The hottest International relations Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
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Top World Politics Topics

Russian Unreality and American Weakness

Thinking about... • 711 implied HN points • 24 Nov 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics International relations
  1. A recent 'peace plan' regarding the Russo-Ukrainian war seems more focused on benefiting a few powerful individuals rather than actually achieving peace, showing a lack of true American diplomacy.
  2. The document claims to address Ukraine's sovereignty but actually undermines it, making demands that benefit Russia while ignoring its aggressive actions in the war.
  3. Key proposals in the plan reflect Russian interests, such as limiting Ukraine's military and preventing it from joining NATO, raising concerns about the overall intention to weaken Ukraine rather than support it.

They Intend To Keep Lying About Gaza Until They've Emptied It Out

Caitlin’s Newsletter • 2868 implied HN points • 27 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics International relations
  1. Israel is allowing some aid into Gaza, but not enough to stop starvation, showing their long-term strategy to control the situation. It's like giving a tiny hint of help while still keeping people in distress.
  2. Many claims about aid being stolen by Hamas have been proven false, suggesting that the culpability for the crisis lies with Israel. It's important to look closely at who is really responsible for the suffering.
  3. Critics of Israel's actions face a lot of pushback and circular arguments, making it hard to have an open discussion. People need to be aware of the manipulative tactics used to dismiss valid concerns about human rights.

The bottomless financial insanity of the Rwanda scheme

Striking 13 • 2515 implied HN points • 01 Mar 24
🌍 World Politics International relations
  1. The UK's Rwanda scheme is shown to be financially insane, with exorbitant costs and no real impact, according to a recent report.
  2. The Home Office's approach to the scheme is criticized for its irrationality, waste of money, and failure to address the asylum backlog effectively.
  3. Comparison with the costs of a functioning asylum system highlights the extreme financial inefficiency and lack of logic in the Rwanda scheme.

Dare To Hope

Caitlin’s Newsletter • 2673 implied HN points • 04 Aug 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics International relations
  1. A large demonstration for Gaza in Australia featured notable figures like Julian Assange. This event shows hope and growing public support for the cause.
  2. The term 'hasbara,' used to describe Israel's public relations efforts, is being replaced due to its negative reputation. This change highlights ongoing issues about transparency and accountability.
  3. Accusations of antisemitism against critics of Israel often lack evidence. This tactic is used to silence opposition and distract from discussions about human rights for Palestinians.

Gaza Doesn't Need Our Tears, It Needs Our Anger

Caitlin’s Newsletter • 2440 implied HN points • 15 Aug 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics International relations
  1. Gaza needs our anger, not just sadness. It's important to feel rage against the ongoing injustice instead of simply mourning the situation.
  2. Some public figures express sorrow about Gaza, but it can promote passivity instead of action. We need to recognize it as an ongoing crime that requires an urgent response.
  3. Anger can be a healthy emotion when directed appropriately. It can push people to take meaningful actions and challenge those responsible for suffering.
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Ukraine Unbowed

Diane Francis • 1039 implied HN points • 23 May 24
🌍 World Politics International relations
  1. The next six months are really important for Ukraine, and there's uncertainty about what will happen. The media is often focusing on the negatives, which can change people's perspectives.
  2. Some news reports are biased and may not accurately show the situation on the ground in Ukraine. This reporting can miss the full story and reflect outside influences like Kremlin narratives.
  3. Despite some reports of Russian success, experts suggest these claims might be exaggerated. In reality, Russian forces have faced many challenges and losses, while Ukraine might be getting better supplies soon.

Georgia On My Mind

Doomberg • 6668 implied HN points • 09 Feb 25
🌍 World Politics International relations
  1. The end of unipolarity makes Europe vulnerable and could lead to significant changes in global power dynamics.
  2. Georgia's political turmoil shows the influence of outside forces like the EU and Russia in the region.
  3. A shift towards a multipolar world means countries need to focus more on their own national interests rather than trying to solve every global issue.

Fab Whack-A-Mole: Chinese Companies are Evading U.S. Sanctions

SemiAnalysis • 10102 implied HN points • 28 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics International relations
  1. Chinese companies, particularly Huawei, are successfully finding loopholes to avoid U.S. export controls on advanced semiconductor technology. This allows them to enhance their domestic chip production capabilities.
  2. The current U.S. sanctions have not significantly harmed Western wafer fabrication equipment suppliers; in fact, these companies have been thriving during the period of restrictions.
  3. Future U.S. export controls need to be stricter and updated regularly to effectively combat the evasion strategies used by Chinese firms, ensuring that national security interests are maintained.

