The hottest Military Strategy Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
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Top World Politics Topics

Political Economy Links, 12/08/2025

In My Tribe • 334 implied HN points • 08 Dec 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Military Strategy
  1. Textile manufacturing has played a crucial role in economic progress by turning agricultural resources into industrial growth. It's tied to how societies can develop through demand and productivity.
  2. Using 'we' in political discussions can create a false sense of unity and responsibility. It’s important to focus on individual action instead of a vague collective identity.
  3. Changes in military technology shape society and require new ways of organizing. Countries must adapt quickly to survive, especially with emerging technologies like drones.

CROSSPOST: MICHAEL SELLERS: How the CIA & Israel Pulled Off the Successful Opening Leadership Strike on Iran

Brad DeLong's Grasping Reality • 15 implied HN points • 02 Mar 26
🌍 World Politics Military Strategy
  1. A timely intelligence 'pivot' that Iranian leaders would all be together created the chance for a decapitation strike, making a single simultaneous attack effective.
  2. The operation combined standoff weapons, compound-level targeting, and coordinated simultaneous hits while keeping surprise until impact, showing how precision intelligence and munitions can enable rapid, high-value strikes.
  3. This episode shows modern war shifting in the attention-info-bio-tech era: leaders can be exposed in unhardened urban settings, and intelligence-driven targeting is reshaping how twenty-first-century conflicts are fought.

Top Links 933 America's feeble bid for dominance. Gaming a Taiwan blockade. Export controls on rhubarb & white-collar terror modules.

Chartbook • 429 implied HN points • 26 Nov 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Military Strategy
  1. America's efforts to be a dominant power in the world are not very strong. In fact, its Export-Import Bank ranks just 7th in global lending.
  2. There are ongoing discussions about how to handle potential blockades involving Taiwan. This is a complex issue that involves various strategies.
  3. There are unusual export controls in place, including those on specific items like rhubarb and tools related to white-collar crimes. It shows how regulations can target very specific industries.

How to Negotiate with Russia

Thinking about... • 433 implied HN points • 19 Nov 25
🌍 World Politics Military Strategy
  1. Don't make concessions without clear benefits. It's unfair to give up things for others without getting something back.
  2. It's crucial to listen to Ukrainians in negotiations. Their voices matter because they're the ones affected by this conflict.
  3. A lasting peace needs to help rebuild Ukraine. If it doesn't address recovery, it's less likely to hold and lead to real stability.

Bombing to Lose

John’s Substack • 14 implied HN points • 07 Mar 26
🌍 World Politics Military Strategy
  1. Netanyahu and Trump lack a coherent strategy to win the US-Israeli war against Iran, so Iran is likely to come out ahead.
  2. President Trump made a major blunder by taking the United States into war with Iran.
  3. Even a pro-Israel leader like Joe Biden refused to attack Iran in April and October 2024, resisting Israeli efforts to draw him in.
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Macron's Manifesto

Diane Francis • 1139 implied HN points • 14 Mar 24
🌍 World Politics Military Strategy
  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.

Victor Davis Hanson: Why Trump’s Iran Strike Worked

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 1720 implied HN points • 23 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Military Strategy
  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.

World War III

Doomberg • 302 implied HN points • 25 Nov 25
🌍 World Politics Military Strategy
  1. Global tensions are rising, hinting at a potential worldwide conflict. It's important to stay informed about these developments.
  2. Using mental models can help us understand and predict how these conflicts might evolve. This can guide our decisions and thoughts about the future.
  3. Being aware of the changes in the balance of power among countries is crucial. It influences not just politics, but also economics and daily life.

