The hottest International relations Substack posts right now

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Top World Politics Topics

War Rations

Doomberg • 7638 implied HN points • 06 Dec 25
🌍 World Politics International relations
  1. China has built a vast underground tunnel system for its military, which raises concerns about its nuclear capabilities. Many experts believe this could mean China has more nuclear warheads than previously reported.
  2. Recent tensions between China and Japan, especially regarding Taiwan, have caused severe diplomatic and economic rifts. China has reacted strongly to Japan's new military stances and comments about Taiwan.
  3. China's actions in the energy and commodity markets suggest it may be preparing for potential conflict. This could indicate that they are gearing up for military action to regain control over Taiwan.

Europe's foremost pantsuit retard Ursula von der Leyen calls abandoning nuclear power "a strategic mistake" – fifteen years after supporting the nuclear phase-out

eugyppius: a plague chronicle • 228 implied HN points • 10 Mar 26
🌍 World Politics International relations
  1. In 2011 she supported Germany’s nuclear phase-out, saying Fukushima proved a worst-case accident could happen even in high-tech countries.
  2. Germany’s shutdowns and efforts to persuade other European nations away from nuclear have cut nuclear’s share of power and are blamed for higher energy costs and weaker industrial competitiveness.
  3. Now she says abandoning nuclear was a strategic mistake and urges the EU to lead in nuclear technology, but Germany’s government maintains its national phase-out is irreversible.

Turnabout Is Fair Play

Doomberg • 6597 implied HN points • 29 Nov 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics International relations
  1. Rare earth elements, especially neodymium, are crucial for the electric vehicle and wind energy industries. These materials are used in high-performance magnets that power modern technologies.
  2. China currently has a strong grip on the global supply of rare earths, using this leverage in its economic dealings. This situation highlights the irony of China’s reliance on coal even as it promotes green energy.
  3. The US is making significant investments to reduce its dependency on China for rare earths. There’s potential for the US to utilize its coal resources to help close the gap in rare earth production.

How China Became the World’s Biggest Shipbuilder

Construction Physics • 28185 implied HN points • 18 Jul 25
💼 Business International relations
  1. China is now the biggest shipbuilder in the world, producing over half of all commercial ships. This growth followed years of effort and investment in the shipbuilding industry.
  2. China's shipbuilding journey began in the 1970s after it recovered from the impact of war, and it steadily improved by learning from foreign technology and practices. Over time, it started producing more complex ships.
  3. Despite its current dominance, China still faces challenges in ship quality and efficiency compared to industry leaders. They are working on improving these areas to maintain their competitive edge.

Trump starts to break things

Noahpinion • 74295 implied HN points • 02 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics International relations
  1. Trump's new tariffs on Canada and Mexico could raise prices for American consumers. These tariffs might hurt people's wallets and lead to higher costs for everyday goods.
  2. The tariffs may disrupt American manufacturers' supply chains, making it harder for them to compete. This could lower the production efficiency of U.S. companies that rely on imports from these countries.
  3. There is uncertainty about the impact of these tariffs on trade relations. If Trump keeps them in place, it could harm relationships with allies and create economic instability.
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Top Links 1018 The geography of US inflation. Crushing Cuba. A third industrial divide. Cornel West on Hegel.

Chartbook • 529 implied HN points • 19 Feb 26
🌍 World Politics International relations
  1. US inflation is uneven: different states and regions are facing very different price pressures, and those geographic patterns matter for policy and everyday life.
  2. There are signs Texas could drift toward deflation, which would mean falling prices locally and unusual challenges for the state economy.
  3. The conversation links politics, industry, and ideas — from harsh developments in Cuba and a possible 'third industrial divide' reshaping manufacturing to intellectual debates like Cornel West's reading of Hegel.