The New York Times Finally Stops Avoiding The G-Word

Caitlin’s Newsletter • 2854 implied HN points • 16 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics International relations
  1. A genocide scholar has admitted that Israel's actions in Gaza can be seen as genocide. This is important because it shows a shift in understanding among experts.
  2. The New York Times has changed its approach and is now starting to acknowledge the word 'genocide' in relation to Gaza. They previously avoided using this term despite evidence suggesting it.
  3. There is a growing public awareness and pushback against the narrative supporting Israel's actions, indicating a change in sentiment regarding the situation in Gaza.

China Waits

Diane Francis • 1638 implied HN points • 08 Apr 24
🌍 World Politics International relations
  1. China is benefiting from Russia's war by getting cheap energy while avoiding direct involvement. It is using this situation to increase its influence while waiting for the right moment to act.
  2. If Russia's power weakens, China may try to take back areas like Manchuria, which holds many resources. This territory has been historically important to China.
  3. While Russia struggles in the war, China is carefully repositioning itself to strengthen its economy and global influence, especially as it faces challenges from the West.

Deterring a Taiwan Invasion

ChinaTalk • 2861 implied HN points • 07 Jul 25
🌍 World Politics International relations
  1. Rapidly increasing troop numbers can deter invasions. Just like Japan raised its defenses quickly, Taiwan should boost its military readiness to make any attack seem costly.
  2. Using the natural terrain for protection is crucial. Taiwan can use its mountains for hiding and sheltering military assets to stand strong against potential attacks.
  3. Focusing on asymmetric warfare, like drones, is essential. Taiwan should invest in quick-to-deploy technologies that don't require a lot of time or resources to develop.

Bearing witness to the disappearing world

Sarah Kendzior’s Newsletter • 4832 implied HN points • 29 Oct 23
🌍 World Politics International relations
  1. Social media platforms like Twitter can be a place to bear witness to global events and support others in times of crisis.
  2. Governments and politicians can perpetuate violence and conflict, often driven by fanaticism, money, or darker goals.
  3. People around the world are standing up against atrocities, demonstrating bravery and a sense of conscience amidst challenging times.

Open Defiance

imetatronink • 4029 implied HN points • 01 Dec 23
🌍 World Politics International relations
  1. Major geopolitical players are openly defying the 'rules-based international order'.
  2. Russia has emerged as a formidable military force through economical destruction of NATO-armed armies.
  3. New alliances are forming, pushing back imperial rule and repudiating the empire's debt notes.

Top Links 949 The rubble of Gaza. African Brazil. Drunken Lectures and Pasolini on the flattening of Italy by consumerism.

Chartbook • 472 implied HN points • 12 Dec 25
🌍 World Politics International relations
  1. Gaza has faced significant destruction, with much of the funding for this devastation coming from U.S. taxes.
  2. There is a focus on the cultural and social impact of consumerism in Italy, highlighting the negative effects it has on society.
  3. The connections between Africa and Brazil show unique historical influences and cultural ties that are worth exploring.

Has the EU president grown a spine?

Gulf Stream Blues • 39 implied HN points • 10 Oct 24
🌍 World Politics International relations
  1. Ursula von der Leyen showed strong leadership in a recent speech, criticizing Hungary's leader directly. This marks a shift from her earlier deferential style.
  2. The EU needs a bold leader who can challenge national leaders and push for collective progress. Having a president who can be a 'bully' might help the EU gain strength on the global stage.
  3. There's uncertainty if this new assertiveness is permanent or just a one-time event. It's still unclear if von der Leyen will continue to act independently now that she's secured her position.

Who Can Claim the Palestine Region?

Uncharted Territories • 5110 implied HN points • 14 Oct 23
🌍 World Politics International relations
  1. The conflict between Israel and Palestine revolves around the question of who can legitimately claim the land.
  2. The history of the region involves various populations ruling over the land, with complex dynamics of religion, ethnicity, and governance.
  3. Ultimately, both Israelis and Palestinians have strong claims to the land, but the resolution should focus on factors like self-determination, international recognition, and adherence to legal norms.

They're Starving Civilians To Steal A Palestinian Territory, And They're Lying About It

Caitlin’s Newsletter • 2421 implied HN points • 26 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics International relations
  1. There are allegations that civilians in Gaza are being deliberately starved as part of a strategy to take control of the territory. This situation is seen as a serious violation of human rights.
  2. Israeli officials have openly stated that their goal is to clear Gaza and make it entirely Jewish. This includes plans to relocate the entire population to other areas.
  3. Despite various claims made about the reasons for the crisis, evidence suggests that these are misleading or false, and the humanitarian situation is deteriorating rapidly.

Chartbook 403 Trump as a Gulliver ... with no clothes.

Chartbook • 2088 implied HN points • 08 Aug 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics International relations
  1. Trump's view on trade seems disjointed and doesn't align with traditional ideas. His approach to tariffs lacks a clear and logical strategy.
  2. He perceives the U.S. as a powerful giant that has been manipulated by smaller nations, wishing to restore balance in international trade.
  3. Negotiations with other countries may prioritize showmanship over practicality, leading to deals that sound good but may not have real economic logic behind them.