Second Breakfast: Trump’s National Security Strategy

ChinaTalk • 237 implied HN points • 09 Dec 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Military Strategy
  1. A National Security Strategy (NSS) outlines the administration's goals and how to use various national powers to achieve them. It's meant as a clear guide for the public, not just a defense plan.
  2. The new NSS has some bold ideas, especially around economic strength and deterrence. However, it also sends confusing messages to allies about what the U.S. expects of them and its own military priorities.
  3. The language and ideas in the NSS sometimes echo China's and Russia's messaging, which raises concerns about its implications. Some of the concepts seem overly simplistic and not well thought out.

In The World Of The Strategic Blind; The One-Eyed Dictator Is King

Phillips’s Newsletter • 231 implied HN points • 19 Dec 25
🌍 World Politics Military Strategy
  1. China’s rising influence owes as much to bad leadership choices by the U.S. and Russia as to Chinese long-term planning, so its strength looks bigger than it may really be.
  2. U.S. unpredictability on trade and security — like punitive tariffs, exemptions for China, and a policy shift away from defending allies — has eroded trust among Indo-Pacific partners and handed advantages to China.
  3. Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has made Moscow economically and militarily dependent on China, turning Russia into a strategic client and increasing Beijing’s leverage.

Why The Constant Failure To Understand War? The US Made It Look Too Easy

Phillips’s Newsletter • 165 implied HN points • 02 Jan 26
🌍 World Politics Military Strategy
  1. Analysts in the US and much of the West keep misreading what actually matters in modern war, repeatedly getting big predictions—like breakthroughs or collapse from manpower shortages—wrong.
  2. That misunderstanding fuels simplistic policy advice (for example, calls to mass-draft) that ignores local debate and the changing balance between ranged and land warfare.
  3. Because the US made war look easy during its hegemonic era, strategic thinking weakened, breeding arrogance, bad decisions, and political shifts with real costs for allies.

War Analysis [i]

Black Mountain Analysis • 2260 implied HN points • 04 Jul 23
🌍 World Politics Military Strategy
  1. Russia is preparing for a strategic counteroffensive in Ukraine after defeating Ukrainian army.
  2. Major players are aligning against the Western empire for a multipolar world order.
  3. Russia aims to collapse Ukraine strategically but preserve infrastructure and people.

The Fewer Soldiers On The Front Line The Better

Phillips’s Newsletter • 185 implied HN points • 23 Dec 25
🌍 World Politics Military Strategy
  1. Drones have remade the battlefield: constant surveillance and kamikaze UAVs turned the area between armies into a deadly "grey zone," forcing a move away from large, traditional frontline formations.
  2. Russian forces have tried brutal, improvised ways (horses, crawling, bad weather) to push across that zone, causing heavy losses and lots of local attacks but no sustained breakthroughs or exploitation.
  3. Ukraine adapted by putting fewer soldiers on the front, using unmanned systems and small, highly trained units to inflict disproportionate casualties, and needs air defence plus more UAV production and training instead of mass conscription.

INSIDE TRUMP AND NETANYAHU’S MEETING ON IRAN

Seymour Hersh • 29 implied HN points • 19 Feb 26
🌍 World Politics Military Strategy
  1. Benjamin Netanyahu made a hurried, urgent trip to Washington to meet President Trump on February 11, arriving without his wife as a sign of urgency.
  2. Israeli officials believe Iran smuggled as much as 440 kilograms of uranium enriched to about 60% into tunnels under the Isfahan nuclear site before US B-2 bombers struck three main facilities last June.
  3. The meeting put further attacks on Iran and even discussions of regime change on the table, with Netanyahu framing his position in moral terms drawn from Genesis.

Quick Update

Black Mountain Analysis • 1926 implied HN points • 08 Jun 23
🌍 World Politics Military Strategy
  1. The strategic analysis focuses on key figures in Russia and emphasizes the importance of interpreting their statements.
  2. Economic impacts of sanctions have led to reindustrialization in Russia and decreased unemployment rates.
  3. The ongoing conflict in Ukraine involves the destruction of the Ukrainian army and potential risks of further escalations and involvement of neighboring countries.

