The hottest International relations Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
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Top World Politics Topics

Commentator

Castalia β€’ 179 implied HN points β€’ 13 Aug 23
πŸ‡ΊπŸ‡Έ U.S. Politics Democracy Populism Technocracy Political History International relations
  1. Alexei Navalny's recent writings focus on the mistakes of past democratic reforms in Russia, especially how some liberals supported election fraud in the 1990s, which contributed to the rise of autocracy under Putin.
  2. David Brooks discusses the growing divide between populist democracy and elite technocracy, suggesting that Democrats risk becoming disconnected from regular people by relying too heavily on technocratic solutions.
  3. The recent coup in Niger reflects broader geopolitical shifts, as former colonial powers like France struggle in Africa, while Russia and China are stepping in to fill the void, leading to a complex competition for influence.

The North African Campaign

Castalia β€’ 199 implied HN points β€’ 17 Jul 23
πŸ’Ύ History Military History World War II American history International relations Political strategy
  1. The US rapidly expanded its military during World War II, increasing defense spending significantly. This level of spending set a trend that still affects American politics today.
  2. US commanders realized that prior peacetime training was not enough, which led to the idea of 'limited war' for better preparation. They believed that past peace movements partly caused the need for total war.
  3. During the North African Campaign, the US learned the importance of intelligence operations and made some questionable alliances for strategic benefits. They also recognized the formidable capabilities of the German military and the challenges they posed.

Top Chinese IR experts on China-U.S. relations under Trump

Beijing Channel β€’ 5 implied HN points β€’ 13 Jan 25
🌍 World Politics International relations Global order Foreign Policy
  1. The relationship between China and the U.S. is seen as a long-term strategic competition, similar to the Cold War, with both sides having deep-rooted distrust of each other's intentions.
  2. Populism is on the rise in both the U.S. and globally, shifting priorities from globalization to economic security and creating potential challenges in international cooperation.
  3. While there may be intense competition in economic and technological sectors, the likelihood of direct military conflict between China and the U.S. remains low, as both sides seem to prefer dialogue and self-restraint.

Bad Ideas on Ending the Ukraine War

John’s Substack β€’ 10 implied HN points β€’ 17 Dec 24
🌍 World Politics International relations Conflict resolution Geopolitics War Studies Diplomacy
  1. Many Western leaders have unrealistic ideas about how to end the Ukraine war. They often don’t fully consider the perspectives and motivations of Russia.
  2. There is a strong sense that the Western approach to the conflict is disconnected from reality. This can lead to poor decisions and a longer-lasting war.
  3. Addressing the conflict might require a more pragmatic and honest discussion about the interests of all parties involved. It's important to find common ground to achieve peace.

Russia on the Ropes

Diane Francis β€’ 539 implied HN points β€’ 22 Sep 22
🌍 World Politics International relations Geopolitics Military conflict Diplomacy Nuclear policy
  1. Putin is more isolated than ever, and he knows his war in Ukraine is failing. He is trying to recruit more soldiers and has made threats, but this shows desperation.
  2. Ukraine is succeeding on the battlefield, and there's a push for countries like China and Turkey to help mediate a ceasefire. The conflict might drag on through Winter as both sides try to gain the upper hand.
  3. Putin's threats of nuclear war are being taken seriously, but there is concern that using such weapons would harm his relationships with allies. The situation remains tense, with many calling for serious consequences if Russia escalates further.
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The Sequence Chat: The One Area in Which China can Dominate the US in the AI Race

TheSequence β€’ 49 implied HN points β€’ 11 Dec 24
πŸ•Ή Technology AI Robotics Manufacturing Supply Chain International relations
  1. China has a unique advantage in robotics due to its strong supply chain and manufacturing capabilities. This gives them an edge over the US in producing and developing robots.
  2. The US and China are in a competitive race in the field of robotics and AI technology. It's important to understand both countries' strengths and weaknesses.
  3. Robots will become a bigger part of daily life for future generations. This makes the race in robotics crucial for both countries.

