The hottest Military Strategy Substack posts right now

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Top World Politics Topics

I've Got Hazel On My Mind.

C.O.P. Central Organizing Principle. • 30 implied HN points • 09 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy Military Strategy International relations Political Analysis Geopolitics
  1. The U.S. is struggling to maintain its global power and influence, especially after recent military moves in Syria. Many believe these actions are more of a bluff than a real strategy.
  2. Syria's leadership is seen as having outsmarted the U.S. and avoided additional bloodshed by strategically retreating from conflict with their military. This retreat highlights the complicated dynamics between the U.S., Russia, and Iran.
  3. With U.S. military recruitment dropping and challenges in fighting through allies, there is concern that America's military strength is weakening and it might lose its standing in international relations.

The Putin Pivot

Diane Francis • 839 implied HN points • 04 May 23
🌍 World Politics Geopolitics Diplomacy Conflict International relations Military Strategy
  1. Countries around the world are stepping away from Putin as his army struggles in Ukraine. People are noticing the ongoing violence and loss of life.
  2. Russia's military is facing big problems, including shortages of ammo and low morale among troops. Many soldiers are unhappy and refuse to fight without proper support.
  3. The battle for Crimea is key for both Ukraine and Russia. If Ukraine can regain control of Crimea, it could lead to a major shift in the war and possibly impact Putin's power.

Putin's Nuclear Gambit

Diane Francis • 699 implied HN points • 19 Jun 23
🌍 World Politics International relations Military Strategy Geopolitical Conflicts
  1. Putin's government is under pressure, and they have made nuclear threats that raise serious concerns in the West. The potential use of a nuclear power plant as a dangerous weapon makes the situation even more alarming.
  2. A nuclear attack or even an explosion at a nuclear facility could cause terrible fallout that would affect many countries, not just Ukraine. This poses huge risks to human health and the environment.
  3. Western countries need to respond more strongly to Russia's actions, like moving nuclear weapons to Belarus and occupying Ukraine's nuclear sites. Supporting Ukraine more aggressively could help prevent a nuclear disaster.

Failure in the Sahel

Comment is Freed • 68 implied HN points • 03 Nov 24
🌍 World Politics International relations Military Strategy Geopolitical analysis Conflict resolution
  1. The Sahel region is experiencing deep instability due to power struggles among armed groups and ineffective governance. This has left many communities feeling unsafe and seeking protection on their own.
  2. Russia has been stepping in where France failed, offering military support to various Sahel countries. However, their tactics have led to increased violence and civilian casualties.
  3. External interventions often struggle when host governments lack commitment and support from their people. Success in the Sahel would require better governance and stability rather than just military force.

Poison, Putsch, or Prigozhin?

Diane Francis • 779 implied HN points • 15 May 23
🌍 World Politics Geopolitics International relations Military Strategy Political Leadership Conflict resolution
  1. Evgeny Prigozhin from Wagner Group is publicly criticizing Russia's military failures, which shows that things might be unstable in the Kremlin. His actions suggest he could be positioning himself for a potential leadership role if there's a regime change.
  2. Russia's military is facing significant issues, with reports of retreats and poor leadership. This might lead to a potential coup where military leaders and oligarchs come together to replace Putin if conditions worsen.
  3. The internal conflict within Russia is growing as Prigozhin highlights the flaws in military strategies. If Russia continues to struggle in the war, the next leader will need to pivot from aggressive nationalism to seek peace and address the country's issues.
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Europe/Germany Has Failed (Because Ukraine Did Better Than Expected)

Phillips’s Newsletter • 91 implied HN points • 15 Oct 24
🌍 World Politics International relations European Politics National Security Military Strategy Geopolitics
  1. Europe has struggled to respond effectively to major challenges, leading to divisions and inaction among its countries and institutions.
  2. The 'Zeitenwende' speech by Germany's Chancellor Scholz marked a significant moment, but it hasn't led to the expected changes in Europe's stance after the invasion of Ukraine.
  3. There are doubts about whether Europe can succeed as a united entity in the face of these challenges, especially when relying on external influences to force action.

Updated! Here's Why, We Are Not On The Precipice Of WWIII.

C.O.P. Central Organizing Principle. • 36 implied HN points • 27 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy Military Strategy International relations Political Rhetoric
  1. The U.S. has been slowly increasing its military involvement in Ukraine, which some see as a form of 'mission creep'. This has led to fears of escalating tensions with Russia.
  2. Russia has developed advanced weapons that could change the balance of power, making it hard for the U.S. to respond effectively in a conflict. This might deter any first-strike nuclear action from both sides.
  3. Politicians in the U.S. often exaggerate the threat of nuclear war for political gain, but many believe that actual war is unlikely due to the principle of mutually assured destruction.

