The hottest International relations Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
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Top World Politics Topics

The Danger We Face

The Cosmopolitan Globalist • 18 implied HN points • 24 Jan 24
🌍 World Politics Global Affairs Diplomacy Security International relations National Security
  1. American deterrence has eroded, leading to catastrophic implications like a potential surprise nuclear attack from North Korea.
  2. The media's limited focus on foreign events, particularly in regions like Ukraine, can lead to critical foreign policy mistakes and erode global security.
  3. The importance of maintaining a strong deterrence and supporting allies like Ukraine to prevent further escalation and potential world war.

Lessons From Syria: How the West failed and Syrians won

Theory Matters • 1 implied HN point • 15 Dec 24
🌍 World Politics Civil War Authoritarianism International relations Human Rights Revolution
  1. The Assad regime was extremely brutal, using violence and oppression to maintain control in Syria. Many civilians suffered and died because of this regime's actions during the civil war.
  2. Despite the challenges, the Syrian people showed great courage by rising up against oppression. Their determination led to the eventual fall of the Assad regime, proving that they can dream of and fight for a better future.
  3. The international community largely failed to support the Syrian people during their struggle. Many in the West mistakenly viewed Assad as a necessary leader, ignoring the reality of the brutal regime he led.

Zheng Yongnian on how to address Western public opinion on China: facts, science, and reason

Pekingnology • 60 implied HN points • 21 Feb 23
🌍 World Politics China International relations Ideology Economics
  1. Understand the formation of narratives to address Western public opinion on China
  2. Respond to Western criticisms with facts, science, and reason instead of a different ideology
  3. Prioritize sustainable development in China, focus on citizens' support, and be open to Western groups for improved understanding

When The Music's Over ...

Trying to Understand the World • 12 implied HN points • 06 Mar 24
🌍 World Politics Conflict Military Ideology International relations Strategic Planning
  1. The West may not be prepared for the potential outcomes of the conflict in Ukraine, and the ideological and strategic differences may lead to significant consequences.
  2. It is important to understand the distinction between tactical, operational, and strategic levels of warfare and how they can impact the overall outcome of conflicts.
  3. Russian military capabilities and strategies are showcasing superiority in various aspects over Western equipment and approaches, leading to a potential shift in global perceptions and defense strategies.
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BRICS? Can't Beat Em? Join Em?

C.O.P. Central Organizing Principle. • 6 implied HN points • 22 Oct 24
🌍 World Politics International relations Global Trade Colonialism Cold War Geopolitics
  1. BRICS is creating a new way for countries to trade using their own currencies, setting a different standard from the Western-dominated forex market. This means countries like Zimbabwe can now better showcase and sell their resources.
  2. Western nations are starting to realize they need to adapt to this new order or else risk continued isolation and loss. This shift suggests they might ease tensions and reconsider their sanctions against BRICS countries.
  3. The growing influence of BRICS could lead to stronger relationships with non-Western countries, potentially hurting US dominance. However, there are discussions about fairness and reparations for past colonial actions that might complicate future dealings.

Xi tells Macron on camera: we are bosom friends/Zhiyin

Pekingnology • 49 implied HN points • 07 Apr 23
🌍 World Politics China France International relations Technology Media
  1. French President Macron received extensive positive publicity during his visit to China, with state media highlighting his interactions with Chinese President Xi Jinping.
  2. President Xi expressed willingness to jointly call for a political settlement of the Ukraine crisis with France during a meeting with Macron.
  3. The joint declaration between China and France included commitments to maintain high-level meetings, deepen strategic partnerships, and support cooperation in areas like technology and economic development.

Disclosure of Anomalous Phenomena

Dr. Pippa's Pen & Podcast • 30 implied HN points • 06 Jun 23
🌍 World Politics Government International relations Policy Diplomacy Defense
  1. Congress has passed legislation to share information on anomalous phenomena with the public.
  2. The US military official David Grusch testified about hidden UAP activities in US Government programs.
  3. Former and current government officials are cooperating to disclose information about recovered materials and crafts from space.

February 23, 2024

Letters from an American • 11 implied HN points • 24 Feb 24
🌍 World Politics Ukraine Russia United States International relations National Security
  1. Two years ago, the passionate plea from Ukraine's president Zelensky to Russians for peace was followed by a Russian invasion despite it.
  2. Ukraine stood firm against the Russian invasion, with President Zelensky rejecting offers to leave and instead choosing to defend the country.
  3. Republicans are facing challenges due to their stance on abortion and IVF, affecting their public support and media attention on critical issues like the Russian disinformation case.

Role of returnee students in education, technological development, and opening up of China

Pekingnology • 18 implied HN points • 08 Feb 24
🚌 Education International relations Entrepreneurship Research Career development Talent Acquisition
  1. Researching and shaping narrative around Chinese students studying abroad and their contributions in China.
  2. Providing insights into policy of attracting global talent and developing international talent studies.
  3. CCG's commitment to understanding and promoting the role of global talent in contemporary society through extensive policy research and initiatives.