CIA director calls China biggest 'threat', says Ukraine war benefits US geopolitically and economically

Geopolitical Economy Report • 916 implied HN points • 08 Feb 24
🌍 World Politics Military Strategy
  1. CIA Director William J. Burns has labeled China as the biggest long-term threat and emphasized focusing resources on countering China.
  2. The CIA has significantly increased its attention on China, creating a dedicated mission center and doubling its budget for operations related to China.
  3. US CIA Director acknowledged that the war in Ukraine has been beneficial for the US, both geopolitically and economically, and used it as a strategy to send a message to China regarding Taiwan.

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 Military Strategy
  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.

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 Military Strategy
  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.

Will Trump Bomb Iran (Part 2)?

Phillips’s Newsletter • 90 implied HN points • 15 Jan 26
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Military Strategy
  1. A prior prediction that Trump would not bomb Iran turned out to be wrong.
  2. His decision to strike Iran and how he reacted then serve as useful indicators of what he might do in the future.
  3. He's likely to attack again if he believes he can get an easy win, and concerns about his political base didn't stop the earlier strike.

Hu Bo: China Can Afford Patience at Sea

Pekingnology • 75 implied HN points • 23 Jan 26
🌍 World Politics Military Strategy
  1. China now has the military and operational capacity to manage and control the East and South China Seas and can preserve the status quo if it remains resolute.
  2. Sovereignty disputes are complex and driven by strong maritime nationalism, so shelving disputes and exercising long-term strategic patience is the most practical approach.
  3. China should stay vigilant and respond firmly but calmly to provocations, avoiding alarmism while building maritime power as a sustained national effort involving government, experts, and citizens.

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

Michael Shellenberger • 1105 implied HN points • 16 May 25
🕹 Technology Military Strategy
  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.

Is Trump Wavering on Iran?

John’s Substack • 14 implied HN points • 25 Feb 26
🌍 World Politics Military Strategy
  1. Trump's State of the Union can be read as him pulling back from attacking Iran because he only demanded a clear pledge that Iran will never get nuclear weapons.
  2. Iran's foreign minister already publicly said Iran will never develop nuclear weapons, and Trump did not insist Iran give up enrichment, ballistic missiles, or support for proxies, which makes a negotiated outcome more feasible.
  3. Almost every country, US military leaders, and Trump's advisers are urging against a war due to its risks and political costs, while Israel and its powerful US lobby remain the main forces pushing for military action.

‘Trump Is the Decider’: Inside the Fight over the Administration’s Iran Policy

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 885 implied HN points • 16 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Military Strategy
  1. There are two main groups within Trump's political circle: those who want less military involvement and those who support staying engaged, especially with Iran as a key issue.
  2. The debates between these groups are intense because they see the situation in Iran differently, with some viewing it as a risky war while others see it as a necessary fight against a nuclear threat.
  3. Recent comments from significant figures, like Tucker Carlson and Senator Rand Paul, highlight concerns about potential escalation into larger conflicts, indicating the stakes are high.

The Prigozhin Parable

Diane Francis • 1518 implied HN points • 24 Jul 23
🌍 World Politics Military Strategy
  1. The Prigozhin affair shows that Russia is controlled by a group of wealthy oligarchs who care more about money than the well-being of their people. This makes it hard to negotiate or find solutions to the ongoing war.
  2. Putin's response to the Prigozhin situation reveals his weakness and the corruption within the military. Despite military losses, he continues to escalate the conflict instead of seeking peace.
  3. To effectively end the war, the West needs to take strong actions against Russian oligarchs and their assets. The future of Russia may involve breaking it into smaller states, similar to what happened with the Soviet Union.

