The hottest International relations Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top World Politics Topics
steigan.no β€’ 4 implied HN points β€’ 28 Nov 24
  1. China has a shipbuilding capacity 230 times larger than the USA, allowing it to build a large and modern navy quickly. This shift has drastically changed the naval power balance in the world.
  2. There is ongoing pressure from the US for Ukraine to draft younger soldiers, even as many Ukrainians prefer peace talks to end the war. This reflects the complex dynamics of international relations and local opinions.
  3. Many people believe the rising sick leave is due to long COVID and the need for more vaccinations, but some question if the vaccines themselves might be causing health issues. This debate highlights concerns over health policies and media narratives.
The False Consensus Effect β€’ 39 implied HN points β€’ 23 Oct 23
  1. Winning the war on propaganda is possible with a billion eyes watching and sharing information, leading to a shift in power.
  2. The author questions the current U.S. government system, highlighting the financial burden of taxes and the desire for a more peaceful defense budget like Ireland's.
  3. The trip to Ireland was eye-opening, showcasing a country where the people have a strong voice in government decisions and stand up for justice.
Castalia β€’ 119 implied HN points β€’ 04 Nov 22
  1. There is strong evidence suggesting that COVID-19 may have originated from a lab leak, specifically from the Wuhan Institute of Virology, rather than from animals, as was widely believed.
  2. Some voices are calling for 'pandemic amnesty,' suggesting that we should forgive each other for mistakes made during the crisis, but others argue it's too soon because many issues remain unaddressed.
  3. The pandemic exposed major failures in public health institutions, the media, and the pharmaceutical industry, leading to a loss of trust and revealing how susceptible they can be to political pressures.
Diane Francis β€’ 379 implied HN points β€’ 15 Mar 21
  1. Countries are competing to provide vaccines for COVID-19 to gain influence over others. The U.S., China, and Russia have different strategies in this vaccine race.
  2. China is using its vaccine distribution to strengthen ties with developing nations while downplaying its own role in the pandemic's start. This behavior is part of a larger strategy to expand its influence.
  3. The U.S. is collaborating with India, Japan, and Australia through the 'Quad' to counter China's aggressiveness in Asia. This alliance aims to provide vaccines and strengthen political and military ties.
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steigan.no β€’ 5 implied HN points β€’ 12 Nov 24
  1. Israel's new foreign minister believes that Kurds and other regional minorities are natural allies for Israel. He argues that they should strengthen ties with these groups to counter threats from Iran and Turkey.
  2. In Norway, there is a call for transparency regarding vaccine-related deaths, specifically asking for data to investigate a reported increase in mortality rates among young people after the COVID-19 vaccination rollout.
  3. The BRICS summit highlights a shift in global power away from US hegemony, indicating that many countries are ready to stand against American dominance and seek a multipolar world where different nations share influence.
steigan.no β€’ 6 implied HN points β€’ 30 Oct 24
  1. The war in Ukraine might have been avoided according to some leaders, who argue that better communication and diplomatic efforts could have helped stop it before it started.
  2. Many hydrogen projects faced challenges and delays in 2024, leading to the conclusion that the hype around green hydrogen may have been overstated.
  3. Some commentators have criticized past U.S. presidents for following similar policies despite their different public images, suggesting a continuity in political strategies rather than drastic changes.
C.O.P. Central Organizing Principle. β€’ 12 implied HN points β€’ 17 Dec 24
  1. Trudeau may be emulating Putin's actions regarding Ukraine and the idea of 'de-Nazification', hinting at political shifts in Canada. It's important to consider how global leaders influence each other's policies.
  2. There are observations about former leaders and their connections to historical events, particularly surrounding WWII and Nazism, suggesting a complex political landscape.
  3. Some believe the legacy of certain political decisionsβ€”like US involvement in Ukraineβ€”shapes current international relations and conflicts. This ongoing tension reflects deeper historical issues.
Diane Francis β€’ 239 implied HN points β€’ 06 Dec 21
  1. There is a serious conversation happening between Putin and President Biden about Russia's military actions near Ukraine. This situation is very tense and could have big consequences.
  2. The date December 8 is important for Putin because it marks 30 years since the Soviet Union collapsed. This could influence his thoughts and decisions during the talks.
  3. Overall, the upcoming discussions are critical as they might determine the future relationship between Russia and the West, especially concerning Ukraine.
featherlessbipeds β€’ 39 implied HN points β€’ 08 Oct 23
  1. Bretton Woods replaced the gold standard for three main reasons - poor performance, shifting economic demands, and growing political pressure for intervention.
  2. Bretton Woods selected pegged exchange rates and control of domestic monetary policy, giving up the free flow of capital.