DWN Interview with Harald Kujat: Ukraine Support Without Peace Strategy

Glenn’s Substack • 659 implied HN points • 08 Sep 24
🌍 World Politics International relations
  1. Neither Ukraine nor Russia can truly win the war. Both sides are unlikely to achieve their political goals, and ongoing support from the West may not change the military balance.
  2. Ukraine's recent offensive into Russian territory may turn out to be a risky move rather than a game-changer. The action could lead to greater military challenges as Ukraine stretches its resources thin.
  3. A peaceful resolution to the conflict seems increasingly distant. Both sides have strong preconditions for negotiations, and external factors like upcoming U.S. elections could impact the situation further.

Xi Jinping is the main thing holding China back

Noahpinion • 23823 implied HN points • 28 Jul 25
🌍 World Politics International relations
  1. Xi Jinping's leadership style concentrates power, which can lead to bad decisions without checks. This makes it hard for China to adapt and improve.
  2. China's economy is currently strong, but Xi's focus on manufacturing over innovation may hold back future growth and living standards for its people.
  3. As Xi ages, his increasing paranoia and need to secure his position could distract him from addressing important issues, leading to a slower economy and less opportunity for the Chinese people.

Agreeing with Piers on Iran

John’s Substack • 10 implied HN points • 22 Mar 26
🌍 World Politics International relations
  1. Two commentators who normally disagree are in close agreement about the current state of the Iran war and where it seems to be heading.
  2. A public discussion highlighted two contrasting voices: a sharp Middle East expert and a government-aligned spokesperson who predicts a decisive victory for Israel and the US.
  3. The exchange underscores a split in perspectives — skeptical observers versus official optimism — leaving the ultimate outcome uncertain.

The Saturday Read: A furious year

The Saturday Read • 419 implied HN points • 05 Oct 24
🌍 World Politics International relations
  1. The Middle East is facing ongoing violence and conflict, especially after significant events like the Hamas attack on Israel. Many believe lasting peace will require changes in Iran.
  2. There is no single 'Catholic vote' in American politics; Catholics often have diverse views that don't fit neatly into either party. This means candidates should engage with Catholic voters carefully.
  3. Green Day's album 'American Idiot' had a powerful impact by encouraging youth to oppose George W. Bush. Its fun style helped spread a serious political message.

God Help Us, Let's Try To Have An Opinion On The War In Gaza

Astral Codex Ten • 6332 implied HN points • 18 Nov 25
🌍 World Politics International relations
  1. It’s important to have an opinion about the war in Gaza, as it affects many people and their lives. Engaging with this topic helps us understand the broader implications and human experiences involved.
  2. Different perspectives on the conflict exist, and it's crucial to listen to various viewpoints. This can help us form a more balanced and informed opinion.
  3. Expressing our thoughts on such a complex issue can be challenging, but it encourages dialogue and understanding. It’s okay to seek clarity and ask questions as we navigate this situation.

Israel And Its Supporters Deliberately Foment Hate And Division In Our Society

Caitlin’s Newsletter • 2570 implied HN points • 03 Jan 26
🌍 World Politics International relations
  1. Israel and its supporters deliberately stoke fear of “radical Islam” to divert criticism and boost support in Western countries.
  2. This strategy increases racism and social division, drowning out legitimate criticism by shifting attention and hatred onto Muslims.
  3. Instead of changing course, Israel leans on propaganda, censorship, and threats of violence to maintain support, implying its current form depends on ongoing abuse.

Ed Luttwak on Military Revolutions

ChinaTalk • 800 implied HN points • 03 Feb 26
🌍 World Politics International relations
  1. Technology can change warfare suddenly when a new capability breaks old assumptions, and opponents then adapt; you must study action–reaction dynamics and the different levels of war (tactical, operational, theater) because success at one level can be undone at another.
  2. Deterrence works in the mind of the adversary, so you must threaten what that adversary actually values and fears rather than attacking irrelevant proxies; cultural and political differences shape what will or won’t deter.
  3. Removing war from a region can sap its political and demographic dynamism and leave states less "capax belli," and rising powers that challenge the naval order protecting global commerce risk provoking balancing coalitions and strategic failure.

