The hottest International relations Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
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Top World Politics Topics

Chartbook 341 On thinking in medias res: An Interview with Ding Xiongfei from the Shanghai Review of Books (summer 2024)

Chartbook • 2846 implied HN points • 24 Dec 24
🌍 World Politics International relations
  1. Polycrisis shows that our world is facing multiple interconnected issues that can't be simply solved with clear solutions. It's about ongoing management rather than resolution.
  2. China's role in the climate crisis is crucial, and it may lead the global response to climate change, changing the narrative where the West is no longer the main actor.
  3. Understanding statistics and data is important, but they need to be seen as part of a broader political and economic system, not just as numbers reflecting reality.

America’s Nuclear Industry Is So Back

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 751 implied HN points • 19 Aug 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics International relations
  1. The U.S. nuclear industry previously struggled due to slow government innovation and heavy reliance on Russian uranium for fuel.
  2. After the invasion of Ukraine, the U.S. realized its dependence on Russian uranium and announced a ban effective in 2028.
  3. The government is now seeking private companies to help create a domestic supply chain for enriched uranium, offering billions in contracts for this effort.

CFR's Mike Froman on Détente 2.0 and Running a Think Tank

ChinaTalk • 163 implied HN points • 15 Dec 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics International relations
  1. Détente strategies, aimed at changing adversary behavior through engagement, have often failed. Instead of driving cooperation, they sometimes lead to misunderstandings and conflicts.
  2. The U.S.-China relationship is complex due to economic interdependence, which requires careful balancing of cooperation and competition in areas like technology and national security.
  3. Current tensions can lead to a stalemate where both sides avoid costly escalations. Finding rules for coexisting without conflict is essential for future stability.

Matti Friedman: After the Bombs

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 1131 implied HN points • 22 Jun 25
🌍 World Politics International relations
  1. Recent U.S. Air Force attacks have created a sense of significant change in the Middle East. People feel hopeful that these actions might help stabilize the region.
  2. There's a belief that successfully damaging Iran's nuclear program could bring freedom to its people and potentially impact the wider Middle East.
  3. Many see this moment as a potential turning point for millions in the region and for those watching globally.
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Putin, Ukraine, and the World

Diane Francis • 959 implied HN points • 03 Feb 24
🌍 World Politics International relations
  1. Putin is seen as a major force behind many global conflicts and issues today. His actions are not just limited to Ukraine but impacting many regions worldwide.
  2. There is a strong belief that Russia's corrupt government, or kleptocracy, needs to be dismantled to achieve peace. Tackling this is viewed as essential for global stability.
  3. The message emphasizes the importance of acknowledging Ukraine’s resilient people and their talent in the face of adversity. Supporting them is crucial for a healthier world.

Two Pieces of the Puzzle

Phillips’s Newsletter • 231 implied HN points • 03 Dec 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics International relations
  1. The Trump administration is seen as faking support for Ukraine while really wanting to protect Russian assets from being used to aid Ukraine. This strategy has helped delay European efforts to assist Ukraine.
  2. Trump appears to accept the idea that Russia will ultimately win the war and has influenced negotiations based on this belief. He has used this narrative to pressure Ukraine into accepting a potentially unfavorable peace deal.
  3. The administration’s actions aimed to mislead European leaders into thinking they were committed to helping Ukraine, which in turn prevented them from taking more decisive action against Russia.

Thoughts On The Ceasefire Deal

Caitlin’s Newsletter • 2514 implied HN points • 16 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics International relations
  1. Israel and Hamas have agreed to a ceasefire deal that takes effect soon, but there's been violence leading up to it. This makes the situation very dangerous for people in Gaza right now.
  2. Trump's team played a key role in this ceasefire, and some believe that his victory is actually better for Gaza than Biden's administration, which didn't act decisively to stop the violence.
  3. There's a glimmer of hope that the ongoing suffering in Gaza might finally be easing, but the overall fight for peace and justice is far from over. People are allowing themselves to feel hope, even if it's challenging.

Americans Stir Up Trouble in Europe. Plus. . .

