The hottest International relations Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
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Top World Politics Topics

COP30 - Psyops in Action

Who is Robert Malone • 18 implied HN points • 12 Nov 25
🌞 Climate & Environment International relations
  1. COP30 is a major UN climate conference happening in Brazil, focused on limiting global temperature rise and promoting green policies. However, many feel these changes could hurt economies and families instead.
  2. There's a growing concern that the UN and other organizations are pushing an agenda that undermines national sovereignty and promotes global control. Critics argue that this could lead to ineffective spending on unproven technologies.
  3. Indigenous participation at COP30 has drawn attention, with many activists involved in protests. Some believe these protests are orchestrated to support the UN’s narrative, raising questions about the authenticity of the movement.

Henry Huiyao Wang: China must ensure its green energy leadership is good for the world

Pekingnology • 56 implied HN points • 24 Jul 25
🌞 Climate & Environment International relations
  1. China is becoming a leader in green energy, producing more solar panels and electric vehicles than ever before. This shift is important for both their economy and the global fight against climate change.
  2. The transition to green energy is not just about technology; it requires cooperation across countries to truly make a difference. Everyone needs to work together to address climate issues that affect us all.
  3. Trust is key for China as it moves into this new green economy. To help the world, China should invest in other countries and build relationships that benefit everyone.

Rounding up Rats

Diane Francis • 499 implied HN points • 09 May 22
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics International relations
  1. Putin did not escalate his war in a recent speech, which might suggest a more cautious approach.
  2. Jill Biden's visit to Ukraine on Mother's Day was a gesture of support for the country amid the conflict.
  3. Alina Kabaeva, who is linked to Putin, may face sanctions in Europe and has been forced to leave her home in Switzerland.

AI Roundup 128: AI Action Plan

Artificial Ignorance • 54 implied HN points • 25 Jul 25
🕹 Technology International relations
  1. The AI Action Plan focuses on speeding up AI innovation, building necessary infrastructure, and improving global diplomatic efforts related to AI technology.
  2. Both DeepMind and OpenAI recently achieved top scores in a prestigious math competition, showing how advanced AI can be in solving complex problems.
  3. Generative AI is making its way into film production, with Netflix using it to create special effects quickly and cost-effectively, paving the way for new developments in the entertainment industry.

Tariffs are a necessary tool in the trade arsenal

The Dossier • 181 implied HN points • 26 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics International relations
  1. Tariffs can be an important tool for negotiating better trade deals. They act as a bargaining chip that can encourage countries to agree to more favorable terms.
  2. Having the option to use tariffs is similar to keeping nuclear weapons for defense. It creates a stronger position and may deter other nations from unfair practices.
  3. Recent threats of tariffs from U.S. leaders have prompted other countries to open discussions, showing that the threat of tariffs can lead to positive negotiations.
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The Fall of Assad & What it Means for The Middle East (w/ Alastair Crooke) | The Chris Hedges Report

The Chris Hedges Report • 173 implied HN points • 10 Dec 24
🌍 World Politics International relations
  1. The fall of Assad in Syria changes the political landscape of the Middle East. It might lead to power struggles among various groups like Hayat Tahrir al-Sham and increase tensions involving Turkey and Israel.
  2. Syria's economy is heavily damaged, with lost oil resources and widespread poverty. Without recovering these resources, the country will struggle to rebuild and provide for its people.
  3. The situation has potential global implications as conflicts may spread, involving neighboring countries like Lebanon and Iraq, and could even lead to a war with Iran which would have serious consequences for the entire region.

Trump could be in China for Sept. 3 WW2 commemoration & military parade, Chinese opinion leaders suggest

Pekingnology • 67 implied HN points • 25 Jun 25
🌍 World Politics International relations
  1. China is suggesting that Trump should visit for a big World War II anniversary event on September 3. It would be a good chance to remember the friendship between the U.S. and China during the war.
  2. Two Chinese leaders believe Trump's visit could bring peace and stability to the world. They think that having him join other leaders like Putin at the event could show unity among powerful nations.
  3. This visit could help improve chilly U.S.-China relations. By recalling their history of working together, it could encourage both countries to avoid conflict in the future.