BIBI UNBOWED

Seymour Hersh • 36 implied HN points • 05 Dec 24
🌍 World Politics Middle East International relations Political Leadership Military Strategy Conflict analysis
  1. Netanyahu remains popular among the extreme religious right in Israel despite facing corruption charges. His political support appears strong even after significant military actions in Gaza and Lebanon.
  2. Israel has seen increased military and financial backing from the U.S., which helps bolster Netanyahu's government amid a struggling economy.
  3. Netanyahu's family life seems complicated, with his sons living comfortably abroad while many peers serve in the military during ongoing conflicts.

The Sword Is Mightier...

Trying to Understand the World • 6 implied HN points • 22 Jan 25
🌍 World Politics International relations Military Strategy Geopolitics Conflict resolution Diplomatic Affairs
  1. Military action should always have a clear purpose, focusing on the political goals you want to achieve. This prevents the mistakes of sending forces just to 'show determination' without a real plan.
  2. Creating lasting peace requires knowing what the end situation should look like. If no one agrees on the goals, it's hard to move forward and find solutions that work for everyone involved.
  3. Using military forces to solve political issues often fails. A successful resolution needs to be driven by political agreement, not just military presence, to avoid further conflict.

Commentator

Castalia • 299 implied HN points • 12 Dec 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy Public Opinion Military Strategy Human Rights Higher education
  1. Public opinion plays a huge role in international conflicts, often influencing how countries act. It's surprising how much leaders consider public sentiment when making decisions about wars like those in Gaza and Ukraine.
  2. American universities are facing tension between free speech and protecting students. The recent actions of university presidents show a struggle to balance these principles, leading to calls for free speech policies amid accusations of hypocrisy.
  3. The complex nature of global power dynamics means that decisions made can cause significant harm, yet they may be seen as necessary in political terms. This understanding challenges the naive view that nations can act purely on moral grounds.

NATO failed in Ukraine against Russia. Now it's targeting China

Geopolitical Economy Report • 418 implied HN points • 03 Aug 23
🌍 World Politics Imperialism Food security Trade Relations Military Strategy
  1. NATO's shift from targeting Russia in Ukraine to targeting China in the Pacific is a significant geopolitical move.
  2. There are divisions within NATO, with European business interests pushing back against the political establishment's support for the US-led agenda.
  3. The breakdown of the Grain Deal signifies larger issues of imperialism and economic interests, highlighting the complexities of global trade dynamics.

‘I WOULD HAVE DROPPED THREE NUCLEAR BOMBS’

Seymour Hersh • 43 implied HN points • 21 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy Middle East Military Strategy Political Commentary International relations
  1. The history of genocide influences current Israeli actions, leading to justification for extreme measures. Many Israeli leaders do not question this past influence.
  2. Some Israelis are unhappy with their government's actions, particularly Prime Minister Netanyahu, and believe he should face consequences for his corruption.
  3. The ongoing conflict impacts families directly, with many having served in the military and living under constant tension.

The Short War Illusion: The Real US Achilles Heel

Phillips’s Newsletter • 80 implied HN points • 08 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Defense Policy International relations Military Strategy Geopolitics Security Studies
  1. Many people wrongly believe that wars will end quickly, but history shows us that's often not the case. Thinking a war will wrap up in a few days is a dangerous illusion.
  2. This 'short war' mindset has been repeated before, like during the start of World War I and the early stages of the Ukraine conflict. Such beliefs can lead to serious strategic mistakes.
  3. The U.S. defense industry currently faces challenges that could make quick victories unlikely, especially in potential conflicts with countries like China. It’s important to prepare for long-term engagements.

The Logic of the Chips Escalation

Policy Tensor • 393 implied HN points • 23 Jul 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics National Security Cybersecurity Foreign Relations Military Strategy Government Policy
  1. The concentration of authority in the national security advisor's office is vital for the security state's functioning.
  2. The chips escalation is driven by concerns over the cyber security of US nuclear command and control.
  3. Maintaining US primacy in the cyber realm is crucial to ensure the credibility of US nuclear deterrence.