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 2170 implied HN points • 18 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics International relations
  1. Americans are creating a stir in Europe, with political figures speaking out against issues like free speech and defense. It's making many in Europe realize just how much U.S. politics is affecting them.
  2. There's a growing divide between the U.S. and Europe on important values like freedom and democracy. As leaders discuss policy changes, it seems both sides are moving apart.
  3. A prominent conversation is happening around the idea of 'brokenism,' where people are debating whether traditional institutions are failing or need to be reformed. It's highlighting a significant split in American political thought.

At the Symbol of Israeli Science, a Cost Too Vast to Calculate

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 1043 implied HN points • 30 Jun 25
🌍 World Politics International relations
  1. A recent war with Iran caused a lot of destruction in Israel, with missiles hitting cities and research facilities. Many people were injured, and some were killed, highlighting the human cost of conflict.
  2. The Weizmann Institute, a key research center in Israel, suffered significant damage. This loss not only destroyed physical buildings but also years of valuable research that could have helped treat diseases like cancer.
  3. The devastation from the conflict shows how hard it is to measure the true cost of war. While some numbers can be counted, many personal stories and long-term impacts are much deeper and harder to assess.

There Is No Antisemitism Crisis In Australia. It's A Carefully Constructed Lie.

Caitlin’s Newsletter • 2179 implied HN points • 15 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics International relations
  1. There is a belief that the accusations of antisemitism in Australia are exaggerated or fabricated. Some incidents that were labeled as antisemitic may have been staged or manipulated.
  2. The media plays a significant role in shaping public perceptions around antisemitism, sometimes conflating criticism of Israel with hatred toward Jewish people.
  3. The real issues in Australia might be more related to anti-Palestinian sentiments and general apathy toward serious humanitarian crises, rather than a widespread problem of antisemitism.

Iran is not Iraq

Razib Khan's Unsupervised Learning • 1035 implied HN points • 26 Jun 25
🌍 World Politics International relations
  1. Iran has a much larger population than Iraq, with almost 90 million people, making it a significant nation in terms of demographic power.
  2. The historical roots of Iran as a nation-state are much deeper than those of Iraq, linking back to ancient civilizations and diverse ethnic groups that continue to shape its culture today.
  3. The future of Iran could see major changes, especially if the current regime collapses, but the nation itself is likely to endure due to its strong historical foundations.

What the Right Kind of Nationalism Sounds Like.

Breaking the News • 2206 implied HN points • 02 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics International relations
  1. Leadership requires addressing national interests clearly and passionately. Trudeau spoke strongly about the importance of Canada and the negative effects of trade wars.
  2. Effective communication is about explaining complex issues without being rude. Trudeau made sure his American audience understood the consequences of tariffs without sounding threatening.
  3. National pride can be expressed in a respectful way. Trudeau delivered a firm message about Canada’s values and partnerships while emphasizing that the country would stand up for itself.

EMERGENCY POD: H20 Drama

ChinaTalk • 711 implied HN points • 13 Aug 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics International relations
  1. There are strong arguments for and against selling AI chips to China. Some believe it helps China's technology, while others think it keeps them dependent on U.S. tech.
  2. The H20 chip, designed by NVIDIA, is still competitive despite being banned in the U.S. It has high bandwidth memory that no Chinese chip can match, giving it a unique edge.
  3. Selling these chips can complicate U.S.-China relations. The situation is tricky because technology sales can benefit businesses, but they may also strengthen China's military and technological abilities.

Israel Admits It Violated The Ceasefire And Hamas Did Not

Caitlin’s Newsletter • 2174 implied HN points • 12 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics International relations
  1. Israel has acknowledged that it violated the ceasefire while Hamas did not break any agreements. This is significant because it sheds light on the true cause of the ongoing tensions.
  2. The ceasefire is in danger as Israel has introduced new demands that were not part of the original agreement. This could lead to renewed fighting if Hamas feels pushed too hard.
  3. There is concern that the media may not report these facts accurately, so it's important for people to stay informed about what is happening behind the scenes.

Niall Ferguson and Yoav Gallant: Israel Has Done Most of the Job. Only Trump Can Finish It.

