The hottest International relations Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
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Top World Politics Topics

Bad Weather

Sarah Kendzior’s Newsletter • 6949 implied HN points • 15 Mar 24
🌍 World Politics International relations
  1. The author reflects on the unpredictability of storms and the feeling of imminent apocalypses in the midst of bad weather.
  2. There is a discussion about political figures and international affairs, focusing on the potential consequences and implications of their actions.
  3. The narrative transitions between personal reflections, societal observations, and historical analogies, all within the context of turbulent weather and its implications.

After Vance Blasts Europe, the Mask Drops

TK News by Matt Taibbi • 22151 implied HN points • 16 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics International relations
  1. J.D. Vance's speech at the Munich Security Conference made a big impact and raised many questions. People are encouraged to check it out and think about its meaning.
  2. There's a clear suggestion that propaganda influences how information is shared and understood. It's becoming easier to see how narratives can be shaped by those in power.
  3. Responses to the speech show a strong desire to fact-check and provide context. This highlights the importance of critical thinking when consuming news.

Why I'm long-term bullish on the Middle East

Noahpinion • 24588 implied HN points • 18 Jan 25
🌍 World Politics International relations
  1. The Middle East is moving away from constant warfare, with many regions experiencing peace. This shift could lead to economic recovery as people focus on constructive opportunities.
  2. Technology and geography are becoming more favorable for the Middle East. Innovations like cheap solar power and desalination can help support growth in a region with traditionally limited resources.
  3. The region's demographics are shifting positively, providing a 'demographic dividend.' With a more balanced age structure, there is great potential for economic development and workforce growth in the coming years.

Rubio Calls For The End Of A Tolerant, Democratic Europe And The Crowd Goes Wild

Phillips’s Newsletter • 357 implied HN points • 14 Feb 26
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics International relations
  1. Marco Rubio urged Europe to abandon its tolerant, liberal democratic model in favor of smaller, nationalistic, Trump-aligned states, and his remarks were met with enthusiastic applause.
  2. He portrayed the pre-Trump, rules-based international order as a dangerous 'delusion,' blaming migration, trade, and liberal tolerance for Western decline and pitching a Trump-led renewal as the solution.
  3. Rubio downplayed Russia and China as central threats and signaled willingness to accept a Ukraine settlement that keeps Russia content, implying a U.S. pivot away from guaranteeing European security.
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I Dream of Heroic Africans Fighting for Ukraine

Richard Hanania's Newsletter • 2535 implied HN points • 25 Nov 25
🌍 World Politics International relations
  1. Ukrainians have been heavily impacted by the war, facing fatigue and high costs, while there are many people in Africa willing to fight for lower pay, which could help Ukraine's military situation.
  2. Using African fighters could change the perception of the war, showing a divide between those fighting for freedom and authoritarian regimes, making it harder for Putin to justify his actions.
  3. If the conflict continues, Ukraine may need to find innovative solutions, like recruiting from poorer regions, to maintain their fight against Russia effectively.

Hoodwinked

Doomberg • 8742 implied HN points • 08 Jul 25
🌞 Climate & Environment International relations
  1. China is accused of using climate activism to undermine American energy by funding groups that oppose it. This strategy aims to weaken the U.S. as a global competitor.
  2. There is concern that the influence of Chinese money is being ignored while debates focus on climate change risks. This creates tension between political parties over the framing of climate issues.
  3. Despite the push for renewable energy in the West, China continues to consume a large amount of coal, benefiting from the West's climate policies while enhancing its own industrial and military strength.

Is it really the end of climate cancellation?

The Honest Broker Newsletter • 2247 implied HN points • 20 Nov 25
🌞 Climate & Environment International relations
  1. A new UN-backed “information integrity” push frames reliable climate information narrowly and treats dissenting views as misinformation, opening a pathway to police and suppress opposing speech.
  2. Efforts to cancel or silence climate dissent aren’t ending — powerful institutions and networks (governments, NGOs, universities, foundations, litigation, and climate industry actors) still have strong incentives to control the debate.
  3. Calling on companies and governments to police platforms, fund research, and run campaigns risks centralizing control over what counts as reliable climate information and channels large sums to sympathetic actors who will shape the public narrative.

