The hottest International relations Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
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Top World Politics Topics

Trump and the Rise of Asia

Global Inequality and More 3.0 • 770 implied HN points • 03 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Leadership Globalization Inequality International relations
  1. Western elites feel confused and uneasy with Trump's approach, much like Eastern European elites felt with Gorbachev. They see him as changing the norms that they are used to.
  2. European leaders are struggling to adapt to changes brought by Trump. They tend to view his presidency as a temporary disruption rather than a challenge to their rule.
  3. China's rise is shifting economic power away from the West, and many in the Western middle class may feel a decline in their global status as Asian economies grow rapidly.

Talking Ukraine with Former Ukrainian Journalist of the Year: Diana Panchenko

John’s Substack • 5 implied HN points • 27 Feb 25
🌍 World Politics International relations Conflict Studies Geopolitics Media Coverage War Analysis
  1. The discussion covers the origins and current status of the Ukraine war. It's important to understand how the conflict started to grasp its present situation.
  2. The podcast features insights from experienced journalists, shedding light on various perspectives about the war. Listening to experts can give a deeper understanding of complex issues.
  3. The podcast title 'War & Peace: Reloaded' suggests a reflective approach on the themes of conflict and resolution. It emphasizes the ongoing struggles and the search for peace in Ukraine.

A Memo for Trump's Energy Czar

The Honest Broker Newsletter • 1226 implied HN points • 11 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Energy Policy Legislation Climate change Government Accountability International relations
  1. Energy policy shouldn't just be about undoing past actions. There needs to be a clear plan moving forward that addresses the future needs of the country.
  2. The new energy czar has a chance to shape America's energy policies in a positive direction. This involves creating a comprehensive energy plan that considers reliability and affordability.
  3. It's important to balance energy production with environmental concerns. Supporting cleaner energy technologies can help reduce emissions while also meeting economic goals.

The Looming Tech Takeover

Nonzero Newsletter • 304 implied HN points • 17 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Policy Government International relations
  1. Facial recognition technology is causing serious problems, like wrong arrests. It's important to question the reliability of these tools.
  2. Trump is getting a lot of support from tech leaders as he prepares for his second term. This close relationship could change how tech and politics interact.
  3. Biden and Trump are both taking credit for a ceasefire in the Israel-Hamas conflict. However, it seems Trump’s envoy may have played a bigger role in making it happen than Biden did.

Putin's Tucker

Diane Francis • 5635 implied HN points • 12 Feb 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Media Criticism Political Commentary International relations War reporting
  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.
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NATO's Nemesis

Diane Francis • 979 implied HN points • 11 Jul 24
🌍 World Politics International relations Geopolitics Military Alliances Conflict Studies Eastern Europe
  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.

The Russia in Syria Edition

Why is this interesting? • 603 implied HN points • 10 Dec 24
🌍 World Politics Military Strategy International relations Regional conflicts Power Dynamics
  1. Syria is now in a very unstable state after Assad's regime is gone. This situation brings many challenges, like dealing with chemical weapons and returning refugees.
  2. Russia's naval port in Tartus and airfield in Hmeimim are key for their military power in the Middle East. Losing these would hurt Russia's strategy, especially with ongoing issues in Ukraine.
  3. Moscow is working hard to keep these bases by forming new alliances and adapting their approach. This shows how important Syria is for Russia's influence in the region.

Europe's Final Fate

Diane Francis • 839 implied HN points • 18 Jul 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Foreign Policy International relations Defense Economy
  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.

Syria’s Christians: ‘We Have No Reason to Trust Al-Jolani’

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 667 implied HN points • 13 Dec 24
🌍 World Politics Middle East Religion Conflict Human Rights International relations
  1. Syria's Christians feel uncertain about their future, especially after a new rebel group took control. They are worried about persecution due to the rebels' past actions.
  2. Many Christians in Syria have experienced violence and loss, which has left them fearful for their safety. They worry about what will happen next under the new leadership.
  3. Trust in the new rebel leader, Al-Jolani, is very low among the Christian community. They see him as a threat rather than a protector.

