The hottest International relations Substack posts right now

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Top World Politics Topics

Is Bluesky Just as Bad as Twitter?

Nonzero Newsletter • 417 implied HN points • 06 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Technology Foreign Policy Public Opinion Social media International relations Legislation
  1. Bluesky and Twitter may not be very different when it comes to spreading outrage. Both platforms create an environment that encourages people to engage more when they're angry.
  2. Social media can intensify our natural tendencies toward tribalism and outrage. Studies show that interactions like likes and shares can teach people to express more anger over time.
  3. The challenges with social media algorithms aren't just technical; they point to deeper issues in human nature. People often share content that reinforces their beliefs, which can amplify misinformation and conflict.

Has the EU president grown a spine?

Gulf Stream Blues • 39 implied HN points • 10 Oct 24
🌍 World Politics European Union Leadership International relations Political critique
  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.

Top Links 570 The horse race for the Treasury job. Trade finance in Asia. Luxury squeezed. Lenin & the IMF.

Chartbook • 400 implied HN points • 24 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Policy Government Finance International relations
  1. There is a competitive process happening for a key Treasury position, indicating its importance in governance.
  2. Trade finance in Asia is evolving, which may have significant impacts on the global economy.
  3. Luxury goods are facing challenges, suggesting a shift in consumer behavior or economic conditions.

Who Can Claim the Palestine Region?

Uncharted Territories • 5110 implied HN points • 14 Oct 23
🌍 World Politics Israel-Palestine conflict Middle East Peace process Geopolitics 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.

Top Links 571 Trump's fiscal shock. The Latino working-class. The Mozambique tuna fishing fleet is for sale.

Chartbook • 386 implied HN points • 25 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Analysis Fiscal policy Labor Issues International relations Economic Trends
  1. Trump's fiscal policies could have a significant impact, leading to major financial changes. It's important to think about what these changes could mean for the economy.
  2. The Latino working class plays a key role in shaping economic trends and discussions today. Understanding their perspectives can help in finding better policies.
  3. There are interesting developments in unexpected areas like the Mozambique tuna fishing fleet. This shows that global events can affect local economies in surprising ways.
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Top Links 569 Is College fee inflation back? China in LatAm & China in Hungary. Exploding tankers in the dark fleet and Sudan's death toll.

Chartbook • 400 implied HN points • 23 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Education Economy International relations Public Policy Social Issues
  1. College tuition fees are rising again, and they are going up faster than general inflation. This could be a concern for students and families who are trying to afford education.
  2. China's influence in Latin America and Hungary is growing. It’s important to watch how this changes both regions and their relationships with other countries.
  3. There are serious issues happening globally, like exploding tankers and increasing death tolls in places like Sudan. These events highlight ongoing conflicts and crises that need more attention.

Trump and WWIII

ChinaTalk • 681 implied HN points • 22 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy Election Strategy Military Affairs International relations National Security
  1. Trump's foreign policy could increase the risk of conflict. Instead of promoting peace, his approach may lead to war by weakening alliances.
  2. His plans for Ukraine and Taiwan involve risky deals that could encourage aggression from Russia and China. This could make the U.S. less trusted by its allies and more likely to be dragged into a war.
  3. Maintaining a strong military and solid international relationships is key to avoiding World War III. A weak approach to foreign policy might upset the balance of power and lead to catastrophic outcomes.

Ma Ying-jeou Urges Return to Cross-Strait Dialogue on “Peace Journey” Anniversary

Pekingnology • 45 implied HN points • 19 May 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics International relations Conflict resolution Diplomacy Government Policy
  1. Ma Ying-jeou emphasizes the need for peaceful dialogue between Taiwan and China. He believes that communication can help improve relations and resolve issues peacefully.
  2. He reflects on past successes in cross-Strait cooperation, highlighting how agreements and exchanges benefited both sides. These examples show that peaceful relations are possible.
  3. Ma urges current Taiwanese leaders to abandon aspirations for independence and instead focus on rebuilding cross-Strait relations for a safer and more stable future.

Revisiting the Thucydides Trap

Gideon's Substack • 42 implied HN points • 05 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics International relations Military Strategy Geopolitics Foreign Policy Economic Policy
  1. America's current strategy against China may be pushing us closer to conflict, even if it makes logical sense. Each action taken against China can lead to more tension and responses from them.
  2. The idea of America being the top power is becoming less certain. Other countries might start to prefer working with China, which could weaken America's alliances and influence.
  3. Instead of trying to stay the dominant power, America might benefit from fostering relationships based on shared interests. This could lead to a more complex but stable global balance, instead of constant competition.

