The hottest International relations Substack posts right now

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Top World Politics Topics

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 Geopolitics Military Affairs 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.

Talking the World with Piers Morgan

John’s Substack • 6 implied HN points • 01 Feb 25
🌍 World Politics Conflict International relations Geopolitics Peace Studies Sovereignty
  1. The interview focused on the current situations in Gaza and Ukraine. It's clear that both experts saw little hope for a better outcome in these conflicts.
  2. Both hosts discussed the implications of Donald Trump becoming president again. They believe this could change the dynamics of international relations significantly.
  3. Overall, the conversation left a serious tone. There's a strong feeling that many global issues remain unresolved and could worsen.

The Putin Pivot

Diane Francis • 839 implied HN points • 04 May 23
🌍 World Politics Geopolitics Diplomacy Conflict International relations Military Strategy
  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 Military Strategy Geopolitical Conflicts
  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.
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Zelensky's Five Point Plan is Asking for Ukraine to be Treated like a Normal, Sovereign European State

Phillips’s Newsletter • 92 implied HN points • 16 Oct 24
🌍 World Politics International relations Sovereignty Defense Policy Foreign Aid Geopolitics
  1. Zelensky presented a five-point plan to emphasize Ukraine's right to be treated like any other European country. This is about making Ukraine part of the normal conversation in Europe.
  2. His plan includes reasonable requests for defense support and economic partnerships, which are common for democratic nations. It shows he is not asking for special treatment.
  3. The straightforward nature of his asks indicates a balanced approach, suggesting Ukraine seeks its rightful place in Europe without making extreme demands.

Failure in the Sahel

Comment is Freed • 68 implied HN points • 03 Nov 24
🌍 World Politics International relations Military Strategy Geopolitical analysis Conflict resolution
  1. The Sahel region is experiencing deep instability due to power struggles among armed groups and ineffective governance. This has left many communities feeling unsafe and seeking protection on their own.
  2. Russia has been stepping in where France failed, offering military support to various Sahel countries. However, their tactics have led to increased violence and civilian casualties.
  3. External interventions often struggle when host governments lack commitment and support from their people. Success in the Sahel would require better governance and stability rather than just military force.

October 16 2023

S/FJ • 491 implied HN points • 16 Oct 23
🌍 World Politics Palestine Israel Gaza Occupation 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

It's Now or Never

Séamus Malekafzali • 495 implied HN points • 06 Nov 23
🌍 World Politics Middle East Conflict Military Global Alliances 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 Geopolitics International relations Military Strategy Political Leadership Conflict resolution
  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.

Europe/Germany Has Failed (Because Ukraine Did Better Than Expected)

Phillips’s Newsletter • 91 implied HN points • 15 Oct 24
🌍 World Politics International relations European Politics National Security Military Strategy Geopolitics
  1. Europe has struggled to respond effectively to major challenges, leading to divisions and inaction among its countries and institutions.
  2. The 'Zeitenwende' speech by Germany's Chancellor Scholz marked a significant moment, but it hasn't led to the expected changes in Europe's stance after the invasion of Ukraine.
  3. There are doubts about whether Europe can succeed as a united entity in the face of these challenges, especially when relying on external influences to force action.

Putin's Ethnic Cleansing

Diane Francis • 959 implied HN points • 18 Mar 23
🌍 World Politics International relations War Crimes Human Rights Ethnic conflict Geopolitics
  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.

Nyhetsbrev steigan.no 10.02.2025

steigan.no • 4 implied HN points • 10 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government Economy Debt Policy International relations
  1. The real US national debt might be over $158 trillion, far more than the official $36 trillion. This puts huge pressure on programs like Social Security and Medicare, warning that they could run out of funds in the near future.
  2. High and unpredictable electricity prices in Norway are partly due to Europe's move away from Russian gas, not just new power cables. This shift has serious implications for energy prices and policies.
  3. Many current European political debates could be better understood through psychology, as leaders seem to avoid confronting failures directly, instead focusing on less relevant issues.

Updated! Here's Why, We Are Not On The Precipice Of WWIII.

C.O.P. Central Organizing Principle. • 36 implied HN points • 27 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy Military Strategy International relations Political Rhetoric
  1. The U.S. has been slowly increasing its military involvement in Ukraine, which some see as a form of 'mission creep'. This has led to fears of escalating tensions with Russia.
  2. Russia has developed advanced weapons that could change the balance of power, making it hard for the U.S. to respond effectively in a conflict. This might deter any first-strike nuclear action from both sides.
  3. Politicians in the U.S. often exaggerate the threat of nuclear war for political gain, but many believe that actual war is unlikely due to the principle of mutually assured destruction.

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 Fiscal policy Development Corruption
  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 Geopolitics Conflict International relations Military
  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.

TikTok in Romania

Never Met a Science • 44 implied HN points • 26 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Influence Social media Elections International relations Sovereignty
  1. Control of social media platforms is critical for national politics. Countries need to ensure they can manage the information shared on these platforms to protect their sovereignty.
  2. Influencers can significantly impact political campaigns, especially on platforms like TikTok. Targeted content can boost a candidate's visibility and sway public opinion quickly.
  3. The global reach of social media poses risks to smaller countries. Many nations may lack the resources to effectively combat misinformation or foreign influence on these platforms.

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 Security Council Sanctions 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 Geopolitics International relations Diplomacy Security
  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.