Iran: You Go Girl

Diane Francis β€’ 479 implied HN points β€’ 03 Nov 22
🌍 World Politics International relations Civil Rights Political Movements Middle East
  1. Women in Iran are bravely protesting against a strict government that oppresses them. Their struggle for equality is dangerous, but they are determined to fight for their rights.
  2. The protests were sparked by the tragic death of Mahsa Amini after a police encounter, showing how deep the issues of violence and oppression run in society.
  3. Generations of Iranians are tired of living in fear and want to change their future. They believe this movement might be different, as it addresses broader issues beyond just the hijab.

🌐 The Global Eye

The Cosmopolitan Globalist β€’ 3 implied HN points β€’ 13 Jan 25
🌍 World Politics International relations Global Issues Geopolitics Foreign Policy
  1. The content includes a variety of news items, but this edition had more from the Americas and none from Africa. It's important to get a balanced view from different regions.
  2. Timing is crucial when sharing news; waiting too long can result in missing out on major stories that break unexpectedly.
  3. A subscription offers access to more in-depth discussions and archives, which can be valuable for keeping up with global news.

A Strange Defeat.

Trying to Understand the World β€’ 15 implied HN points β€’ 20 Nov 24
🌍 World Politics International relations Conflict analysis Political Psychology Security Studies Military Strategy
  1. Western leaders are struggling to understand the real situation in Ukraine. They often rely on outdated ideas and don't recognize the complexities of the conflict.
  2. There's a lack of clear strategy from NATO and Western nations regarding how to manage the crisis. Instead of planning, they seem to be reacting to events without a solid goal.
  3. The current generation of political leaders lacks the experience and skills needed for high-stakes crises. This has led to confusion and ineffective decision-making in dealing with the war in Ukraine.

The Death of Yahya Sinwar

Unpopular Front β€’ 80 implied HN points β€’ 18 Oct 24
🌍 World Politics Middle East Conflict Terrorism International relations Human Rights
  1. Yahya Sinwar's death has sparked mixed reactions, highlighting the ongoing cycle of violence in the region. While some celebrate his death, it won't bring lasting victory to Israel.
  2. Sinwar's legacy is marked by violence and suffering, particularly among the Palestinians he claimed to fight for. His methods often led to more harm than good for his people.
  3. The killing of Sinwar and others like him does not justify the widespread loss of innocent lives. It's crucial to remember that all individuals affected by this conflict have their own stories and humanity.

Druze and Jews in the Golan Heights

The Cosmopolitan Globalist β€’ 9 implied HN points β€’ 10 Dec 24
🌍 World Politics Middle East Conflict Religion International relations Geopolitics
  1. DΡ€ΡƒΠ·Π΅,δΈ€δΈͺεœ¨ι»Žε·΄ε«©γ€ε™εˆ©δΊšε’ŒηΊ¦ζ—¦ηš„ε°ηΎ€δ½“οΌŒθΏ‡εŽ»δΈŽδΌŠζ–―ε…°ζ•™εˆ†η¦»οΌŒδ»–δ»¬ζœ‰θ‡ͺε·±η‹¬η‰Ήε’Œη₯žη§˜ηš„δΏ‘仰体系。
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  3. 对于δ»₯θ‰²εˆ—ζ₯说，ζ₯θ‡ͺεΎ·ι²ε…Ήηš„ε¨θƒδΈε€§οΌŒδΈ»θ¦ζ‹…εΏ§ηš„ζ˜―ε…Άδ»–ζΏ€θΏ›ηš„η©†ζ–―ζž—ε›’δ½“γ€‚

Revolution in Syria

Gideon's Substack β€’ 11 implied HN points β€’ 10 Dec 24
🌍 World Politics Middle East Foreign Policy International relations Geopolitics Civil War
  1. The situation in Syria is changing rapidly, and it caught many by surprise. The collapse of the al-Assad regime could lead to new dynamics in the region.
  2. Turkey may benefit the most from the new regime in Syria, gaining control over the northern areas and possibly reducing Iran's influence. However, it's unclear what Turkey plans to do next.
  3. The role of outside powers, especially Russia and the U.S., will be crucial moving forward. They need to understand the complex situation instead of thinking their actions alone caused these changes.