We're Always Told That Everyone In The Empire-Targeted Nation Hates Their Government

Caitlin’s Newsletter • 1830 implied HN points • 13 Jan 26
🌍 World Politics International relations
  1. People in countries targeted for regime change are not a political monolith; there are always diverse opinions about their government.
  2. Talk about bringing “democracy” or “freedom” is often used as a pretext to justify intervention and install puppet regimes that serve imperial interests.
  3. When westerners cheer for foreign regime change they can feed propaganda and enable military action, so outsiders should avoid pushing intervention and let the people in that country decide their future.

NATO's War on Russia

Glenn’s Substack • 1099 implied HN points • 19 Aug 24
🌍 World Politics International relations
  1. NATO's involvement in Ukraine started with the 2014 coup, which led to increased tensions with Russia. This has shaped the current conflict, making it more than just a territorial dispute.
  2. Russia's responses to NATO's actions have been cautious, as they fear escalating to nuclear war. They are carefully considering how to react without triggering a larger conflict.
  3. The narrative in Western media portrays Russia as the sole aggressor, ignoring the complexities of NATO's role. This can limit discussions on diplomatic solutions and foster more hostility.

How would the EU react to a second US coup attempt?

Gulf Stream Blues • 59 implied HN points • 24 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics International relations
  1. The EU is anxious about the upcoming US election and how the results could affect their political stability. They are worried about a possible repeat of Trump's refusal to concede and the chaos that could follow.
  2. EU leaders might face a tough choice on whether to recognize a win for Kamala Harris if Trump doesn't concede. This could create divisions within Europe, especially with leaders like Viktor Orban supporting Trump.
  3. If Trump attempts another coup, the EU’s response will be complicated. Many European countries rely on the US for security, leaving them unsure about how to react to a potential US dictatorship.

Western democracies are actually pretty good at war

Noahpinion • 21706 implied HN points • 19 Jun 25
🌍 World Politics International relations
  1. Western democracies can actually be very effective in wars, often outperforming autocracies when they choose to engage. This challenges the common belief that autocratic regimes are inherently stronger in military situations.
  2. Democracies tend to be more careful about the wars they fight, often only choosing battles when they have a good chance of winning, which contributes to their higher success rates. Their economy and technological advantages also play a significant role.
  3. While democracies have historically had support from the U.S., the rise of China as a strong autocracy poses new challenges. If conflict arises, democracies might not have the same military or technological edge they used to rely on.

The Players on the Eve of Destruction

Noahpinion • 50647 implied HN points • 02 Jan 25
🌍 World Politics International relations
  1. War is a real and serious threat in today's world, especially with rising tensions between powerful nations. People often don't understand the huge impact it can have on everyday lives.
  2. Taiwan is an interesting example of how a place can seem peaceful and happy even when there's a looming danger. The people go on with their lives, not fully feeling the weight of possible conflict.
  3. Humanity can see into the future, which is a curse because it brings anxiety. But this awareness can also help prepare for tough times ahead, making it important to take action rather than just waiting.

Ukraine's Audacity

Diane Francis • 1338 implied HN points • 12 Aug 24
🌍 World Politics International relations
  1. Ukraine has launched a bold military operation by invading Russia with support from Western countries. Their goal was to show off their military strength and lower Russian morale.
  2. During the invasion, the Ukrainian army faced minimal resistance, with Russian guards fleeing and leaving their posts. This success showcased Ukraine's effective tactics.
  3. The U.S. responded positively to Ukraine's actions, reinforcing its support with additional military aid and confirming that this invasion wasn't seen as an escalation of the conflict.