Report: Israeli drones lure Palestinians with crying children recordings, then shoot them

God's Spies by Thomas Neuburger • 120 implied HN points • 04 Dec 24
🌍 World Politics Conflict International relations Human Rights Middle East Military Strategy
  1. Israeli drones are reportedly using recordings of crying children to trick Palestinians into coming out of hiding. This tactic has led to serious injuries and deaths when the drones then fire on them.
  2. A recent UN report highlights that a significant number of casualties from the Israeli assault in Gaza are women and children, with many of the victims being young kids.
  3. The actions being described are viewed by many as deeply immoral, and there is a strong sentiment that those who support or enable this violence are complicit in the harm done.

Ukraine’s Strategic Drone Offensive Against Russian Energy: Part One

Glen’s Substack • 79 implied HN points • 26 May 24
🌍 World Politics International relations Military Strategy Conflict analysis Energy security Geopolitics
  1. Ukraine is using long-range drones to attack Russian oil refineries and energy facilities. This is a new strategy that disrupts Russia's economy and war efforts.
  2. These drone strikes have significantly reduced Russian oil production, leading to increased fuel prices and supply shortages in Russia. It's estimated that Ukrainian attacks have cut Russian oil production by about 14%.
  3. By targeting specific energy infrastructure rather than ports, Ukraine aims to hurt Russia's ability to refine oil, causing deeper economic issues without triggering a spike in global oil prices.

NATO: Fight "Fire with Fire"

Diane Francis • 759 implied HN points • 06 Feb 23
🌍 World Politics International relations Military Strategy Geopolitics Conflict analysis Defense Policy
  1. NATO needs to increase military support for Ukraine quickly to match Russia's aggression. Ukraine requires more tanks, fighter jets, and long-range rockets to effectively counter Putin's forces.
  2. The conflict between Ukraine and Russia is unlikely to end with negotiations. A decisive victory for Ukraine is necessary to ensure peace and the removal of Putin's threat.
  3. To avoid a stalemate, the West must fully commit to supporting Ukraine's military efforts. This includes supplying advanced weapons and making clear announcements of support to boost morale and deter Russia.

China, Ukraine & The Western Soul with N.S. Lyons

The Bigger Picture • 1298 implied HN points • 31 Mar 22
🌍 World Politics Geopolitics National Identity Military Strategy
  1. Tragedy in Ukraine is causing a clash of cultural psychologies and shifting the world order.
  2. The concept of 'Breach events' occurs when online narratives impact the physical world and lead to unintended consequences.
  3. The invasion of Ukraine prompts a reawakening to the realities of geopolitics and a confrontation between virtual world narratives and physical reality.

Russia Will Snap

Diane Francis • 879 implied HN points • 26 Sep 22
🌍 World Politics International relations Military Strategy Political Movements Geopolitical Conflicts Human Rights
  1. Many Russians are fleeing the country because they fear being forced into the military. Reports suggest the government might draft many more than the announced amount.
  2. The Russian army is struggling with low morale and issues like alcoholism. This makes the army less effective and raises concerns about their ability to fight well.
  3. Putin's strategy of using less privileged groups for military service could backfire. It may cause more unrest among these populations and lead to greater opposition against the war.

Ukrainian Drone Strategy Against Russian Energy Infrastructure: Part Two

Glen’s Substack • 39 implied HN points • 26 Jun 24
🌍 World Politics International Conflict Military Strategy Geopolitics Defense Policy
  1. Ukraine has improved its drone technology, with new models like Nynja and Lyutyi enabling long-range attacks on Russian energy facilities. This has allowed them to expand their strike capabilities significantly.
  2. Artificial Intelligence (AI) is crucial for these drones, helping them navigate through Russian defenses and improve accuracy. This technology allows drones to operate autonomously without satellite communication.
  3. There has been a shift in Ukraine's military stance, demonstrating confidence in using drones for strategic strikes. Successful attacks on key refinery components can cripple Russian operations and reduce their oil refining capacity.

Ukraine's New World Order

Diane Francis • 679 implied HN points • 14 Nov 22
🌍 World Politics Geopolitics International relations Military Strategy Conflict Studies Sovereignty
  1. Ukraine's recapture of Kherson shows they are strong and determined to push Russian forces out. This event has shifted the balance in the war and increased support from Western nations.
  2. The conflict has exposed Russia's weaknesses and united many countries against its aggression. This unity may change the geopolitical landscape and weaken Russia's influence worldwide.
  3. A peaceful resolution might not be possible now, as Ukraine wants to restore its borders completely. They are ready to continue fighting to ensure a future without Russian threats.