Imran Khan: Pakistan should be non-aligned in cold war, neutral over Ukraine, applauds China

Geopolitical Economy Report β€’ 219 implied HN points β€’ 03 Jan 23
🌍 World Politics Geopolitics Neutrality Alliances International relations Foreign Policy
  1. Imran Khan advocates for Pakistan to be non-aligned in cold wars, neutral in proxy conflicts, and have good relations with multiple nations like China, Russia, and the US.
  2. Khan emphasizes the importance of Pakistan maintaining neutrality in global conflicts to protect its own interests, citing the negative impacts of taking sides.
  3. Khan praises China's remarkable anti-poverty efforts and stresses the necessity of not engaging in nuclear warfare to prevent catastrophic consequences.

This is genocide not war

Diane Francis β€’ 819 implied HN points β€’ 24 Feb 22
🌍 World Politics International relations Conflict Studies Human Rights Geopolitics War history
  1. The invasion of Ukraine is being described as genocide, highlighting the serious nature of the conflict. It shows how devastating war can be for innocent people.
  2. The global impact of the invasion marks a significant change in the world order, similar to historical events that led to conflict and suffering. This indicates a potential shift in how countries interact with each other.
  3. The date of the invasion is remembered alongside dark historical moments, signaling how important it is to recognize and learn from such events to prevent future tragedies.

Beijing Reiterates Readiness to Resume Mainland Tourists to Taiwan

Pekingnology β€’ 52 implied HN points β€’ 30 Nov 24
🌍 World Politics International relations Cross-strait relations Geopolitical Strategy
  1. Beijing wants to let its tourists visit Taiwan again, despite military tensions. They're ready to make this happen if Taipei lifts its ban on group tours.
  2. Taiwan's tourism industry is pushing its government to allow group tours to mainland China, but the government blames Beijing for the current restrictions.
  3. Both sides are blaming each other for the obstacles to tourism, but they both seem interested in resuming travel and improving relations.

War in the Middle East.

Philoinvestor β€’ 157 implied HN points β€’ 07 Oct 23
🌍 World Politics Middle East Conflict Global Influence International relations
  1. Palestinian militants crossing into Israel led to conflict escalation with rockets launched from Gaza.
  2. Internal political issues and criticism from allies like the US are creating challenges for Israel's coalition government and its policies.
  3. Regional dynamics, like China's involvement in Middle East affairs, suggest a shift in power dynamics and alliances.

Digital Migrants & Coercive Immobility

BowTiedMara - Geoarbitrage & Mobility Assets β€’ 157 implied HN points β€’ 07 Jul 23
🌍 World Politics Global Governance International relations Human Rights Emergency Response
  1. State control over citizens' mobility is increasing through mechanisms like passports and digital IDs.
  2. The introduction of CBDCs and digital IDs can enable coercive immobility, restricting individuals' movements and spending.
  3. Opting out of the digital panopticon may become challenging, and choosing a jurisdiction with less State enforcement might be a key strategy for the future.

International Tourism's Lost Year

Vietnam Weekly β€’ 157 implied HN points β€’ 28 Feb 23
🌐 International Tourism Economy Vietnam International relations
  1. Vietnam struggled to attract international tourists, falling short of its targets compared to neighboring countries like Thailand and Singapore.
  2. Domestic tourism in Vietnam, however, saw a significant increase.
  3. Despite its appealing food, landscapes, and cities, Vietnam faced challenges in promoting itself as a tourist destination.

what about the trolls?

the wiczipedia weekly β€’ 157 implied HN points β€’ 01 Jul 23
🌍 World Politics Russia Cyber Operations Propaganda International relations
  1. The Russian oligarch Yevgeny Prigozhin's troll empire faced challenges after a coup attempt and dissolution of Patriot Media Group.
  2. Prigozhin's troll operations were not the most effective and struggled to adapt to changes in social media platforms.
  3. With Russian information war tactics evolving, adversaries may focus on amplifying existing discord in the US rather than relying solely on traditional troll farms.

