The hottest Military Policy Substack posts right now

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Was MAGA ever really "anti-war"?

Michael Tracey • 56 implied HN points • 24 Mar 26
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Military Policy
  1. People's attitudes toward war mostly track their partisan loyalties rather than a steady anti-war or pro-war philosophy, so support shifts when leaders or party cues change.
  2. Despite anti-war rhetoric, Trump and key MAGA figures pursued aggressive military policies — big budgets, lethal strikes, and expanded deployments — that contradict claims of being "anti-war."
  3. Prominent supposed anti-war allies who joined the movement helped legitimize those contradictions, feeding false promises of ending endless war while normalizing intervention and bypassing public debate.

The US is on the brink of a major new war that Trump has not even bothered explaining

Glenn Greenwald • 4302 implied HN points • 20 Feb 26
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Military Policy
  1. The U.S. has sent a massive military buildup near Iran, creating a real risk of a major new war without clear public explanation or meaningful congressional debate.
  2. The official reasons given for confronting Iran — claims about its nuclear program, human rights, and missile threats — are inconsistent or unpersuasive as a basis for full-scale military action.
  3. Despite rhetoric about pivoting away from the region, the U.S. remains deeply entangled in the Middle East, and close ties to Israel and influential pro-Israel actors appear to be driving American moves toward conflict with Iran.

A War the U.S. Didn’t Need

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 222 implied HN points • 11 Mar 26
🌍 World Politics Military Policy
  1. This war was a choice, not a necessity, and could have been avoided. It did not have to be fought to protect U.S. interests.
  2. There was little clear evidence of an immediate Iranian threat, and the U.S. had other options like tougher sanctions and renewed diplomacy.
  3. The costs now and in the future are likely to far outweigh any benefits, making the decision to go to war ill-advised.

Insane Clown Pentagon

TK News by Matt Taibbi • 4427 implied HN points • 04 Dec 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Military Policy
  1. The boat-bombing operations risk being war crimes, especially if forces fired on shipwrecked survivors, which could create serious legal exposure for commanders and political leaders.
  2. Blustery, inconsistent public remarks by top officials have politically self-sabotaged the administration and may provide evidence that leaves military leaders exposed.
  3. Treating drug cartels as terrorist enemies and relying on broad legal theories to justify lethal strikes has blurred legal norms, unsettled military lawyers and troops, and risks normalizing extrajudicial killings.

The Week the Floor Shifted

Anima Mundi • 267 implied HN points • 22 Feb 26
🌍 World Politics Military Policy
  1. The old postwar security architecture is fraying: the New START treaty lapsed and American guarantees to Europe are being redefined, pushing Europe to rearm and raising nuclear and military risks.
  2. Several crises are converging — a possible US strike on Iran, the ongoing war in Ukraine, and China’s strategic positioning — which together increase global instability and encourage arms races and opportunistic aggression.
  3. Trust in institutions and assumptions is weakening — courts, executive rules, trade policy, and techno-optimism around AI are being treated as malleable, ending a ‘deferred’ way of managing security and the future and forcing hard choices about who pays and what gets sacrificed.
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Democrats, Press Gloss Over Original "Double Tap" Operations

TK News by Matt Taibbi • 3603 implied HN points • 04 Dec 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Military Policy
  1. Follow-up 'double-tap' strikes that aim at rescuers have been used in U.S. drone campaigns for years and similar tactics are resurfacing more openly today.
  2. Attacking the wounded and first responders breaks international humanitarian law, kills civilians, and spreads terror that pushes local populations toward violence or hostility.
  3. Political and media reactions have been inconsistent and often hypocritical, helping normalize lawless tactics and weakening global legal norms that protect civilians.

The Empire Is Scrambling To Fully Dominate Latin America, And Other Notes

Caitlin’s Newsletter • 1792 implied HN points • 11 Dec 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Military Policy
  1. The U.S. is stepping up aggressive pressure in Latin America, using actions like seizing Venezuelan oil to weaken Venezuela and Cuba and push for regime change.
  2. U.S. institutions are preparing for bigger wars by making draft registration automatic and pushing expanded military technology and autonomous weapons, signaling readiness to mobilize people and industry for large-scale conflict.
  3. Mainstream media and political elites are defending imperial positions and using propaganda or unverified claims to silence dissent, creating hypocrisy around issues like Israel/Palestine and justifying intervention.

