The hottest International relations Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
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Top World Politics Topics

This Is Not Appeasement, It Is Worse

Phillips’s Newsletter • 193 implied HN points • 14 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics International relations
  1. Trump is making concessions to Russia that could hurt Ukraine. He has suggested letting Putin back into the G7 and keeping Ukraine out of NATO.
  2. The U.S. seems to be giving Russia a lot of leeway during a difficult time for their military. This support appears to help Putin when he needs it most.
  3. Critics say calling Trump's actions appeasement is too simple, as he may be actively supporting Russia in troubling ways for Ukraine's future.

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

Geopolitical Economy Report • 219 implied HN points • 03 Jan 23
🌍 World Politics International relations
  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.

The Israel-Iran Air War: Destruction Vs Coercion

Phillips’s Newsletter • 100 implied HN points • 17 Jun 25
🌍 World Politics International relations
  1. Israel has gained air supremacy in the conflict, which is a notable achievement. This means they have control over the skies, which can change the dynamics of the war.
  2. The Israeli military strategy includes attacking Iranian energy production, aiming for a potential change in the Iranian government. They are trying to weaken Iran's resources and influence.
  3. Iran is responding with missile attacks against Israel. Their strategy appears to focus on retaliation and causing damage to deter further Israeli actions.

Saturday Commentary and Review #186

Fisted by Foucault • 185 implied HN points • 17 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics International relations
  1. J.D. Vance highlighted that Europe's biggest threat isn't from outside forces like Russia or China, but rather from internal issues like declining democratic values and free speech. He believes Europe needs to uphold the will of its citizens.
  2. Vance pointed out that Europe is facing a significant challenge with mass migration, which he claims is a result of policies not aligned with the people's desires. He stresses that European leaders should listen to and respect their voters' concerns.
  3. He also stressed that the responsibility for security lies with Europe itself, and as the USA focuses more on East Asia, European countries need to step up and take charge of their own defense and of their democratic processes.

This is genocide not war

Diane Francis • 819 implied HN points • 24 Feb 22
🌍 World Politics International relations
  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.
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War in the Middle East.

Philoinvestor • 157 implied HN points • 07 Oct 23
🌍 World Politics 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.

The Infanticide That Won't End

The Weekly Dish • 101 implied HN points • 06 Jun 25
🌍 World Politics International relations
  1. The ongoing conflict in Gaza is causing harm to both sides involved. It seems like a never-ending cycle of violence.
  2. Many believe that escalating the war will have negative consequences for Israel in the long run. It might lead to more suffering and less security.
  3. It's important to find a peaceful solution instead of continuing the fight. Stopping the violence could help create a better future for everyone.

Digital Migrants & Coercive Immobility

BowTiedMara - Geoarbitrage & Mobility Assets • 157 implied HN points • 07 Jul 23
🌍 World Politics International relations
  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 • 157 implied HN points • 28 Feb 23
🌐 International 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 • 157 implied HN points • 01 Jul 23
🌍 World Politics 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.

In which NATO brings Europe closer to nuclear war for the purpose of teaching North Korea a lesson, and also just because

eugyppius: a plague chronicle • 264 implied HN points • 22 Nov 24
🌍 World Politics International relations
  1. NATO's actions could make Europe more vulnerable to nuclear conflict, especially with increasing tensions between Russia and the West.
  2. Recent military strikes and responses show that this conflict is escalating and could lead to serious consequences for all parties involved.
  3. Some European politicians seem to underestimate the risks of warfare, believing the US will always protect them from the fallout of their provocative decisions.

Top Links 595 Will there be a Trump bounce? OPEC has prices wrong & Why the US needs Diego Garcia

Chartbook • 228 implied HN points • 22 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics International relations
  1. The idea of a 'Trump bounce' suggests people's feelings might improve following certain news, but it doesn't always lead to more loans being requested. It's important to connect feelings to real actions like spending and borrowing.
  2. OPEC's predictions about oil prices may not be accurate, which could impact global economies more than we realize. It's crucial to pay attention to how oil price changes affect us all.
  3. The U.S. has strategic needs for places like Diego Garcia. Having military bases in such locations is important for national security and global influence.

Israel’s Nuclear Ambiguity

Comment is Freed • 74 implied HN points • 25 Jul 25
🌍 World Politics International relations
  1. Israel has nuclear weapons but has kept it a secret. Unlike Iran, which signed a treaty about nuclear weapons, Israel never agreed to one.
  2. The reason Israel can have these weapons without much scrutiny is that it sticks to a policy of 'nuclear ambiguity'—it won’t confirm or deny its nuclear capabilities.
  3. Other countries avoid discussing Israel's nuclear power because they fear it would cause more tension and lead to other nations wanting their own nuclear weapons.

Qatar-Gate

Diane Francis • 399 implied HN points • 15 Dec 22
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics International relations
  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.

Israel and Iran: Where Are We Now?