  3. The system experienced challenges, such as the dollar shortage in Europe, and eventually faced issues like exceeding U.S. gold supplies, leading to its vulnerability and eventual unraveling.
Trying to Understand the World β€’ 5 implied HN points β€’ 30 Oct 24
  1. International organizations like NATO and the EU formed to address specific needs and challenges at the time. They often evolve to serve new purposes and can be hard to disband once established.
  2. BRICS is seen as a coordination group that wants to change how current global systems work instead of replacing them. Its focus is on creating a fairer and more inclusive global financial structure.
  3. Countries can cooperate on shared interests even if they don't fully align on all issues. This flexible approach allows for collaboration without needing complete agreement on every topic.
steigan.no β€’ 7 implied HN points β€’ 16 Oct 24
  1. Ukraine is considering giving up some land to end the war with Russia. Many believe that even just holding onto their current territory would be a significant win.
  2. In Germany, two opposition parties, AfD and BSW, may be finding common ground on issues like immigration and the war in Ukraine. They both want to focus on negotiations rather than military solutions.
  3. Israel is planning to attack Iran before the upcoming US election, as they believe waiting could show weakness. This escalation adds to the existing tensions in the Middle East.
Diane Francis β€’ 259 implied HN points β€’ 20 Sep 21
  1. The agreement between the US, UK, and Australia to provide Australia with nuclear-powered submarines is a strong strategy to counter China's aggressive actions in the region. This partnership aims to ensure safer shipping routes in the East and South China Seas.
  2. China is unhappy about this submarine deal as it sees it as a threat to its influence in Asia. The deal has also caused tensions with France, which lost a previous submarine contract with Australia.
  3. The involvement of more countries in military alliances like the Quad shows a collective effort to respond to China's actions. This helps strengthen defense capabilities and creates a united front in the region.
Comment is Freed β€’ 116 implied HN points β€’ 16 Apr 23
  1. The Pentagon leaks reveal concerns about Ukraine's offensive capability and readiness
  2. The Russian offensive has faced setbacks and challenges, highlighting weaknesses in their strategy
  3. The Ukrainian offensive strategy may involve subtle, strategic maneuvers rather than direct frontal assaults to change the course of the war
Pekingnology β€’ 56 implied HN points β€’ 06 Mar 24
  1. General Secretary Xi Jinping emphasizes the importance of telling China's story well to enhance international communication; there's a need for improvement as some countries show a decline in positive views toward China.
  2. Challenges in telling China's story abroad include misconceptions that it's solely the government's responsibility, restrictions on non-govt interactions, and lack of incentives for leaders in foreign affairs.
  3. Recommendations to address these challenges include raising awareness about public participation, reducing restrictions on exchanges, and encouraging retired officials to engage in foreign activities.
baobabnewsletter β€’ 19 implied HN points β€’ 29 Jan 24
  1. Dangote's net worth soars by $6.9 billion due to Femi Otedola's investment in Dangote Cement.
  2. South Africa's central bank keeps interest rates at 8.25% in the battle against inflation.
  3. Ivory Coast raises $2.6 billion through eurobond sales, marking a return to international debt markets.
steigan.no β€’ 5 implied HN points β€’ 05 Nov 24
  1. Israeli settlers have been attacking Palestinian towns, burning homes and stealing land with protection from military forces. This ongoing violence highlights the severe risks faced by Palestinian communities.
  2. A Jewish professor in the UK was arrested after giving a speech critical of Israel, reflecting concerns about suppressing free speech around pro-Palestinian views. This incident raises questions about academic freedom and political expression.
  3. The Swedish government has rejected multiple wind power projects in the Baltic Sea due to security concerns. This decision shows the tension between pursuing renewable energy and maintaining national defense priorities.
steigan.no β€’ 7 implied HN points β€’ 10 Oct 24
  1. The US Navy was reportedly near the Nord Stream explosion site shortly before it happened, raising questions about their involvement.
  2. The US government is sending billions in aid to Ukraine and Israel, while survivors of recent disasters in the US feel neglected and unsupported.
  3. Israel is preparing a deadly response to Iran after recent attacks, emphasizing their military capabilities and intelligence operations.
OSINT & Analysis by Oliver Alexander β€’ 122 implied HN points β€’ 12 Mar 23
  1. The Minerva Julie, a Greek tanker, had suspicious movements near Nord Stream sites, raising questions about possible ties to Russian oil.
  2. There were signs of submarine activity near the Nord Stream pipeline, with naval vessels like USS Kearsarge and German ships conducting operations.
  3. The possibility that vessels like the Minerva Julie were used unknowingly to mask a submarine's involvement in the pipeline sabotage adds complexity to the situation.