Some Perspective Is In Order

Fisted by Foucault • 141 implied HN points • 28 Jan 25
🌍 World Politics International relations
  1. The US has damaged the Nordstream pipeline that linked Russia and Germany, raising geopolitical tensions.
  2. Trump's interest in buying Greenland might be a way to pressure European countries to spend more on defense.
  3. While the EU supports Ukraine against Russian aggression, there are questions about who might really be the threat to Europe.

The US war over Ukraine is a phase in the West’s hybrid war on Russia

Geopolitical Economy Report • 358 implied HN points • 12 Apr 22
🌍 World Politics International relations
  1. The US war over Ukraine is part of the West's larger hybrid war on Russia, focusing on countries that don't align with the US empire economically.
  2. US hybrid wars aim to slow its economic and military decline, as well as halt China's rise as a global economic power.
  3. Washington's pressures on European allies aim to curb their ties with China and maintain dominance, showcased in the NATO alliance and 'rules-based international order'.

".....but a whimper."

Fisted by Foucault • 190 implied HN points • 13 Nov 24
🌍 World Politics International relations
  1. Georgia has a history of movements for change, but recent protests after an election were surprisingly quiet. This might indicate a lack of energy or uncertainty among the citizens about how to respond.
  2. Many NGOs in Georgia rely heavily on foreign funding, but the government has started to restrict their influence to protect its own power. This has made the situation tricky for the opposition.
  3. Despite wanting to join the EU, many Georgian citizens are not willing to challenge the current government. Concerns about potential war with Russia also play a role in their hesitance.

No Mercy for Russia

Diane Francis • 479 implied HN points • 19 May 22
🌍 World Politics International relations
  1. Many Western leaders are wavering on their support for Ukraine, suggesting compromises for Putin. This lack of unity may be dangerous and could allow Russia to continue its brutal actions.
  2. Ukrainians are determined to fight back and need strong support from the West. If they get the weapons and help they need, they can potentially turn the tide against the Russian forces.
  3. History shows that giving in to aggressors leads to more problems. The West must stay strong and united to ensure Russia feels the consequences of its actions and to help Ukraine regain its territory.

Labour needs to make the selfish case for foreign aid

Odds and Ends of History • 670 implied HN points • 04 Jul 23
🌍 World Politics International relations
  1. Labour should make the selfish case for foreign aid to appeal to people's self-interest and make it more politically viable.
  2. Talking about foreign aid in terms of soft power and global stability can help reframe its purpose and importance.
  3. Addressing corruption in foreign aid should focus on improving practices rather than using it as an argument against aid altogether.

01/27/24 - I’m very worried that all the Chinese babies adopted by America are no longer alive!

Moly’s Substack • 58 implied HN points • 28 Jan 24
🌍 World Politics International relations
  1. Immigration may not always lead to happiness and stability in a foreign land; think carefully about choices.
  2. Equality in marriages means different standards for who people choose to marry.
  3. Concerns exist about the safety and well-being of Chinese babies adopted by America, raising questions about adoption policies.

A Little Bit of Everything

Fisted by Foucault • 180 implied HN points • 26 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics International relations
  1. The US is seeing some major changes in its foreign policy due to a new incoming administration, which could complicate the situation in Ukraine. This transition may affect how the US interacts with Russia and its allies.
  2. Recent arrest warrants by the ICC for world leaders, including Israel's Prime Minister, have raised questions about the fairness of international justice and America's role in it. This has made the US look hypocritical to other countries.
  3. Germany's economy is struggling, with job cuts and company shutdowns indicating a larger issue. Many Germans feel their country isn't what it used to be, leading to potential shifts in political support.

Wang Yi at Munich Security Conference

Pekingnology • 132 implied HN points • 15 Feb 25
🌍 World Politics International relations
  1. The world is becoming multipolar, meaning many countries will have more equal power instead of just a few dominating. This is a positive change that can lead to more fairness among nations.
  2. It's essential to follow international laws and treat all countries equally, regardless of their power. Respecting each other's sovereignty helps maintain peace and stability.
  3. Cooperation, openness, and working together are key to solving global problems. Countries should not isolate themselves but instead collaborate for a better future.

China's Frankenstein

Diane Francis • 899 implied HN points • 31 May 21
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics International relations
  1. There are debates about whether COVID-19 came from a lab in China or from animals. Some experts believe it was created through risky experiments in a lab rather than naturally from a wet market.
  2. China may have covered up the origins of the virus and the World Health Organization faced criticism for its investigation into the situation. Many countries want a clearer understanding of what happened.
  3. The pandemic shows the need for stricter rules and safety measures in science. There's a growing concern that dangerous experiments with viruses need better oversight to prevent future outbreaks.