Tina Brown: An Arrested Ambassador, a Fallen Prince, and Britain’s Epstein Reckoning

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 301 implied HN points • 24 Feb 26
🌐 International International relations
  1. High-profile UK arrests — including Peter Mandelson and Prince Andrew — are cutting through the long stalemate around the Epstein scandal and could trigger significant political consequences.
  2. Mandelson’s deep, decades-long ties across British politics and elite social circles mean his arrest could unleash a flood of damaging revelations that touch many powerful people.
  3. The UK crackdown is exposing elite networks in ways the U.S. has not yet, so more British figures may be implicated while prominent Americans remain largely untouched for now.

It's time for Europe to stand up

Noahpinion • 39412 implied HN points • 16 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics International relations
  1. Europe needs to take on more responsibility for its own security since the U.S. is focusing on threats in Asia instead of Europe. It's time for European countries to step up and lead.
  2. There are major concerns about Europe's internal values and democratic principles. Leaders are worried that Europe might be losing sight of its core values and need to address these issues.
  3. To face threats like Russia and improve its economy, Europe needs to boost military spending and strengthen its economy. Better cooperation between countries and attracting skilled immigrants could help.

The economic consequences of a war with Iran

Noahpinion • 19647 implied HN points • 22 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics International relations
  1. A war with Iran is unlikely to escalate into a large-scale conflict, especially since other countries like China and Russia are not likely to intervene. The situation seems to remain mostly under control.
  2. The economic impact of the conflict might mainly affect oil prices. If Iran reduces its oil exports or closes the Strait of Hormuz, it could hurt global oil supply, but the U.S. is somewhat protected from these disruptions.
  3. Many fears about the economic consequences of Trump's strikes on Iran might be exaggerated. The U.S. economy is more insulated from oil supply issues than other countries, so the overall risk may not be as serious as some think.

The American Empire is Losing Money in Europe. Will It Abandon Europe?

Glenn’s Substack • 859 implied HN points • 23 Aug 24
🌍 World Politics International relations
  1. Europe is struggling because it is not adapting to the new multipolar world. Instead of building ties with other major economies, it is relying heavily on the U.S., which makes it weaker.
  2. Countries around the world are trying to diversify their economic connections to avoid too much dependence on a single superpower. Europe, on the other hand, is falling behind by sticking closely to U.S. interests.
  3. As the U.S. shifts its focus to Asia, Europe risks losing its political and economic relevance. If Europe doesn’t change its approach, it might find itself increasingly sidelined.

Putin's Sudan

Diane Francis • 899 implied HN points • 19 Aug 24
🌍 World Politics International relations
  1. Sudan is currently experiencing a brutal civil war that has caused many civilian deaths and destruction, especially in its capital, Khartoum.
  2. Media attention has mostly focused on other conflicts, like the wars in Ukraine and Gaza, which means Sudan's crisis is often overlooked.
  3. Russia, under Putin, is involved in Sudan by providing mercenaries and exploiting its resources, worsening the humanitarian situation.

DisInformation Chronicle Podcast with Jan Jekielek on Chinese Organ Harvesting

The DisInformation Chronicle • 235 implied HN points • 17 Feb 26
🏥 Health Politics International relations
  1. American and Chinese transplant communities are closely connected, with U.S. hospitals and researchers training Chinese surgeons and collaborating on transplant studies, and some patients traveling to China for faster transplants.
  2. Independent investigations and peer‑reviewed analyses provide strong evidence that prisoners in China have been killed for their organs, including cases where organ removal likely caused death.
  3. There is growing pressure for accountability and oversight of international transplant partnerships and funding, with calls for institutions and lawmakers to provide answers and tighten scrutiny.

Manufacturing is a war now

Noahpinion • 45765 implied HN points • 04 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics International relations
  1. Manufacturing is becoming a major struggle between countries, especially between democracies and China. If a conflict arises, it could lead to serious consequences for those not producing enough weapons.
  2. China is rapidly increasing its production capabilities across various industries, including military manufacturing. As a result, other countries are facing challenges in competing against China.
  3. Both major political parties in the U.S. are not fully addressing the manufacturing threat from China. A more balanced strategy involving tariffs, industrial policies, and collaboration with allies is needed to tackle this issue.