Breaking The Iron Triangle of Elite Hate

Welcome to Absurdistan • 6132 implied HN points • 28 Jan 24
🌍 World Politics Government Protests Economic Impact Media influence International relations
  1. Canada's Liberal Party, in power for a century, is projected to lose to Conservatives.
  2. The government funded NGO, CAHN, was found to drive bureaucratic action by labelling opposition as hate.
  3. Trudeau's invocation of the Emergencies Act based on fabricated intelligence led to backlash against his leadership.

Ukraine Should Not Have Attacked Russia, Just Like I Should Not Have Murdered O.J. Simpson

I Might Be Wrong • 17 implied HN points • 20 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy International relations Public Opinion Political Commentary Conflict analysis
  1. Making mistakes is something everyone does, and it's important to admit when you're wrong and to learn from it.
  2. The relationship between Ukraine and Russia is complicated, and some argue that Ukraine's actions have been aggressive and unjustified.
  3. People should consider the consequences of supporting any country seen as an aggressor, as it could impact international stability in other regions.

What We Talk About, When We Talk About Talks.

Trying to Understand the World • 7 implied HN points • 19 Feb 25
🌍 World Politics International relations Conflict resolution Geopolitics Diplomacy Foreign Policy
  1. The belief that the U.S. disengaging from Ukraine will change the situation is unrealistic. Ukraine has struggled against a stronger military, and expecting them to succeed without support is not based on reality.
  2. Western leaders have been in denial about the consequences of their support for Ukraine. They were trying to avoid facing the truth of the situation, but eventually, they had to confront it.
  3. Negotiations between the U.S. and Russia may happen, but there’s big uncertainty about what can actually be agreed upon. Major issues need resolution, and both sides seem far apart on their expectations.

Weekend Update #117: OK, the War was not Ended on Tuesday--So what Now?

Phillips’s Newsletter • 198 implied HN points • 26 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy War Analysis Political Commentary International relations Political strategy
  1. Trump has made some comments suggesting he sees Russia as weaker than before, but he's still not supporting meaningful help for Ukraine. He focuses on getting a deal to stop fighting rather than ensuring Ukraine's security.
  2. There are mixed opinions about Ukraine's military situation. Some believe they have enough supplies to continue fighting, while others fear a collapse in the near future due to lack of support.
  3. Currently, Russian advances on the battlefield are very minimal. There is little change, indicating that the situation might not be as bad for Ukraine as some fear.

Germany and Genocide

John’s Substack • 38 implied HN points • 16 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political speech International relations Free speech Activism
  1. Germany has a strong stance against supporting extremist political parties like the AfD, but there's a contradiction in its actions regarding international issues.
  2. The German government's support of Israel in the Gaza conflict raises questions about its commitment to free speech and protests within Germany.
  3. This situation highlights the ongoing debate about the values that different countries uphold and how they apply them in various contexts.

Trump’s D.I.Y. Deep State

Nonzero Newsletter • 304 implied HN points • 14 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy Political strategy Trump administration International relations
  1. Donald Trump often talks against wars but hires people who support military actions when he's in office. His choices for foreign policy roles seem to contradict his campaign promises.
  2. Some believe Trump uses aggressive advisors to help him appear tougher, but this plan often backfires, making it hard for him to pursue peace initiatives.
  3. By surrounding himself with hardline individuals, Trump gives them influence over his decisions, which may lead him further away from the diplomatic approaches he claims to prefer.

I’m Such a Hopeless Libtard That It Bothers Me When We Side With the Authoritarian Predator State

I Might Be Wrong • 13 implied HN points • 21 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Commentary International relations Political Satire Current Events Public Opinion
  1. Being part of a liberal community often comes with being self-aware and critical of oneself. It's okay to recognize when you might fit a stereotype.
  2. The Ukraine invasion highlights a moral need for the U.S. to support Ukraine against authoritarian aggression, reinforcing American interests.
  3. It's possible to have strong opinions while also feeling like you're just playing a role that others expect of you, especially in a politically charged environment.

Destroying Ukraine with Idealism

Glenn’s Substack • 1019 implied HN points • 02 Jul 24
🌍 World Politics International relations Security Studies NATO Geopolitics Conflict analysis
  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.