Middle East Mayhem

Diane Francis • 719 implied HN points • 08 Aug 24
🌍 World Politics International relations
  1. There is concern that a regional war in the Middle East is actually already happening. Israel's actions have sparked wider conflict and retaliation is expected.
  2. The situation is escalating with more U.S. military presence and attacks on American soldiers in Iraq. Countries are advising their citizens to leave the area as tensions rise.
  3. Many people are leaving Israel, with reports saying nearly half a million have departed. This ongoing conflict has become more complex than just battles in Gaza and Lebanon.

In Spite of Everything, Celebrate this Fourth of July

TK News by Matt Taibbi • 9162 implied HN points • 04 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics International relations
  1. Independence Day is a time to recognize and embrace America's flaws. It's okay to celebrate who we are, even when others criticize us.
  2. The world views America in a negative light right now, which can be frustrating, but it doesn't define our identity.
  3. Celebrating independence means accepting the past and looking forward, despite what others might say about our country.

Ukraine's Gold Medal

Diane Francis • 919 implied HN points • 29 Jul 24
🌍 World Politics International relations
  1. Ukraine has been successful in pushing back Russian forces, especially around the city of Kharkiv and in Crimea. Their clever use of technology, like drones, has helped them gain the upper hand.
  2. Western countries are increasing their military and financial support to Ukraine as they prepare for future challenges. They are also allowing Ukraine to strike military targets within Russia.
  3. The situation in Crimea is vital for Ukraine, as weakening Russia's stronghold there can put pressure on their military and economic resources, impacting Putin's control.

Paint By Number

Doomberg • 7300 implied HN points • 25 Jul 25
🌍 World Politics International relations
  1. The EU imposed a new sanctions package against Russia, but previous sanctions have had little effect on Russia's economy.
  2. Russia is now producing its own drones at a rapid pace, increasing its military capabilities significantly.
  3. Energy resources play a crucial role in a country's military strength, and the EU's energy situation is getting worse.

Chartbook 400: Murder not crisis - Why Israel's starvation of Gaza is exceptional in a global context.

Chartbook • 7238 implied HN points • 27 Jul 25
🌍 World Politics International relations
  1. The Israeli government is accused of deliberately starving the people of Gaza, with evidence suggesting a plan to force them to flee or face severe hardship. This raises serious concerns about genocide.
  2. Unlike other regions experiencing hunger, the situation in Gaza is described as a direct result of intentional policies by a powerful state, rather than an unintended consequence of conflict.
  3. The entire population of Gaza, about 2.1 million people, is at risk of acute food insecurity, showcasing an exceptional circumstance of mass starvation that stands apart from other global hunger hotspots.

Tariffs as Taxes

David Friedman’s Substack • 206 implied HN points • 21 Feb 26
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics International relations
  1. A tariff is just another tax and can make a country poorer by creating an excess burden — the loss from changes in production and consumption beyond the revenue raised. How costly a tax is per dollar raised depends on how much it changes behavior, which is driven by supply and demand elasticities.
  2. Protective tariffs that block imports to shield domestic industries are especially inefficient because they often stop trade, produce deadweight loss, and generate little revenue while benefiting specific political interests. Such tariffs trade overall economic welfare for concentrated political support.
  3. Many of the recent tariffs were country-targeted and used as a political weapon rather than purely as revenue measures, which tends to make them worse economically than alternative taxes. Legal limits now constrain that weaponization, though some ability to use tariffs for leverage remains.

Against The Generalized Anti-Caution Argument

Astral Codex Ten • 26154 implied HN points • 22 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics International relations
  1. Being cautious and warning about potential risks is important, even if past warnings seem wrong. These warnings can still highlight dangers that may eventually happen.
  2. Just because someone has made incorrect predictions in the past does not mean we should ignore future concerns. Some risks gradually increase over time, like health issues or the dangers of powerful technologies.
  3. It's crucial to maintain a balanced approach to assessing risks. We should not let past inaccuracies cause us to dismiss all warnings, as they can help us stay alert to genuine threats.

[EXCERPTS] Ed Luttwak

ChinaTalk • 311 implied HN points • 04 Feb 26
🌍 World Politics International relations
  1. Deterrence is psychological: you only stop an opponent by shaping what they believe is truly costly, so threats must be targeted at what that enemy actually values and fears.
  2. Political systems shape strategy: autocracies can surprise and force top-down moves but lack self-correction, while democracies keep initiative and genuine commitment; centralized ambitions to seize status (like challenging a dominant navy) risk strategic overreach.
  3. Removing war from Europe removed an engine of national dynamism: banning real combat made armed forces ceremonial, damped social energy and population growth, and weakened states' willingness and capacity to use force when necessary.