THE NEW CEASEFIRE EQUATION

Seymour Hersh • 29 implied HN points • 20 Dec 24
🌍 World Politics Middle East International relations Conflict resolution Geopolitics Peace negotiations
  1. Saudi Arabia is getting involved in talks between Israel and Hamas, which could change how Gaza is rebuilt in the future. This is a new factor that hasn't been part of earlier negotiations.
  2. In exchange for support in rebuilding Gaza, Saudi Arabia might get defense deals with the U.S. to protect against Iran's nuclear threats. This includes the possibility of the U.S. providing a defense shield for Saudi Arabia.
  3. The talks involve the potential for a two-state solution, which Israel's leadership has generally rejected. However, there's cautious optimism about creating new political leadership for the Palestinians in Gaza.

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 Geopolitics International relations Globalization Security Imperialism
  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 Diplomacy Geopolitics Foreign Policy Alliances
  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

December 26, 2024

Letters from an American • 19 implied HN points • 27 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Commentary International relations Elections Sovereignty Geopolitics
  1. Social media posts, especially by leaders like Trump, can be confusing and may seem more like entertainment than serious political statements. They blend truth and falsehoods, making it hard for people to know what's real.
  2. Trump's recent claims about taking over parts of other nations show a shift from his previous promises, like lowering grocery prices. This change highlights a focus on bold statements rather than actionable plans.
  3. The ongoing tension with Russia and its attacks on Ukraine threaten international peace and the rules that countries have respected since World War II. Leaders like Biden emphasize the need for global cooperation to support Ukraine against aggression.

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 Geopolitics Conflict International relations Warfare
  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.

Russia vs. Ukraine & the West: Who Has a Firmer Grip on Reality?

John’s Substack • 6 implied HN points • 30 Jan 25
🌍 World Politics Conflict International relations Geopolitics Diplomacy Security
  1. Russians have a clearer understanding of the war in Ukraine, which affects their strategy and decision-making.
  2. The differences in perspective between the Russians, Ukrainians, and the West could make it harder to reach a peace agreement.
  3. Having a firmer grip on reality might give Russia an advantage in negotiations.

Mysteries at the Top of Sky and at the Bottom of the Swamp: Drones, Barbarians and Gatekeepers (Part One)

Dr. Pippa's Pen & Podcast • 27 implied HN points • 16 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Security Defense Surveillance Government International relations
  1. There are many mysterious drone sightings happening all over the world, especially close to sensitive areas like military bases and nuclear sites. This raises questions about who is operating these drones and why they are flying in these restricted airspaces.
  2. The U.S. government's lack of response or clarity about these drone activities seems strange. It leads people to wonder if there is more going on that the public isn't being told, or if they fear that acknowledging these threats could escalate tensions with foreign nations.
  3. Some theories suggest the drones might be linked to foreign powers or even covert government operations. This uncertainty leaves local authorities frustrated and worried about potential dangers.

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

Geopolitical Economy Report • 538 implied HN points • 04 Feb 23
🌍 World Politics Geopolitics Imperialism International relations Economic Systems Globalization
  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.

BIBI UNBOWED

Seymour Hersh • 36 implied HN points • 05 Dec 24
🌍 World Politics Middle East International relations Political Leadership Military Strategy Conflict analysis
  1. Netanyahu remains popular among the extreme religious right in Israel despite facing corruption charges. His political support appears strong even after significant military actions in Gaza and Lebanon.
  2. Israel has seen increased military and financial backing from the U.S., which helps bolster Netanyahu's government amid a struggling economy.
  3. Netanyahu's family life seems complicated, with his sons living comfortably abroad while many peers serve in the military during ongoing conflicts.

Life after Twitter

lawrence’s Substack • 499 implied HN points • 21 Apr 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Policy Opinion International relations Military Humanitarian Aid
  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 Ukraine Conflict Reconstruction International relations Military
  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.

The Sword Is Mightier...

Trying to Understand the World • 6 implied HN points • 22 Jan 25
🌍 World Politics International relations Military Strategy Geopolitics Conflict resolution Diplomatic Affairs
  1. Military action should always have a clear purpose, focusing on the political goals you want to achieve. This prevents the mistakes of sending forces just to 'show determination' without a real plan.
  2. Creating lasting peace requires knowing what the end situation should look like. If no one agrees on the goals, it's hard to move forward and find solutions that work for everyone involved.
  3. Using military forces to solve political issues often fails. A successful resolution needs to be driven by political agreement, not just military presence, to avoid further conflict.

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 Leadership Policy Economic issues International relations Government
  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.

Nyhetsbrev steigan.no 26.01.2025

steigan.no • 8 implied HN points • 26 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Energy Policy Government Regulation International relations Political parties Climate change
  1. The EU's energy package seems to not really matter, but it could lead to a government crisis in Norway if pushed through. People are confused about whether these new laws are important or not.
  2. Slovakia is accusing Ukraine of launching a massive cyber attack against them, which could signal deeper political issues in the region involving foreign influences.
  3. In Norway, there is strong opposition against a major wind power project that threatens local nature and wildlife, showcasing a growing resistance against large energy developments.

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 Geopolitics International relations Global Development National sovereignty
  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.

When Ukraine Is Over ...

Trying to Understand the World • 8 implied HN points • 15 Jan 25
🌍 World Politics International relations Conflict resolution Diplomacy Geopolitics Security Studies
  1. Ending a war is complicated and involves different types of agreements. There are various steps to consider, like ceasing hostilities and addressing the conflict's root causes.
  2. Negotiations can be tricky since different parties might have different motivations and understandings. What one side sees as an agreement, the other might see as a temporary measure.
  3. For peace to happen, all involved must genuinely want to end the fighting and agree on terms that are acceptable to everyone. If there’s not real commitment, even signed agreements may not hold up.