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 1099 implied HN points • 19 Jun 25
🌍 World Politics International relations
  1. The authors argue that Israel has made significant progress against Iran's nuclear program, but they believe that U.S. intervention is necessary to finish the job.
  2. The decision to use American air power in foreign conflicts is complicated and comes with strong opinions both for and against it.
  3. Historical examples show that U.S. intervention can lead to positive outcomes, and the authors suggest that not acting could have serious consequences.

Political Genocide

Diane Francis • 1019 implied HN points • 18 Jan 24
🌍 World Politics International relations
  1. South Africa accuses Israel of genocide but ignores serious actions by Russia, Iran, and China that also fit the definition of genocide. This suggests a selective focus in addressing global human rights issues.
  2. Israel was attacked by Hamas and retaliated against them, which does not mean they committed genocide. They took steps to protect civilians, which shows they were acting in self-defense.
  3. Labeling a country that is defending itself from genocide as guilty of genocide is legally confusing and not just, according to legal experts. It's important to differentiate between acts of war and acts of genocide.

The Real Israel

Caitlin’s Newsletter • 2980 implied HN points • 20 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics International relations
  1. Many people are starting to understand the harsh reality of life in Israel and Palestine, which is very different from what is often taught. This includes seeing the conflict and its impact more clearly.
  2. There are serious allegations of violence and human rights abuses by Israel against Palestinians. These claims include attacks on civilians, including children, and targeting aid workers.
  3. The situation has made it clear that peaceful resolutions are needed, and many believe that real change can happen only when people prioritize human rights and compassion over conflict.

Israel Pushes New Atrocity Narrative Just As Ceasefire Deadline Approaches

Caitlin’s Newsletter • 2030 implied HN points • 22 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics International relations
  1. Israel is creating new stories about atrocities to justify continuing military actions in Gaza as ceasefire talks are approaching. This seems like a tactic to rally support for resuming violence.
  2. The claims being made by Israel lack evidence, and there is reason to believe that the children in question may have died as collateral damage from Israeli strikes rather than at the hands of Hamas.
  3. This narrative plays into a larger strategy to deflect attention from the ongoing violence in Gaza and justify actions by portraying Israel as a victim, while ignoring the suffering of many innocent people.

King Netanyahu

Diane Francis • 819 implied HN points • 15 Feb 24
🌍 World Politics International relations
  1. Tensions are rising in Israel because of its actions in Gaza. Many worry about the impact on civilians and refugee situations.
  2. There is a significant disagreement between Israelis and global opinion on the future peace solution. Most Israelis oppose a two-state solution.
  3. Many Israelis feel disillusioned with Netanyahu's leadership and are leaving the country. Some feel unsafe or unrepresented due to his government’s actions and policies.

My latest #ThoughtoftheDayonChina: Taiwan's election matters but not in the way the global media has written; Sadly, Taiwan’s future is not decided by people in Taiwan, but by China and US.

Wang Xiangwei's Thought of the Day on China • 1022 implied HN points • 14 Jan 24
🌍 World Politics International relations
  1. Taiwan's election outcome may not affect its future as much as China and the US's decisions do.
  2. Taiwan's pro-sovereignty ruling party's victory could escalate tensions between Taiwan, China, and the United States.
  3. Despite the election results, maintaining peace in cross-strait relations depends heavily on Washington and Beijing.

Anderson Cooper’s Feigned Indignation at the Idea the U.S. Commits War Crime Shows Primary Ideological Function of U.S. Media

The Column • 1749 implied HN points • 19 Jul 23
🌍 World Politics International relations
  1. U.S. media tends to uphold the idea that the U.S. has noble intentions despite evidence of war crimes.
  2. The distinction between murder and manslaughter when evaluating U.S. actions in wars may not be morally significant.
  3. U.S. sanctions and actions can deliberately harm civilians despite claims of good intentions.

Ukraine’s Kursk 2.0 Offensive – The Strategic Implications of the Sudzha Bridgehead

Glen’s Substack • 118 implied HN points • 12 Aug 24
🌍 World Politics International relations
  1. Ukraine has taken control of the significant city of Sudzha, which helps them advance further into Russian territory. This might change the dynamics of the war as they threaten Russian supply lines.
  2. The Sudzha bridgehead allows Ukraine to disrupt Russian logistics and potentially attack key military bases nearby. This could weaken Russia's operations in the region.
  3. By holding Sudzha, Ukraine improves its chances of bargaining in future negotiations. It also creates a new chapter in their struggle for independence from Russian influence.