Gaza Isn't Starving, It Is Being Starved

Caitlin’s Newsletter • 2449 implied HN points • 21 Jul 25
🌍 World Politics International relations
  1. People in Gaza are suffering from malnutrition because they are being deliberately starved, not because they lack food. The situation is a result of actions by those in power.
  2. The ongoing violence against civilians in Gaza is supported by Western governments, especially the United States, making it possible for these tragedies to continue.
  3. To help Gaza, we don't need complex solutions; we just need to allow aid and food to reach them. The existing systems to do so are there but are being blocked intentionally.

Misreading the Room

Doomberg • 6365 implied HN points • 20 Jan 25
🌍 World Politics International relations
  1. Venezuela used to be one of the world's top oil producers but has seen its production decline by over 80% due to mismanagement and political issues. This has made the country really poor compared to its past.
  2. Maduro, the current president, has taken provocative actions as his power weakens, including making bold statements about 'liberating' Puerto Rico with military help.
  3. Venezuela has huge oil reserves and could be an important energy supply for the U.S., creating a potential interest in the country from U.S. leaders.

Shift Shaping

Doomberg • 8315 implied HN points • 09 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics International relations
  1. Trump's election may negatively impact climate change efforts, as many leaders are skipping important climate meetings. It seems fewer people are interested in tackling climate issues right now.
  2. While Trump used to criticize climate agreements, his focus might now lean towards boosting American industries, even if it increases carbon emissions. He believes prioritizing local manufacturing is more important.
  3. There's a belief that Trump's return to power could shift environmental policies significantly, possibly leading to a long-term impact on climate efforts and regulations. His supporters seem to back him partly due to discontent with current environmental strategies.

After Iraq There's No Excuse For Buying The War Lies About Iran

Caitlin’s Newsletter • 3017 implied HN points • 17 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics International relations
  1. People shouldn't believe in war lies, especially after the evidence from Iraq. We have more information now, and it's important to think critically about what we're told.
  2. The conflict with Iran isn't just about nuclear weapons; it's really about control and power in the region. These reasons are often hidden behind official narratives.
  3. The situation in Gaza is closely tied to larger conflicts and could escalate into a bigger war. It's crucial to pay attention to these issues because they affect many lives.

Trump Has Bombed Iran. What Happens Next Is His Fault.

Caitlin’s Newsletter • 2896 implied HN points • 22 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics International relations
  1. The U.S. military has bombed Iranian nuclear sites, which puts American troops in danger of retaliation. This could escalate into a full-scale war.
  2. Iran warned that they would attack U.S. bases in response to the bombings. If U.S. troops are harmed, it will not be the fault of Iran but the fault of those who made the decision to attack.
  3. The situation could have been avoided if previous diplomatic agreements with Iran were honored. Instead, actions taken have led to a potential crisis that could worsen.

The Weight of the Tower of Babel

Disaffected Newsletter • 1998 implied HN points • 29 Feb 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics International relations
  1. Discussions about the conflict between Israel and Hamas often lead to intense and aggressive arguments. Many people feel afraid to ask honest questions due to backlash or harsh reactions.
  2. The actions and motives of both Hamas and Israel are highly controversial. Understanding the truth about their military actions and claims is very difficult.
  3. There is a sense that current societal discussions are unhealthy, as they often resemble a toxic relationship where honest conversation feels unsafe.

We're not ready for the Big One

Noahpinion • 23294 implied HN points • 15 Oct 23
🌍 World Politics International relations
  1. The U.S. is not fully prepared for a potential war over Taiwan.
  2. American businesses should diversify out of China to reduce risks of a sudden cutoff in imports.
  3. The U.S. government needs to rebuild its defense-industrial base to enhance production capacity for critical military assets.

Niall Ferguson: Israel’s Attack Restores the Credibility of the West

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 2944 implied HN points • 13 Jun 25
🌍 World Politics International relations
  1. Israel recently launched a major military operation against Iran, marking a new phase in their ongoing conflict. This involved air strikes and targeted assassination strikes against key Iranian military figures.
  2. The attacks were extensive, with hundreds of strikes involving around 200 fighter jets. Israel's approach shows they are willing to engage in significant military action.
  3. Iran's leadership has responded aggressively, warning of painful retaliation, and there are ongoing fears of escalating violence within Israel itself.

India Ascending

Diane Francis • 899 implied HN points • 16 May 24
🌍 World Politics International relations
  1. India is the world's biggest democracy, with nearly one billion eligible voters participating in elections.
  2. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is likely to be re-elected, and he has played a big role in India's modernization and economic growth.
  3. India is projected to become the world's third-largest economy soon and could become second by 2050, highlighting its rise as a superpower.