God's Spies by Thomas Neuburger • 100 implied HN points • 13 Jun 25
🌍 World Politics International relations
  1. Israel has launched an attack on Iran's nuclear facilities, reportedly killing key military leaders and scientists. This move raises tensions in the region significantly.
  2. Iran has responded by launching drones towards Israel, marking a potential escalation of conflict. The situation remains very dynamic as both sides prepare for further actions.
  3. The future depends heavily on Iran's next steps; it could either remain cautious or retaliate forcefully, which could lead to a wider war in the Middle East.

Why is Europe Staying in an Abusive Relationship?

Phillips’s Newsletter • 174 implied HN points • 28 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics International relations
  1. Europe feels trapped in a bad relationship with Trump, similar to how people stay in abusive situations due to fear and intimidation.
  2. Many European leaders don't recognize the unhealthy dynamics at play, which causes them to excuse Trump's actions instead of addressing their own weaknesses.
  3. To truly protect themselves, Europe needs to acknowledge the reality of this relationship and start acting more independently and confidently.

Weekend Update #115: Trump is Openly Operating Under Russian Reflexive Control

Phillips’s Newsletter • 213 implied HN points • 12 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics International relations
  1. Trump's recent comments show he might be using Russian reasoning in his foreign policy views, particularly concerning allies and Ukraine. He seems less focused on maintaining alliances and more on adopting a confrontational stance.
  2. Ukraine is working on improving its long-range strike capabilities, having conducted significant attacks deep into Russian territory. This suggests they are trying to change the dynamics of the war despite facing difficulties.
  3. The situation on the ground in places like Donbas and Kursk remains stagnant, indicating a continued need for Ukraine to implement effective long-range strategies to alter the current conflict state.

Israel attacks Iran

Comment is Freed • 97 implied HN points • 13 Jun 25
🌍 World Politics International relations
  1. Israel has launched serious attacks on Iran's nuclear program, leaving Iran unsure of how to respond. This attack seems to be more than just a bluff.
  2. The outcome of the situation heavily depends on the US's reaction. Without US support, Israel may struggle to achieve its goals.
  3. Iran might hold back its retaliation to avoid escalating conflict and dragging the US into the situation, especially as its own position has weakened over the years.

The US is no longer our ally

Erik Examines • 179 implied HN points • 17 Feb 25
🌍 World Politics International relations
  1. The US is seen by some as no longer being a reliable ally, with divisions in its political landscape affecting international relationships. This raises concerns about how the US approaches foreign policy and engages with other countries.
  2. There's a belief that the US government is siding with far-right movements in Europe and challenging democratic norms. This shift is viewed as a significant change from past US leadership which was more aligned with traditional allies.
  3. Historical parallels are drawn to past aggressive actions by leaders, showing a worry that current US politics might lead to similar conflicts. Many people prefer to cling to the familiar, but change is coming whether they like it or not.

To Russia With Malice

Diane Francis • 579 implied HN points • 18 Jul 22
🌍 World Politics International relations
  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.

Khomeini on Brain Drain

Bet On It • 261 implied HN points • 12 Nov 24
🌍 World Politics International relations
  1. Khomeini expressed indifference towards the brain drain from Iran, suggesting those who left were not valuable to the country. He believed that if people felt the need to leave, they should just go.
  2. He argued that the fleeing intellectuals would not contribute positively to Iran, indicating a preference for different thinkers. Khomeini felt that the country should not mourn those who left.
  3. He highlighted the struggles of Iranians wanting to emigrate due to restrictions, imagining how different Iran's population would be if those people had been welcomed elsewhere.

Weekend Update #117: OK, the War was not Ended on Tuesday--So what Now?

Phillips’s Newsletter • 198 implied HN points • 26 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics International relations
  1. Trump has made some comments suggesting he sees Russia as weaker than before, but he's still not supporting meaningful help for Ukraine. He focuses on getting a deal to stop fighting rather than ensuring Ukraine's security.
  2. There are mixed opinions about Ukraine's military situation. Some believe they have enough supplies to continue fighting, while others fear a collapse in the near future due to lack of support.
  3. Currently, Russian advances on the battlefield are very minimal. There is little change, indicating that the situation might not be as bad for Ukraine as some fear.

The Triumph of Evil

Diane Francis • 759 implied HN points • 05 Mar 22
🌍 World Politics International relations
  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 Russia Must Lose

Diane Francis • 619 implied HN points • 09 Jun 22
🌍 World Politics International relations
  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.

What Does Hitting Scaling Law Limit Mean for US-China AI Competition

Interconnected • 246 implied HN points • 18 Nov 24
🕹 Technology International relations
  1. The scaling law for AI models might be losing effectiveness, meaning that simply using more data and compute power may not lead to significant improvements like it did before.
  2. US export controls on AI technology may become less impactful over time, as diminishing returns on AI model scaling could lessen the advantages of having the most advanced hardware.
  3. If AI development slows down, the urgency for a potential 'AI doomsday' scenario may decrease, allowing for a more balanced competition between the US and China in AI advancements.

