The hottest International relations Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
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Top World Politics Topics

The Six Big Questions of 2025

Phillips’s Newsletter • 81 implied HN points • 02 Jan 25
🌍 World Politics International relations
  1. Ukraine is increasing its long-range weapons to target Russia more effectively. This means they are ready for deeper strikes, which could change the dynamics of the conflict.
  2. The focus will be on military production from both sides in 2025. This could determine who has the upper hand in the ongoing war.
  3. There are key questions that need answers to understand how the war will unfold in 2025. These questions are critical for predicting the future events in the conflict.

Why Putin Went to War to Keep Ukraine Out of the European Union

Japan Economy Watch • 239 implied HN points • 10 Mar 22
🌍 World Politics International relations
  1. Ukraine's desire to join the European Union led to Putin's aggression and military actions.
  2. EU membership offers economic benefits like trade and foreign direct investment, leading to growth and modernization.
  3. The shift towards the EU in trade and foreign investment is helping Ukraine move away from Russian influence and progress towards a more prosperous and independent future.

Military Metrics and the Russian 2024 Offensive

Phillips’s Newsletter • 103 implied HN points • 22 Oct 24
🌍 World Politics International relations
  1. How a war is presented can greatly influence public perception. It's important to understand that not everything shown in the media represents the true situation on the ground.
  2. Recent reports highlight Russian advances in Ukraine, which may create the impression of inevitable success. However, these reports can sometimes be misleading or exaggerated.
  3. Understanding military metrics and outcomes requires looking beyond flashy maps and headlines. A deeper analysis can provide a clearer picture of the actual progress in a conflict.

Chinese, U.S. readouts of Xi-Biden meeting in Lima

Pekingnology • 94 implied HN points • 17 Nov 24
🌍 World Politics International relations
  1. Xi and Biden talked about keeping a stable and cooperative relationship between China and the U.S. They agreed that communication is key to avoid conflicts.
  2. Both leaders emphasized the importance of respecting each other's positions and avoiding actions that could escalate tensions, especially regarding Taiwan.
  3. They highlighted working together on global challenges like climate change and artificial intelligence, showing that cooperation benefits everyone.

The Gathering Storm

Diane Francis • 339 implied HN points • 15 Nov 21
🌍 World Politics International relations
  1. The fall of the Soviet Union happened 30 years ago and was a big deal in history. It influenced how countries interact today.
  2. Vladimir Putin sees the collapse of the Soviet Union as a major loss for Russia. He believes it affected Russia's power and position in the world.
  3. The USSR's defeat in Afghanistan played a significant role in its downfall. It caused chaos that led to the eventual break-up of the country.
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Israel’s Trojan Horse

The Chris Hedges Report • 189 implied HN points • 18 Mar 24
🌍 World Politics International relations
  1. Israel is using the guise of aid and a 'temporary pier' as a Trojan Horse to expel Palestinians, not to alleviate the famine in Gaza.
  2. The humanitarian crisis in Gaza is worsening due to Israel actively hindering aid operations and implementing restrictions that prevent essential supplies from reaching the population.
  3. The Biden administration's involvement in constructing the pier to aid Israel's agenda highlights the complicit role of the US in the ongoing genocide against Palestinians.

CIA intimidated Britain to force 'ally' to cut ties with China's Huawei

Geopolitical Economy Report • 119 implied HN points • 26 Aug 22
🌍 World Politics International relations
  1. The CIA under the Trump administration pressured Britain to sever ties with Huawei, impacting the UK's economy and 5G infrastructure development.
  2. Despite British intelligence finding Huawei not to be a threat, the US forced the UK to ban the tech giant, prioritizing political motives over technical considerations.
  3. US exerted influence on other countries in the Five Eyes network to follow suit in banning Huawei, straining relationships and showcasing geopolitical power dynamics.

The price of poker just went up

Unreported Truths • 35 implied HN points • 13 Jun 25
🌍 World Politics International relations
  1. Israel has launched a major attack on Iran's military and nuclear facilities. This move is seen as an all-out war rather than a warning, aiming to destroy Iran's nuclear capabilities and leadership.
  2. The attack has so far resulted in significant damage to Iran, including the confirmation of top military officials' deaths. However, Iran has not retaliated effectively, and its air force has been heavily impacted.
  3. While Israel has gained a tactical advantage, the long-term consequences of this attack are uncertain. It remains to be seen if Israel's strategy will lead to a significant change in Iran's nuclear ambitions or if it will strengthen Iran's resolve to pursue a nuclear program.