In Ukraine, top US official admits that “success” meant “suffering”

Aaron Mate • 174 implied HN points • 27 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy Diplomacy War Government International relations
  1. A top US official acknowledged that the term 'success' in Ukraine often means more suffering for the people involved. It's a harsh truth about the reality of war.
  2. The Biden administration and Kyiv are facing tough decisions about whether to engage in diplomatic talks or continue their current strategy.
  3. Mixed messages from Donald Trump add confusion to the US's position on Ukraine, affecting future policies and discussions.

Chartbook 328 An economics Nobel for Biden's neocon moment. On AJR's "Whig" philosophy of history.

Chartbook • 1473 implied HN points • 19 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Economic Policy International relations Political Economy Social justice Political History
  1. The recent Nobel Prize in economics was awarded to three economists who stressed the importance of societal institutions in achieving economic prosperity. Their work highlights how fairness and rights can drive economic growth.
  2. The Biden administration supports this view, aligning their economic strategies with the theories of these Nobel winners. They believe government policies can help bridge gaps like inequality and support innovation.
  3. The traditional ideas of free-market economics are becoming less popular, and the current trend leans towards more government intervention in the economy. This shift reflects a broader skepticism about past economic policies.

Will America Abandon the Kurds—Again?

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 533 implied HN points • 18 Dec 24
🌍 World Politics International relations Middle East Security Issues Diplomacy Human Rights
  1. The Kurds in Syria are worried about a possible invasion by Turkish-backed forces and feel betrayed by the lack of support from the U.S.
  2. Despite efforts to negotiate with Turkey, Kurdish leaders believe all diplomatic talks have failed, leaving them in a desperate situation.
  3. Kurdish leaders have reached out to the U.S. for help, emphasizing their role as loyal allies and pleading for protection against the looming threat.

THB 2025 Predictions

The Honest Broker Newsletter • 304 implied HN points • 31 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Leadership Policies International relations Climate
  1. The post raises ten questions about what might happen in 2025, covering various topics like politics and sports. It's a fun way to think about the future and invite readers to share their predictions.
  2. One question asks which leaders from the G7 countries will still be in power next year. This suggests interest in global politics and leadership stability.
  3. The author encourages readers to comment with their thoughts and predictions. The best predictions can win a lifetime subscription, making it interactive and engaging.

Moscow's Syria

Diane Francis • 1179 implied HN points • 20 Jun 24
🌍 World Politics International relations Conflict Military Strategy Terrorism Middle East
  1. Ukrainian forces, with help from Syrian rebels, recently attacked Russian mercenaries in Syria. This move aimed to stop Russia from building its military presence there.
  2. Syria has turned into a messy situation for Moscow, acting as a training ground for various militants. Russian involvement in Syria has escalated conflicts in other regions too.
  3. There is a shared enemy among Syrians, Ukrainians, and the West regarding Russian aggression. This common goal has sparked cooperation between these groups against Russia.

Do poor countries need a new development strategy?

Noahpinion • 10647 implied HN points • 08 Feb 24
🌍 World Politics Development Industrialization Economic Growth Globalization International relations
  1. The debate over development strategies for poor countries is evolving, with a shift towards focusing on green energy and non-traded services rather than traditional manufacturing and exports.
  2. Authors like Dani Rodrik and Joseph Stiglitz argue that poorer countries may face challenges in industrialization due to factors like reduced global demand for manufactured goods and increased automation.
  3. Successful growth stories of countries like Bangladesh challenge the notion that industrialization is no longer a viable development strategy for poor nations, emphasizing the importance of traditional methods for economic progress.

Chartbook 333 Asia in the age of polycrisis.

Chartbook • 844 implied HN points • 17 Nov 24
🌍 World Politics Geopolitics International relations Global Economy Regional conflicts Crisis Management
  1. Asia's fast-growing economies may appear to offer solutions to the West's challenges, but that's not the complete picture.
  2. The concept of 'polycrisis' is relevant to both Asia and the West, suggesting interconnected issues that affect both regions.
  3. Understanding these global challenges requires looking beyond regional success stories and recognizing the shared complexities.

EU set to embrace migrant offshoring hubs at today's summit

Gulf Stream Blues • 39 implied HN points • 17 Oct 24
🌍 World Politics Migration policy Political Reforms International relations
  1. The EU is considering offshore migrant hubs to deport asylum seekers faster. This is a change from their previous stance that deemed such actions illegal.
  2. Leaders like Italy's Prime Minister Meloni support this approach, aimed at sending migrants to countries like Albania, which are not part of the EU.
  3. There are mixed opinions among EU countries about this plan, with some fearing it may violate international law and not effectively address the root migration issues.