Mr. Putin: Every "Window" Will Shoot

Diane Francis • 599 implied HN points • 24 Jan 22
🌍 World Politics International relations
  1. In 2014, many Ukrainians protested against corruption and Russian influence. They showed bravery by standing up to police and risking their safety.
  2. The situation escalated when Russian snipers killed protesters. This tragic event caused many more people to join the protests.
  3. As a result of the protests, the president aligned with Putin fled, and Russian forces began moving into Ukraine.

Overcoming the underwhelming history of America's Africa Policy

An Africanist Perspective • 138 implied HN points • 04 Jan 23
🌍 World Politics International relations
  1. America's Africa Policy has been hindered by persistent bad habits and missed opportunities, such as neglecting to leverage connections with the large Black population for strategic alliances.
  2. There have been successes in US-Africa relations, like President George W. Bush's PEPFAR and various commercial initiatives, but the policy needs to prioritize state-building, support developmental agendas, and streamline objectives.
  3. To enhance US-Africa relations, it is crucial to align policy with African institutions, cultivate a strong domestic pro-Africa constituency, and acknowledge the region's significance in the global context.

Seeking long war in Ukraine, Biden approves long-range strikes into Russia

Aaron Mate • 186 implied HN points • 18 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics International relations
  1. Biden has allowed Ukraine to use long-range missiles, even though he was worried about it before. This decision marks a big step in the ongoing conflict with Russia.
  2. Biden has privately expressed concerns that Ukrainian President Zelensky is asking for too much military support, fearing it could escalate to a larger war.
  3. With Trump set to take over soon, Biden seems to be making these choices to solidify his stance on the Ukraine situation before leaving office.

The Biden doctrine in Gaza: bomb, starve, conceal, deceive

Aaron Mate • 392 implied HN points • 08 Mar 24
🌍 World Politics International relations
  1. The US is deploying military aid to Gaza as a public relations stunt, while hiding weapons transfers to Israel.
  2. The aid delivery to Gaza, touted by Biden, is a ruse that serves to prolong Israel's attacks and doesn't address the root issue.
  3. The White House is backing Israel's blockade of Gaza and expediting arms transfers in contradiction to public statements, focusing on political optics rather than real aid.

Economist Michael Hudson explains inflation crisis and Fed's secretive $4.5 trillion bank bailout

Geopolitical Economy Report • 438 implied HN points • 08 Jan 22
🌍 World Politics International relations
  1. Economist Michael Hudson explains the global inflation crisis, pointing out the flaws in how inflation is measured in the US
  2. The Federal Reserve's $4.5 trillion bank bailout violated regulations and was directed towards big banks such as JP Morgan Chase and Citibank
  3. China and Russia are working on creating independent financial systems to reduce reliance on the US-controlled financial system

🔅 Who Leads Africa's Billionaire Club? & South Africa's Presidential Advisory Scandal

baobabnewsletter • 58 implied HN points • 25 Jan 24
🌍 World Politics International relations
  1. Dangote still leads Africa's billionaire club with a fortune of $13.9 billion.
  2. South Africa's President removed Thabi Leoka from his advisory panel over a questionable PhD from LSE.
  3. A man confessed to starting a deadly fire in Johannesburg as a cover-up for a murder, highlighting the issue of hijacked buildings.

Panic in the Israel Lobby

John’s Substack • 17 implied HN points • 14 Nov 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics International relations
  1. Russia is currently winning the war against Ukraine with effective strategies. Ukraine is facing growing problems that seem very hard to resolve.
  2. The discussion included distressing topics, such as society's acceptance of violence in Israel against Palestinians, which raised serious moral questions.
  3. There's a struggle within the Israel Lobby to manage negative perceptions of Israel, especially related to public figures like Tucker Carlson, who criticize their actions.

Zelensky’s 'Victory Plan' is a sign of defeat

Aaron Mate • 200 implied HN points • 21 Oct 24
🌍 World Politics International relations
  1. Zelensky warned that some Western countries wanted a long war in Ukraine, even if it meant Ukraine could suffer severely.
  2. He chose to ignore this warning and sided with Western leaders who pushed for ongoing fighting instead of peace.
  3. Now, Zelensky seems to be facing the consequences of that choice, feeling abandoned by those same allies he listened to.

