The hottest International relations Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
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Top World Politics Topics

Will Israel Be at War?

Uncharted Territories • 3419 implied HN points • 12 Oct 23
🌍 World Politics International relations
  1. Israel's conflicts mainly occur within areas it currently controls, especially with Palestine.
  2. The biggest threats to Israel are more on an international scale rather than from its immediate neighbors.
  3. Israel's geographic location provides natural defenses, making it reasonably safe from attacks by neighboring countries.

Empty Chambers

Doomberg • 5101 implied HN points • 11 Dec 24
🌍 World Politics International relations
  1. Tajikistan's economy relies heavily on remittances from migrant workers in Russia, making the relationship between the two countries very important.
  2. China has invested a lot in Tajikistan and benefits from its natural resources, showing how connected these countries are through trade.
  3. Recent export restrictions by China on critical minerals like antimony can affect the US, especially in military and technology sectors, increasing concerns in the Pentagon.

Annual Review 2025: What I Got Wrong

Phillips’s Newsletter • 278 implied HN points • 26 Dec 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics International relations
  1. Don't assume leaders will be constrained by their base; Trump showed he will act on his own judgment, even joining attacks he previously seemed unlikely to support.
  2. Treat public shifts in rhetoric about Russia with skepticism — friendly signals can be deliberate feints, and Trump has stayed aligned with Putin rather than genuinely turning against him.
  3. Rhetoric from European governments isn't enough; unless the UK, France, and others provide tangible support like money or weapons, don't expect them to take decisive, sustained action.

Top Links 924 Asia's historic comeback. OPEC's pain threshold. An anti-Nazi Bavarian and the sex-plan for spacemen.

Chartbook • 457 implied HN points • 17 Nov 25
🌍 World Politics International relations
  1. Asia has seen a major comeback in its economy, changing the global economic landscape. It's shifting how power and influence are distributed worldwide.
  2. OPEC (Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries) is facing challenges in maintaining its desired oil prices. This could affect global energy markets and economics.
  3. There are interesting stories highlighted, including one about an anti-Nazi Bavarian and plans for adventurous life in space. These narratives offer unique perspectives and insights into cultural history.

Beijing's Bubble Bursts Part 3

Diane Francis • 1338 implied HN points • 04 Mar 24
🌍 World Politics International relations
  1. China's Belt and Road Initiative, which aimed to help poorer countries, has led many into deep debt instead of prosperity. This has turned some of these nations into vassal states rather than providing mutual benefits.
  2. Many countries that participated in BRI are facing serious economic issues and corruption scandals tied to Chinese investments. Projects often fail or are poorly managed, leaving these nations in worse situations.
  3. China's own economy is struggling, with declining exports and a high number of non-performing loans. The situation suggests that both China and its debt-laden partners are in precarious positions.
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Putin Kills Navalny

Diane Francis • 1498 implied HN points • 16 Feb 24
🌍 World Politics International relations
  1. Alexei Navalny, a prominent Russian opposition leader, has died under suspicious circumstances while imprisoned, raising concerns about government involvement.
  2. Navalny was known for his anti-corruption efforts and faced multiple assassination attempts, including being poisoned with a nerve agent.
  3. Despite the risks, Navalny inspired protests against the Russian government, demonstrating the public's desire for change and challenging Putin's regime.

Garry Kasparov: Israel Refuses to Accept the World As It Is

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 1975 implied HN points • 17 Jun 25
🌍 World Politics International relations
  1. Israel has recently launched a significant military campaign against Iran's nuclear program, marking a critical shift in geopolitical stability.
  2. The Israeli strikes have not only weakened Iran militarily but have also caused political turmoil, affecting high-ranking officials in Tehran.
  3. There are concerns about the potential consequences of Israel's actions, with some predicting risks of escalation and calls for regime change, but the status quo may have been an illusion all along.

Bari Weiss: The Comprehensive Failure of Justin Trudeau

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 4437 implied HN points • 07 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics International relations
  1. Justin Trudeau was seen as a hero for liberalism but many of his actions were against liberal values and didn't resonate with people.
  2. His resignation came after a series of internal issues in his government, which he blamed, but the root problems were his poor ideas.
  3. The challenges he faced were not just personal but stemmed from unpopular policies and decisions that did not reflect public sentiment.

Top Links 941 Resilient US consumption & Chinese anti-fatigue monitoring systems. How much do Russian missiles really cost? Warhammer as Thatcherite satire.