Trump's Henchmen Keep Calling Their War Slut President A Peacemaker

Caitlin’s Newsletter • 1844 implied HN points • 08 Dec 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Military Policy
  1. Top officials are calling him a 'President of Peace,' but that label is largely rhetorical and politically promoted.
  2. The administration has escalated U.S. military involvement worldwide — carrying out airstrikes, arming proxies, and risking interventions in places like Somalia, Yemen, Gaza/Israel, Ukraine, Venezuela, and Iran.
  3. If you oppose war, supporting him because you think he’s making peace is misguided, since his actions contradict his peacemaker claims.

Oh to Be Pete Hegseth’s Speechwriter

I Might Be Wrong • 10 implied HN points • 17 Mar 26
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Military Policy
  1. Great speeches use plain, natural words instead of flashy, over-styled phrases. Showing off with fancy language usually just confuses people.
  2. Big, macho slogans and muddled metaphors make a speaker sound incompetent and can unintentionally signal willingness to break rules. Confusing lines and mixed metaphors undercut credibility.
  3. Rhetorical clumsiness from leaders is worrying because it reflects on their judgment and can imply poor decision-making in serious areas like war policy. When public language suggests lawlessness or incompetence, trust and confidence erode.

104 murders in 107 days

The Watch • 973 implied HN points • 19 Dec 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Military Policy
  1. The administration has carried out repeated lethal strikes on alleged drug boats, killing scores of people without due process; those attacks are morally wrong and likely illegal.
  2. These strikes won’t stop the overdose crisis or fentanyl flow — fentanyl mainly comes through Mexico and the boats were often not headed to the U.S. — and the administration is also cutting harm-reduction programs while pardoning major traffickers.
  3. The policy and rhetoric normalize extrajudicial violence and expand unchecked executive power, undermining the rule of law, alienating allies, and threatening civil liberties and international norms.

AOC Is A Genocidal Con Artist

Caitlin’s Newsletter • 4912 implied HN points • 20 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Military Policy
  1. AOC voted to fund Israel even after saying it is committing genocide in Gaza. This contradiction has upset many of her supporters.
  2. The Iron Dome, which AOC supports, is argued to aid offensive actions rather than just protect civilians, leading to more violence.
  3. Some believe AOC is hindering the left's progress by supporting militarism and capitalism, rather than pushing for more peaceful and progressive solutions.

Betrayal, Refusal, and the Yes that Follows

Charles Eisenstein • 12 implied HN points • 09 Mar 26
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Military Policy
  1. A leader who campaigned against endless wars has instead escalated conflict, risking catastrophic violence and eroding American global influence.
  2. Traditional protests alone may not be enough; coordinated economic actions like boycotts, debt strikes, and mass financial withdrawals can quickly pressure institutions and governments, and they require organization, timing, and collective courage.
  3. Any mass refusal should reject vengeance and dehumanization and instead build a new "yes" grounded in dignity, consent, and equal human worth for all.

Liberals Hate Socialists Because Socialists Are The Real Thing

Caitlin’s Newsletter • 1834 implied HN points • 20 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Military Policy
  1. Socialists and liberals often clash because socialists expose the realities that liberals might prefer to ignore. This makes it uncomfortable for liberals who want to believe in their ideals.
  2. Supporters of Israel can be divided into two groups: those who accept the harsh realities and those who deceive themselves about the situation. Both groups ultimately support the same actions, just with different attitudes.
  3. Believing that capitalism can solve environmental problems is like having blind faith. Many think technology will save us while ignoring that continued profit pursuit harms our planet.

The Nonstop Military Operation Known As Israel

Caitlin’s Newsletter • 1848 implied HN points • 06 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Military Policy
  1. Israel is demolishing homes and causing suffering in Gaza and neighboring areas while claiming to be engaged in military operations. This leads to many civilian casualties and ongoing humanitarian issues.
  2. The political narratives around Israel often shift based on which administration is in power, but both parties support actions that lead to the same harmful outcomes for Palestinians.
  3. People are quick to blame Middle Eastern conflicts on the cultures involved, but they ignore the historical context of Western interventions and atrocities that shaped these situations.

You will never be good enough to belong

Men Yell at Me • 823 implied HN points • 15 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Military Policy
  1. Some people, like Pete Hegseth, don't believe women should serve in combat roles in the military, even if they meet the same standards as men. This shows a big gap in acceptance and equality.
  2. There is a growing narrative that men feel entitled to roles traditionally held by them and see the rise of women and minorities in the military as a threat. This reflects a larger struggle over who truly belongs in these spaces.
  3. Women and minorities often have to prove themselves more than men to earn their place, regardless of qualifications. This highlights an ongoing challenge for equality in many areas, not just the military.