Allied Scale and the Future of the West

European Straits • 14 implied HN points • 16 Nov 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics International relations
  1. The West needs better coordination between the US and Europe to strengthen their combined power. It's not just about having resources; it's about how well they work together.
  2. The Russia-Ukraine war shows that winning wars relies on strong alliances and manufacturing capacity. Good partnerships can help endure longer conflicts more effectively.
  3. After World War II, NATO and the European project helped turn Europe's available resources into real power. They fostered cooperation and stability that made the region stronger.

Saturday Commentary and Review #178

Fisted by Foucault • 187 implied HN points • 02 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics International relations
  1. Elections in the USA are more complicated and possibly rigged than people think. There's a lot of doubt about whether they are truly fair and free, especially after events surrounding the 2020 election.
  2. Government agencies can sometimes act in ways that contradict their original missions, such as the case with ICE and drug trafficking operations. This shows a lack of coordination and oversight within government bodies.
  3. The idea of BRICS as a powerful alternative to Western financial systems isn't as strong as it seems. Current economic ties with the US make it hard for developing nations to shift away from the dollar.

Wang Jisi on The Relationship Between National Security and Other National Objectives

Pekingnology • 64 implied HN points • 22 Jun 25
🌍 World Politics International relations
  1. National security is very important, but it needs limits. We should not let the pursuit of security take away freedom and wealth.
  2. Economic growth helps improve security, but too fast growth can cause unrest, especially in poorer countries. It's important for nations to balance growth and stability.
  3. The resources a country spends on military don't always equal better security. There are complex factors at play that influence how safe a nation really is.

The USA vs China AI race may define Trump's second term

The Dossier • 131 implied HN points • 27 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics International relations
  1. DeepSeek, a Chinese AI company, claims to have created a powerful new machine learning model that's cheaper than popular models like Chat GPT. This has sparked a lot of excitement in the tech community.
  2. Not everyone believes DeepSeek's claims, as some tech leaders are skeptical. They worry that the company might be using advanced tech smuggled in from other countries despite tight export laws.
  3. The competition between the U.S. and China in AI is heating up. With big investments from both sides, the outcome of this race could significantly impact political and economic landscapes in the near future.

Saturday Commentary and Review #181

Fisted by Foucault • 154 implied HN points • 23 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics International relations
  1. The collapse of the Syrian government has surprising global effects, especially concerning China's security. The presence of Uyghur militants fighting in Syria poses a potential threat to China's Xinjiang region.
  2. In many Western societies, the traditional separation between government and private interests has blurred. This post-liberal shift often sees political agendas influencing both public opinion and private actions.
  3. European nations are currently facing significant challenges, including economic passivity and loss of sovereignty. This has led to a sense of pessimism and isolation among many Europeans as they perceive a decline in their collective influence.

David and Goliath

Diane Francis • 479 implied HN points • 21 Apr 22
🌍 World Politics International relations
  1. The battle in Ukraine's Donbas region is crucial, with intense fighting expected as both sides prepare for a high-stakes conflict. Ukraine is determined to defend its territory, drawing on strong morale and support from Western allies.
  2. Russia may have military advantages in terms of size and equipment, but Ukraine has key factors like knowledge of the terrain and the backing of NATO. This battle is seen as a turning point that could affect the outcome of the war.
  3. Even if Russia wins in Donbas, the ongoing conflict could exhaust its military and weaken Putin's regime over time. A prolonged fight could also lead to economic repercussions for Russia and impact global markets.

Making sense of Ethiopia's Tigray conflict

An Africanist Perspective • 118 implied HN points • 27 Jan 23
🌍 World Politics International relations
  1. The Tigray conflict in Ethiopia reveals the importance of understanding its historical origins to find lasting peace, rather than simplifying it as a battle between good and evil.
  2. The conflict resulted in immense human suffering and loss, with over 600,000 casualties and significant destruction, hindering the country's progress for years to come.
  3. The international dimension of the conflict, characterized by external involvement and geopolitical interests, played a significant role in shaping the course of the war and its resolution.