Another Nation Absorbed Into The Blob Of The Empire

Caitlin’s Newsletter • 2728 implied HN points • 09 Dec 24
🌍 World Politics International relations
  1. The US has played a major role in influencing events in Syria. It's important to recognize that outside powers can shape conflicts and outcomes.
  2. People often have their own reasons for fighting in conflicts, but that doesn't mean outside influences are absent. The US and its allies were heavily involved in Syria's struggles.
  3. Understanding global conflict requires acknowledging the US's powerful role as an empire. This knowledge helps explain why certain countries become targets for regime change.

Reading Abundance from China

ChinaTalk • 933 implied HN points • 01 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics International relations
  1. American culture often struggles to imagine a 'good life' that includes public spaces and urban living. This limits progress on ideas that promote communal and sustainable lifestyles.
  2. The way environmental assessments are done in both China and the U.S. can miss important broader impacts and local effects, which leads to a narrow understanding of policy outcomes.
  3. Both the U.S. and China need to stop idealizing each other's successes and instead understand their unique challenges. Viewing one another through filtered lenses can lead to misunderstanding and missed opportunities.

Tankers South

Irina Slav on energy • 982 implied HN points • 15 Jan 24
🌍 World Politics International relations
  1. Tanker traffic in the Red Sea is being disrupted due to missile strikes between the Houthis and the Combined Military Forces, leading to rerouted vessels and rising prices.
  2. Container freight rates for vessels traveling to Europe from Asia have reached a 15-month high, with fears of the situation worsening.
  3. Higher shipping prices and emissions are a consequence of vessels avoiding the Red Sea route, affecting the cost of various goods and causing some companies to switch from ships to planes.

The Dissident Beijing Can’t Break

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 686 implied HN points • 13 Aug 25
🌍 World Politics International relations
  1. Jimmy Lai is a key figure in the fight for democracy in Hong Kong and is currently facing a life sentence for his beliefs. His courage makes him an important symbol for freedom.
  2. He ran a pro-democracy newspaper called Apple Daily for many years, advocating for human rights and democracy even after his financial resources were cut off.
  3. Unlike many other activists, Lai chose to stay in Hong Kong to continue his fight against the Chinese Communist Party, showing dedication to his cause and his supporters.

Alexei Navalny RIP

Castalia • 759 implied HN points • 18 Feb 24
🌍 World Politics International relations
  1. Alexei Navalny was a brave opposition leader in Russia who stood up against Putin's regime. Despite facing imprisonment and even being poisoned, he returned to Russia to show his strength and courage.
  2. He represented a connection to a time of hope in the 1990s when many Russians wanted change. His death marks a significant point in the decline of political dissent in Russia.
  3. Navalny believed in the power of truth and courage over fear. He thought that standing up for what is right was worth the risk, even if it seemed like nothing would change.

Is Gaza Starving? Searching for Truth in an Information War. Plus. . . 

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 760 implied HN points • 28 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics International relations
  1. There is a serious food crisis in Gaza, with many people concerned about famine. However, it's tough to know the actual truth due to a lot of misinformation in the media.
  2. Some images shared online are misleading. For example, a photo of a sick child was presented as evidence of starvation when the child's condition was unrelated to hunger.
  3. Understanding the truth in conflicts like this is really important. Misinformation can impact people's perception and responses to the ongoing situation.

On the Brink of WW3: The Dangerous Interregnum

Glenn’s Substack • 259 implied HN points • 01 Jun 24
🌍 World Politics International relations
  1. The world is experiencing a period of uncertainty between two types of power structures: unipolarity and multipolarity. This confusion can lead to increased competition among major nations.
  2. Such power struggles create risks that could escalate into serious conflicts, potentially even a nuclear war.
  3. Understanding these tensions is important for recognizing the dynamics of global relationships and the potential for future crises.