Nyhetsbrev steigan.no 12.01.2025

steigan.no β€’ 5 implied HN points β€’ 12 Jan 25
πŸ‡ΊπŸ‡Έ U.S. Politics Political Analysis International relations Military Affairs Public Policy Media Criticism
  1. Jemen forces attacked the USS Harry S. Truman in the Red Sea using missiles and drones, claiming it prevented an American attack on Jemen. The US has not confirmed the incident.
  2. The Arctic is becoming a key area for global conflict over resources, particularly as countries like the US, Russia, and China vie for control. This has historical roots, like past attempts by the US to buy Greenland for strategic purposes.
  3. Norway is at risk of becoming a mere supplier of resources to the EU, with plans to increase energy exports without considering local needs or effects on the environment.

Qatar-Gate

Diane Francis β€’ 399 implied HN points β€’ 15 Dec 22
πŸ‡ΊπŸ‡Έ U.S. Politics Corruption Scandals Legislation International relations Elections
  1. Qatar spent a lot of money, about $200 billion, to host the World Cup, but it is also facing serious allegations of corruption and human rights violations. This has made them look bad despite their efforts to gain global attention.
  2. The Emir of Qatar runs a wealthy nation that has significant influence because of its natural gas and oil reserves. However, it operates more like a dictatorship without democracy or a free press.
  3. Recent scandals involving FIFA and the European Parliament have raised questions about Qatar's practices in lobbying and bribery. This is affecting their international reputation and causing investigations into their financial dealings.

To Russia With Malice

Diane Francis β€’ 579 implied HN points β€’ 18 Jul 22
🌍 World Politics International relations Geopolitics Economics Sanctions Migration War
  1. McDonald's entry into Russia in 1990 symbolized a major shift, but its recent exit shows how far Russia has fallen. Many other companies are leaving too, leading to economic turmoil.
  2. Russia is experiencing serious economic problems due to sanctions and loss of educated citizens. As a result, the economy is shrinking, and many people are struggling with inflation and job losses.
  3. Despite short-term gains from energy exports, the long-term outlook for Russia is bleak. Many foreign investments are leaving, and the country is not well-equipped to handle these changes.

🌎 GLOBAL EYES

The Cosmopolitan Globalist β€’ 4 implied HN points β€’ 04 Jan 25
🌍 World Politics International relations Geopolitics Conflict Studies Foreign Policy Global Issues
  1. There are technical issues with Quiz B that some readers have experienced. The author is trying to understand the errors and how to fix them.
  2. New subscribers are welcomed and appreciated like special guests. The author wants to ensure they have a great experience.
  3. There is curiosity about reader engagement with the quizzes, and the author is questioning whether readers understood the instructions properly.

The Triumph of Evil

Diane Francis β€’ 759 implied HN points β€’ 05 Mar 22
🌍 World Politics International relations Human Rights War Politics Conflict resolution
  1. Democracies need to act on global issues like wars and human rights violations. It's important for leaders to respond when people are suffering.
  2. Ignoring the suffering of others can lead to evil winning. People should unite and stand up against injustice.
  3. NATO should take a strong stand against aggressors, like Russia, to protect innocent lives and promote peace. Air support might be necessary to stop the violence.

Why I’m not taking Trump's deal

The Cosmopolitan Globalist β€’ 18 implied HN points β€’ 01 Nov 24
πŸ‡ΊπŸ‡Έ U.S. Politics Elections Political parties Policy Governance International relations
  1. Trump's promises about space exploration are questionable, and relying on him could be risky for a serious Mars program.
  2. If Trump is elected, it could harm global freedom and security by encouraging aggression from countries like Russia.
  3. Going to Mars should be about building a new, free society, but that can't happen if we allow our world to become oppressive or unstable.

