The hottest International relations Substack posts right now

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Top World Politics Topics

Fighting For Your Country

Phillips’s Newsletter • 152 implied HN points • 25 Jun 25
🌍 World Politics International relations
  1. People's willingness to defend their country can be influenced by a clear understanding of threats. For example, Finland has a history of perceiving Russia as a military threat, which encourages citizens to be ready to defend.
  2. It's not just about the threats but also about having a sense of what is worth defending. In Finland, social equality and a good quality of life make many feel their country is valuable and worth protecting.
  3. To motivate citizens for national defense, leaders need to communicate both the dangers they face and the positive aspects of their country that people cherish. This balance can help increase the willingness to defend.

NATO’s New Defence Spending Pledge Is a Distraction

Phillips’s Newsletter • 144 implied HN points • 03 Jul 25
🌍 World Politics International relations
  1. NATO's new defense spending pledge may distract from what really matters: actually improving military capabilities. It's important for countries to focus on building effective defense systems rather than just meeting spending targets.
  2. European nations need to work together and make smart investments in defense rather than buying the same equipment individually. Coordinated efforts can lead to better outcomes and more efficient use of resources.
  3. The EU is increasingly supporting Ukraine, treating it like a member state in defense matters. This shows a shift in European responsibilities and a growing focus on autonomy in defense capabilities.

Offense not Defense

Diane Francis • 639 implied HN points • 22 Dec 22
🌍 World Politics International relations
  1. Zelensky met with Biden and spoke to Congress, gaining support for Ukraine and pushing for more weapons to go on the offense against Russia. This move shows Ukraine's determination to regain control and not just defend.
  2. Despite Russia's threats and ongoing aggression, Zelensky believes a nuclear strike from Putin is unlikely, as it would endanger his own life. He focuses on the resilience and unity of the Ukrainian people during tough times.
  3. Sanctions against Russia are working, and there's a strong belief among Ukrainians that they will win the war. They remain hopeful and supportive of each other, continuing their celebrations and traditions even amid adversity.

Top Links 584 Elevating the BRICS. The math on Trump's deportation plans. Climate change and the world cup 2026 & the Nordics prepare for war.

Chartbook • 386 implied HN points • 11 Dec 24
🌍 World Politics International relations
  1. The BRICS nations are becoming more important in global politics. Their influence is growing as they work together more.
  2. There are discussions about the implications of Trump's deportation plans. Many are analyzing what these plans might mean for society and politics.
  3. Climate change is a big concern, especially with events like the 2026 World Cup on the horizon. Countries are preparing for its impact and strategizing for future challenges.

Putin's New Peril

Diane Francis • 879 implied HN points • 22 Aug 22
🌍 World Politics International relations
  1. The recent assassination of Alexander Dugin's daughter in Moscow has shaken Russia and raised questions about its leadership. This event might signal internal strife within Russian powers as high-profile killings are uncommon there.
  2. Dugin, known as 'Putin's Rasputin', has greatly influenced Putin's policies. His ideas promote a confrontational stance against the West and support for aggressive tactics, including the ongoing war in Ukraine.
  3. Dugin's philosophy isn't limited to Russia; it has connections to far-right movements worldwide. The assassination could change public support for Putin's war, potentially increasing tensions within Russia and changing the war's dynamics.
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China’s Quantum Gamble

ChinaTalk • 415 implied HN points • 19 Nov 24
🕹 Technology International relations
  1. China's quantum technology sector may rely more on state funding due to new U.S. restrictions on investments. This means Chinese companies could get support directly from the government instead of international investors.
  2. The recent rules about quantum tech could make it harder to understand what's happening in China's commercial quantum efforts. Since U.S. money is less involved now, there may be less transparency.
  3. Even though the restrictions are significant, they might not stop China's progress in quantum technologies. China already has strong funding and a growing start-up scene focused on these developments.

Top Links 581 Bessent's plans. US trade with Canada and Mexico. Wynn wins in UAE and meta Malta.

