The hottest International relations Substack posts right now

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Top World Politics Topics

Behavioural Geopolitics: Power makes militant

Klement on Investing • 2 implied HN points • 18 Feb 26
🌍 World Politics International relations
  1. Leaders and people in more powerful countries often feel more threatened by weaker rivals and become more hawkish, with a stronger willingness to support military or aggressive actions.
  2. Feeling powerful pushes decision-makers into fast, intuitive (System 1) thinking that amplifies emotions and leads to exaggerated threat perceptions and riskier choices.
  3. Less powerful countries tend to be more cautious and analytical because they face higher costs from escalation, so they assess threats more rationally and act more restrainedly.

Top Links 565 Trump and chips. The zama zama crisis in South Africa. China's great lift campaign and Algeria in the archive.

Chartbook • 314 implied HN points • 19 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics International relations
  1. Donald Trump has raised concerns about Taiwan's influence on America's chip industry. He is critical of the CHIPS Act designed to support the semiconductor industry.
  2. There are ongoing issues in South Africa related to illegal mining, commonly referred to as the zama zama crisis. This problem affects both the economy and safety in those areas.
  3. China is promoting a major campaign to improve its infrastructure and economy, often referred to as the great lift campaign. This initiative aims to enhance development and connect regions more effectively.

China's Putin Problem

Diane Francis • 559 implied HN points • 27 Oct 22
🌍 World Politics International relations
  1. China is trying to distance itself from Russia due to the negative impact of Putin's actions on its reputation and economy. Xi Jinping is making cautious moves to show he's not fully aligned with Moscow.
  2. A meeting between Xi and Biden could help improve China's international standing and address shared concerns about Russia's nuclear threats. It could also lead to better trade relationships for China.
  3. China faces serious domestic challenges, including economic downturns and issues with foreign investment. Xi needs to address these problems and find a way to mend fences with other nations.

If Trump Will Not Join The War, What Then?

Phillips’s Newsletter • 117 implied HN points • 20 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics International relations
  1. Trump's 'two-weeks' comment usually means he doesn't plan to take action right away. It's a way for him to buy time without getting involved in a war.
  2. There are many reasons Trump might avoid joining the conflict, like keeping his support base happy and not wanting to risk US military targets.
  3. If the US doesn’t participate, Israel will have to rely on its own military strength, making the situation much more complicated for them.
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The Deadliness Of Israel's Dead End

The Weekly Dish • 80 implied HN points • 01 Aug 25
🌍 World Politics International relations
  1. Civilian suffering in conflict zones often increases as military actions escalate. It's important to think about the human cost of such actions.
  2. Finding balance in conflict resolution can be difficult, especially when trying to defeat groups like Hamas. A focus solely on military strength may not be effective.
  3. Addressing the needs of civilians caught in conflict is essential. Starvation and lack of resources can worsen the situation for everyone involved.

The Politicization of Science Diplomacy

The Honest Broker Newsletter • 667 implied HN points • 29 Feb 24
🌍 World Politics International relations
  1. Nations are considering a Pandemic Agreement to enhance preparedness and response to disease outbreaks, focusing on science advice for a new international science advisory committee.
  2. Implementing a new science advisory committee to oversee genetic research and supervision of pandemic potential pathogens across various settings is challenging due to current political and diplomatic hurdles.
  3. The politicization of science diplomacy poses risks like compromising scientific integrity, creating 'policy-based evidence,' and jeopardizing the independence of expert advisory mechanisms, showing the need for stronger institutions where science intersects with politics.

Putin's Two Chernobyls

Diane Francis • 619 implied HN points • 05 Sep 22
🌍 World Politics International relations
  1. The Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant in Ukraine is at risk of a meltdown due to war tensions. This could lead to widespread radioactive contamination in Europe, similar to the Chernobyl disaster.
  2. Putin's actions are seen as a form of terrorism, using the nuclear plant as a weapon against Europe. By controlling the plant, he threatens European nations to gain leverage in negotiations.
  3. The global community is very concerned about the safety of nuclear plants in Ukraine. Countries like Japan and the US have called for Russia to return control of these facilities to Ukraine to avoid further disaster.

WHAT I HAVE BEEN TOLD IS COMING IN IRAN

Seymour Hersh • 113 implied HN points • 19 Jun 25
🌍 World Politics International relations
  1. There are plans for heavy American bombing in Iran soon, as suggested by insiders. The goal seems to involve a significant change in leadership.
  2. Iran's Supreme Leader, Ali Khamenei, is a central figure in this situation, but how to remove him isn't clear. His removal is seen as critical for moving forward.
  3. The world's reaction, especially from countries like Russia, could impact the situation. Israel has strong support from the U.S. despite ongoing conflicts.

Top Links 542 King coal. How Europe is still buying Russian gas. Big money is not speaking up for Harris & the Empresa de China.