How to Beat Russia

Diane Francis • 719 implied HN points • 24 Oct 22
🌍 World Politics Geopolitics Military Strategy International relations Conflict resolution National Security
  1. Putin controls Russia like a mobster, using fear and intimidation to maintain power. He started a war in Ukraine out of greed and desperation, not because of NATO threats.
  2. For Ukraine to succeed, the West must fully support it. This includes military aid and using frozen Russian assets to fund Ukraine's defense.
  3. If Russia wins this conflict, it could lead to more aggression in Europe. It’s crucial for Ukraine to win, or else other countries could be next on Putin's list.

Nuremberg not Negotiations

Diane Francis • 599 implied HN points • 19 Dec 22
🌍 World Politics International relations Conflict Studies Diplomacy Military Strategy Human Rights
  1. Negotiating with Putin is unlikely to lead to peace because he views the conflict as a way to regain control over Ukraine. A better approach is to intensify military efforts until he is defeated.
  2. Ukraine's recent successful strikes show its growing military capabilities and challenge Russia's strength, but some leaders are still pushing for negotiations, which might encourage Putin rather than stop him.
  3. History shows that wars typically end with one side defeated, not through friendly negotiations. Ukraine needs strong military support to secure its territories and ensure lasting peace.

Paying For Peace

Model Thinking • 239 implied HN points • 26 Mar 23
🌍 World Politics Conflict resolution Military Strategy Economic Impact International relations Peace negotiations
  1. One potential strategy to end the conflict between Russia and Ukraine is to pay Russian soldiers to surrender, offering significant sums of money and potentially EU citizenship for them and their families.
  2. Economist Bryan Caplan suggests that offering both payments and citizenship could be more effective in incentivizing soldiers to defect compared to just financial compensation.
  3. By estimating the impact and potential gains of implementing such a strategy, it is suggested that it could lead to a quicker end of the war, saving significant resources and lives, if successfully executed.

Ukraine's Turning Point

Diane Francis • 6 HN points • 22 Aug 24
🌍 World Politics Geopolitics International relations Military Strategy Conflict analysis Russian Politics
  1. Ukraine's recent military actions have turned the tide of the war, causing significant distress for Russia. This bold move has shown Ukraine's strength and highlighted weaknesses within Russia.
  2. Key figures in Russia are publicly questioning Putin's leadership and the war efforts. This shift indicates growing unrest and doubt about the government's stability among the elite.
  3. International dynamics are shifting as world leaders see Russia's struggles. Countries like India and Germany are considering more involvement, which could change the course of support for Ukraine.

The Missile Will Always Get Through.

Trying to Understand the World • 15 implied HN points • 04 Dec 24
🌍 World Politics Military Strategy International relations Conflict analysis Geopolitics Defense Policy
  1. Russia has developed advanced missile technology that can accurately strike targets far away. This puts them in a strong position since these missiles are hard to intercept.
  2. The West's reliance on manned aircraft for attacks is outdated compared to Russia's focus on missile capabilities. This means Russia can hit important infrastructure while the West struggles to defend against these attacks.
  3. Western leaders may not fully grasp the threat posed by Russia's missile advancements. There is a risk that they will ignore the reality of their vulnerability and not prepare adequately for potential conflicts.

National Security Space Launch: ULA and Trust Issues

Ill-Defined Space • 28 implied HN points • 08 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics National Security Government Trust Military Strategy
  1. SpaceX has secured all recent Department of Defense launch contracts, leaving ULA with no awards this time. This is surprising since ULA typically wins a good portion of these types of contracts.
  2. The DoD seems to have lost trust in ULA's ability to deliver launches reliably. ULA's delays and problems with their Vulcan rocket have contributed to this change in perception.
  3. Despite the DoD's efforts to promote competition in the launch market, they currently rely heavily on SpaceX for national security launches. This poses a risk as it creates dependency on a single provider.

The Future of Autonomous Weapons Systems

The Future of Life • 19 implied HN points • 07 Jul 24
🕹 Technology AI Systems Autonomous Vehicles Military Strategy Cyber Warfare
  1. Autonomous weapons systems are rapidly developing, especially after the Russia-Ukraine war, with countries learning from real battlefield experiences. Bigger nations like the US and China may soon engage in a 'drone wars' cold war using these technologies.
  2. There are phases of evolution for these systems. It starts with semi-autonomous units, progresses to more independent operations, and eventually leads to fully integrated battle networks where AI makes most tactical decisions.
  3. By 2030, the use of autonomous weapons will be widespread, making human combatants less effective on the battlefield. New strategies will focus on mass deploying these systems and using advanced AI for decision making.