Health not War

Charles Eisenstein • 4 implied HN points • 02 Mar 26
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Military Policy
  1. Support the War Powers Resolution to restore Congress’s authority and stop the war with Iran.
  2. War wastes trillions, damages the nation’s infrastructure and moral standing, and undermines public health, so money and effort should be redirected to rebuild health, infrastructure, and prosperity at home.
  3. People should sign and share the petition and pressure representatives—especially those tied to the Make America Healthy Again movement—to take a public stand for peace and refuse warmaking.

Dick Cheney Is Why Donald Trump Must Face Consequences

JoeWrote • 73 implied HN points • 14 Nov 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Military Policy
  1. The wars after 9/11 have caused immense suffering, with many lives lost and countless others affected by trauma and hardship.
  2. Dick Cheney played a key role in pushing for the Iraq War, which many argue was not a mistake but a deliberate act that has led to further violence and instability.
  3. For America to change its reckless path, it's essential that those responsible for war crimes, like Cheney, face consequences for their actions.

Small State Power: Be Like Denmark

Phillips’s Newsletter • 226 implied HN points • 16 Jul 25
🌍 World Politics Military Policy
  1. Denmark is showing that even small countries can have a big impact, especially with their support for Ukraine and military investments. Their strong public finances make it easier for them to spend on defense.
  2. Unlike some larger nations, Denmark has rapidly stepped up its military capabilities after feeling pressures from geopolitical changes. They are making big announcements about new equipment and strategies regularly.
  3. Denmark sets a good example for other European countries by investing in defense and collaborating with allies. They are proving that it's important to act quickly and seriously in security matters.

You Should Be More Worried About Trump's Planned Military Purge

Can We Still Govern? • 572 implied HN points • 11 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Military Policy
  1. There are worries about a potential military purge that could target senior officers based on their political beliefs rather than their qualifications. This could change the military into a more politically loyal organization.
  2. The criteria for removing these officers includes actions like promoting diversity or participating in discussions about inclusivity, which raises concerns about fairness and the implications for military effectiveness.
  3. This situation might lead to greater politicization of the military, where future leaders may prioritize loyalty to a president over professional merit, potentially harming the military's stability and effectiveness in the long run.

Buying Time: Europe’s Trump Dilemma

Phillips’s Newsletter • 197 implied HN points • 08 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Military Policy
  1. Europe is feeling pressure from both Trump and Putin, making it hard to support Ukraine effectively. They are looking for ways to manage their relationship with Trump while helping Ukraine resist Russian aggression.
  2. European leaders are trying to balance showing unity while dealing with the unpredictability of U.S. politics. They need to find the right approach to work with Trump without alienating their own people.
  3. Although Europe wants to become more self-reliant in defense, it recognizes that this will take time. The focus now is on maintaining support for Ukraine and delaying any U.S. withdrawal until Europe is better prepared.

Threat Inflation Bingo

Nonzero Newsletter • 192 implied HN points • 11 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Military Policy
  1. Some countries are starting to make anti-personnel landmines again because of fears about Russia, but some experts say these worries are overstated. They believe NATO countries are still much stronger and there's no real sign of danger.
  2. There are concerns about the rise of AI in job interviews as many companies use chatbots instead of people. While some candidates find it easier to interact with AI, others feel it's too impersonal.
  3. Israel has plans to relocate all Gazans to a designated area, which has raised alarms about potential forced displacement. Critics say it could lead to serious human rights violations.

Poof! Trump Is Bush! Just a thief in the night.

C.O.P. Central Organizing Principle. • 18 implied HN points • 03 Jan 26
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Military Policy
  1. US leaders are using a Bush-era 'kidnap the leader' playbook to try to remove Venezuela's president, pushing risky regime-change tactics despite broad public opposition.
  2. The United States faces serious economic and military limits — collapsing recruitment and unsustainably high borrowing costs — that make a prolonged ground invasion or occupation economically and politically ruinous.
  3. Venezuelan officials and the military still control the country’s land and air, so the U.S. move looks like a failed nighttime grab rather than a successful takeover.