Weekend Update #159: Ukraine Is Much More Than Zelensky

Phillips’s Newsletter • 200 implied HN points • 16 Nov 25
🌍 World Politics Military Strategy
  1. Ukraine's fight for freedom is more important than any single politician, including President Zelensky. The people are making huge sacrifices for their rights and lives against a brutal enemy.
  2. The Ukrainian military is changing its attack strategy to focus on key Russian supply targets, like oil ports and power plants, to limit Russian capabilities during the winter.
  3. In the ongoing battle for Pokrovsk, there is debate on whether Ukraine should withdraw. The outcome relies heavily on understanding the losses on both sides and the overall strategy of the war.

Weekend Update #158: The Long Dark Winter Has Come Early

Phillips’s Newsletter • 219 implied HN points • 09 Nov 25
🌍 World Politics Military Strategy
  1. Ukrainian attacks on Russian power facilities are increasing, causing blackouts and showing vulnerabilities in the Russian power grid. This shift could change the dynamics of the conflict as both sides face harsh winter conditions.
  2. The battle for Pokrovsk is ongoing, with Ukraine holding most of the area but facing constant pressure from Russian forces. The significance of this location has shifted as analysts debate its strategic value amidst the costly confrontations.
  3. Recent sanctions on Russian oil trade are proving ineffective, as countries like India and China continue to purchase oil at similar rates. Political dealings, such as those involving Hungary, highlight the challenges in enforcing punitive measures against Russia.

Makers and takers

Wyclif's Dust • 2146 implied HN points • 09 Nov 24
🌍 World Politics Military Strategy
  1. Wars aren't always won by the richest countries. Sometimes, less wealthy states focus more on military spending and fighting, giving them advantages in conflict.
  2. Countries that struggle economically may prioritize making weapons and preparing for war, using their limited resources to specialize in conflict instead of production.
  3. Trade and economics are deeply connected to politics. In a world with no clear authority, countries often use military power to protect or expand their economic interests.

Biden Ramps Up Nuclear Brinkmanship On His Way Out The Door

Caitlin’s Newsletter • 1965 implied HN points • 18 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Military Strategy
  1. The Biden administration has authorized Ukraine to use long-range missiles supplied by the US against Russian military targets. This decision raises concerns about a possible escalation in the conflict.
  2. Some officials believe this move may not change the overall situation in the war, but it risks provoking a strong response from Russia. There's a fear of pushing the conflict closer to direct confrontation.
  3. This policy change comes as political shifts occur, with a new administration potentially less supportive of Ukraine on the horizon. The risks taken in this situation highlight the serious dangers present in current international relations.

Thinking Backwards.

Trying to Understand the World • 8 implied HN points • 25 Feb 26
🌍 World Politics Military Strategy
  1. The West is trapped in wishful thinking and intellectual ignorance about large-scale war and Russia, so leaders keep hoping for a miracle instead of facing political and military realities.
  2. Russia is pursuing a broad attrition strategy that targets Ukraine's overall war-making capacity, and modern technologies like drones now often favor the defender, so counting territory gains or losses misses the real strategic impact.
  3. Talk of "rearmament" is mostly money and slogans without coherent aims; sensible policy must start with clear strategic objectives and then work down to missions, tasks, capabilities and concepts of operation before buying equipment.

Ukrainian General Syrskyi Describes Aims and Goals of Kursk Operation in First-Ever CNN Interview

Glen’s Substack • 39 implied HN points • 06 Sep 24
🌍 World Politics Military Strategy
  1. Ukrainian General Syrskyi explained that the Kursk operation aims to stop Russian forces from launching new attacks and to boost Ukrainian morale.
  2. He noted that Ukrainian troops have successfully halted Russian advances in the Pokrovsk direction, showing that their strategy is working.
  3. Syrskyi emphasized the need for Ukraine to be smarter in warfare due to Russia's material advantages, focusing on effective tactics and high-tech weaponry.