Ukraine's Precipice

Diane Francis • 1179 implied HN points • 22 Apr 24
🌍 World Politics International relations
  1. Russia's main attack strategies against Ukraine have included using political leaders like Donald Trump and Victor Orban to weaken support.
  2. The U.S. has finally approved a significant military aid package of $61 billion for Ukraine, which will help strengthen their defenses against Russia.
  3. Experts believe Ukraine might drive Russia out if Western countries fully commit their resources to support Ukraine's efforts.

Weekend Update #166: The Russian Strategy Would Normally Be Seen As A Failure

Phillips’s Newsletter • 309 implied HN points • 04 Jan 26
🌍 World Politics International relations
  1. Russia’s 2025 campaign won under 1% of Ukrainian territory but at very high casualty and resource cost, making it effectively a strategy of failure unless outside support changes the balance.
  2. Zelensky’s appointment of Kyrylo Budanov as chief of staff signals a move toward a tougher, long-term war posture and may strengthen his political and military hand.
  3. Trump’s quick acceptance of a Kremlin claim about an attack on Putin’s palace, followed by a face-saving retweet, revealed how easily he can be influenced by Russian narratives and how PR maneuvers can obscure that reality.

What If Trump Wants Goliath to Win?

Thinking about... • 481 implied HN points • 29 Nov 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics International relations
  1. The David and Goliath metaphor is often used to describe Ukraine's fight against Russia, but it can lead to misconceptions about the actual situation on the ground. People sometimes view Ukraine as powerless, which influences how negotiations are approached.
  2. Many in the West, including leaders, may unconsciously favor Goliath because they don't like seeing the smaller, weaker side, Ukraine, succeed. This bias can affect how aid and support are given to Ukraine.
  3. It's crucial to recognize that Ukraine is more than just an underdog; they are capable and strong in their fight against a much larger opponent. This understanding is key to supporting them effectively against Russian aggression.

Only Liars And Manipulators Say Gaza Isn't Starving

Caitlin’s Newsletter • 1671 implied HN points • 24 Aug 25
🌍 World Politics International relations
  1. Reports from Gaza show that many people, especially children, are severely malnourished due to a lack of food. Medical professionals are witnessing firsthand the devastating effects of starvation.
  2. The UN has declared the famine in Gaza as man-made, urging immediate action to address the crisis. Despite this, some officials have dismissed these findings, claiming they are false.
  3. Continuous denials from Israel about starving civilians raise questions about the truth of their actions. If a country repeatedly has to deny such claims, it likely suggests there's something serious happening.

SITREP 6/30/23: Winds Gather Before the NATO Summit

Simplicius's Garden of Knowledge • 7593 implied HN points • 01 Jul 23
🌍 World Politics International relations
  1. Ukraine struggles to make significant advances against Russia, facing setbacks and casualties in its offensives.
  2. Western partners are pushing Ukraine towards negotiations for conflict resolution over air cover and supplies issues.
  3. Russia maintains overwhelming pressure on all frontlines, awaiting potential further escalation next year with more troops mobilized.

Iran Shows Us Why The US And Israel Should Not Be Allowed To Have Nukes

Caitlin’s Newsletter • 2589 implied HN points • 25 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics International relations
  1. Iran's actions show that it can exercise restraint even when attacked, while the US and Israel are often seen as aggressive. This raises questions about who should really have nuclear weapons.
  2. There are no solid proof that Iran is trying to develop nuclear weapons, yet the US actions might push Iran to consider it as a defense strategy.
  3. Diplomatic agreements like the Iran nuclear deal were working well until they were scrapped, leading to more tension instead of peaceful resolutions.

Everything You Need to Know About the Iran Attack

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 2786 implied HN points • 13 Jun 25
🌍 World Politics International relations
  1. Israel launched a significant military strike against Iran, targeting its nuclear program and military leaders. This surprise attack marks a major escalation in the conflict between the two nations.
  2. There are high tensions as Iran has promised to retaliate for the strikes. Israel is preparing for possible attacks in response to its actions.
  3. Experts believe this event could change the dynamics of the Middle East and reduce the threat of Iran obtaining nuclear weapons, but it also raises risks of further conflict.

Chartbook 392 Incoming from outer space: The geo-military radicalism of Iran v. Israel 2025.

Chartbook • 2575 implied HN points • 20 Jun 25
🌍 World Politics International relations
  1. The war between Israel and Iran is unique because the countries are 1000 miles apart and have no shared border. This means they can't directly confront each other on a front line, making the conflict more complex.
  2. Israel relies on advanced fighter jets to attack Iran, while Iran fires missiles back in retaliation. This kind of long-range warfare is unusual and showcases a new way countries are fighting wars.
  3. Missile defense systems, like Israel's Arrow, are becoming critical in this conflict. They can intercept missiles in space, marking a significant leap in military technology and strategy.