Musk's Nazi Salute Was Carefully Planned Stage Craft!

C.O.P. Central Organizing Principle. • 36 implied HN points • 27 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political strategy Public Perception Media Critique International relations
  1. Musk's actions are seen as a deliberate move to influence and control political leaders. This suggests a deeper connection between big business and government decisions.
  2. The idea is presented that both Musk and Trump serve as distractions from serious issues, such as military spending and foreign conflicts.
  3. There's a belief that the consequences of recent actions in Gaza and Ukraine are being manipulated, shifting blame onto political figures rather than accountability for military and corporate interests.

China’s Quantum Gamble

ChinaTalk • 415 implied HN points • 19 Nov 24
🕹 Technology Quantum Computing Research & Development International relations
  1. China's quantum technology sector may rely more on state funding due to new U.S. restrictions on investments. This means Chinese companies could get support directly from the government instead of international investors.
  2. The recent rules about quantum tech could make it harder to understand what's happening in China's commercial quantum efforts. Since U.S. money is less involved now, there may be less transparency.
  3. Even though the restrictions are significant, they might not stop China's progress in quantum technologies. China already has strong funding and a growing start-up scene focused on these developments.

The Biggest, Most Corrupt News Organization You Have Never Heard of

Who is Robert Malone • 30 implied HN points • 08 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Corruption Investigative Journalism International relations Government funding Regime Change
  1. The Organized Crime and Corruption Reporting Project (OCCRP) claims to fight corruption globally but is heavily funded by the US government, which raises questions about its true motives.
  2. OCCRP focuses on investigating foreign governments deemed hostile to US interests and now appears to influence political situations in allied countries as well, like India.
  3. There are concerns that OCCRP and similar organizations act as tools for the US government, potentially pushing for regime change and affecting the reputation of nations without them realizing it.

Top Links 563 Trump and the world economy. Why the energy transition might be cheaper than we think. Protracted war in the Philippines.

Chartbook • 429 implied HN points • 17 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Economy Energy War International relations Trump
  1. Trump's decisions can greatly affect the world economy. It's important to understand how political actions influence global markets.
  2. Transitioning to clean energy might be more affordable than many believe. New technologies and strategies can help lower costs.
  3. The ongoing conflict in the Philippines is complex and has lasting implications. It shows how prolonged wars can affect both local and international stability.

Tipping Point Quick Hits (10.12.23): Israel

Tipping Point Prophecy Update by Jimmy Evans • 4795 implied HN points • 12 Oct 23
🌍 World Politics Middle East Conflict Terrorism International relations Religion
  1. Israel is Ground Zero for the end times with recent conflict and escalating tensions.
  2. Hamas attack on Israel leads to significant casualties and hostages, with Israel declaring war in response.
  3. Global leaders, including the US, Russia, and Turkey, are involved in the conflict, raising concerns of a regional war.

The Weight of the Tower of Babel

Disaffected Newsletter • 1998 implied HN points • 29 Feb 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Discourse International relations Conflict analysis Media Critique Ethics
  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.

Weekend Update #114: The Year that Confirmed Russia Can Be Beaten

Phillips’s Newsletter • 183 implied HN points • 05 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy Military Strategy Political Analysis International relations Political Commentary
  1. The Ukrainian military showed strong resilience and has successfully gained ground against Russian forces, particularly through offensives like the Kursk Offensive.
  2. Russia's military has faced significant challenges, suffering high casualties and losing strategic territory despite seizing a small fraction of Ukraine's land.
  3. Support from the US and Europe is crucial for Ukraine's continued success, but there are concerns that political influences could hinder effective assistance.

Trump Weaponizing Trade, Is An Act Of War, Under International Law.

C.O.P. Central Organizing Principle. • 36 implied HN points • 26 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Trade policy Economic Policy International relations Political Commentary Trump administration
  1. Trade tactics can be seen as acts of war according to international law. This means that economic strategies might escalate tensions between nations.
  2. Many believe that the US has lost control of its trade policies, leading to a decline in American-made goods and increased economic struggles for workers.
  3. To improve the economy, investing in American workers and lowering costs like rent could help increase consumer buying power and create a more stable economic environment.

Ukraine Collapses & NATO Escalates

Glenn’s Substack • 439 implied HN points • 04 Jul 24
🌍 World Politics International relations Military Affairs Conflict Studies Geopolitics Diplomacy
  1. NATO is struggling in Ukraine and needs to either negotiate or increase its military involvement.
  2. The situation is tense and we may be close to a direct conflict between NATO and Russia.
  3. Political issues in Western countries are worsening, but NATO continues to escalate the situation instead of seeking dialogue.

