770 implied HN points • 03 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics International relations
  1. Western elites feel confused and uneasy with Trump's approach, much like Eastern European elites felt with Gorbachev. They see him as changing the norms that they are used to.
  2. European leaders are struggling to adapt to changes brought by Trump. They tend to view his presidency as a temporary disruption rather than a challenge to their rule.
  3. China's rise is shifting economic power away from the West, and many in the Western middle class may feel a decline in their global status as Asian economies grow rapidly.
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An illustration of the high cost of low state (fiscal) capacity in Liberia

An Africanist Perspective • 494 implied HN points • 28 Apr 23
🌍 World Politics International relations
  1. The high cost of low state capacity in Liberia impacts public services and infrastructure, highlighting the need for economic growth over only focusing on governance and corruption.
  2. Poverty in Liberia severely limits the government's fiscal capacity, affecting its ability to provide public goods and services. The country's annual budget per capita is significantly lower than other regions, making it challenging to maintain essential services.
  3. The US Ambassador to Liberia pointed out significant mismanagement of funds in critical sectors like healthcare and education. This points to a need for better spending of allocated funds and an improvement in service delivery to benefit the citizens.

The Black Sea is now the center of gravity for the Ukraine War

Glen’s Substack • 19 implied HN points • 03 Sep 24
🌍 World Politics International relations
  1. The Black Sea is becoming a key focus in the Ukraine War, especially regarding Crimea. Ukrainian forces aim to weaken Russian military presence in this area.
  2. Ukraine’s naval strategy has been effective, causing significant losses to the Russian Black Sea Fleet. Recent military actions have forced Russia to retreat and protect their ships more closely.
  3. Ukrainian President Zelensky emphasizes the importance of isolating Crimea to reduce attacks on Ukraine. Gaining control in the Black Sea is seen as crucial for the country's defense.

The United Nations Colonized Palestine

JoeWrote • 67 implied HN points • 26 Nov 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics International relations
  1. Israel has repeatedly violated ceasefires, resulting in many civilian casualties, while the situation for Palestinians remains extremely dangerous.
  2. The recent U.N. resolution backed a plan that essentially allows foreign oversight and control over Gaza without recognizing Palestinian rights or statehood.
  3. The ongoing discourse around the two-state solution often ignores the reality of Palestinian suffering and appears to favor maintaining the status quo rather than promoting genuine peace.

Dossier Center Translation: The British business of a new member of the Security Council

Unmasking Russia • 255 implied HN points • 30 Jan 24
🌍 World Politics International relations
  1. Gennady Krasnikov is a member of the Russian Security Council without any sanctions imposed, but his family's business connections could potentially lead to complications.
  2. Krasnikov's wife owns a stake in a major Russian insurer through a British company connected to high-ranking security officials.
  3. Membership in the Security Council can prompt international sanctions, as seen with other members, making Krasnikov's position vulnerable.

German lawmaker denounces Ukraine 'proxy war' and US 'terrorist attack' on Nord Stream pipelines

Geopolitical Economy Report • 538 implied HN points • 24 Feb 23
🌍 World Politics International relations
  1. German lawmaker Sevim Dağdelen criticizes NATO's involvement in Ukraine as a 'proxy war' and highlights the EU acting as 'vassals' to the US.
  2. Dağdelen condemns the economic war against Russia and calls for Europe to assert its independence and prioritize diplomacy to end the conflict in Ukraine.
  3. The lack of outrage over the alleged US 'terrorist attack' on the German-Russian Nord Stream pipelines illustrates Germany's subservience to the US, revealing the need for truth and peace initiatives to counter war propaganda.

Odds and Ends #48: The most important week of Labour government so far?

Odds and Ends of History • 737 implied HN points • 23 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics International relations
  1. New Zealand's Parliament is unique and different from what you might expect. The atmosphere there is more relaxed and open to discussions.
  2. There's a discussion about a very significant week for the Labour government, suggesting it may have impacted its future direction strongly.
  3. A British tech company has reached unicorn status, showing that innovation and success are happening in the UK tech scene.

NATO/West or Global Majority? Unipolar destruction or multipolar development? The world must choose

Geopolitical Economy Report • 358 implied HN points • 05 Dec 23
🌍 World Politics International relations
  1. The world is at a critical point between NATO/West and the Global Majority, offering a choice between unipolar destruction or multipolar development.
  2. Political economists analyze the fracturing international order, discussing conflicts in Israel, Ukraine, Russia, Argentina, and Europe.
  3. There is a growing polarization within Western countries, with emphasis on pursuing militaristic policies versus policies favoring peace and development in line with other global majority countries like China and Russia.