Chartbook • 329 implied HN points • 04 Dec 25
💰 Finance International relations
  1. Even though US consumers are feeling down, they are still spending money. This shows a strong desire to continue buying even in tough times.
  2. China is using monitoring systems to prevent fatigue, which might help improve productivity. This technology is aimed at keeping workers focused and efficient.
  3. The cost of Russian missiles is being questioned, which could influence how countries view military spending and strategy.

A China-Russia-Iran-North Korea Box of Evil Boxing In Joe Biden

Peter Navarro's Taking Back Trump's America • 1729 implied HN points • 22 Jan 24
🌍 World Politics International relations
  1. A group of countries might be plotting to weaken America by attacking its allies and draining its resources.
  2. The plot involves various tactics like creating distracting fronts, hindering military responses, and destabilizing elections.
  3. The end goal seems to be to weaken America's global presence and influence.

Joe Biden is a War Criminal

Pen>Sword • 1976 implied HN points • 01 Jan 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics International relations
  1. Biden's actions near the Gaza border transformed his image from 'Sleepy Joe' to 'Genocide Joe', catalyzed by aiding Israeli aggression.
  2. Biden's administration poured billions into Israel, supporting a violent war as civilian casualties, especially children, continued to rise.
  3. An exploration of how Biden's actions in the Israel-Palestine conflict redefined his presidential legacy, painting him as a war criminal facilitating genocide.

A leak within a leak: extradition requests with Israel as of May 2022

All-Source Intelligence Fusion • 1180 implied HN points • 19 Aug 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics International relations
  1. A spreadsheet with over 2,000 international legal requests involving Israel was leaked. This included information about pending extradition requests related to serious crimes.
  2. The Israeli government has often been slow to respond to U.S. extradition requests, especially in cases of child sexual abuse, raising concerns about justice and accountability.
  3. Notable cases in the leaked data highlight issues involving famous figures like Roman Polanski and whistleblower Edward Snowden, indicating a pattern of avoiding extradition in high-profile situations.

Macron's Manifesto

Diane Francis • 1139 implied HN points • 14 Mar 24
🌍 World Politics International relations
  1. Macron believes Europe needs to support Ukraine strongly, even considering sending troops. He's pushing for unity among European nations to confront the threat from Russia.
  2. France aims to become Europe's military leader, filling the gap left by Germany's cautious approach. Macron emphasizes that Europe needs to strengthen its own defense capabilities.
  3. There's a growing realization among European leaders that they need to increase military spending. Countries like Poland are already looking to invest more in their defense amid the ongoing conflict.

Are Things Falling Apart?

Nonzero Newsletter • 496 implied HN points • 14 Nov 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics International relations
  1. Many people feel like the world is chaotic and out of control, similar to the feelings expressed in W.B. Yeats' poem about things falling apart.
  2. In some regions, like Qatar, people are feeling more optimistic about the future despite global tensions, suggesting that the sense of chaos isn't universal.
  3. The fear of disorder can lead to authoritarianism, as people might turn to strong leaders for security when they feel things are falling apart.

Jewish Campers Were Kicked Off a Plane in Europe. Their Story Is All Too Familiar to Me.

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 1442 implied HN points • 25 Jul 25
🌍 World Politics International relations
  1. A group of 44 Jewish children were removed from a flight in Spain because they were accused of being disruptive, but many say they were just singing.
  2. Witnesses have contradicted the airline's claims, stating that the children were calm and not causing any trouble.
  3. The camp organizers are planning to sue the airline, and the incident has raised concerns about how Jewish individuals are treated in public situations.

Important Announcements

The Upheaval • 1952 implied HN points • 14 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics International relations
  1. A book titled 'Control: The Global Rise and Coming Fall of Managerial Tyranny' is coming soon. It will be an expanded version of previous work on managerialism.
  2. The Substack will be paused indefinitely while the author takes a senior policy role at the State Department. Subscription payments are frozen, but the content will remain accessible.
  3. The author feels it's important to take action in today's world rather than just discuss issues. They hope to return to writing in the future.

Ukraine 2024

Diane Francis • 1338 implied HN points • 19 Feb 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics International relations
  1. Ukraine's survival depends on support from the U.S. and Europe. More military aid is needed to avoid losing territory to Russia.
  2. The war's future could lead to a 'frozen conflict' if funds are not increased. Without proper backing, Ukraine may struggle to rebuild and defend itself.
  3. Europe is becoming more self-sufficient in military resources. Countries like Germany are stepping up their military production to support Ukraine better.

Glory to Ukraine!

Diane Francis • 1278 implied HN points • 24 Feb 24
🌍 World Politics International relations
  1. The war in Ukraine started two years ago and is still ongoing. This shows the ongoing struggle and resilience of the Ukrainian people.
  2. Russia is portrayed as the aggressor, while Ukraine is seen as brave and deserving of support. It's important to recognize the efforts and courage of those fighting for their country.
  3. People are encouraged to help Ukraine by donating and keeping them in their thoughts and prayers. Every little support counts in times of crisis.