The Sequence Opinion #762: Trillion-Parameter Diplomacy: China, the US, and the Battle for Open Models

TheSequence • 14 implied HN points • 27 Nov 25
🕹 Technology International relations
  1. The US and China are in a fierce competition to develop open-source AI models. This is leading to rapid advancements and new technologies.
  2. China has made significant progress, with companies like Alibaba creating powerful language models. This raises questions about whether the US can catch up.
  3. The essay provides insights into various models from both countries, examining their features and impacts on the AI community.

Alfred McCoy: Controlling the 'World Island'

God's Spies by Thomas Neuburger • 45 implied HN points • 08 Aug 25
🌍 World Politics International relations
  1. Western powers have long tried to control Asia, referred to as the 'world island,' for its vast resources and strategic importance.
  2. Geopolitics, the use of geography for military and economic advantage, has shaped strategies for empire management throughout history.
  3. The U.S. has focused on dominating the Pacific coast to ensure its global influence, which is now challenged by China's growing presence and ambitions in the region.

Commentator

Castalia • 119 implied HN points • 20 Jul 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics International relations
  1. Negotiations regarding the Ukraine war may soon become urgent as both sides face limits in achieving their military goals. This could lead to discussions on a potential compromise to end the conflict.
  2. The origins of COVID-19 remain controversial, with scientists previously pressuring each other to dismiss the lab-leak theory despite believing in its possibility. This reflects a larger issue of scientific communication and public discussion.
  3. The recent Supreme Court ruling on affirmative action challenges the Democratic Party's approach and calls for a reevaluation of values around fairness and merit in education, possibly paving the way for a new direction.

al-Qaida-led Jihadis Enter Aleppo (Again)

Fisted by Foucault • 165 implied HN points • 29 Nov 24
🌍 World Politics International relations
  1. al-Qaida-led fighters are attacking Aleppo and have already gained control of many towns. This is creating a serious problem for the Syrian government.
  2. The fighting has resulted in many casualties, including both combatants and civilians, with reports of air strikes causing deaths.
  3. The current regional tensions, especially with Hezbollah occupied in Lebanon, have left Syria vulnerable to these new attacks.

JJM vs. Kishore Mahbubani

John’s Substack • 5 implied HN points • 15 Jan 26
🌍 World Politics International relations
  1. John J. Mearsheimer and Kishore Mahbubani appeared together on Tom Switzer’s podcast "Switzerland" on December 21, 2025.
  2. They focused on the rise of China and debated how the United States should respond to that challenge.
  3. They also covered a range of other geopolitical issues, speaking as friends and intellectual rivals.

Iran Update

The Cosmopolitan Globalist • 5 implied HN points • 09 Jan 26
🌍 World Politics International relations
  1. A nationwide wave of protests has spread to all provinces, starting in Tehran’s bazaar over a collapsing currency and rising food prices but quickly turning into broad anger at the clerical regime with people from many walks of life joining in.
  2. The government has moved to crush the unrest with brutal repression — dozens reported killed, thousands arrested, crackdowns in markets and hospitals, and a near-total internet blackout — highlighting a deep legitimacy crisis even without a single coherent leadership.
  3. International responses are mostly rhetorical warnings and condemnations while Iranian leaders insist protesters are foreign-backed; opposition figures have urged people onto the streets and parts of the financial sector appear sympathetic, but decisive outside action remains unclear.

Siberia

Diane Francis • 539 implied HN points • 07 Feb 22
🌍 World Politics International relations
  1. Xi Jinping and Vladimir Putin met during the Beijing Winter Olympics to discuss their stance against NATO's expansion. They are wary of NATO and want to strengthen their partnership.
  2. Their joint statement was long and detailed, showing they are serious about their alliance. However, Xi did not fully endorse everything Putin does.
  3. The meeting highlights the growing relationship between Russia and China, especially as both face challenges from the West. They aim to support each other in various ways.

Ukraine's Trojan Trucks

The Cosmopolitan Globalist • 66 implied HN points • 02 Jun 25
🌍 World Politics International relations
  1. Ukraine executed a surprise drone attack deep inside Russia that damaged a significant part of its nuclear capabilities. This shows Ukraine's military skill and creativity.
  2. The success of this operation highlights gaps in Russia's defense and intelligence, suggesting it may struggle to maintain its military strength. This could change the balance of power in the region.
  3. The use of cheap drones against a nuclear power illustrates a new direction in warfare. It raises questions about traditional military strategies and defenses for all nations, including the U.S.