Taiwan separatists lose key ally, Honduras recognizes China - just 12 small countries remain

Geopolitical Economy Report • 478 implied HN points • 16 Mar 23
🌍 World Politics International relations
  1. Honduras has shifted its diplomatic recognition from Taiwan to China, leaving just 12 small countries supporting Taiwan separatists
  2. The majority of the global population resides in countries recognizing the People's Republic of China while Taiwan is acknowledged officially only by a handful of countries
  3. The decision by Honduras to break ties with Taiwan and embrace China is largely driven by economic factors, especially China's offered assistance in dealing with Honduras' significant economic challenges

Joint statement on Israeli sanctions against the media

Distributed Email of Secrets • 759 implied HN points • 10 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics International relations
  1. Israel imposed sanctions on Haaretz, a major newspaper, preventing it from receiving government funding and contact from government employees. This is seen as an attempt to control the media narrative surrounding the government actions.
  2. The government has also targeted international media like Al Jazeera, which raises concerns about press freedom in the region. Many have criticized these actions as dangerous and suppressive.
  3. Organizations are calling for the international community to support press freedom and lift the sanctions against media outlets in Israel and Palestine.

Top Links 763 Windsor, Ontario. On the trade war frontline. Protecting the naira. Guinea Savannah Zone land-grabbing.

Chartbook • 300 implied HN points • 08 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics International relations
  1. Windsor, Ontario is heavily impacted by ongoing trade tensions, particularly between the U.S. and Canada. This makes it a key spot to watch in discussions about trade wars.
  2. The protection of the naira, Nigeria's currency, highlights struggles for economic stability in the region. Keeping the currency stable is important for the country's economy.
  3. Land-grabbing in the Guinea Savannah Zone raises concerns about land rights and agriculture. It's essential to address these issues to protect local communities and their resources.

The Democrats Praying for an Open Convention

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 1683 implied HN points • 11 Mar 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics International relations
  1. Speculation about Michelle Obama entering the presidential race as an alternative to Joe Biden is circulating, but Michelle Obama has repeated she will not be running for president.
  2. Concerns are rising among Democratic insiders about President Biden's declining faculties and the need for a possible replacement before the next election.
  3. There's a complex dynamic between President Biden and Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu, but a change in Israeli leadership may have to come from within, not due to external pressures.

How Biden Helped Bring War to Ukraine

Nonzero Newsletter • 542 implied HN points • 24 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics International relations
  1. The U.S. adopted a more aggressive stance toward Russia after Biden became president, which changed the situation in Ukraine. This shift is seen as a major factor that contributed to the outbreak of war.
  2. Ukrainian President Zelensky initially aimed to make peace with Russia but faced pressure from both local nationalists and U.S. officials who feared his approach would weaken Ukraine's position.
  3. Trump's presidency was associated with a different strategy towards Russia that allowed for some diplomatic conversations. Some argue that his policies might have prevented the large-scale conflict we see now.

All These Israeli Agendas Were Planned Long In Advance

Caitlin’s Newsletter • 526 implied HN points • 26 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics International relations
  1. Israel has clear long-term goals in the Middle East and they are taking military actions to achieve them. This includes strengthening their position in Syria and Lebanon while pushing for changes in Gaza and the West Bank.
  2. The narrative around military and political support often has misleading implications. Support for certain countries or actions can sometimes be used to justify violence against innocent people.
  3. There are skeptical views on public figures and their true motives, especially in politics and media. People should be cautious about trusting narratives that seem convenient for powerful interests.

Ukraine conflict ‘caused by Europeans' love of war, hegemony’, says Malaysia's ex leader

Geopolitical Economy Report • 498 implied HN points • 01 Mar 23
🌍 World Politics International relations
  1. According to Malaysia's ex-leader Mahathir Mohamad, the conflict in Ukraine is a result of Europeans' love for war and dominance.
  2. Mahathir warns that the situation could escalate to become the beginning of a Third World War.
  3. He criticizes Western actions that have led to sanctions, shortages of supplies, and tensions in regions like East Asia.