Putin's May 9 Move

Diane Francis • 239 implied HN points • 05 May 22
🌍 World Politics International relations
  1. Putin's May 9 event is a big deal in Russia, celebrating their history. People are curious how he will talk about the situation in Ukraine.
  2. He has three main choices for his speech: claim victory, end the conflict, or escalate things further. Each option has big implications for the future.
  3. This speech will signal what direction Russia might take next regarding their Ukraine strategy. So, everyone is paying close attention.

Israel is responsible for the food crisis in Gaza

Unreported Truths • 26 implied HN points • 24 Jul 25
🌍 World Politics International relations
  1. Israel has significantly weakened Hamas in Gaza, which has led to a power vacuum. This means Hamas can't provide basic services to people there.
  2. Gaza is facing a severe food crisis, with many civilians struggling to get access to food. This situation is leading to riots and more desperate actions.
  3. Israel now faces a tough choice: either truly take responsibility as an occupying power or allow Hamas to return to governing. The ongoing crisis puts Israel's reputation and ethics in jeopardy.

Angela's Ashes

Diane Francis • 359 implied HN points • 27 Sep 21
🌍 World Politics International relations
  1. Germany is in a tricky situation as it looks for a new chancellor after Angela Merkel. The process will take time, which leaves the country in uncertainty for a few months.
  2. Merkel's leadership is seen as problematic due to her close ties with Putin, especially with decisions like welcoming a large number of refugees and supporting the Nord Stream 2 pipeline.
  3. The next German government might struggle to deal with Europe’s challenges because it could be made up of several conflicting parties, potentially weakening Germany's position in the EU.

Trump's Futile Efforts to Find a Diplomatic Solution to Ukraine

John’s Substack • 7 implied HN points • 26 Nov 25
🌍 World Politics International relations
  1. Trump's efforts to negotiate peace in Ukraine face strong opposition from European and Ukrainian leaders. It's clear that getting everyone to agree on a deal is very complicated.
  2. Russia is also not willing to compromise on its key demands, making it harder to find a resolution.
  3. Ultimately, it seems the conflict in Ukraine will likely be resolved through military means rather than diplomacy.

Ukraine Derangement Syndrome

John’s Substack • 8 implied HN points • 16 Nov 25
🌍 World Politics International relations
  1. Ukraine is facing serious problems on the battlefield that are getting worse. It's important to recognize that things are not going well.
  2. Ukrainian and Western leaders seem to ignore this reality. They continue to act as if everything is fine, which seems unrealistic.
  3. There is a feeling that the situation is out of control, and that there are no clear solutions to improve it.

August 8, 2025 (Friday)

Letters from an American • 22 implied HN points • 09 Aug 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics International relations
  1. Trump's plan to bring Putin to the U.S. undermines a long-standing policy against Russia invading Ukraine. This could make it easier for Putin to continue his aggressive actions.
  2. The U.S. once promised to protect Ukraine's borders after it gave up its nuclear weapons. Now, Trump’s actions could lead to a dangerous precedent where one country can take territory from another by force.
  3. There are concerns that Trump is trying to rewrite history about Russian interference in the 2016 election. He seems to use this to distract voters from other issues, like his connections to Jeffrey Epstein.

Putin's Rasputin

Diane Francis • 459 implied HN points • 19 Apr 21
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics International relations
  1. Putin is focused on creating chaos and doesn't want peace or cooperation with the West. He sees opportunities to pressure Ukraine and other countries while the world leaders struggle to understand his motives.
  2. Dugin's ideas from 1997 have guided Russia's aggressive actions and ambitions to form a Eurasian Empire. His strategies have played out in global events, showing how he anticipated and influenced major geopolitical shifts.
  3. The best way to deal with Putin is not through diplomacy but by taking strong actions. Countries need to prepare to retaliate against Russia's moves and support Ukraine directly to deter further aggression.