Kissinger vs. Soros

Diane Francis • 619 implied HN points • 30 May 22
🌍 World Politics International relations
  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.

The Politics Of Destruction.

Trying to Understand the World • 8 implied HN points • 07 Jan 26
🌍 World Politics International relations
  1. Organizations naturally drift toward disorder if you don't put steady effort into them, so politics, militaries and public services need continuous training, leadership and maintenance to stay effective.
  2. Short-term careerism, managerial targets, legalistic controls and a wider cultural nihilism have eroded public ethos and institutional performance in the West, often actively accelerating that decay.
  3. If destruction and neglect continue, political vacuums will form and be filled by forces that may be dangerous, so the cure is long-term commitment: restore purpose, institutional integrity and sustained investment in people and practices.

Interview with the Previously Prohibited podcast

Karlstack • 91 implied HN points • 04 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics International relations
  1. Chris Brunet went from being popular in the anti-woke Right to being an outcast for speaking the truth about Israel's support in conservative media.
  2. He recently wrote about new laws that target BDS and free speech, showing a growing trend among some Republicans.
  3. The interview discusses how these changes affect freedom of expression and highlights the challenges faced by journalists.

Saturday Commentary and Review #183

Fisted by Foucault • 198 implied HN points • 11 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics International relations
  1. Putin has significantly changed Russia since he took power, winning popularity by boosting the economy and restoring national pride after the tough years of the Yeltsin era.
  2. Many Western countries failed to build a real partnership with Russia, leading Putin to seek closer ties with China instead, which some view as a mistake in the long run.
  3. The current political landscape shows that traditional liberalism is under strain, and while there is much discussion about new ideologies, many political movements still operate within a liberal framework.

We Are All Ukrainians

Diane Francis • 1278 implied HN points • 12 Apr 21
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics International relations
  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.

Vietnam's Massive Reclamation in the Spratly Islands

Pekingnology • 83 implied HN points • 01 Jul 25
🌍 World Politics International relations
  1. Vietnam is rapidly expanding its territory in the Spratly Islands by reclaiming land. Since late 2021, they've increased their land area by over 8.5 square kilometers through large-scale reclamation projects.
  2. Alongside land reclamation, Vietnam is building military facilities like harbors and runways. This will help improve their military presence in the South China Sea and allows for better defense and operations.
  3. Recent actions by Vietnam are attracting international attention. Countries like the US and various think tanks are starting to notice and criticize Vietnam's aggressive island-building, which could affect peace in the region.

The Angels of Ukraine: Profiles in Civic Heroism

The Save Journalism Committee • 216 implied HN points • 18 Dec 24
🌍 World Politics International relations
  1. In times of war, many people step up to help others, showing incredible empathy and courage. These volunteers are often called 'Angels' because they help those in need during tough times.
  2. Some individuals create organizations to address specific gaps in aid, like distributing medicines and supplies when official relief programs fall short. They find ways to be effective and make a real difference without big budgets.
  3. Many families are greatly impacted by war, and some take personal responsibility by fostering or adopting children in need. Their stories show the strength of community, love, and resilience in difficult situations.

US Ambassador To Canada Hoekstrsa Is A Stupid Cunt & Should Fuck Right Off.

C.O.P. Central Organizing Principle. • 18 implied HN points • 20 Nov 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics International relations
  1. The Canadian economy has been affected negatively by trade agreements like NAFTA and the impact of COVID-19.
  2. There is a strong sentiment against America for its role in these economic challenges faced by Canada.
  3. Some individuals express frustration towards US officials and their influence on Canadian affairs.

Cripple Russia Now

Diane Francis • 739 implied HN points • 21 Feb 22
🌍 World Politics International relations
  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 • 499 implied HN points • 18 Aug 22
🌍 World Politics International relations
  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.

Civilization 1 million, Russia 0

Diane Francis • 539 implied HN points • 30 Jun 22
🌍 World Politics International relations
  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.

Tang Shiping on The New Landscape of International Political Economy and Economic Development of the Global South

Pekingnology • 71 implied HN points • 16 Jul 25
🌍 World Politics International relations
  1. Countries in the Global South have gained more confidence and can now take charge of their own development. They have learned that they cannot just follow Western advice, as they need to find solutions that work specifically for them.
  2. New technologies like mobile communication and artificial intelligence can improve the economy for all sectors. These tools can help countries adopt better practices in agriculture, manufacturing, and other areas, even with limited resources.
  3. The ongoing rivalry between the U.S. and China is reshaping global trade dynamics. Countries in the Global South need to navigate between these two powers effectively to leverage opportunities and avoid being caught in conflicts.

The West Wimps Out

Diane Francis • 699 implied HN points • 25 Feb 22
🌍 World Politics International relations
  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.