Chartbook • 386 implied HN points • 08 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics International relations
  1. Bessent is planning to push for a 3% budget deficit for the US economy. This goal is seen as realistic and is aimed at strengthening economic stability.
  2. Trade relations between the US, Canada, and Mexico are highlighted. Understanding these trade dynamics can help grasp how they affect the US economy.
  3. Wynn's success in the UAE and the developments in Malta show the global reach of businesses. These victories can influence future investments and strategies.

Top Links 590 The mad dash for Biden's climate dollars. How India and China's income distribution compare. The panzootic & getting beyond Confucius.

Chartbook • 371 implied HN points • 17 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics International relations
  1. Companies are hurriedly completing the paperwork to get loans from the Department of Energy for climate initiatives. They want to secure funding before deadlines.
  2. There is a comparison between income distribution in India and China, indicating different economic conditions and social structures in these countries.
  3. The concept of a 'panzootic' is discussed, which refers to widespread disease among animal species, and explores ideas beyond traditional Confucian thought.

Taking to the Streets with Georgia’s Pro-Western Protesters

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 380 implied HN points • 16 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics International relations
  1. Protests in Georgia have been intense, with riot police using tear gas and water cannons against demonstrators. Many protesters are sharing stories of violence they faced from law enforcement.
  2. The protests started after the Georgian Prime Minister announced that the country wouldn't seek EU membership until 2028, which angered those who support a pro-Western path.
  3. Activists and protestors are facing severe police crackdowns, with reports of arrests and assaults, signaling a tough stance from the government against dissent.

German fascism crisis escalates as Elon Musk publishes a devastating 600-word editorial explaining why he supports Alternative für Deutschland

eugyppius: a plague chronicle • 363 implied HN points • 29 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics International relations
  1. Elon Musk believes Alternative für Deutschland (AfD) is key to saving Germany. He argues that their policies can help revive the economy and address social tensions.
  2. Critics of Musk's views worry that his support for the AfD undermines Germany's political stability. They feel that allowing such opinions can influence public perception negatively.
  3. Musk's perspective highlights a broader discomfort with the traditional political order in Germany. Many Germans feel their concerns are ignored by established parties.

Top Links 579 How bad is Russia's inflation? The history of the slurpee & junk playgrounds.

Chartbook • 386 implied HN points • 04 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics International relations
  1. Russia is facing serious inflation issues, and it is important to understand how badly it is affecting the economy.
  2. There is a fascinating history behind the slurpee and junk playgrounds that explores their cultural significance.
  3. Banks and private credit firms are forming new partnerships, which could change the financial landscape.

Top Links 570 The horse race for the Treasury job. Trade finance in Asia. Luxury squeezed. Lenin & the IMF.

Chartbook • 400 implied HN points • 24 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics International relations
  1. There is a competitive process happening for a key Treasury position, indicating its importance in governance.
  2. Trade finance in Asia is evolving, which may have significant impacts on the global economy.
  3. Luxury goods are facing challenges, suggesting a shift in consumer behavior or economic conditions.

Top Links 569 Is College fee inflation back? China in LatAm & China in Hungary. Exploding tankers in the dark fleet and Sudan's death toll.

Chartbook • 400 implied HN points • 23 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics International relations
  1. College tuition fees are rising again, and they are going up faster than general inflation. This could be a concern for students and families who are trying to afford education.
  2. China's influence in Latin America and Hungary is growing. It’s important to watch how this changes both regions and their relationships with other countries.
  3. There are serious issues happening globally, like exploding tankers and increasing death tolls in places like Sudan. These events highlight ongoing conflicts and crises that need more attention.