The Spy, The Chef, The Actor: Russian Theater

Dr. Pippa's Pen & Podcast • 26 implied HN points • 27 Jun 23
🌍 World Politics Russia Coup Nuclear Weapons International relations Security
  1. There are theories suggesting that recent events in Russia, including a coup attempt, may have been orchestrated in a theatrical manner involving Putin, a former chef, and a private army.
  2. The risk of Russia breaking up into smaller parts is being discussed, with concerns about potential nuclear weapons falling into the wrong hands.
  3. The CIA's promotion of amnesty for Russians and the actions of key figures like the former chef may have significant implications for international relations and security.

Donald Trump's Peace Plan

The Cosmopolitan Globalist • 9 implied HN points • 13 Mar 24
🌍 World Politics Leadership International relations Conflict resolution
  1. The importance of avoiding power vacuums in international relations; leaving vacuums allows for others to step in with potentially negative consequences.
  2. Trump's peace plan involves not providing any financial assistance to Ukraine in the Ukraine-Russia war, potentially leading to Ukrainian defeat.
  3. Despite the labeling of the plan as a 'peace' plan, it could actually further perpetuate military conflict and lead to unfavorable outcomes for Ukraine.

Curious: Angela Merkel’s September 2019 Visit to Wuhan

QTR’s Fringe Finance • 29 implied HN points • 21 Mar 23
🌍 World Politics International relations
  1. Former CDC director raised concerns about lab leak from Wuhan Institute of Virology in September 2019.
  2. German Chancellor Angela Merkel visited Wuhan's Tongji Hospital around the same time as alleged lab leak events.
  3. There is another virus research lab in Wuhan, the German-Chinese Joint Laboratory, located near the initial Covid-19 outbreak cluster.

The Age of Zugzwang

Big Serge Thought • 14 implied HN points • 13 Feb 24
🌍 World Politics Geostrategy Conflict International relations Military Diplomacy
  1. In the chess of geopolitics, actors often find themselves in situations where they are forced to act without good solutions, similar to 'Zugzwang' in chess where no good moves are available.
  2. Israel's unique state identity as an Eschatological Garrison and a Settler-Colonial state shapes its strategic logic, creating a sense of asymmetric vulnerability and influencing its actions in conflicts like the Israeli-Arab conflict.
  3. The United States faces a challenging situation in regions like Ukraine and the Middle East, where traditional deterrence tools may no longer be effective, leading to a strategic choice between full commitment or strategic retreat.

February 3, 2024

Letters from an American • 9 implied HN points • 04 Feb 24
🌍 World Politics Middle East International relations
  1. US and British forces launched strikes against 13 military targets in areas of Yemen controlled by Iran-backed Houthis, to defend international shipping and vessels
  2. National Security Council spokesperson confirmed additional responses to attacks on U.S. troops, signaling a strong stance against threats to national security
  3. The coalition targeted deeply buried weapons, missile systems, air defense systems, and radars in Yemen, emphasizing the commitment to safeguard lives and maintain smooth commerce in vital waterways

Arrested Development: The Don, Hunter, The Justice and the Irony of Sticky Situations

Dr. Pippa's Pen & Podcast • 25 implied HN points • 06 Apr 23
🌍 World Politics Geopolitics International relations Global Alliances
  1. International leaders are closely watching the legal and political turmoil in the US for opportunities to advance their own agendas.
  2. China and Russia are capitalizing on the US' internal distractions to strengthen their global influence and forge new alliances.
  3. The focus on domestic legal battles in the US is hindering progress on infrastructure developments, shifting attention away from vital national issues.

Pippa Passes: The Case of the Missing Chessboard, the Sonoran Desert and the Entrepreneurs in the Galapagos.

Dr. Pippa's Pen & Podcast • 24 implied HN points • 18 Apr 23
🌍 World Politics Geopolitics Organized Crime Global Economy Military Strategy International relations
  1. Experts warn against conflating risk analysis with picking sides in geopolitics.
  2. Understanding the grand strategy and end game is crucial in global decision-making.
  3. The rise of dark forces like organized crime impacts geopolitics and economy significantly.

The Newer World Order.

Trying to Understand the World • 8 implied HN points • 07 Feb 24
🌍 World Politics International relations Diplomacy United Nations Geopolitics
  1. The international system as we knew it is breaking down due to dysfunction and changes that require careful analysis.
  2. The inability to imagine alternatives and the incapacity to understand current global changes are key themes in understanding the current world order.
  3. The future world order will involve a more distributed power structure with various countries working together on common interests, leading to gradual changes in how political crises are managed.

Killing Navalny

The Cosmopolitan Globalist • 4 implied HN points • 28 Feb 24
🌍 World Politics Ukraine US Politics Foreign Policy International relations
  1. Vladislav Davidzon and Claire Berlinski discussed political dynamics around Republicans' stance on Ukraine and highlighted concerns about inexperience in American and Eastern European political leaders.
  2. They shared concerns about the complexity of the situation in Ukraine and challenges in influencing US senators to support Ukraine, despite potential benefits.
  3. They also discussed the decline of spiritual values in the West, the impact of the Ukraine conflict on Western culture, and the instability of American foreign policy affecting allies.