Why Russia Must Lose

Diane Francis β€’ 619 implied HN points β€’ 09 Jun 22
🌍 World Politics Geopolitics Conflict International relations Military Strategy Political Analysis
  1. Ukraine's passion for survival gives them strength against Russia's military power. They will do anything to protect their country after facing attacks.
  2. Support from allies, like the U.S. and NATO, helps Ukraine resist Russian advances. Providing weapons and aid makes a difference in the fight.
  3. If Russia gains any territory in Ukraine, it will strengthen Putin's hold on power and be a threat to Europe. Russia must lose the war for global stability.

The uninvited guest: Boris Johnson's spring journey to Kyiv and world peace

Discomfort zone β€’ 117 implied HN points β€’ 25 Nov 23
🌍 World Politics Peace negotiations Government Accountability International relations
  1. Peace talks and deals often fail more than they succeed due to various reasons and complexities.
  2. Leaders should support and enable fragile peace agreements rather than sabotage them.
  3. Making peace is extremely difficult, requiring patience, creativity, and widespread support.

Feng Yujun on the Prospects of Russia-Ukraine war after Trump's reelection

Pekingnology β€’ 49 implied HN points β€’ 28 Nov 24
🌍 World Politics International relations Geopolitics Conflict resolution Peace Studies Military Affairs
  1. Trump's promise to end the Russia-Ukraine war in 24 hours is unrealistic and unlikely to happen.
  2. Russia has different strategies for the war, but its desire for land could lead to ongoing conflict rather than peace.
  3. A fair peace is essential for lasting peace; simply freezing the war would likely lead to future escalations.

Kissinger vs. Soros

Diane Francis β€’ 619 implied HN points β€’ 30 May 22
🌍 World Politics Geopolitics International relations Conflict resolution Diplomacy Power Dynamics
  1. Henry Kissinger thinks Ukraine should make a deal with Russia to avoid escalating the conflict. He worries that pushing too hard could lead to a larger world war.
  2. George Soros has a different approach and likely believes in a tougher stance against Russia. He thinks it’s important to support Ukraine more strongly instead of compromising.
  3. The clash of ideas between Kissinger and Soros shows the different opinions on how to handle global conflicts, especially with big players like Russia.

We Are All Ukrainians

Diane Francis β€’ 1278 implied HN points β€’ 12 Apr 21
πŸ‡ΊπŸ‡Έ U.S. Politics Foreign Policy Military Affairs Human Rights International relations Political Conflict
  1. Ukraine has been fighting to stay independent from Russia since 1991, facing ongoing military threats and challenges. Despite being poorer than many European nations, Ukraine has built a strong military to defend itself against Russia.
  2. Russia's aggression, including the annexation of Crimea and support for separatists in Eastern Ukraine, has caused immense hardship. Thousands have died, and millions have been displaced due to the conflict.
  3. The situation with Ukraine and opposition leader Navalny highlights Russia as a significant threat to democracy. Many believe that strong actions and sanctions are necessary to contain Russia's influence and protect countries like Ukraine.

The Extremely Moderate Al Qaeda Splinter Group That Seized Power in Syria Is Interesting

I Might Be Wrong β€’ 8 implied HN points β€’ 18 Dec 24
🌍 World Politics Middle East Terrorism Governance International relations
  1. There is a surprising moderate faction within Al Qaeda that has gained power in Syria. This group seems to focus on practical issues rather than extreme ideology.
  2. The group's leader, Abu Muhammad al-Jolani, embraces a more liberal and pragmatic approach, which is unusual for someone from this background.
  3. Many people are skeptical about this change, as past efforts at reform in the Middle East often ended poorly, but some believe there is a chance for genuine progress this time.