Ukraine's New World Order

Diane Francis • 679 implied HN points • 14 Nov 22
🌍 World Politics International relations
  1. Ukraine's recapture of Kherson shows they are strong and determined to push Russian forces out. This event has shifted the balance in the war and increased support from Western nations.
  2. The conflict has exposed Russia's weaknesses and united many countries against its aggression. This unity may change the geopolitical landscape and weaken Russia's influence worldwide.
  3. A peaceful resolution might not be possible now, as Ukraine wants to restore its borders completely. They are ready to continue fighting to ensure a future without Russian threats.

How to Beat Russia

Diane Francis • 719 implied HN points • 24 Oct 22
🌍 World Politics International relations
  1. Putin controls Russia like a mobster, using fear and intimidation to maintain power. He started a war in Ukraine out of greed and desperation, not because of NATO threats.
  2. For Ukraine to succeed, the West must fully support it. This includes military aid and using frozen Russian assets to fund Ukraine's defense.
  3. If Russia wins this conflict, it could lead to more aggression in Europe. It’s crucial for Ukraine to win, or else other countries could be next on Putin's list.

Putin Must Pay

Diane Francis • 639 implied HN points • 05 Dec 22
🌍 World Politics International relations
  1. There are serious concerns about funding for Ukraine as some American lawmakers are against sending more money. This shows that support for Ukraine is facing challenges both in the U.S. and Europe.
  2. There is a push for confiscating Russian assets, estimated at hundreds of billions, to help fund Ukraine's reconstruction. Many believe Russia should be held accountable for the costs of the war it started.
  3. Legal frameworks are being discussed in various countries to enable the seizure of Russian assets, but action is needed urgently to support Ukraine's defense against Russia's aggression.

How China’s Troubles Could Hurt Japan

Japan Economy Watch • 239 implied HN points • 11 Oct 23
🌍 World Politics International relations
  1. China's economic troubles could potentially send Japan into a mild recession by impacting its exports and GDP growth.
  2. The ongoing techno-war between China and the West is affecting economic growth for all nations, with Japan already experiencing a slowdown in foreign direct investment into China.
  3. Japanese companies are facing challenges like corporate espionage, reduced global sales, and the need to diversify their operations away from China due to economic and geopolitical tensions.

Top Links 571 Trump's fiscal shock. The Latino working-class. The Mozambique tuna fishing fleet is for sale.

Chartbook • 386 implied HN points • 25 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics International relations
  1. Trump's fiscal policies could have a significant impact, leading to major financial changes. It's important to think about what these changes could mean for the economy.
  2. The Latino working class plays a key role in shaping economic trends and discussions today. Understanding their perspectives can help in finding better policies.
  3. There are interesting developments in unexpected areas like the Mozambique tuna fishing fleet. This shows that global events can affect local economies in surprising ways.

Nuremberg not Negotiations

Diane Francis • 599 implied HN points • 19 Dec 22
🌍 World Politics International relations
  1. Negotiating with Putin is unlikely to lead to peace because he views the conflict as a way to regain control over Ukraine. A better approach is to intensify military efforts until he is defeated.
  2. Ukraine's recent successful strikes show its growing military capabilities and challenge Russia's strength, but some leaders are still pushing for negotiations, which might encourage Putin rather than stop him.
  3. History shows that wars typically end with one side defeated, not through friendly negotiations. Ukraine needs strong military support to secure its territories and ensure lasting peace.

Back To New Jersey.

News Items • 235 implied HN points • 05 Sep 23
🌍 World Politics International relations
  1. U.S. Navy faces urgent need to embrace new technologies due to rising threat from China.
  2. Observing China closely reveals signs of a new national stagnation and restrictions.
  3. China shows signs of inward life twist, restricting various aspects like religious groups and independent writers.

Paying For Peace

Model Thinking • 239 implied HN points • 26 Mar 23
🌍 World Politics International relations
  1. One potential strategy to end the conflict between Russia and Ukraine is to pay Russian soldiers to surrender, offering significant sums of money and potentially EU citizenship for them and their families.
  2. Economist Bryan Caplan suggests that offering both payments and citizenship could be more effective in incentivizing soldiers to defect compared to just financial compensation.
  3. By estimating the impact and potential gains of implementing such a strategy, it is suggested that it could lead to a quicker end of the war, saving significant resources and lives, if successfully executed.