American Hubris

Diane Francis • 379 implied HN points • 19 Aug 21
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics International relations
  1. The U.S. learned from the Soviet Union's mistakes in Afghanistan, realizing that trying to change a country's culture and society through force leads to failure.
  2. America's methods of foreign intervention have damaged its credibility, making allies nervous and other nations skeptical of U.S. reliability in crises.
  3. Instead of military force, America should focus on diplomatic and economic strategies to build relationships and influence other countries, similar to China's approach with projects like the Belt and Road Initiative.

2024 Year in Review: Part 1

Phillips’s Newsletter • 80 implied HN points • 18 Dec 24
🌍 World Politics International relations
  1. In 2023, the key lesson was that traditional land warfare strategies used by the US and NATO are not effective in the Russo-Ukraine War. This suggests a need for new approaches to combat.
  2. The events of the Battle of Bakhmut and Ukraine's counteroffensive highlighted the unique challenges of this conflict. They show that each situation may require different tactics than previously thought.
  3. As we look at the first half of 2024, understanding these lessons will be crucial for future military strategies and actions in not just Ukraine, but potentially for NATO as well.

Experience Davos From Your Own Living Room

Phillips’s Newsletter • 69 implied HN points • 23 Jan 25
🌍 World Politics International relations
  1. The World Economic Forum at Davos was not just for the elite this year; diverse voices, including those from less powerful backgrounds, were invited to participate.
  2. The current conflicts and political changes show that the old international order is struggling, and while it may not collapse immediately, it is failing to address pressing global issues, like the war in Ukraine.
  3. Future security for Ukraine may depend more on European institutions like the EU rather than NATO, which poses challenges for Ukraine's integration and support in these complex times.

We Should Be in the French Moment

Phillips’s Newsletter • 79 implied HN points • 20 Dec 24
🌍 World Politics International relations
  1. France has a historical vision for strong leadership in Europe, which includes being independent from other powers like the USA.
  2. In the past, French leaders wanted to build the country's economic and military strength, especially its nuclear capabilities.
  3. Currently, there seems to be a hesitation in France to fully step into the role of leadership, even in a moment that could be significant for the country.

What Europe Can do in a Worst-Case Scenario

Phillips’s Newsletter • 83 implied HN points • 05 Dec 24
🌍 World Politics International relations
  1. European countries need to carefully consider their actions in the ongoing Ukraine war. Their support is crucial and impacts the situation significantly.
  2. The Trump administration's plans for Ukraine lack solid security guarantees. This may put European states in a tough spot, as they might have to back plans that don't benefit them or Ukraine.
  3. Many of Trump's proposed peace plans for Ukraine have been evident for a while. Understanding these plans early can help Europe prepare for possible outcomes.

Press freedoms are tightening for journalists who report adversarially on NATO

All-Source Intelligence Fusion • 325 implied HN points • 05 Jun 23
🌍 World Politics International relations
  1. Press freedoms are tightening for journalists adversarial to NATO, facing alignments demands from Western governments
  2. Legendary journalist I.F. Stone emphasized that freedom of the press includes allowing lies to safeguard the truth
  3. Western press freedoms are deteriorating, with concerns raised by organizations like Reporters Without Borders and the National Union of Journalists

American Sovereignty is Back

From the New World • 70 implied HN points • 09 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics International relations
  1. Mark Zuckerberg is planning to work with Trump to resist European laws that he feels limit American tech companies. This shows a shift in power dynamics between the US and Europe regarding tech regulations.
  2. American tech companies have relied heavily on European markets but are pushing back against strict regulations like the GDPR and Digital Markets Act. They believe it's time for the US to take back control over its tech landscape.
  3. The competition in technology, particularly around AI, is now seen as a matter of national security. American companies want to innovate freely without foreign interference, which aligns with the values of freedom of speech and democracy.

Commentator

Castalia • 99 implied HN points • 07 Mar 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics International relations
  1. Federal agencies have started to support the lab-leak theory as a possible origin for COVID-19, suggesting a need to rethink how we handled the pandemic. Many believe we should have trusted our common sense more rather than just following authority.
  2. A group called Team Jorge has been uncovered as manipulating elections globally using advanced disinformation techniques. This shows how common it is for outside forces to interfere in democratic processes.
  3. The ongoing war in Ukraine highlights the challenges of maintaining global peace while dealing with powers like Russia and China. The U.S. must balance defending its allies while not provoking further conflict.