The unfathomable bottomless stupidity of Suella Braverman

Striking 13 • 2535 implied HN points • 10 Nov 23
🌍 World Politics International relations
  1. The focus should be on the real problems that are evident rather than getting lost in technical details or strategic calculations.
  2. Stupidity seems to be a requirement for success in modern British politics, with individuals gaining attention and promotions through controversial remarks and actions.
  3. The rise of individuals lacking competence in key roles can have significant consequences, leading to failures in policy-making and governance.

Victor Davis Hanson: Why Trump’s Iran Strike Worked

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 1720 implied HN points • 23 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics International relations
  1. Trump's strike on Iran was a bold move that few other presidents would have attempted due to past failures in the Middle East.
  2. Previous presidents faced significant backlash for their actions in the Middle East, which often damaged their political standing.
  3. Trump's unique approach and clear goals might help him avoid the pitfalls that have troubled his predecessors.

The Ties That Bind Islamists and Progressives

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 1247 implied HN points • 06 Aug 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics International relations
  1. There is a surprising alliance between some Western leftists and radical Islamists during the Gaza war. This partnership mixes progressive social values with support for extreme actions against perceived enemies.
  2. Historically, left-wing groups have sometimes aligned with radical leaders like Iran's Khomeini, even when they knew his views were extreme. They thought they could control the situation and benefit from this alliance.
  3. In the late 1970s, Khomeini was largely unknown in the West, but exposure from the media changed perceptions. People mistakenly saw him as a democratic figure, which fueled this odd alignment.

Staring Down The Barrel Of War With Iran Once Again

Caitlin’s Newsletter • 1848 implied HN points • 12 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics International relations
  1. The US might be heading for war with Iran again, with officials warning about potential attacks and military evacuations happening in the region.
  2. If Iran retaliates to an Israeli attack, it could cause a large-scale conflict that would be worse than past wars in the Middle East.
  3. The current situation could be avoided if the US stopped supporting Israel, but it's clear that the US has chosen to remain involved.

Niall Ferguson: J.D. Vance Picked a Fight in Germany. Will He Get One in China?

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 3389 implied HN points • 17 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics International relations
  1. J.D. Vance is taking a bold approach by challenging foreign powers, notably at the Munich Security Conference. This kind of confrontation could signal a shift in U.S. foreign policy.
  2. America's previous attempts to provoke negotiations with other countries often went unanswered. Historically, many nations haven't reacted strongly, showing a lack of willingness to engage.
  3. The current administration seems to be looking for conflicts to assert its stance on the global stage. This strategy might change how the U.S. is perceived internationally.

Donald Trump Sides with Israel—and Rejects the Restrainers

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 1817 implied HN points • 13 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics International relations
  1. Donald Trump openly supports Israel and its fight against Iran, showing where he stands on foreign policy. This support is stronger than what many politicians offer.
  2. There's a divide among Trump’s supporters, especially within the Republican Party, regarding how America should engage with the world. Some believe in a more restrained and noninterventionist approach.
  3. The situation reveals ongoing tensions in Trump's administration about the right way to handle foreign relations and military action. This debate is becoming more important as events unfold.

Letting Palestinians Move Is Not "Ethnic Cleansing"

Richard Hanania's Newsletter • 3535 implied HN points • 13 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics International relations
  1. People often argue about definitions of words instead of focusing on real-life impacts and solutions. It's important to prioritize human well-being over getting stuck in technical debates.
  2. Allowing Palestinians to move to safer places can be a positive solution. Instead of considering it 'ethnic cleansing,' it should be seen as a humanitarian effort to help those in need.
  3. Many people in Gaza might want to leave for better opportunities, especially after facing conflict. Supporting their choice to move could lead to a more peaceful future for everyone involved.

Lords A'Leaping

imetatronink • 2338 implied HN points • 20 Nov 23
🌍 World Politics International relations
  1. The author's genealogical roots trace back to the Channel Islands, Scottish Highlands, and County Clare, Ireland.
  2. The author expresses rebelliousness against imagined authority and disdain for the British aristocracy.
  3. The author critiques 'Lord Ashcroft's' call for the west to confront Russia, deeming it futile and akin to the Titanic's fate.