JJM vs. Alexander Dugin

John’s Substack β€’ 10 implied HN points β€’ 10 Dec 24
🌍 World Politics International relations Political theory Geopolitics Conflict Studies
  1. Alexander Dugin is a major thinker in Russia and is considered influential in Russian politics, often linked to Putin.
  2. He has strong opinions on many topics, particularly the Ukraine war, and is known for being a controversial figure in the West.
  3. Dugin's ideas are complex and well-developed, and whether people agree with him or not, his work is likely to have a lasting impact.

Cripple Russia Now

Diane Francis β€’ 739 implied HN points β€’ 21 Feb 22
🌍 World Politics International relations Geopolitics Conflict Studies Security Studies Diplomacy
  1. To stop a threat like Russia, action is more effective than just threats. Doing nothing can encourage more aggression.
  2. It’s important to take decisive steps to protect oneself against danger. Just talking about it won't keep anyone safe.
  3. The situation with Russia requires strong and meaningful responses to prevent further attacks or issues. This includes showing that there will be consequences for aggressive behavior.

The Arctic War

Diane Francis β€’ 499 implied HN points β€’ 18 Aug 22
🌍 World Politics Geopolitics Military Strategy International relations Resource Management
  1. Russia is claiming control over the Arctic, leading to increased military activity in the region. This has raised concerns among other countries and prompted them to strengthen their defense strategies.
  2. The melting ice in the Arctic could open new shipping routes, but currently, Russia’s Northern Sea Route appears to be the most viable option. This could significantly change trade dynamics between Europe and Asia.
  3. The struggle for influence in the Arctic is not just about territory, but also about resources and trade. Other countries are wary of Russia's aggressive posturing and its impact on global power balances.

How U.S. Customs shattered Chinese female PhD students' American Dream

Pekingnology β€’ 267 implied HN points β€’ 05 Jan 24
🌍 World Politics Immigration Discrimination International relations Human Rights Education
  1. Chinese female PhD students experienced mistreatment from U.S. Customs officials during airport inspections.
  2. The students were misled into signing documents without being informed of the content or consequences.
  3. The incidents raised concerns of potential racial and gender discrimination by U.S. Customs.

Civilization 1 million, Russia 0

Diane Francis β€’ 539 implied HN points β€’ 30 Jun 22
🌍 World Politics Geopolitics International relations Defense Policy Conflict analysis Diplomacy
  1. The G7 and NATO have united to support Ukraine against Russia, marking a significant global response to aggression. This coalition aims to strengthen military and economic support for Ukraine.
  2. NATO is expanding its military presence and capability in response to the conflict, with plans to increase troops and improve defense strategies. This is a shift towards taking greater responsibility for European security.
  3. Despite the support for Ukraine, there is concern that it may not be enough to deter Russia, as the situation remains dire for Ukraine. The Ukrainian people are committed to their fight, showing resilience against overwhelming odds.

The West Wimps Out

Diane Francis β€’ 699 implied HN points β€’ 25 Feb 22
🌍 World Politics Geopolitics International relations Conflict Studies Foreign Policy Security Studies
  1. Russia attacked Ukraine after a long period of threats. It shows that waiting for sanctions isn't enough to deter aggression.
  2. The friends of Ukraine did not step in to help when needed. This highlights the criticism of how the West responds to threats.
  3. Strong responses, like military support, are necessary to confront aggressors. Simply issuing threats won't protect allies effectively.

US gov't body plots to break up Russia in name of 'decolonization'

Geopolitical Economy Report β€’ 358 implied HN points β€’ 25 Jun 22
🌍 World Politics Geopolitics International relations Decolonization Regime Change Imperialism
  1. The US government's Helsinki Commission held a Congressional briefing to discuss breaking up Russia in the name of decolonization.
  2. Participants at the briefing proposed supporting separatist movements within Russia and advocated for the independence of regions like Chechnya, Tatarstan, Dagestan, and Circassia.
  3. The briefing reflects a trend of using left-wing rhetoric to advance imperial interests by the US government, similar to other instances where progressive themes have been co-opted for political motives.