Open Thread #29

Fisted by Foucault • 180 implied HN points • 05 Mar 24
🌍 World Politics International relations
  1. Vicki Nuland has submitted her resignation, a significant move due to her influential role in USA's Russia policy.
  2. Her resignation indicates a shift in USA's approach towards Ukraine and Russia, possibly signaling a move to assign Ukraine to Europe and focus on containing China.
  3. The resignation prompts discussions on the impact and reasons behind this shift in US foreign policy.

July 31, 2025

Letters from an American • 22 implied HN points • 01 Aug 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics International relations
  1. Trump claims he has stopped several wars, but this is widely seen as untrue. Many believe he is exaggerating his role in international conflicts.
  2. He announced a massive $200 million event space at the White House, which seems more about personal luxury than public service. It raises concerns about whether the White House still represents the American people.
  3. There's confusion and disagreement about the trade deals Trump is promoting with Japan and Europe. Experts say his claims don't match up with the reality of what was actually agreed upon.

MA Hong on Deep-seated Reasons for U.S.-China Trade Disputes and Future Prospects

Pekingnology • 60 implied HN points • 10 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics International relations
  1. China has become a major player in global manufacturing, making a large percentage of products for the world market. This shift has changed how trade works, impacting jobs in other countries.
  2. The U.S.-China trade war has led to significant changes in trade patterns, with the U.S. looking to import from other countries instead of just China. This is reshaping the supply chains in many industries.
  3. Looking ahead, trade relations may become more regional than global, with smaller countries playing a larger role. The world is moving away from relying heavily on China for manufacturing.

The Virtuous City Vision: A National Platform for Gaza’s Governance and Renewal

Journal of Free Black Thought • 6 implied HN points • 21 Nov 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics International relations
  1. The Virtuous City Vision hopes to create a new, peaceful governance model in Gaza that focuses on community, education, and recovery from the devastations of war.
  2. A Coalition of supportive nations will be formed to help with Gaza's reconstruction, providing security and funds while ensuring the rights and dignity of the Palestinian people are respected.
  3. New educational and cultural initiatives will promote understanding and reconciliation between Israelis and Palestinians, focusing on their shared histories and identities.

IS ISRAEL ON THE VERGE OF ANNEXATION?

Seymour Hersh • 22 implied HN points • 01 Aug 25
🌍 World Politics International relations
  1. Israel's religious far-right is pushing for annexation of parts of Gaza, arguing that hostage situations shouldn't delay this move.
  2. Prime Minister Netanyahu is relying on support from these religious groups to maintain political power.
  3. There are strong demands to Hamas for hostages’ release, and if not met, Israel plans to proceed with annexation.

Zelensky's Five Point Plan is Asking for Ukraine to be Treated like a Normal, Sovereign European State

Phillips’s Newsletter • 92 implied HN points • 16 Oct 24
🌍 World Politics International relations
  1. Zelensky presented a five-point plan to emphasize Ukraine's right to be treated like any other European country. This is about making Ukraine part of the normal conversation in Europe.
  2. His plan includes reasonable requests for defense support and economic partnerships, which are common for democratic nations. It shows he is not asking for special treatment.
  3. The straightforward nature of his asks indicates a balanced approach, suggesting Ukraine seeks its rightful place in Europe without making extreme demands.

BIDEN’S LAST HURRAH AGAINST RUSSIA AND PUTIN

Seymour Hersh • 79 implied HN points • 26 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics International relations
  1. Biden is feeling frustrated as he deals with a tough situation in Ukraine while other Democratic leaders are stepping back from him. There are concerns about whether he can manage the ongoing conflict and his future as a president.
  2. He made controversial decisions to provide advanced weaponry to Ukraine, leading to escalations from Russia and raising fears of a larger global conflict. People are worried about the humanitarian impact of using landmines in the war.
  3. There's talk that Trump has been communicating informally with Putin about ways to potentially end the war. Some experts believe Putin is waiting for the right moment to negotiate, while Biden continues to face criticism for his foreign policy approach.

Gaming Refugees

Diane Francis • 339 implied HN points • 30 Aug 21
🌍 World Politics International relations
  1. Many people are fleeing their home countries due to fear of persecution or tough living conditions. They can either apply for immigration legally or, if they leave without permission, they are considered refugees.
  2. Countries like Belarus and Turkey are using refugees as a way to push back against the European Union. This has created a complicated situation where borders are being fortified and people are stuck in limbo.
  3. The refugee crisis is affecting many regions, not just Europe. There are millions displaced worldwide, and countries are struggling to manage the growing numbers and the challenges that come with them.