Chartbook • 329 implied HN points • 26 Oct 24
🌍 World Politics International relations
  1. Europe is still buying Russian gas despite the ongoing conflict, showing a complicated relationship with energy sources.
  2. Global coal consumption has hit record highs due to rising electricity demand around the world.
  3. There seems to be a lack of support from major investors for politicians like Harris and companies like Empresa de China.

Hiroshima, Nagasaki Bombings Were Needless, Said World War II's Top US Military Leaders

Stark Realities with Brian McGlinchey • 1023 implied HN points • 01 Aug 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics International relations
  1. Top US military leaders from World War II believed that the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki were unnecessary and Japan was already defeated.
  2. The decision to drop the atomic bombs disregarded Japan's attempts to surrender and may have led to more American casualties in the long run.
  3. The bombings were chosen to demonstrate power and impress the Soviet Union, and some military leaders proposed alternative ways to showcase the bomb's strength.

Top Links 553 Wrangling over lithography machines. Thai coups. Power plays in Vietnam & the collapsing Lao state.

Chartbook • 314 implied HN points • 06 Nov 24
🌍 World Politics International relations
  1. There is ongoing competition and negotiation regarding lithography machines, which are crucial for semiconductor manufacturing. This shows how technology is tied to global power dynamics.
  2. Recent political changes, like coups in Thailand, highlight instability in the region. Such events can shift the balance of power and affect international relations.
  3. Vietnam's power struggles and the crisis in Laos indicate significant challenges in governance and stability in Southeast Asia. These issues impact the lives of many people in these countries.

Kazakhstan Defies Vlad

Diane Francis • 679 implied HN points • 21 Jul 22
🌍 World Politics International relations
  1. Kazakhstan is standing up to Russia and has openly criticized Putin's actions in Ukraine. This shows that Kazakhstan wants to assert its independence and build better ties with other countries.
  2. Kazakhstan is rich in resources like oil and uranium and is making plans to export its resources to Europe without relying on Russia. They are working on new pipelines to connect to European markets.
  3. The Kazakh leader has been reforming the country and moving closer to allies like Turkey and China. This shift could help Kazakhstan become a key player in Central Asia and beyond.

Top Links 561 Will Goldman be the Trump profiteer? Ukraine bonds bounce on talk of peace & "warrior boards".

Chartbook • 300 implied HN points • 15 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics International relations
  1. Goldman Sachs is performing really well in the stock market, showing a big gain this month.
  2. There are rumors about peace talks regarding Ukraine, causing a positive shift in Ukraine bonds.
  3. The term 'warrior boards' is mentioned, suggesting an interest in military-related investments or decisions.

Star Wars

Diane Francis • 519 implied HN points • 31 Oct 22
🌍 World Politics International relations
  1. Space has become very important in modern warfare, with satellites playing key roles in communications and intelligence gathering. Countries like the US, Russia, and China are investing heavily in their space capabilities.
  2. Russia threatened to target satellites like Elon Musk's Starlink that help Ukraine in its war effort, showing how conflicts are reaching into outer space. The US warned that attacks on these satellites would bring consequences.
  3. There is concern about the increasing weaponization of space. While full-blown space battles are unlikely soon, countries are developing technologies that could allow them to act aggressively in space.

Israel’s Forever War

Comment is Freed • 77 implied HN points • 06 Aug 25
🌍 World Politics International relations
  1. Israel's need for peace with the Palestinians is crucial, especially after decades of conflict. Various leaders have tried to address this issue, but lasting solutions have proven hard to achieve.
  2. The recognition of a Palestinian state is becoming more accepted internationally, reflecting a desire for resolution in the region. However, the path to achieving this remains uncertain.
  3. Current Israeli leadership is at risk of increasing isolation, as they avoid negotiations with Palestinians. Without dialogue, finding a stable solution will be very difficult.

War in our time

Taipology • 69 implied HN points • 09 Aug 25
🌍 World Politics International relations
  1. There are two views of the war in Ukraine: one from the western media, which portrays Ukrainian bravery, and the harsh reality on the ground, where Ukrainians are facing heavy losses without enough support.
  2. The situation for Ukrainian forces is dire, as they often find themselves in areas where retreat is impossible and many are losing their lives in these tense situations.
  3. Negotiation might be the best option for Ukraine since the current strategies seem unsustainable, and the country faces challenges in maintaining support and resources against a more populous adversary.

The day the world should have changed

The Raven • 176 implied HN points • 20 Feb 23
🌍 World Politics International relations
  1. Humanity missed the opportunity to shift away from power-based relations on the day of the Trinity test in 1945.
  2. Efforts for international nuclear control failed post-Trinity test, leading to modern nuclear threats and arms races.
  3. Creating a peaceful world requires moving beyond power dynamics to empathy and compassion in all aspects of society.