Ukraine's Women

Diane Francis • 1159 implied HN points • 08 Mar 22
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics International relations
  1. Ukrainian women are showing incredible resilience during tough times. They are stepping up to help their communities and families.
  2. Many women in Ukraine are taking active roles, even making weapons to defend themselves. Their bravery is truly inspiring.
  3. It's important to celebrate the strength and contributions of women, especially on occasions like International Women’s Day. They play a crucial role in society.

Update: Back To Regularly Scheduled Programming

Fisted by Foucault • 125 implied HN points • 04 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics International relations
  1. The shoulder injury has healed, allowing for a return to regular posting schedules. It's great to be back after a tough time dealing with pain.
  2. There are important thoughts to share regarding the recent Israel vs. Iran war, which haven’t been discussed yet.
  3. New content, including an essay on the war, will be published soon, with more material coming each week.

Top Links 596 What difference did the IRA make? Cholera deaths and Clark on Anderson on World War I.

Chartbook • 329 implied HN points • 23 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics International relations
  1. The IRA's impact is being analyzed, looking at how significant it was. It's important to understand historical events and their effects on today's world.
  2. Cholera deaths are discussed to highlight public health issues and their historical context. This reminds us of the importance of sanitation and health systems.
  3. The mention of World War I and key figures shows the relevance of history in understanding current affairs. Learning about the past helps us navigate today’s complexities.

December 7, 2025

Letters from an American • 24 implied HN points • 08 Dec 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics International relations
  1. A U.S. strike on a small boat killed nine people and a subsequent strike hit survivors, prompting lawmakers to demand the release of video footage and raising legal and ethical concerns about the attacks.
  2. The defense secretary defended the strikes and asserted broad authority to order them, but his use of Signal to share sensitive operational details and his refusal to cooperate with the inspector general have been criticized as creating security risks.
  3. The new National Security Strategy shifts away from a rules-based, alliance-focused approach toward great-power spheres of influence, alarming U.S. allies while drawing praise from Russia.

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

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

A Look at Spying by Israel in the U.S.

God's Spies by Thomas Neuburger • 140 implied HN points • 20 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics International relations
  1. Many former Israeli intelligence agents have high positions in major U.S. tech companies. This raises questions about how deeply Israel's influence reaches into American business.
  2. Unit 8200, an elite Israeli intelligence group, is known for serious military operations and has developed invasive surveillance methods that affect many people, including civilians.
  3. Apps and social media platforms aren't just tools for communication; they can be battlegrounds for information control, leading to concerns about privacy and data usage.

The Looming Tech Takeover

Nonzero Newsletter • 304 implied HN points • 17 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics International relations
  1. Facial recognition technology is causing serious problems, like wrong arrests. It's important to question the reliability of these tools.
  2. Trump is getting a lot of support from tech leaders as he prepares for his second term. This close relationship could change how tech and politics interact.
  3. Biden and Trump are both taking credit for a ceasefire in the Israel-Hamas conflict. However, it seems Trump’s envoy may have played a bigger role in making it happen than Biden did.

China 'counters US dollar hegemony' with gold reserves, Argentina yuan currency swap deal

Geopolitical Economy Report • 299 implied HN points • 10 Jan 23
🌍 World Politics International relations
  1. China is increasing its gold reserves and signing yuan currency swap deals with countries like Argentina to counter US dollar dominance and promote the use of the renminbi.
  2. Central banks worldwide are diversifying their reserves away from the US dollar, with increased interest in investing in the renminbi to move towards a multipolar currency system.
  3. Argentina is strengthening ties with China through currency swap deals, enhancing economic integration with Brazil, and exploring the creation of a sovereign Latin American currency for regional trade.