Diane Francis β€’ 239 implied HN points β€’ 30 Sep 21
  1. General Milley faced criticism for making secret calls to China to prevent war threats during Trump's presidency. He believed it was necessary to calm fears about US intentions.
  2. Milley reassured political leaders and the military about the controls in place for launching nuclear weapons, indicating a serious concern about Trump's behavior during that time.
  3. Despite the controversies, Milley emphasized his loyalty to the country and commitment to civilian control over the military, highlighting the importance of military independence from politics.
steigan.no β€’ 7 implied HN points β€’ 08 Oct 24
  1. There was a terrorist attack in Pakistan that killed two Chinese workers. A group claiming responsibility for the attack wants independence for a region in Pakistan.
  2. The Swedish battery company Northvolt is facing bankruptcy. They need to pay a significant amount in taxes soon or risk financial collapse.
  3. Israel has provided Ukraine with a missile warning system to boost its defense capabilities. This support comes amid increased military tensions in the region.
steigan.no β€’ 6 implied HN points β€’ 19 Oct 24
  1. The situation in Gaza is worsening, with many people facing food shortages due to a blockade. Humanitarian aid has been blocked, increasing the risk of famine.
  2. Zelensky's statements about Ukraine seeking nuclear weapons led to confusion and were officially denied by his office. Ukraine did not have control over the nuclear arsenal it inherited after the Soviet Union collapsed.
  3. There are concerns about the European Union's growing centralized power under Ursula von der Leyen. Critics say this shift reduces national democratic control and could lead to a more authoritarian governance structure.
steigan.no β€’ 5 implied HN points β€’ 01 Nov 24
  1. Viktor OrbΓ‘n accused the EU of trying to replace his government with a more compliant one in Hungary. He believes political elites in Europe want to exert control over member states.
  2. The EU plans to allocate a significant portion of its budget to security and defense, marking a shift towards a more militarized approach. This could lead to greater integration of military and civilian sectors in Europe.
  3. Recent events in Gaza and the conflict with Israel highlight the ongoing humanitarian crises in the region. The situation is highly complex, with various geopolitical interests at play.
steigan.no β€’ 7 implied HN points β€’ 06 Oct 24
  1. A news organization called Faktisk is asking for 100 million NOK each year to fight misinformation, but they can't show proof of how big the misinformation problem actually is in Norway.
  2. Hillary Clinton emphasized the need to control social media, suggesting that without regulation, society risks losing control, especially concerning harmful content.
  3. The war in Ukraine is evolving into a tough battle, with many acknowledging that realistic outcomes are unlikely to favor Ukraine, prompting many younger Ukrainians to rethink their commitment to military service.
steigan.no β€’ 6 implied HN points β€’ 18 Oct 24
  1. Raytheon is paying over $950 million to avoid prosecution for bribery. This settlement includes fines and reimbursements for inflated costs in military contracts.
  2. Ukraine is offering its valuable minerals like lithium and uranium to the West. These resources are worth billions, and Ukraine seeks financial support and military aid in return.
  3. Politicians often apologize for their actions but do not face real consequences. Many leaders express regret over past decisions, but this seldom affects their careers or policies.
Diane Francis β€’ 259 implied HN points β€’ 12 Jul 21
  1. There's a debate within the U.S. government about how to deal with Russia. Some think we should be tougher, while others seem to want to be more lenient, which could lead to more Russian aggression.
  2. The current U.S. strategy toward Russia is seen as weak. Past actions, like backtracking on sanctions, made Russia feel empowered and might encourage further bad behavior.
  3. America's foreign policy is struggling to understand Russia's true nature. Unlike during the Cold War, today's leaders often lack the expertise or experience to effectively counter Russian threats.
steigan.no β€’ 6 implied HN points β€’ 17 Oct 24
  1. Pfizer's own documents reveal that the COVID mRNA vaccine was not effective at stopping COVID-19, contrary to what was claimed at first. It suggests that those vaccinated can still experience multiple infections.
  2. BRICS nations are accumulating gold to challenge the Western financial system, indicating a shift toward a new world economic order, while Western investors are beginning to see gold's value too late.
  3. The U.S. faces deep-rooted issues such as economic inequality, political polarization, and diminishing trust in institutions. These challenges could weaken the nation's stability and its position as a global leader.
Comment is Freed β€’ 107 implied HN points β€’ 26 Mar 23
  1. The results of Russia's war efforts have fallen short of expectations and the costs have been immense.
  2. The Putin-Xi summit demonstrated Russia's growing dependence on China and weakened position on the global stage.
  3. The battle for Bakhmut is crucial in the Russia-Ukraine conflict, with both sides facing challenges and uncertain outcomes.