The Indian-American century

Wrong Side of History • 246 implied HN points • 30 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics International relations
  1. Ultrasound technology was first used in the 1950s for checking fetal health, but it led to sex-selective abortions in countries like India and China. This happened because many families preferred sons over daughters, which affected the natural balance of genders.
  2. The sex ratio at birth has been heavily skewed in India, with a notable rise in male births compared to females, reaching an alarming peak of 111 males for every 100 females in 2010. Despite legal bans and public campaigns against it, the issue persisted for years.
  3. Although recent years have shown some improvement in the gender ratio at birth, there are still millions more men than women in younger generations. For example, among Indian-born Sikhs, the ratio is shockingly high at 130 males for every 100 females.

China accuses the US of developing weapons targeting the Chinese race

Wenhao’s news blog • 176 implied HN points • 12 May 23
🌍 World Politics International relations
  1. China accuses the US of developing genetically engineered weapons targeting specific races, including Chinese, European, and Middle Eastern
  2. The accusation is based on an old Chinese state media article from 20 years ago, not recent revelations by the Wall Street Journal as claimed
  3. Activist Tong Zeng has been linking various events, such as the SARS outbreak and Covid-19 pandemic, to alleged US biological warfare activities

王向偉：台海開戰？中美急需達成新共識 驅散戰爭陰霾

Wang Xiangwei's Thought of the Day on China • 176 implied HN points • 11 Jul 23
🌍 World Politics International relations
  1. China is intensifying military preparations to potentially attack Taiwan, raising concerns internationally.
  2. It is important for Taiwan's future leaders to avoid policies or actions seen as promoting independence to prevent conflict in the Taiwan Strait.
  3. Reaching a new consensus between China and the U.S. on the Taiwan issue is crucial to avoid war and dispel the shadow of conflict.

Trump’s ‘turning point’ on Ukraine war is another empty threat against Russia

Aaron Mate • 91 implied HN points • 15 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics International relations
  1. Trump's new Ukraine policy is seen as exciting for some, but it doesn't really change the situation much.
  2. There are threats of economic action against countries working with Russia, but it remains to be seen how effective that will be.
  3. Despite promises of more weapons for Ukraine, the recent announcements don’t seem to be groundbreaking.

What Should We Do About Ukraine?

Gideon's Substack • 23 implied HN points • 26 Nov 25
🌍 World Politics International relations
  1. The recent peace proposal for Ukraine has sparked division, with some seeing it as a surrender and others as a necessary step to save Ukraine from losing the war entirely.
  2. There’s a belief that Ukraine’s independence is crucial not just for them, but also for European countries worried about Russia's power and ambitions.
  3. The ability to form a united and strong European defense against Russia is uncertain, especially with the rise of populist governments, leaving the future of both Ukraine and Europe in a precarious position.

The Weirdest Air Campaign In History

Phillips’s Newsletter • 102 implied HN points • 28 Jun 25
🌍 World Politics International relations
  1. The air campaign between Israel and the US against Iran is unusual and raises many questions. It shows how complex military actions can be.
  2. Donald Trump's involvement changed the focus of the campaign, which might have helped Iran in some unexpected ways. His actions shifted the narrative.
  3. A ceasefire has been reached, but it leaves us wondering about the true impact and future of the conflict. It might take a long time to understand what really happened.

Natural Gas Between Russia and Europe

Doomberg • 231 implied HN points • 09 Jan 25
🌍 World Politics International relations
  1. Natural gas is a key issue in the relationship between Russia and Europe. This topic has a long history and is very relevant today.
  2. The geopolitical situation is changing rapidly, which affects how countries interact regarding energy resources.
  3. Looking ahead, it's important to understand the current gas crisis to anticipate future developments in energy supply and security.

Are We Seeing A Paradigm Shift On US Public Opinion And Foreign/Defense Policy?

Phillips’s Newsletter • 86 implied HN points • 22 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics International relations
  1. There's a shift happening in how Americans view foreign and defense policies. This change isn't just about Trump; it's larger and was coming regardless.
  2. Many people incorrectly believe that the US will return to the foreign policies from before 1945. But that may not happen, as public opinion is changing.
  3. Other countries shouldn't rely on America sticking to its past commitments. The public seems more skeptical of international involvement now.

Weekend Update #119: Fighting Men With Machines Is A Good Thing: Ukraine Should Aim To Do More And More Of It

Phillips’s Newsletter • 213 implied HN points • 08 Feb 25
🌍 World Politics International relations
  1. Using machines, like drones, to fight can be a good strategy for Ukraine. It's safer for soldiers and can be more effective against Russian forces.
  2. Recent reports show that Russian advances have slowed down, which might indicate a shift in the conflict. It seems that despite expectations of a Ukrainian collapse, they are holding their ground.
  3. Ukraine has been successful in making small advances into Russian territory, which gives them leverage in any potential talks. This suggests that Ukraine is not as weak as some media portray.