Francis Drake’s swashbuckling spirit lives on in Kyiv’s Black Sea battles

Glen’s Substack • 39 implied HN points • 05 Sep 24
🌍 World Politics Military Strategy
  1. Ukrainian military chief Kyrylo Budanov is using new technology like sea drones to attack the Russian navy in the Black Sea. This modern strategy is similar to Sir Francis Drake’s historic tactics.
  2. Ukraine’s use of unmanned surface vehicles (USVs) is changing naval warfare and helping them take on Russia's stronger navy. These drones are proving effective in disrupting supply lines and targeting enemy ships.
  3. Despite being outmatched in the Black Sea, Ukraine's innovative use of USVs is forcing Russia to alter its strategies and pull back its naval forces, which might help Ukraine resume its grain exports.

Putin's Push

Diane Francis • 1059 implied HN points • 28 Sep 23
🌍 World Politics Military Strategy
  1. Putin is under pressure to improve Russia's military situation quickly. His aggressive tactics are leading to more risks and causing problems for his already strained forces.
  2. Russian military leaders face issues with payments and morale, creating a culture of incompetence. Some officers even sold information to Ukraine, showing a lack of trust and discipline.
  3. Ukraine is gaining ground with new support from Western weapons, making it harder for Russia to maintain control, especially in Crimea. This shift could lead to significant changes in power if Ukraine succeeds.

Ukraine Breakthrough

Diane Francis • 159 implied HN points • 03 Jun 24
🌍 World Politics Military Strategy
  1. Ukraine is being allowed to use long-range missiles against targets in Russia, which could change the war's dynamics.
  2. This move is seen as significant for Ukraine's military strategy.
  3. The discussion on this topic reflects broader discussions about international support for Ukraine in the conflict.

Ruble, Rubble, Death Spiral

Diane Francis • 999 implied HN points • 24 Aug 23
🌍 World Politics Military Strategy
  1. Russia is facing a financial crisis due to a sharp drop in oil prices and reduced exports. This has made it difficult for them to fund their military operations and keep the economy stable.
  2. Ukraine is actively targeting Russian shipping routes to disrupt their oil exports. This strategy not only impacts Russia's income but also serves as a psychological tactic against the Russian public.
  3. With many skilled workers leaving Russia and international isolation tightening, the country's currency is weakening. This causes increasing economic pressure on the government, making it harder for them to maintain control.

Revisiting the Iraq War

In My Tribe • 516 implied HN points • 03 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Military Strategy
  1. Cheney often bypassed bureaucracy to get the answers he wanted, which upset some people in the system. This approach can help leaders get clearer information instead of relying on filtered reports.
  2. The decision to invade Iraq wasn't made directly by any single person; instead, it was a gradual result of many different opinions and actions, much like an ant colony finding food.
  3. The lack of clear discussion and planning about the invasion led to confusion about goals and methods, which made it hard to understand the risks involved. This shows how disorganized decision-making can have serious consequences.

Ukrainian Exceptionalism

Diane Francis • 979 implied HN points • 07 Sep 23
🌍 World Politics Military Strategy
  1. Ukraine has shown remarkable resilience and innovation in its war against Russia, using advanced technology and a strong community spirit. They are known for developing new weapons like drones that give them an edge despite being outnumbered.
  2. The country boasts a high level of education and has a large number of skilled engineers and IT workers. This expertise helps Ukraine to build and adapt technology quickly to support their military efforts.
  3. Ukraine is transforming how wars are fought with smart tech and creativity. Their approach, including using civilian resources and tech teams, has changed the battlefield and shocked their adversaries.

Can Great Power Politics Be Ethical?

Castalia • 299 implied HN points • 27 Mar 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Military Strategy
  1. Great power politics often involves tough choices where states prioritize their own interests. This leads to conflicts and a belief that violence can sometimes be necessary to maintain power.
  2. Realism, a key theory in international relations, suggests that international laws and good intentions often don't work. Instead, powerful nations will act according to their own interests, regardless of fairness.
  3. Despite hopes for a more cooperative international system, powerful states rarely act differently than weaker ones, and this creates a cycle of conflict driven by the pursuit of power.