India Ascending

Diane Francis • 899 implied HN points • 16 May 24
🌍 World Politics Elections Economy International relations Political Leadership Democracy
  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 Military Aid Geopolitics Conflict resolution Global Security
  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.

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

Simplicius's Garden of Knowledge • 7593 implied HN points • 01 Jul 23
🌍 World Politics Warfare International relations Military Diplomacy Conflict resolution
  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.

Europe's Gathering Storm

Diane Francis • 959 implied HN points • 06 May 24
🌍 World Politics Geopolitics Military Security International relations
  1. French President Macron suggests that Europe might need to send troops to Ukraine to help. He believes if Russia wins, it would threaten the security of neighboring countries.
  2. British Prime Minister Sunak agrees, warning that Putin's aggression could extend beyond Poland if not stopped.
  3. There is a growing urgency in Europe now that America is delaying weapon support. Experts are saying NATO may need to send soldiers to avoid a major defeat.

The Empire of Profit and its Status Quo

Sarcastosaurus • 2083 implied HN points • 10 Feb 24
🌍 World Politics Global Governance Conflict resolution International relations Oligarchy
  1. The modern Western societies are controlled by a small group of ultra-wealthy individuals, who prioritize profit above all else, shaping politics and economies to serve their interests.
  2. The Western arms industry has significantly decreased since the Cold War, relying on outsourcing and prioritizing profits over large-scale production, hindering the ability to ramp up arms production in times of need.
  3. Building up a new arms industry would challenge the current profit-focused system, potentially requiring state-owned enterprises and a shift away from prioritizing profit, which goes against the current status quo.

The Angels of Ukraine: Profiles in Civic Heroism

The Save Journalism Committee • 216 implied HN points • 18 Dec 24
🌍 World Politics International relations Conflict Studies Human Rights Civic engagement War reporting
  1. In times of war, many people step up to help others, showing incredible empathy and courage. These volunteers are often called 'Angels' because they help those in need during tough times.
  2. Some individuals create organizations to address specific gaps in aid, like distributing medicines and supplies when official relief programs fall short. They find ways to be effective and make a real difference without big budgets.
  3. Many families are greatly impacted by war, and some take personal responsibility by fostering or adopting children in need. Their stories show the strength of community, love, and resilience in difficult situations.

Commentator

Castalia • 639 implied HN points • 04 Jun 24
🌍 World Politics Conflict analysis International relations Humanitarian Issues Geopolitics Middle East
  1. The situation in Gaza is extremely dire, with a collapsed economy and high unemployment. Reporting restrictions make it hard to fully understand the devastation there.
  2. In Ukraine, the conflict seems to be at a breaking point, with varying reports about military actions. The U.S. is now allowing Ukraine to respond to attacks in Russia, marking a significant escalation.
  3. Sudan faces a severe humanitarian crisis, yet it's largely ignored in the media. Thousands are being killed and displaced, reminiscent of past atrocities, but international intervention seems unlikely.

Forced to flee but nowhere to go

New Means • 2024 implied HN points • 10 Feb 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Conflict Humanitarian Aid Activism International relations
  1. Palestinians in Gaza are facing a crisis of being forced to flee with nowhere to go, as they are cornered against the Rafah crossing without escape routes available.
  2. Efforts are being made to evacuate over a million people from Rafah, but the challenge lies in finding a safe destination for the displaced individuals.
  3. International actions and involvement are crucial to prevent potential ethnic cleansing or genocide in Gaza, with supporting organizations and advocating for a ceasefire as immediate actions to take.

Biden’s Final Export Control Salvo Misfires

ChinaTalk • 266 implied HN points • 03 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Policy Analysis Export Controls International relations Economic strategy
  1. Biden's new export controls for chips were seen as weak and complicated. They might not effectively slow down China's progress in chip technology.
  2. The rules have too many loopholes that companies can exploit, allowing China to stockpile resources and continue its chip production relatively unhindered.
  3. There are debates about the effectiveness of the regulations and whether they should be focused more on strategic goals or just enforcement of the law.

Ukraine War, 11 February 2024

Sarcastosaurus • 1985 implied HN points • 11 Feb 24
🌍 World Politics Conflict Military International relations Defense Government
  1. The West's failure to supply enough artillery ammunition to Ukraine has led to Russian advances with adapted assault tactics, exploiting their advantage in resources.
  2. General Syrsky assumed command of ZSU in Kyiv, taking steps like rushing reserves to Avidiivka and making strategic appointments.
  3. The situation in Avidiivka is critical, with intense air strikes by the Russian Air-Space Force supporting a ground attack, putting Ukrainian positions at risk.