The Great Greenland War

Big Serge Thought • 7 implied HN points • 21 Jan 26
🌍 World Politics International relations
  1. A US attempt to seize Greenland could shatter NATO and trigger cascading crises across Europe and beyond, showing how a single aggressive move can produce huge, unpredictable geopolitical shifts.
  2. Coercive American tactics can achieve territorial and political goals without large-scale fighting, but they would deeply damage alliances, spur economic fallout, and leave long-term instability in their wake.
  3. Europe might respond by building an independent defense bloc led by France with conscription and a shared nuclear deterrent, realigning security structures and raising the risk of conflict between competing blocs.

Weekend Update #122: Trump Opens His Mouth and Putin Comes Out

Phillips’s Newsletter • 250 implied HN points • 02 Mar 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics International relations
  1. Trump appears to fully support Putin's views, especially regarding Ukraine's military situation. This shows a concerning alignment with Russia's narrative.
  2. There is a belief that Ukraine is in worse shape than it actually is. Recent reports indicate that the Ukrainian military is holding strong despite Russian advances.
  3. European leaders need to recognize that Trump cannot be a reliable ally for Ukraine and should focus on supportive strategies independent of the U.S.

The Chiang Kai-Shekification of Volodymyr Zelenskyy

Taipology • 99 implied HN points • 23 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics International relations
  1. Zelenskyy's popularity is declining as more people believe Ukraine is losing the war. His image as a great leader is being questioned.
  2. The media is starting to expose corruption within Zelenskyy's government, similar to what happened with Chiang Kai-shek's leadership in the past.
  3. There seems to be a shift from supporting Zelenskyy to revealing his shortcomings, as the perception of him as a strong leader is changing.

Trump’s D.I.Y. Deep State

Nonzero Newsletter • 304 implied HN points • 14 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics International relations
  1. Donald Trump often talks against wars but hires people who support military actions when he's in office. His choices for foreign policy roles seem to contradict his campaign promises.
  2. Some believe Trump uses aggressive advisors to help him appear tougher, but this plan often backfires, making it hard for him to pursue peace initiatives.
  3. By surrounding himself with hardline individuals, Trump gives them influence over his decisions, which may lead him further away from the diplomatic approaches he claims to prefer.

Ukraine's Turning Point

Diane Francis • 6 HN points • 22 Aug 24
🌍 World Politics International relations
  1. Ukraine's recent military actions have turned the tide of the war, causing significant distress for Russia. This bold move has shown Ukraine's strength and highlighted weaknesses within Russia.
  2. Key figures in Russia are publicly questioning Putin's leadership and the war efforts. This shift indicates growing unrest and doubt about the government's stability among the elite.
  3. International dynamics are shifting as world leaders see Russia's struggles. Countries like India and Germany are considering more involvement, which could change the course of support for Ukraine.

Admitting that Russia was provoked, Trump admin tells Ukraine war’s forbidden truth

Aaron Mate • 251 implied HN points • 24 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics International relations
  1. Trump criticized Zelensky for not making a deal with Russia before the invasion, suggesting he had the chance to resolve the conflict sooner.
  2. Zelensky accused Trump of spreading false information while Trump pointed out uncomfortable truths about the war.
  3. As Trump looks to end the conflict, he’s moving away from the common narratives used to justify the ongoing fighting in Ukraine.

Top Links 537 TIGER indices looking grim. South Sudan's misery. The 1990s revisited and Soldier's Paradise.

Chartbook • 400 implied HN points • 21 Oct 24
💰 Finance International relations
  1. The TIGER indices are showing a negative trend, indicating economic challenges ahead. This suggests that global economic recovery may be slower than expected.
  2. South Sudan is facing significant difficulties, highlighting ongoing humanitarian issues. These problems need urgent attention to improve the situation for its people.
  3. There are connections being made to the 1990s, suggesting that some current geopolitical situations may resemble past conflicts. This raises concerns about the repetition of history in today's world.