Top Links 639 Buybacks over investment in the US military-industrial complex. The Indian economy shifts gear. RAND on burden-sharing & Britain's wars of decolonization.

Chartbook • 557 implied HN points • 04 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics International relations
  1. There's a discussion about how companies are focusing more on buybacks instead of investing in important areas like the military complex. It raises questions about the priorities of businesses.
  2. The Indian economy appears to be making significant progress. This could indicate shifts in global economic dynamics and growth in emerging markets.
  3. A report from RAND explores how countries share defense responsibilities, particularly relating to Britain's historical wars. This could provide insights into current international relations and military commitments.

Tariffs, Chaos, & the G6: I Watch Adam Posen as an Eloquent Cassandra on the Economic Wages of Pluto-Populist Trade-Policy Folly

Brad DeLong's Grasping Reality • 269 implied HN points • 18 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics International relations
  1. Tariffs can harm regular American families by increasing prices and creating uncertainty. They may seem like a good idea to support local industries, but they often backfire.
  2. The U.S. is becoming more isolated in global trade because of unpredictable policies. Other countries will easily find new trade partners, leaving the U.S. at a disadvantage.
  3. The chaos caused by tariffs leads to significant financial burdens on lower-income households. The overall economic impact will hurt many people, especially those with less money.

🎇💥 Strike on Iran shows why US doesn't want to lose the AI race

Faster, Please! • 274 implied HN points • 23 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics International relations
  1. Keeping up with technology is crucial now. Being behind can mean falling behind in significant areas like defense.
  2. Advanced military tech, like stealth jets and AI, gave a major edge in recent conflicts. This shows how important new tech is in today's warfare.
  3. As AI gets smarter, it could create an even bigger gap in military capabilities. This has people worried about who will lead in future tech.

Saying "Hamas Just Needs To Surrender" Is Saying "We'll Kill Kids Until We Get What We Want"

Caitlin’s Newsletter • 1625 implied HN points • 09 Mar 24
🌍 World Politics International relations
  1. Saying 'Hamas Just Needs To Surrender' equates to endorsing killing children until demands are met.
  2. The US and Israel view civilian casualties in Gaza as Hamas's fault for not yielding to military demands.
  3. US aid to Gaza is used as leverage to pressure Hamas, supporting the starvation and coercion of Gazan civilians.

✨⏩ JD Vance offers an accelerationist AI vision in Paris

Faster, Please! • 548 implied HN points • 11 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics International relations
  1. JD Vance spoke about how technology can empower workers instead of taking their jobs away. It's important to focus on how AI can help people do their jobs better.
  2. He emphasized the need for more support in areas that are less technologically advanced. Investing in the heartland can help create a balanced economy.
  3. Vance's speech addressed the idea of balancing innovation with careful development. It's crucial to ensure that the rapid growth of AI doesn’t lead to negative social impacts.

US 'neo-imperialist' dollar scheme explained by economist Yanis Varoufakis

Geopolitical Economy Report • 538 implied HN points • 04 Feb 23
🌍 World Politics International relations
  1. Economist Yanis Varoufakis explains the US dollar's role in 'neo-imperialism' and how it finances a significant trade deficit worldwide.
  2. Varoufakis challenges the austerity measures imposed by EU/IMF during his time as Greece's finance minister, expressing concerns about the loss of national sovereignty.
  3. Varoufakis continues his activism, forming a political movement, campaigning for Julian Assange's release, and advocating for a new global economic order.

Who speaks of the Armenians?

Wrong Side of History • 731 implied HN points • 19 Nov 24
🌍 World Politics International relations
  1. The Armenian genocide in 1915-1917 is often overlooked, despite its horrific nature. Many Armenians fear that the hatred from that time still exists, leading to more violence.
  2. The conflict between Armenia and Azerbaijan has roots in historical tensions, but it intensified with recent wars over the Nagorno-Karabakh region. Many civilians have suffered and been forced to flee.
  3. Azerbaijan has significant oil and gas resources that influence its global relationships, often overshadowing its human rights abuses. Western countries continue to engage with Baku for energy supplies, ignoring its actions against Armenians.

Life after Twitter

lawrence’s Substack • 499 implied HN points • 21 Apr 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics International relations
  1. The author is moving away from Twitter to focus on writing about various subjects like Tesla, energy policy, music, and more.
  2. The author expresses discontent with current political situations and ideologies, rooting for individual freedom and less government interference.
  3. There is a strong support for aiding Ukraine in its fight for freedom against Russia and the author advocates for US intervention to weaken Russia and send a message to China.