VOL 62: Capitalism, Socialism and Communism Comparisons

MAP's Tech Newsletter. • 14 implied HN points • 20 May 23
🌍 World Politics Socialism Capitalism Economic Systems International relations Government Systems
  1. Sweden transitioned from socialism to capitalism in the 1990s and saw rapid economic growth.
  2. Socialism and capitalism exist on a spectrum with pros and cons, and a balance of both systems may be ideal for a country's specific circumstances.
  3. Capitalism, as the dominant economic system, has shown progress in areas like life expectancy and poverty reduction but is not without challenges like inequality.

Issue 12: Houston, we have a solution

The Works in Progress Newsletter • 6 implied HN points • 07 Sep 23
📰 News Science Architecture International relations Economics Health
  1. Malaria vaccine development took decades but can be expedited through Advance Market Commitments.
  2. Houston has successfully implemented densification around the city centers through local opt-outs to up-zoning reforms.
  3. Dealing with low fertility rates involves understanding historical factors like household technologies, medical interventions, and housing prices.

The Office of Space Commerce: Coming to Terms with Space Operations

Ill-Defined Space • 9 implied HN points • 16 Mar 23
🕹 Technology Government Regulation International relations
  1. The lack of effective space traffic management poses risks in the space industry.
  2. There are international challenges in space operations due to different approaches and lack of cooperation.
  3. The Office of Space Commerce is addressing concerns such as technology shortfalls, international collaboration, economic impact, regulatory challenges, and operator responsibilities.

How Canadian intelligence allowed an aircraft bombing

Espionage& • 5 implied HN points • 19 Sep 23
🌍 World Politics Terrorism International relations Intelligence Security Investigation
  1. Canadian intelligence failed to prevent an aircraft bombing due to incompetence and negligence.
  2. Multiple informants tried to warn Canadian security services about a bomb plot, but their warnings were ignored.
  3. The botched investigation resulted in only one conviction and the destruction of crucial evidence.

2/23/23 - COGNITOHAZARD WARNING

Moly’s Substack • 2 HN points • 23 Feb 23
🌍 World Politics Human Rights Government Corruption Abuse International relations Injustice
  1. Reading this post may ruin your life with disturbing details about abduction and torture.
  2. The case of the chained woman highlights the issue of abducted women in China and their lack of legal protection.
  3. Despite international attention, the Chinese government's handling of the situation raises questions about transparency and justice.

Nuclear Weapons--The Good News and the Bad News

Phillips’s Newsletter • 2 HN points • 05 Mar 24
🌍 World Politics Nuclear Weapons International relations Geopolitical Tensions
  1. The future of nuclear weapons hinges on two distinct paths: continued non-proliferation efforts or a dangerous escalation of nuclear capabilities.
  2. Recent events have shown conflicting signals on the direction of nuclear policy, with Chinese intervention contrasting with Russian nuclear threats.
  3. It is crucial to pay attention to international signals, such as Chinese actions, amidst the heightened tensions surrounding nuclear weapons.

Dealing With Foreigners ...

Trying to Understand the World • 4 implied HN points • 28 Jun 23
🌍 World Politics Foreign Policy Diplomacy International relations
  1. Dealing with foreigners is more complex than it seems, involving various relationships and dimensions beyond traditional foreign policy.
  2. Government relations between states involve expertise from different departments and experts are crucial in negotiations and technical matters.
  3. International relations are influenced by a multitude of factors, including domestic politics and media, leading to intricate and often unpredictable outcomes.

OSINT Analysis: Six Russian Ships Active Near Nord Stream Sabotage Site According to Intelligence Source

OSINT & Analysis by Oliver Alexander • 5 HN points • 25 Mar 23
🌍 World Politics Military Intelligence International relations Sabotage
  1. OSINT data helps confirm presence of Russian naval vessels near Nord Stream sabotage site
  2. Timeline of events surrounding Russian ships and US Navy vessels in Baltic Sea
  3. Unusual activities of Russian vessels and other naval forces raise questions about Nord Stream sabotage

#10: Time for a change

The Uncertainty Mindset (soon to become tbd) • 19 implied HN points • 08 Jan 20
🌍 World Politics International relations Geopolitics Global Economy Political Change
  1. External events, like Brexit and climate change, create a lot of uncertainty that we can't control, and they can have serious impacts on society and the economy.
  2. It's important to embrace discomfort and the unknown in life. Trying new things helps us grow and learn to handle unexpected challenges better.
  3. Choosing to regularly face uncomfortable situations can prepare us for future uncertainties. It builds resilience and helps us cope with stress more effectively.

The Case for Plan B

The Permanent Problem • 4 implied HN points • 18 Apr 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Policy Institutions Reforms Social Issues International relations
  1. Given the pace of change, it's important to plan for the future on multiple time horizons.
  2. Considering alternative 'Plan B' options is wise, as core institutions may not suffice in all scenarios.
  3. In light of potential catastrophic risks like pandemics, climate change, and AI, exploring new institutions for resilience is crucial.