Answering your questions

Comment is Freed • 54 implied HN points • 09 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Legislation Political parties International relations Public Policy
  1. There's a lot of confusion in U.S. politics, making it hard for opposition parties to work together against leaders like Trump or Musk. Without a single leader, responses can be slow and ineffective.
  2. Legal challenges are being used to push back against controversial actions taken by Trump and Musk. Courts are blocking some of their orders, but legal battles often take time, and problems can arise in the meantime.
  3. In the UK, there's a concern about future leaders gaining too much control. It’s important for political parties and civil servants to think ahead and prepare for any potential threats to democracy.

Speaker Mike Johnson fails his first test.

Today's Edition Newsletter • 8333 implied HN points • 31 Oct 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Legislation International relations Election Government Political Analysis
  1. House Republicans proposed cutting IRS funding for Israel aid, showing poor leadership skills.
  2. Democrats and Senate likely to oppose the bill, challenging Speaker Mike Johnson's legislative efforts.
  3. Demanding IRS cuts for aid packages is seen as insulting and Republicans are criticized for playing political games.

Putin's Hungarian

Diane Francis • 839 implied HN points • 04 Jul 24
🌍 World Politics International relations Geopolitics European Union Political Leadership Foreign Policy
  1. Viktor Orbán is now leading the EU for six months, but he's got a close relationship with Russia, making him an outsider in European politics.
  2. Orbán suggested a ceasefire in Ukraine, but his request doesn't align with EU policies and seems irrational given the past invasions.
  3. He's faced criticism for undermining EU values and institutions, raising concerns about the potential impacts on Europe during his presidency.

Top Links 596 What difference did the IRA make? Cholera deaths and Clark on Anderson on World War I.

Chartbook • 329 implied HN points • 23 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Legislation History International relations Public Health Political Analysis
  1. The IRA's impact is being analyzed, looking at how significant it was. It's important to understand historical events and their effects on today's world.
  2. Cholera deaths are discussed to highlight public health issues and their historical context. This reminds us of the importance of sanitation and health systems.
  3. The mention of World War I and key figures shows the relevance of history in understanding current affairs. Learning about the past helps us navigate today’s complexities.

CIA, Ukraine Exchange Pre-Divorce Propaganda

TK News by Matt Taibbi • 8743 implied HN points • 27 Feb 24
🌍 World Politics Espionage International relations Conflict
  1. The New York Times exposé revealed extensive details about the CIA-Ukraine relationship, including the presence of secret spy bases along the Russian border.
  2. Officials often emphasize the need to protect 'sources and methods' for national security, yet the Times published a wealth of detailed information about CIA operations.
  3. The public disclosure of such classified details raises questions about the future of the CIA-Ukraine alliance and the potential for a breakup.

They Tortured Him for Years. Now They Rule Syria.

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 454 implied HN points • 17 Dec 24
🌍 World Politics Middle East Conflict International relations Terrorism Human Rights
  1. The new rulers of Syria, Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, have a history of violence and were once the captors of a journalist who endured severe torture at their hands.
  2. The group claims to have changed for the better and promises not to persecute anyone, but many are skeptical about their true intentions.
  3. Despite the regime's fall being celebrated by many, there are concerns about the brutal tactics of the rebel forces that now hold power.

Who speaks of the Armenians?

Wrong Side of History • 731 implied HN points • 19 Nov 24
🌍 World Politics International relations Conflict Studies Human Rights Historical Analysis Geopolitics
  1. The Armenian genocide in 1915-1917 is often overlooked, despite its horrific nature. Many Armenians fear that the hatred from that time still exists, leading to more violence.
  2. The conflict between Armenia and Azerbaijan has roots in historical tensions, but it intensified with recent wars over the Nagorno-Karabakh region. Many civilians have suffered and been forced to flee.
  3. Azerbaijan has significant oil and gas resources that influence its global relationships, often overshadowing its human rights abuses. Western countries continue to engage with Baku for energy supplies, ignoring its actions against Armenians.