The Crusade against America

Thinking about... • 487 implied HN points • 22 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Military Policy
  1. Misogyny and gender ideology can be harmful within military and political contexts. They can lead to conflicts that distract from real security issues.
  2. History shows that women have always played roles in warfare. Denying this reality is based on outdated beliefs that do not align with present-day military needs.
  3. There is a danger in empowering individuals who have a narrow view of society. Such leaders can create chaos and undermine the principles of democracy.

Why the US military should plan for human-level AI

Faster, Please! • 365 implied HN points • 14 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Military Policy
  1. The US military needs to prepare for the future of AI, especially if it reaches human-level intelligence. This preparation is crucial because AI could change how wars are fought.
  2. Unlike nuclear fission, which clearly showed its potential for destructive power, the military uses of AI are still not very clear. It's harder to see what AI can really do for military purposes right now.
  3. There are calls for a major effort, similar to the Manhattan Project, to stay ahead in AI development, particularly to prevent adversaries like China from gaining an advantage. However, the exact military benefits of advanced AI are still uncertain.

'WE WOULD LOSE' War with Iran (w/ Col. Lawrence Wilkerson)

The Chris Hedges Report • 170 implied HN points • 22 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Military Policy
  1. A war with Iran could lead to significant losses for the United States. It would not be an easy conflict.
  2. Expert opinions suggest that military action may not solve the underlying issues. Diplomacy could be a better approach.
  3. Raising awareness about the risks of conflict is crucial. It's important for people to understand the potential consequences of war.

AI Surrenders to the Military-Industrial Complex

Nonzero Newsletter • 463 implied HN points • 19 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Military Policy
  1. AI companies, like Anthropic and Meta, are increasingly collaborating with the military. This shift shows a blending of technology and defense strategies, especially regarding competition with China.
  2. Despite its focus on AI safety, Anthropic has decided to work with the Pentagon. This suggests that even companies with more ethical beginnings can be drawn into military alliances.
  3. The rise of the AI industry's influence in national security is seen as ironic. Many believe cooperation between the US and China in AI could be better for global stability than escalating tensions.

‘DON’T LEAVE UNTIL HE BLEEDS’

Seymour Hersh • 26 implied HN points • 02 Dec 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Military Policy
  1. Guantanamo Bay was set up as a prison for alleged terrorists after 9/11, but it was done without proper legal processes. Many detainees were captured and sent there without any real evidence against them.
  2. The prison holds a mix of people, including children, and most detainees have not been charged with any crimes. Many are still there years after being cleared for release, showing serious issues in the system.
  3. Despite the high costs and reported abuses, no senior U.S. officials have faced consequences for the wrongful detention and treatment of prisoners at Guantanamo Bay.

The US should pull out of the Middle East

Phillips’s Newsletter • 88 implied HN points • 01 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Military Policy
  1. The US should reconsider its military presence in the Middle East as it often leads to unexpected problems. Military actions can be costly and may create more issues than they solve.
  2. Supporting allies who can defend themselves is important. Helping countries like Ukraine can prevent the need for direct US military involvement in future conflicts.
  3. Direct military intervention can weaken allies rather than strengthen them, as seen in past US engagements. It's better to focus on supporting local forces that are willing to fight for their own interests.

What Would MLK Do?

UnfairNation by Ehsan Zaffar • 6 implied HN points • 19 Jan 26
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Military Policy
  1. Confronting economic inequality means building multiracial coalitions and challenging systems that let the wealthy hoard power and resources.
  2. AI can both deepen bias and widen access, so we should get into the rooms where it’s made to fix harms while using its potential to expand opportunity.
  3. A military-first approach and aggressive enforcement breed violence and injustice; the remedy is sustained, courageous nonviolent protest and a bolder progressive movement that makes injustice impossible to ignore.

What Europe Should Have Done To Prepare For With Trump

Phillips’s Newsletter • 146 implied HN points • 03 Mar 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Military Policy
  1. Europe needs to prepare for possible changes in U.S. support, especially if a populist leader who is not pro-NATO comes to power. This could affect their security and NATO's strength.
  2. The divide between U.S. political views on support for Ukraine and European perspectives is growing. European countries, especially those near Russia, see the war as a direct threat.
  3. If the U.S. reduces support for Ukraine, Europe must step up its military production and planning. Countries need to work together to ensure they can defend themselves effectively.

The Nightmare Known as Israel

John’s Substack • 15 implied HN points • 07 Nov 25
🌍 World Politics Military Policy
  1. Israeli society is divided, which could lead to serious internal conflict.
  2. The country follows a militaristic foreign policy, often leading to tensions or conflicts with its neighboring countries.
  3. Support for Israel is declining in the U.S. across different political groups.