Russia and China: From "Marriage of Convenience" to Strategic Partnership

Glenn’s Substack • 559 implied HN points • 30 Aug 24
🌍 World Politics International relations
  1. Russia has shifted its focus from the West to the East, forming a closer relationship with China after feeling isolated by the West. This change is part of a broader strategy to create a new economic landscape in Eurasia.
  2. China is rising as a major global player and has shown it can challenge US economic leadership. It has invested heavily in infrastructure and is leading efforts for a new financial architecture.
  3. The partnership between Russia and China is more than just a temporary alliance against the US. Both countries recognize they can benefit from working together to shape a new international economic system that includes other nations.

NATO invades Russia?

Glenn’s Substack • 739 implied HN points • 22 Aug 24
🌍 World Politics International relations
  1. NATO's involvement in the war may blur the lines between a proxy war and direct conflict, raising concerns about escalation.
  2. Russia has been cautious in its response to NATO actions, as retaliating could lead to a larger global conflict.
  3. The recent invasion of Kursk by Ukraine and NATO has led to significant Ukrainian casualties and weakened defensive positions, with NATO's role now more apparent.

A Claude of the Seven Kingdoms

Some Unpleasant Arithmetic • 43 implied HN points • 03 Mar 26
🌍 World Politics International relations
  1. The label 'technofeudalism' is misleading — the changes described are still capitalist in form, but the real danger is tech elites trying to fuse their economic power with state power in ways that mirror fascist dynamics.
  2. Big tech is increasingly entangled with government and civil society, creating a personalist, court-like politics where backchannels and corporate influence weaken democratic institutions and the public sphere.
  3. Rising inequality, economic dislocation, and a zero-sum 'peasant' mindset make populations vulnerable to authoritarian appeals, so the political answer needs stronger democratic protections, redistribution, and accountable regulation.

Point of No Return in Middle East & Ukraine

Glenn’s Substack • 519 implied HN points • 30 Aug 24
🌍 World Politics International relations
  1. Both Israel and Ukraine are in conflicts they can't win and are escalating their actions instead of seeking peace. This makes the situation more dangerous.
  2. The countries are trying to involve the US more deeply in their wars, hoping that American support will change their fortunes.
  3. There is a lack of serious discussions or diplomatic efforts to address the escalating tensions, which could lead to a wider conflict.

"Kursk changed the war"

Glenn’s Substack • 539 implied HN points • 29 Aug 24
🌍 World Politics International relations
  1. The situation is tense between NATO and Russia, with both sides pretending not to be in a direct conflict. This makes it seem like a war is already taking place without formal recognition.
  2. Recent attacks on Russian territory and nuclear plants are pushing the situation closer to nuclear war. This escalation raises serious concerns about global safety.
  3. The American government's silence on these actions raises questions about their real intentions and strategy in the region. It makes people wonder how they plan to address these conflicts.

China Caught

Diane Francis • 1218 implied HN points • 01 Aug 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics International relations
  1. China has been cheating in trade by stealing ideas and lying about its deals. This has been hurting businesses and countries that rely on China.
  2. NATO has accused China of supporting Russia by giving them supplies, even after China promised not to. This shows that China can't be trusted in international agreements.
  3. China is also involved in the drug trade, providing materials to Mexican cartels. Despite their denials, evidence shows they continue to help with drug problems.

Trump + AI = ?

Nonzero Newsletter • 463 implied HN points • 14 Feb 26
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics International relations
  1. AI progress is accelerating faster than most people realized, and that sudden speed is raising public anxiety and the need for urgent policy responses.
  2. Many big AI risks are international in nature, so managing them will require cooperation between the US and China rather than only national rules.
  3. It’s plausible that political incentives — a high-profile AI scare, the promise of political credit, and a willingness to make deals — could push Trump to back international AI governance and accept regulation he’d previously resisted.