How Not To Cancel Russia

Castalia • 219 implied HN points • 30 Jun 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics International relations
  1. It's important to avoid blaming all Russians for their government's actions. Just like in other countries, people can have different views and shouldn't be judged solely based on their nationality.
  2. There are big debates about cultural boycotts and canceling works set in Russia. Self-censorship by authors can lead to extreme positions that don't really help anyone.
  3. Even during wartime, we should recognize individual bravery and the complexity of people's identities. Not every Russian supports the war and we need to see beyond stereotypes.

Commentator

Castalia • 179 implied HN points • 13 Aug 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics 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.

Biden’s Final Export Control Salvo Misfires

ChinaTalk • 266 implied HN points • 03 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics International relations
  1. Biden's new export controls for chips were seen as weak and complicated. They might not effectively slow down China's progress in chip technology.
  2. The rules have too many loopholes that companies can exploit, allowing China to stockpile resources and continue its chip production relatively unhindered.
  3. There are debates about the effectiveness of the regulations and whether they should be focused more on strategic goals or just enforcement of the law.

Operation Midnight Hammer, or: The United States Strikes Iran

eugyppius: a plague chronicle • 102 implied HN points • 22 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics International relations
  1. The U.S. military recently targeted Iranian nuclear sites, indicating a significant escalation in tensions between the two countries.
  2. Advanced bomber planes and submarines were used in the attack, highlighting the military capabilities of the U.S.
  3. The damage to the Iranian facilities is serious, but they have not been completely destroyed, suggesting ongoing risks and potential for future conflict.

The North African Campaign

Castalia • 199 implied HN points • 17 Jul 23
💾 History International relations
  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.

Will Iran Surrender?

Comment is Freed • 101 implied HN points • 21 Jun 25
🌍 World Politics International relations
  1. High-level talks are happening between European officials and Iran regarding nuclear limitations. Iran insists they need to stop Israeli aggression first.
  2. The US is not directly involved in these talks, which some believe is necessary for real progress.
  3. Iran may only agree to major concessions when they feel they are losing and can admit it publicly.

Russia on the Ropes

Diane Francis • 539 implied HN points • 22 Sep 22
🌍 World Politics International relations
  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.

In Ukraine, USAID aids US hegemony

Aaron Mate • 204 implied HN points • 09 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics International relations
  1. The cuts to USAID by the Trump administration have hurt global relief programs that many depend on for help. This has left some critical health programs in a difficult situation.
  2. USAID is not just about helping people; it can also be used to destabilize countries and push propaganda. This means it might not always be acting in good faith.
  3. In places like Ukraine, USAID has played a big role in U.S. strategies aimed at weakening Russia, highlighting its dual purpose of aiding both humanitarian efforts and political goals.

Iran: You Go Girl

Diane Francis • 479 implied HN points • 03 Nov 22
🌍 World Politics International relations
  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.

Trump and Putin: Aligning over Ukrainian Elections

Phillips’s Newsletter • 196 implied HN points • 17 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics International relations
  1. Trump and Putin seem to be aligning on Ukraine, especially concerning the idea of holding elections there. This cooperation marks a notable change from their prior stances.
  2. Before the election, Trump and his associates didn't prioritize Ukrainian elections in their plans, but now they insist that Ukraine must hold elections soon.
  3. Many believe that Trump's push for elections aims to weaken Ukraine and support Putin's interests, leading Ukrainians to rely more on European assistance than American help.

How American AI Chip Policy Could Lead Us Right into World War III

Future History • 190 implied HN points • 13 Feb 25
🕹 Technology International relations
  1. The US heavily relies on Taiwan and South Korea for advanced chips. If China were to invade Taiwan, it could cut off the supply of these crucial components, affecting everything from smartphones to cars.
  2. Building chip manufacturing capacity in the US is not happening fast enough. The current efforts, including the Chips Act, are insufficient compared to what countries like South Korea are investing.
  3. Current tensions and trade policies can push China towards aggressive actions. If chip trade restrictions continue, it might lead to a conflict, putting the whole world at risk.

Saturday Commentary and Review #185

Fisted by Foucault • 202 implied HN points • 01 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics International relations
  1. Ukraine's population is declining sharply due to the war and past crises. Many people have left the country, leading to labor shortages and an aging population.
  2. The rise of AI is becoming crucial for economies, especially with new players like China's DeepSeek competing strongly with the US. This highlights a significant shift in the tech landscape.
  3. There is a cultural shift in the US, with a new generation embracing the #MAGA movement. This change reflects a sense of optimism among young conservatives, contrasting with the challenges faced by other political groups.