Migration Mess

Diane Francis • 959 implied HN points • 24 Jun 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Immigration Elections Populism Asylum International relations
  1. Immigration is a hot topic in elections, with many people feeling overwhelmed by the number of migrants and their needs.
  2. Historically, immigrants have faced challenges, and the perception of them has often been mixed, depending on their ability to fit in and contribute.
  3. Today's migration is influenced by global conflicts and human smuggling, leading to a rise in populist reactions against migrants.

Christ of the Ozarks

Sarah Kendzior’s Newsletter • 5172 implied HN points • 06 Jan 24
🌍 World Politics Global Conflict Humanitarian Crisis Propaganda International relations
  1. Christ of the Ozarks is the tallest Jesus statue in the USA, standing at 67 feet tall in Arkansas.
  2. Eureka Springs, Arkansas, where Christ of the Ozarks is located, has a unique blend of evangelical and LGBTQ communities coexisting for decades.
  3. The partnership between the Great Passion Play in Eureka Springs and Israeli backers has brought controversial elements like Israeli bomb shelters to the religious complex, sparking discussions on politics, hate speech, and ideologies.

Top Links 590 The mad dash for Biden's climate dollars. How India and China's income distribution compare. The panzootic & getting beyond Confucius.

Chartbook • 371 implied HN points • 17 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Climate Policy Government spending International relations Economic Inequality Environmental Issues
  1. Companies are hurriedly completing the paperwork to get loans from the Department of Energy for climate initiatives. They want to secure funding before deadlines.
  2. There is a comparison between income distribution in India and China, indicating different economic conditions and social structures in these countries.
  3. The concept of a 'panzootic' is discussed, which refers to widespread disease among animal species, and explores ideas beyond traditional Confucian thought.

Saturday Commentary and Review #183

Fisted by Foucault • 198 implied HN points • 11 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Political Ideologies International relations Public Policy Social Issues
  1. Putin has significantly changed Russia since he took power, winning popularity by boosting the economy and restoring national pride after the tough years of the Yeltsin era.
  2. Many Western countries failed to build a real partnership with Russia, leading Putin to seek closer ties with China instead, which some view as a mistake in the long run.
  3. The current political landscape shows that traditional liberalism is under strain, and while there is much discussion about new ideologies, many political movements still operate within a liberal framework.

The Indian-American century

Wrong Side of History • 246 implied HN points • 30 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics International relations Policy Analysis Cultural impact Legal issues
  1. Ultrasound technology was first used in the 1950s for checking fetal health, but it led to sex-selective abortions in countries like India and China. This happened because many families preferred sons over daughters, which affected the natural balance of genders.
  2. The sex ratio at birth has been heavily skewed in India, with a notable rise in male births compared to females, reaching an alarming peak of 111 males for every 100 females in 2010. Despite legal bans and public campaigns against it, the issue persisted for years.
  3. Although recent years have shown some improvement in the gender ratio at birth, there are still millions more men than women in younger generations. For example, among Indian-born Sikhs, the ratio is shockingly high at 130 males for every 100 females.

China Plays Putin

Diane Francis • 1019 implied HN points • 17 Jun 24
🌍 World Politics China Russia Ukraine NATO International relations
  1. The G7 has imposed sanctions on Russia, leading to economic troubles for them. Russians are struggling to buy dollars because of this.
  2. Ukraine is strengthening its security by signing deals with the U.S. and NATO countries, aiming to become a NATO member soon.
  3. China is benefiting from Russia's situation by buying cheap Russian oil and selling them consumer goods, making Russia more dependent on China.

German fascism crisis escalates as Elon Musk publishes a devastating 600-word editorial explaining why he supports Alternative für Deutschland

eugyppius: a plague chronicle • 363 implied HN points • 29 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Commentary Election Strategies International relations Political Identity Media influence
  1. Elon Musk believes Alternative für Deutschland (AfD) is key to saving Germany. He argues that their policies can help revive the economy and address social tensions.
  2. Critics of Musk's views worry that his support for the AfD undermines Germany's political stability. They feel that allowing such opinions can influence public perception negatively.
  3. Musk's perspective highlights a broader discomfort with the traditional political order in Germany. Many Germans feel their concerns are ignored by established parties.