Two Mexicos

Diane Francis • 1218 implied HN points • 26 Feb 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics International relations
  1. Mexico's economy is booming, making it the top trading partner for the U.S. since it offers tariff-free exports, especially in manufacturing. This growth is significant, but it also hides the country's ongoing struggles with crime and drug cartels.
  2. The drug trade contributes greatly to violence in Mexico, with over 30,000 murders recorded in a single year. This results in a stark contrast between a thriving economy and a dangerous underworld, leading to chaos in many regions.
  3. The U.S. has a role in Mexico's challenges due to its demand for drugs and porous borders. Solutions like sealing the border and addressing addiction more effectively may be necessary to help both countries combat these issues.

In nuclear race with Russia, Trump goes back to a Cold War future

Aaron Mate • 75 implied HN points • 06 Feb 26
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics International relations
  1. The New START treaty expired after the U.S. declined a one‑year extension, removing the last legal limits on U.S. and Russian nuclear arsenals.
  2. There are reports of an informal six‑month tacit observance and a resumption of high‑level military talks, but those steps do not replace formal arms control.
  3. Letting New START lapse and threatening a new buildup risks triggering a renewed arms race with Russia and China and raises global security dangers.

Andrew Roberts: The Historical Case for Trump’s Gaza Plan

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 3366 implied HN points • 10 Feb 25
🌍 World Politics International relations
  1. Countries that start aggressive wars often lose their sovereignty or governments when they are defeated. This is shown in history with several examples.
  2. The world often assumes the Palestinians still have the right to govern themselves, but their actions in conflict could change that.
  3. Historical precedents show that unprovoked attacks lead to significant consequences for the attackers, often resulting in loss of power and territory.

‘Western dominance has ended’, EU foreign-policy chief admits, warning of ‘West against the Rest’ geopolitics

Geopolitical Economy Report • 1116 implied HN points • 04 Mar 24
🌍 World Politics International relations
  1. The era of Western dominance has ended, according to the EU foreign-policy chief. Europe should not see the world as 'the West against the Rest'.
  2. Global geopolitical tensions could push Europe into a bleak future. Europe must improve relations with the Global South to avoid becoming geopolitically irrelevant.
  3. In international forums like the UN, Europe often aligns with the US against the majority of countries from the Global South. This shows a stark division in voting patterns.

Israel Cuts Gaza's Internet Amid Soaring IDF Atrocities

Caitlin’s Newsletter • 1760 implied HN points • 12 Jun 25
🌍 World Politics International relations
  1. Israel has cut off internet access in Gaza, making it hard for people to communicate or share what's happening there. This isolation is worsening the already dire situation for residents.
  2. The violence in Gaza has intensified, with reports of many civilians being killed while seeking basic needs like food. The ongoing situation raises concerns about human rights and the protection of civilians.
  3. Israel appears to be trying to control the narrative by blocking media coverage and preventing journalists from entering Gaza. This limits the world's understanding of the events occurring there.

Destruction Grows From Idealist Hearts

Freddie deBoer • 3743 implied HN points • 15 Jan 25
🌍 World Politics International relations
  1. The situation in Syria was complicated, with many different groups fighting for power, making it hard to identify who the 'good guys' were.
  2. Ideas like the Arab Spring, which aimed to promote freedom, often failed because they didn't take into account the local issues and conflicts that already existed.
  3. Many people in the U.S. tried to solve problems in the Middle East with big ideas, but found out that the reality was much more complex than they thought.

Do poor countries need a new development strategy?

Noahpinion • 10647 implied HN points • 08 Feb 24
🌍 World Politics 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.

Victor Davis Hanson: Can Trump Troll His Way to a Peace Deal in Ukraine?

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 3130 implied HN points • 21 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics International relations
  1. There is a debate among conservatives about Trump's comments on Ukraine and its president, Zelensky. Some believe Trump's words were inappropriate, while others argue the historical situation is different.
  2. Niall Ferguson criticized Trump's approach by referencing George H.W. Bush's strong response to Iraq's invasion of Kuwait. Ferguson felt Trump should not have called Zelensky a dictator.
  3. J.D. Vance defended Trump by saying that the situations facing Trump and Bush were not the same. He suggested that entering a war against a nuclear power is more complicated than dealing with Iraq's weaker military.

Bust Sanctions Busters

Diane Francis • 619 implied HN points • 02 May 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics International relations
  1. Russia is using loopholes to avoid sanctions, making it harder to punish their economy. The West needs to tighten these sanctions and go after those helping Russia evade them.
  2. The U.S. is starting to take action against foreign banks that help Russia, focusing on countries like China and Turkey. This is a step in the right direction, but more needs to be done.
  3. There is a push to confiscate $300 billion in Russian assets frozen after the invasion. Europe needs to come together to support these efforts to apply more pressure on Putin.