Một chuyến đi Nhà Trắng

Thái | Hacker | Kỹ sư tin tặc • 6810 implied HN points • 11 Feb 24
🌍 World Politics International relations
  1. Visiting the White House to discuss cybersecurity and AI for Vietnam showed the importance of global connections and the need to align local programs with broader international initiatives.
  2. Efforts to engage government support require strategic positioning within larger global agendas, as seen during the meeting with the National Security Council.
  3. Navigating policy advocacy involves persistence and optimism, as demonstrated by the challenges and outcomes of the meeting at the White House.

Conflict Acceleration

Pieter’s Newsletter • 159 implied HN points • 03 Oct 24
🌍 World Politics International relations
  1. Iran launched a missile attack against Israel, but it was mostly stopped, showing the reckless nature of their actions. The attack could've hit important places, highlighting the dangers in the region.
  2. There was a recent terrorist attack in Jaffa where seven Israelis were killed. This violence adds to the ongoing struggles and tensions, and it seems to strengthen Israel's resolve to fight back.
  3. Amid these dark events, there was a positive story of a victim from ISIS being rescued in Gaza. This offers hope that, despite the violence, there are people working for good and a chance for better days.

Japan, South Korea, and Poland need nuclear weapons immediately

Noahpinion • 16117 implied HN points • 19 Feb 25
🌍 World Politics International relations
  1. Countries like Japan, South Korea, and Poland need nuclear weapons for better security. With threats from powerful neighbors, having their own nukes could help protect them.
  2. The U.S. nuclear umbrella isn't as reliable anymore. Domestic politics and shifting priorities in America make it uncertain whether the U.S. would defend its allies against nuclear threats.
  3. Past cases show that having nuclear weapons can actually reduce the risk of conflict. Countries like India and Pakistan have avoided major wars partly because of their nuclear arsenals.

Private Chains, Public Harm

Can We Still Govern? • 227 implied HN points • 12 Feb 26
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics International relations
  1. ICE’s operations depend on a global web of private contractors and foreign suppliers — from armored vehicles and leased planes to data, biometrics, and detention services.
  2. That transnational, fragmented supply chain spreads responsibility across companies and jurisdictions and hides accountability, making enforcement feel like a single, unstoppable state apparatus even though it’s assembled from many private pieces.
  3. The reliance on external firms also creates leverage: public pressure, reputational risk, and actions by foreign governments can disrupt these supply chains and be used to contest or constrain enforcement.

Let's Have a War

TK News by Matt Taibbi • 8233 implied HN points • 17 Jun 25
🌍 World Politics International relations
  1. The author is traveling to London for a free speech forum, indicating the importance of discussing free speech issues.
  2. There are emerging tensions in the Middle East that might lead to chaos, which raises concerns for many.
  3. Updates on current events will continue to be shared, emphasizing the need to stay informed.

CBS Loses Its Mind

TK News by Matt Taibbi • 15007 implied HN points • 17 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics International relations
  1. J.D. Vance gave a powerful speech in Europe defending free speech and democracy, warning that the U.S. may not support Europe if it continues to jail people for speech.
  2. CBS responded to Vance's address by airing a segment that appeared to compare defending free speech with dangerous historical events, which sparked a lot of discussion.
  3. The coverage from CBS seemed more like a political statement rather than a straightforward news report, raising questions about media bias.

Coleman Hughes: The Simple Truth About the War in Gaza

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 5573 implied HN points • 04 Aug 25
🌍 World Politics International relations
  1. Hamas often causes suffering in Gaza to turn global opinion against Israel. They use this suffering to manipulate how the world sees the conflict.
  2. The media shows drastic images of hunger and suffering in Gaza, stirring up strong emotions and calls for action from countries like France and Britain.
  3. Despite the complexity of the situation, it's important to recognize that Israel is often seen as the one defending against terrorism, while Hamas uses cruel tactics against both Israelis and Palestinians.