URGENT: Donald Trump is reinstating thousands of members of the military who were discharged for refusing Covid jabs

Unreported Truths • 107 implied HN points • 27 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Military Policy
  1. Donald Trump plans to reinstate military members who were discharged for not getting the Covid vaccine. This includes offering them back pay.
  2. Many service members faced pressure and threats over the vaccine mandate, with some forced to leave the military because they refused it.
  3. The vaccine mandate was seen by some as a political move rather than a safety measure, leading to some people feeling excluded and unfairly treated.

Crimes in the Caribbean

John’s Substack • 9 implied HN points • 07 Dec 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Military Policy
  1. The US is accused of carrying out lethal attacks on small boats in the Caribbean without justification, including follow-up strikes that killed survivors.
  2. Critics say there’s no evidence the victims were identified or posed a threat, and that the Navy or Coast Guard could verify who’s on those boats before using lethal force.
  3. Political leaders appear to be using these actions to show toughness, but many view this as bullying rather than true strength.

The Flim Flam Man Blinked!

C.O.P. Central Organizing Principle. • 36 implied HN points • 24 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Military Policy
  1. Trump's military strategies have not worked well, as he seems outmatched by conflicts, especially with Iran. His approaches often feel like bluffs that don't lead to real peace.
  2. Many policies seem to prioritize corporate and military interests rather than the people, leading to feelings of betrayal among citizens. This suggests a disconnect between the government and the people it represents.
  3. There is a strong call for acknowledging and reconciling with First Nations, as some believe American policies interfere with justice for indigenous peoples. A change in leadership and priorities is portrayed as necessary for progress.

Commentator

Castalia • 79 implied HN points • 26 Apr 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Military Policy
  1. The recent U.S. intelligence leak highlights serious security flaws and morale issues within the military. Access to sensitive information seems too lax, allowing unauthorized personnel to leak crucial documents.
  2. AI technology is increasingly being used in censorship, affecting how we communicate and share information. Restrictions based on certain topics show that platforms are enforcing strict guidelines that may stifle open discourse.
  3. Emmanuel Macron's recent comments on global conflicts indicate a growing pressure in Europe for a more independent foreign policy. His stance may weaken NATO's unity in facing challenges from Russia and China during critical times.

Commentator

Castalia • 99 implied HN points • 16 Feb 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Military Policy
  1. Seymour Hersh has reported that the U.S. was involved in sabotaging the Nord Stream pipelines, which raises questions about media credibility and the motivations behind such actions. His claims challenge the official narratives about who may have been responsible.
  2. The war in Ukraine is escalating, with increased military support from the U.S. and more involvement in the conflict. This raises concerns about the implications of deeper military commitments and the possibility of a prolonged war.
  3. The debate around gender-affirming hormones for minors has intensified, with some reports suggesting inadequate oversight and the potential for irreversible medical interventions. Many are questioning how decisions are made in trans health care for young people.

Maybe young men need compulsory military service

Sex and the State • 27 implied HN points • 26 May 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Military Policy
  1. Many countries have some form of compulsory military service, which can help young men gain structure and skills. It's becoming more common again after a period of decline.
  2. Compulsory service can benefit young men by promoting social responsibility and providing positive adult role models, which is important for their development.
  3. However, there are drawbacks to conscription, like disrupting education and work opportunities, and it can sometimes create inequalities in who is called to serve.

June 22, 2025

Letters from an American • 23 implied HN points • 23 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Military Policy
  1. President Trump ordered airstrikes on Iranian nuclear sites, claiming it was a major military success. However, there are doubts about the actual damage done and whether Iran was a real threat.
  2. The decision to bomb Iran has split opinions among Trump’s supporters, with some backing him and others, like the 'America First' group, against involvement in foreign wars.
  3. Critics are raising concerns about the legality of Trump's actions, as many believe he acted without proper congressional approval, which could have serious consequences.

Should Women be in Combat Roles?

Erik Examines • 44 implied HN points • 09 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Military Policy
  1. Women have historically been kept out of many fields due to false ideas about their abilities. This includes education, medicine, politics, and even the military.
  2. While there are biological differences between men and women, these differences don’t mean one gender is entirely superior. Each has unique strengths that can be valuable in different situations.
  3. Including women in the military can improve not just combat effectiveness but also peacekeeping efforts, as women often excel in social interactions and conflict de-escalation.