Russia Unravels

Diane Francis • 1398 implied HN points • 25 Mar 24
🌍 World Politics International relations Security Issues Terrorism Geopolitics
  1. Russia is facing serious internal problems, including increased terror attacks and ethnic tensions, which threaten its stability. Many groups, especially in Turkic regions, are unhappy and seeking independence.
  2. The Russian government is trying to blame Ukraine for issues like recent terrorist attacks, instead of addressing the real discontent among its people and ethnic groups. This blame game is a strategy to rally support for the war in Ukraine.
  3. Putin's regime is dealing with high casualties from the war, leading to protests and desertions among soldiers. This growing unrest indicates that Russia's grip on power is weakening, and the country is heading towards significant changes.

Putin Chess

Diane Francis • 819 implied HN points • 13 May 24
🌍 World Politics International relations Geopolitics Nuclear policy Defense Strategy Military Affairs
  1. French President Macron is ready to send troops to support Ukraine if they ask for help. This shows strong support for Ukraine against Russia.
  2. Britain is allowing Ukraine to use British weapons to attack Russian targets, which raises the stakes in the conflict.
  3. Putin is threatening to use nuclear weapons as a scare tactic after facing setbacks in battle, and leaders like Zelensky want to keep pressure on him to prevent this threat.

Shaun King Banned from Instagram

Pen>Sword • 2675 implied HN points • 25 Dec 23
🌍 World Politics Human Rights International relations Activism
  1. Shaun King was banned from Instagram for his advocacy for Gaza, sparking concerns about silencing voices speaking up for critical causes.
  2. King's removal from Instagram reveals the power of digital platforms in shaping public narratives and movements, emphasizing the importance of individuals like King as symbols.
  3. The incident serves as a warning to the public, especially youth, that speaking up on controversial issues like Palestine could lead to suppression by social media platforms.

Biden’s Legacy Is a New Cold War

Nonzero Newsletter • 338 implied HN points • 03 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy Bipartisanship Legislation International relations China relations
  1. Bipartisan support in Congress is now framing China as the main enemy of the U.S. This shift has led to new laws that limit American cooperation with Chinese entities.
  2. Biden has taken a strong stance against China, continuing and intensifying policies started by Trump. This has solidified a consensus that sees China as a major threat.
  3. The growing tension between the U.S. and China is often overlooked, especially compared to conflicts in Europe. However, Biden's actions are key to understanding this new cold war dynamic.

Weekend Update #113: This War is Truly Global

Phillips’s Newsletter • 188 implied HN points • 29 Dec 24
🌍 World Politics Conflict International relations Global Security Military Affairs Bilateral Relations
  1. The war is affecting many countries globally, not just in Europe. Attacks on infrastructure show how serious the situation has become.
  2. North Korean soldiers are facing heavy casualties fighting in Ukraine, which raises concerns about their future and the support they might be getting from Russia.
  3. Russia's military actions are impacting its relationship with other countries. In one incident, Russian forces shot down an Azerbaijani passenger plane, highlighting their unstable control in the region.

When the Devil Is Your Own

Sarah Kendzior’s Newsletter • 3854 implied HN points • 16 Oct 23
🌍 World Politics War Crimes Human Rights Global Conflicts Political propaganda International relations
  1. The article explores the horrifying connections between historical events like 9/11 and the more recent 10/7, highlighting themes like corrupt governments, civilian casualties, censorship, and calls for war.
  2. It delves into the notion of collective obligation over collective guilt, emphasizing the importance of truth, morality, and never disregarding another's humanity.
  3. The piece raises concerns about empathy being rationed and retracted based on biases in the context of conflict, urging for a more compassionate and inclusive approach towards understanding global issues.

Nyhetsbrev steigan.no 25.02.2025

steigan.no • 6 implied HN points • 25 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Election Analysis International relations Political Commentary Geopolitics Legislation
  1. The idea of a united European state is gaining traction among military experts. They believe it would help Europe defend against threats from superpowers like the USA, Russia, and China.
  2. Ukraine's parliament recently refused to extend President Zelensky's term, which raises questions about his legitimacy and support in the country.
  3. A lawsuit against Merck highlights serious concerns about the Gardasil vaccine, with allegations that the company misled the public about its safety and side effects.