Model City Monday 2/3/25

Astral Codex Ten • 15417 implied HN points • 03 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics International relations
  1. The Honduran Supreme Court has ruled charter cities unconstitutional, impacting Prospera, which is now trying to adapt to regular laws while also pursuing a $10 billion lawsuit for damages.
  2. Saudi Arabia's NEOM project, initially planned as a long linear city, has scaled back to a shorter model, focusing on hosting upcoming major events, showcasing the challenges in large city development.
  3. Trump has proposed creating ten 'freedom cities' on federal land in the U.S., sparking debate about the feasibility and implications of building new cities in less desirable locations.

At least five interesting things: Build Something, Dammit! (#56)

Noahpinion • 17235 implied HN points • 30 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics International relations
  1. There's a debate in progressive politics between focusing on delivering more goods and services for people versus fighting for control of the Democratic party's direction. Both sides have valid points, but it's important to prioritize tangible benefits for everyone.
  2. China's cyber espionage has grown alarmingly, with hackers accessing sensitive information from U.S. political figures. This raises concerns about privacy and national security, highlighting the need for stronger cybersecurity measures.
  3. Despite worries about disappearing good jobs, recent data shows that the landscape is changing. More high-skilled jobs in management and STEM are emerging, suggesting a positive shift in the job market.

Putin's Tucker

Diane Francis • 5635 implied HN points • 12 Feb 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics International relations
  1. Tucker Carlson acted more like a fan than a journalist during his interview with Putin, not challenging his claims at all. This left viewers without important facts about the war in Ukraine.
  2. Carlson framed his journey to interview Putin as brave journalism, but many real journalists wanted the chance and were denied. He was picked for his support of Russian viewpoints.
  3. The interview played into Putin's hands by spreading his false narratives. This undermined support for Ukraine at a critical time when the U.S. was debating military aid.

NATO's Nemesis

Diane Francis • 979 implied HN points • 11 Jul 24
🌍 World Politics International relations
  1. NATO needs to step up its strength and resolve in the face of threats like Putin's actions. The alliance was formed to counter aggressiveness similar to what we see today.
  2. To truly support Ukraine, NATO should declare a clear path for Ukraine’s membership. This would reduce Putin's motivation to continue the war.
  3. NATO’s military budget is significantly larger than Russia’s, which shows that if united, the alliance could effectively counter Putin’s aims.

Chartbook 462 One Belt One Road 2.0. China's new paradigm?

Chartbook • 1630 implied HN points • 16 Nov 25
🌍 World Politics International relations
  1. China's influence in the global economy is growing quickly, especially through its Belt and Road Initiative, which aims to strengthen its trade relationships worldwide. This rapid expansion has also led to a need for reevaluation given the shifts in lending behavior and debt levels.
  2. After a slowdown and debt issues, China is seeing a revival in its Belt and Road investments, particularly in green manufacturing. This shift indicates a new phase of commitment to sustainable growth while managing past debts and current financial dynamics.
  3. The nature of China’s lending has changed, with more repayment coming from developing countries than new loans being offered. This creates a complex balance where poorer nations may feel pressured due to their debt to China while also needing the benefits of investment and infrastructure.

Europe's Final Fate

Diane Francis • 839 implied HN points • 18 Jul 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics International relations
  1. The upcoming U.S. presidential election will impact Europe's future, especially regarding NATO and the Ukraine war. The choice between an internationalist or an isolationist president affects how the U.S. supports Europe.
  2. If the U.S. reduces its role in NATO, Europe might need to increase its military spending and support Ukraine on its own. This could lead to economic instability in Europe as they face ongoing conflicts.
  3. European leaders feel frustrated about U.S. politics but recognize they must adapt regardless of who wins in America. Cooperation will be essential, regardless of the situation.

Unsticking Argentina

Doomberg • 5697 implied HN points • 12 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics International relations
  1. Javier Milei has started implementing drastic economic changes in Argentina, which have already resulted in a reduction in government spending and inflation.
  2. Argentina's Vaca Muerta shale formation is crucial for boosting oil production, and Milei is encouraging investment in this area to increase the country's oil output significantly.
  3. Despite the positive changes, Milei faces a tough challenge with existing debts that could affect his plans for economic growth and stability.

Ayaan Hirsi Ali: Glastonbury—and the Purge of the Jews

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 6580 implied HN points • 29 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics International relations
  1. The Glastonbury festival saw performances intertwined with strong anti-Israel sentiments, showcasing a loud protest atmosphere. Many attendees were actively chanting against the Israeli military.
  2. Some performers used their platforms to express controversial views, including calls for harm against Israeli defense forces. This sparked discussions and backlash across various media.
  3. The coverage of these events highlights a growing trend of linking criticism of Israel with broader social movements, raising concerns about how this affects perceptions of Jewish communities.