Why Israel Hit Iran Now

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 1029 implied HN points • 13 Jun 25
🌍 World Politics International relations
  1. Israel has been focusing on Iran's nuclear program for over 20 years, making it a major target. They believe that taking military action could lead to significant changes in Iran's government.
  2. Israel has started a large military operation aimed at destroying Iran's nuclear and missile capabilities. This includes targeting key leaders in Iran's military.
  3. The success of this operation is still uncertain, and it will take time to see if Iran's defenses can withstand the attacks from Israel's forces.

Exclusive: USAID encouraged outgoing staff to apply for jobs at secretive Gaza-focused foundation

All-Source Intelligence Fusion • 1017 implied HN points • 12 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics International relations
  1. USAID encouraged its former employees to apply for jobs at the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation, which is tied to U.S. and Israeli interests. This suggests a shift in how humanitarian aid is being organized in Gaza.
  2. The Gaza Humanitarian Foundation has been controversial and faced criticism since its establishment. It's seen as a secretive group with unclear funding, which raises concerns about accountability.
  3. Recent violence involving GHF staff has drawn attention to the risks they face. An attack on their team resulted in fatalities and injuries, highlighting the dangerous environment for humanitarian workers in Gaza.

Will Democrats Go to Jail for Russiagate? Plus. . .

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 737 implied HN points • 29 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics International relations
  1. The Russiagate scandal involved accusations against Trump, but many believe it was based on weak evidence. Some are even suggesting that Obama might have been involved, sparking new debates.
  2. Syria is facing major challenges as its new government is accused of horrific massacres, raising doubts about whether the country can achieve unity and peace.
  3. In France, young wine producers are abandoning their vineyards, leading to a crisis in the wine industry. This abandonment has caused the government to pay winemakers to pull out their vines.

Ultima Thule

Thinking about... • 600 implied HN points • 14 Aug 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics International relations
  1. Trump's approach to foreign policy is seen as unrealistic. He tries to treat foreign leaders like Americans, but that doesn't work when dealing with dictators.
  2. The war in Ukraine shows how serious the consequences are when a country is invaded. Ukraine's fight for freedom highlights the brutality of Russia's actions.
  3. Trump's meeting with Putin in Alaska could be viewed as a concession. It raises questions about whether he will push for real change or keep giving in to Putin.

Meditations On A Six Year-Old Amputee Crawling Through Gaza With The Help Of A Roller Skate

Caitlin’s Newsletter • 2421 implied HN points • 15 Dec 24
🌍 World Politics International relations
  1. A six-year-old boy in Gaza, who lost his legs due to violence, uses a roller skate to help him move. His situation highlights the painful realities many children face in conflict zones.
  2. Many children in Gaza now feel that death is imminent, with a significant number wishing for it. This shows the deep emotional and psychological scars caused by ongoing violence.
  3. The author expresses deep sorrow for the plight of children like Mohammad. It’s important to acknowledge the sadness of such situations without trying to put a positive spin on them.

China Can Cause Blackouts In US And Europe Through Solar Inverter Technology, Suggest Officials

Michael Shellenberger • 1105 implied HN points • 16 May 25
🕹 Technology International relations
  1. Chinese solar inverters can be remotely controlled, raising fears about their use in the US and Europe. This means they could shut down power systems unexpectedly.
  2. There are concerns that Chinese companies must cooperate with their government, which might expose critical infrastructure to risks. This includes sharing data or giving access to foreign authorities.
  3. The growth of solar energy could actually make the power grid more vulnerable to blackouts. More connections might create more weak points that could be targeted in a conflict.

The Biden Administration Declares That A Genocide Is Happening… In Sudan

Caitlin’s Newsletter • 2156 implied HN points • 08 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics International relations
  1. The Biden administration has officially declared that a genocide is happening in Sudan, holding a paramilitary group responsible for horrific acts against civilians.
  2. There is criticism of the U.S. for its role in supporting both genocidal actions in Gaza and the atrocities in Sudan, highlighting a contradiction in their foreign policy.
  3. The author believes that the problem lies within the U.S. government and its imperialistic actions, suggesting that simply changing leaders will not solve the ongoing issues of violence and genocide.