Christmas for China-Japan relations

Pekingnology • 71 implied HN points • 25 Dec 24
🌍 World Politics International relations
  1. China and Japan are improving their relationship after years of tension. High-level meetings between their leaders are helping to foster better communication and understanding.
  2. There is a focus on youth exchanges and cultural connections to strengthen friendship between the two countries. Schools and local events can play a big part in bringing people together.
  3. China has made travel easier by removing visa requirements for Japanese citizens, and Japan is also easing its visa rules for Chinese visitors. This will encourage more tourism and personal connections between the nations.

Beijing Bullyboys

Diane Francis • 399 implied HN points • 17 May 21
🌍 World Politics International relations
  1. Taiwan is facing pressure from China to be absorbed back into its rule. Despite being economically successful, Taiwan remains isolated diplomatically with only a few countries recognizing it as independent.
  2. Taiwan dominates the global semiconductor market, making it vital for the world economy. Its advanced technology keeps it at the forefront, making it hard for competitors like China to catch up.
  3. Many countries, especially in Asia, have concerns about China's growing influence. It's important for these nations to support Taiwan, and better alliances are needed to counter China's ambitions.

What could go right?

The Cosmopolitan Globalist • 28 implied HN points • 18 Jun 25
🌍 World Politics International relations
  1. Israel could work with internal opposition in Iran to bring about a change in government. This might mean that Iranians themselves are key to making this happen, with support from Israel.
  2. There may be a plan for what happens after the regime falls. If there's a quick and orderly transition to a new government, it could prevent chaos and help stabilize the country.
  3. The fall of the Iranian regime could lead to positive changes not just in Iran, but throughout the Middle East. It might inspire democratic movements across the region and reduce the influence of radical politics.

Europe/Germany Has Failed (Because Ukraine Did Better Than Expected)

Phillips’s Newsletter • 91 implied HN points • 15 Oct 24
🌍 World Politics International relations
  1. Europe has struggled to respond effectively to major challenges, leading to divisions and inaction among its countries and institutions.
  2. The 'Zeitenwende' speech by Germany's Chancellor Scholz marked a significant moment, but it hasn't led to the expected changes in Europe's stance after the invasion of Ukraine.
  3. There are doubts about whether Europe can succeed as a united entity in the face of these challenges, especially when relying on external influences to force action.

Happy Birthday Ukraine

Diane Francis • 339 implied HN points • 23 Aug 21
🌍 World Politics International relations
  1. Ukraine declared its independence from Russia 30 years ago, which was a major moment in ending the Soviet Empire. This anniversary is important to celebrate.
  2. Despite ongoing conflict and challenges, Ukraine has built a strong army and shows great determination to protect its freedom and seek European integration.
  3. The people of Ukraine have stood up against corruption and fought for their rights through peaceful protests, which have led to significant reforms and a push towards democracy.

Are North Korean Troops Fighting for Russia a Sign of "Desperation"?

Phillips’s Newsletter • 86 implied HN points • 29 Oct 24
🌍 World Politics International relations
  1. North Korean troops are now confirmed to be fighting for Russia in Ukraine. This development shows the lengths Russia is going to in order to sustain its military efforts.
  2. While Ukraine’s allies seem uncertain about how to best support them, Putin is making bold moves, like bringing in North Koreans, to try and gain an advantage.
  3. Putin’s decisions can often backfire. For instance, his direct attacks in the Kharkiv offensive were seen as strategic mistakes that did not pay off.

Dirty Skylines and Snow Washing

Diane Francis • 319 implied HN points • 16 Sep 21
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics International relations
  1. Many luxurious properties in the U.S. are bought with 'dirty money' from criminals and corrupt officials. These people use sneaky ways to hide their identities and wash their money clean.
  2. Real estate professionals, like lawyers and agents, often help these criminals by setting up secretive companies that hide ownership. This makes it really hard for law enforcement to catch them.
  3. There's a big problem with money laundering globally, which affects housing affordability and national security. Countries need better rules and cooperation to stop this flow of illegally obtained money.