At least five interesting things: Will of the Masses edition (#55)

Noahpinion • 17353 implied HN points • 16 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics International relations
  1. Many young Americans are moving away from platforms like X (formerly Twitter) and Facebook. They are using social media less, possibly because they prefer real-life interactions or find these platforms unhealthy.
  2. The rise of drones is changing our lives and making us more vulnerable. As drones become more common, people are realizing the potential threats they pose to safety and privacy.
  3. Asian voters are increasingly leaning towards the GOP in elections. Key issues driving this shift include concerns about crime, inflation, and educational opportunities.

Do Those Dominating a Situation Truly Bluff & Then Back Down?: Misreadings from Melos to Davos, & Beyond

Brad DeLong's Grasping Reality • 330 implied HN points • 26 Jan 26
🌍 World Politics International relations
  1. To 'dominate' a space is to be at home in it and set its rules, not just to make a loud show; threatening and then backing down at Davos looks like improvisation and fragility, not genuine control.
  2. Reading Davos as a clever bluff ignores the institutional and ritual constraints at play; European pushback and coordinated expectations turned theatrics into a retreat rather than a strategic win.
  3. Using the Melian Dialogue to justify "might makes right" is a misreading of Thucydides; history shows that imperial arrogance often drives rivals to form alliances that undercut overreaching powers.

Trip Wire

Doomberg • 7068 implied HN points • 27 May 25
🌍 World Politics International relations
  1. Estonia is caught between major powers and has a history of being controlled by others. Its small size and location make it vulnerable but also strategically important.
  2. There is a NATO obligation for members to defend Estonia if it's attacked. Recent incidents in the Gulf of Finland have increased tensions between Estonia and Russia.
  3. The relationship between the U.S. and NATO could be affected by how European leaders, especially those in Estonia, handle conflicts with Russia. It's important to pay attention to these developments.

Seoul Mates

Doomberg • 5493 implied HN points • 03 Jul 25
🌍 World Politics International relations
  1. Korea had a long time of isolation from the world, making it mysterious to outsiders. This started in the 1600s due to fear of invasions and took a few centuries to end.
  2. After World War II, Korea was split into North and South at the 38th parallel based on a simple map, which led to conflict. This division wasn't meant to last but ended up becoming permanent.
  3. Current global tensions with North Korea and its ties to Russia can affect relations between the two Koreas. History shows that wars can lead to changes in borders and reunification might be possible in the future.

Destroying Ukraine with Idealism

Glenn’s Substack • 1019 implied HN points • 02 Jul 24
🌍 World Politics International relations
  1. Ukraine's desire to join NATO is an idealistic view that ignores the reality of global power dynamics. Instead of thinking about what should be, it's important to consider how nations actually function and secure their interests.
  2. Pushing for NATO expansion in Ukraine can escalate conflict and create a cycle of tension. It suggests to Russia that NATO is a direct threat, leading to a need for military intervention.
  3. The argument that Ukraine has a right to join NATO oversimplifies a complex situation. Real peace might come from recognizing the security concerns of all parties rather than insisting on alliance expansion that could lead to further instability.

Four years of Noahpinion

Noahpinion • 16882 implied HN points • 24 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics International relations
  1. The return of Trump as president signals a big change in American politics. Progressivism seems to be struggling, and many Democrats need to rethink their strategies to reconnect with voters.
  2. Global liberalism is facing serious challenges as countries like China and Russia assert more power. The cooperation among democracies to combat authoritarianism seems to be fading.
  3. Advances in technology, especially in AI and industrial policy, hold promise for the future. While concerns about job loss due to AI exist, there are reasons to be optimistic about how technology can enhance human workers' capabilities.

Why targeted tariffs are more effective than broad tariffs

Noahpinion • 16882 implied HN points • 18 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics International relations
  1. Targeted tariffs focus on specific industries or products, helping to reduce dependence on foreign sources like China for critical goods, such as batteries.
  2. Broad tariffs can create problems by raising costs for American manufacturers, making them less competitive against foreign companies, which may worsen trade deficits.
  3. To effectively improve trade balances, policies should avoid broad tariffs and instead concentrate on targeted measures that do not negatively affect American industries.