German Dysfunction

Diane Francis • 1079 implied HN points • 05 Aug 24
🌍 World Politics International relations
  1. Germany, despite being the richest and largest economy in Europe, has been slow to take charge in defending against Russian aggression.
  2. Recent military budget cuts indicate a lack of commitment to support Ukraine effectively, raising concerns about Germany's leadership role in Europe.
  3. Historical factors like post-war guilt and strong business ties to Russia influence Germany's cautious stance towards military involvement.

Chartbook 419 The old new Cold War is dead. Long live the new old Cold War: The political logic of Trumpian strategy.

Chartbook • 1702 implied HN points • 19 Dec 25
🌍 World Politics International relations
  1. The 2025 National Security Strategy moves away from an ideological "new Cold War" with China and Russia and instead emphasizes economic competition with China and bargaining over spheres of influence with Russia.
  2. The administration treats Europe as an ideological battleground, actively courting the European far right and framing European culture wars as the same struggle as in the U.S., a stance that risks fragmenting pro-American support in Europe.
  3. This approach echoes old Cold War-style U.S. interference in European politics, but with a twist: MAGA rejects the traditional Atlanticist liberal consensus and lacks consolidated hegemony at home or abroad, making the strategy unstable and risky.

Crescendo

Doomberg • 8493 implied HN points • 04 Aug 25
🌍 World Politics International relations
  1. Putin switched from US Treasuries to gold as a way to challenge Western financial control. This change was significant because it suggested he could sell oil for gold instead of dollars.
  2. The BRICS group, formed by Russia, China, and others, aims to help developing countries gain economic independence from Western powers. This reflects a broader fight over global economic freedom.
  3. The current geopolitical situation is escalating towards a major conflict, with both military and economic tensions rising. The decisions leaders make now could dramatically shape the future of international relations.

Niall Ferguson: The Truth About Trump's National Security Strategy

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 2198 implied HN points • 07 Dec 25
🌍 World Politics International relations
  1. A national security strategy is a written roadmap and not automatically a binding doctrine, so it shouldn’t be treated as the final word on policy.
  2. The document criticizes European allies for low defense spending and economic decline, warning their societies face serious risks.
  3. It frames U.S. policy around preserving American primacy, prioritizing national strength and openly calling out allies’ shortcomings.

JFK & George Kennan on the Ideological Fundamentalism of the US

Glenn’s Substack • 779 implied HN points • 12 Aug 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics International relations
  1. Ideological fundamentalism makes enemies out of other countries based on labels instead of their actual actions. This can lead to misunderstanding and conflict.
  2. George Kennan criticized how the U.S. viewed the Soviet Union, saying the portrayal was extreme and didn’t reflect reality. He warned that this type of thinking is dangerous for political actions.
  3. Seeing adversaries as simple 'bad guys' stops us from understanding their complexities. It's important to recognize shared challenges, rather than just focusing on conflict.

The Mad Stamp Collector

Thinking about... • 828 implied HN points • 11 Jan 26
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics International relations
  1. A possessive, aggressive approach to friends destroys trust and ends helpful cooperation.
  2. Existing alliances and agreements already give access and security when needed; asking and cooperating works far better than trying to seize things.
  3. Trying to claim or bully allied territory can break alliances, weaken national security, and hand advantage to rival powers.

The End of Pax Americana

QTR’s Fringe Finance • 26 implied HN points • 16 Mar 26
🌍 World Politics International relations
  1. The United States is shifting toward protectionism, using new legal routes to impose broad tariffs that act like heavy taxes and raise prices for American households.
  2. Tariffs can’t revive obsolete industries; they mostly transfer wealth to protected firms, reduce downstream jobs, and hit low- and middle-income families hardest by raising costs and cutting real wages.
  3. Other countries are deepening their own trade ties and the dollar's dominance is waning, so America's global economic leadership is slipping; reversing this trend will require Congress to reclaim trade authority and a return to open trade policies.