Ukraine 9

Sour Milk • 255 implied HN points • 14 Jan 24
🌍 World Politics International relations
  1. Ukraine has suffered significant losses in soldiers and citizens, with America spending billions on a war with unclear objectives.
  2. Blackrock and other powerful entities stand to benefit financially from the conflict in Ukraine, while soldiers on the frontlines face a bleak reality.
  3. The appointment of wealthy individuals like Penny Pritzker and corporate entities like Blackrock for Ukraine's reconstruction raises concerns about ulterior motives and the future of the nation.

Trade: How Free is Too Free?

ChinaTalk • 533 implied HN points • 03 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics International relations
  1. US trade policy has evolved over 250 years, reflecting different political interests and economic conditions. This history shows that trade debates have always been intense and sometimes divisive.
  2. Tariffs serve three main purposes: to raise revenue, restrict imports to protect local jobs, and enable reciprocal trade agreements. Each of these has played a significant role in shaping the US trade landscape.
  3. Recent trade policies, especially under Trump, have likely created lasting changes in US-China relations. These changes may make it hard for future administrations to return to previous trade norms.

The Typology of China Envy

Taipology • 202 implied HN points • 19 Jul 25
🌍 World Politics International relations
  1. China has made huge progress, lifting 800 million people out of poverty, and now its economy is too big to ignore. This might change global power dynamics.
  2. Different people have strong and varied opinions about China's growth and political policies, ranging from skeptics to supporters, and these views are shifting as China becomes a more prominent player in the world.
  3. The situation in Taiwan is complex, and while there’s concern about potential conflicts, there’s also hope that China will prioritize peace due to its economic interests.

Ignore What Western Officials Say About Israel; Watch Their Actions Instead

Caitlin’s Newsletter • 1667 implied HN points • 13 Feb 24
🌍 World Politics International relations
  1. It's important to focus on the actions of Western officials regarding Israel, rather than their words.
  2. Many officials express concern publicly about Israel's actions, but their lack of concrete actions speaks volumes.
  3. By observing the actual movements of money, weapons, and resources, one can uncover the true intentions of officials.

Small State Power: Be Like Denmark

Phillips’s Newsletter • 226 implied HN points • 16 Jul 25
🌍 World Politics International relations
  1. Denmark is showing that even small countries can have a big impact, especially with their support for Ukraine and military investments. Their strong public finances make it easier for them to spend on defense.
  2. Unlike some larger nations, Denmark has rapidly stepped up its military capabilities after feeling pressures from geopolitical changes. They are making big announcements about new equipment and strategies regularly.
  3. Denmark sets a good example for other European countries by investing in defense and collaborating with allies. They are proving that it's important to act quickly and seriously in security matters.

Syria’s Christians: ‘We Have No Reason to Trust Al-Jolani’

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 667 implied HN points • 13 Dec 24
🌍 World Politics International relations
  1. Syria's Christians feel uncertain about their future, especially after a new rebel group took control. They are worried about persecution due to the rebels' past actions.
  2. Many Christians in Syria have experienced violence and loss, which has left them fearful for their safety. They worry about what will happen next under the new leadership.
  3. Trust in the new rebel leader, Al-Jolani, is very low among the Christian community. They see him as a threat rather than a protector.

The honeymoon is over for Rishi Sunak's faltering premiership

Inside-Out, political commentary from Philip Stephens • 432 implied HN points • 30 Jun 23
🌍 World Politics International relations
  1. Rishi Sunak's premiership is no longer viewed positively due to economic issues and failing public services.
  2. Sunak's focus on addressing issues one by one is now seen as a weakness rather than a strength.
  3. There is criticism that Sunak lacks political imagination and a clear guiding political purpose.

Multipolarity: China, Russia, Israel, India, and the difficult birth of a new world

Geopolitical Economy Report • 398 implied HN points • 22 Oct 23
🌍 World Politics International relations
  1. The world is on the brink of a potential nuclear war, with the West being the most irresponsible and reckless actor, leading to a dangerous situation.
  2. International relations are not just about nations, but about the interests of elites within those nations, often conflicting with the broader interests of the population.
  3. Cooperation for development, like the Belt and Road Initiative, outweighs conflict and domination, offering a path towards stability and progress.