Russia's Armaggedon-ism

Diane Francis • 599 implied HN points • 17 Oct 22
🌍 World Politics Geopolitics Military Strategy International relations Nuclear Issues Conflict resolution
  1. Russia's use of nuclear threats has mostly backfired, making Ukraine more determined and leading to increased support for military aid from the West.
  2. Despite claiming nuclear readiness, Russia has not prepared its military for actual nuclear deployment, showing that these threats are mainly for intimidation.
  3. The war has led to a stronger alliance among Western nations and a shift in Putin's strategy towards recruiting more troops instead of relying on nuclear options.

The Year of Failing To Understand.

Trying to Understand the World • 9 implied HN points • 18 Dec 24
🌍 World Politics Conflict resolution International relations Political theory Geopolitics Military Strategy
  1. In 2024, the West struggled to understand global events, often failing to grasp the real reasons behind them. This gap in understanding is seen as a mix of ignorance and arrogance.
  2. There are deeper issues at play in conflicts, such as the role of religion and the nature of violence in different societies. These aspects often go unnoticed in western perspectives, leading to misinterpretations of motivations.
  3. As global dynamics shift, the West's old ways of thinking are becoming less effective. The next year could bring important changes that the West will need to face, potentially leading to new opportunities and understandings.

A Strange Defeat.

Trying to Understand the World • 15 implied HN points • 20 Nov 24
🌍 World Politics International relations Conflict analysis Political Psychology Security Studies Military Strategy
  1. Western leaders are struggling to understand the real situation in Ukraine. They often rely on outdated ideas and don't recognize the complexities of the conflict.
  2. There's a lack of clear strategy from NATO and Western nations regarding how to manage the crisis. Instead of planning, they seem to be reacting to events without a solid goal.
  3. The current generation of political leaders lacks the experience and skills needed for high-stakes crises. This has led to confusion and ineffective decision-making in dealing with the war in Ukraine.

EU-topia, Wake Up

Diane Francis • 559 implied HN points • 28 Jul 22
🌍 World Politics Geopolitics International Affairs Military Strategy Energy Policy Foreign Relations
  1. Putin has been using gas supply issues as a weapon against Europe, causing a crisis. Europe is now working on plans to save energy and lessen reliance on Russian gas.
  2. European leaders are starting to understand the serious threat from Putin and are taking steps to unify against him. They are acknowledging the need for a coordinated response to support Ukraine.
  3. There is a growing military presence in Europe, with NATO increasing troops to deter further Russian aggression. The situation in Ukraine is critical for Europe's security, and unity is essential to prevent a wider conflict.

Why Russia Must Lose

Diane Francis • 619 implied HN points • 09 Jun 22
🌍 World Politics Geopolitics Conflict International relations Military Strategy Political Analysis
  1. Ukraine's passion for survival gives them strength against Russia's military power. They will do anything to protect their country after facing attacks.
  2. Support from allies, like the U.S. and NATO, helps Ukraine resist Russian advances. Providing weapons and aid makes a difference in the fight.
  3. If Russia gains any territory in Ukraine, it will strengthen Putin's hold on power and be a threat to Europe. Russia must lose the war for global stability.

The Arctic War

Diane Francis • 499 implied HN points • 18 Aug 22
🌍 World Politics Geopolitics Military Strategy International relations Resource Management
  1. Russia is claiming control over the Arctic, leading to increased military activity in the region. This has raised concerns among other countries and prompted them to strengthen their defense strategies.
  2. The melting ice in the Arctic could open new shipping routes, but currently, Russia’s Northern Sea Route appears to be the most viable option. This could significantly change trade dynamics between Europe and Asia.
  3. The struggle for influence in the Arctic is not just about territory, but also about resources and trade. Other countries are wary of Russia's aggressive posturing and its impact on global power balances.

Rats Jump Ship

Diane Francis • 679 implied HN points • 10 Mar 22
🌍 World Politics International relations Geopolitics Military Strategy Conflict resolution Diplomacy
  1. No agreement was reached in the meeting between Ukraine and Russia, which was a disappointment. This shows that tensions are still high and negotiations are tough.
  2. Russia seems to have the advantage in this situation, as they are demanding complete surrender from Ukraine. This makes it harder for Ukraine to negotiate a better outcome.
  3. Turkey is trying to help by being a mediator, but the outcome of the talks doesn't look promising given the circumstances. It's a complicated situation for everyone involved.

Desperation Time in Ukraine

John’s Substack • 12 implied HN points • 24 Nov 24
🌍 World Politics International relations Conflict Studies Policy Analysis Military Strategy Geopolitics
  1. The situation in Ukraine is very serious and there is a sense of urgency. Many people are feeling desperate as the conflict continues.
  2. The Biden Administration's actions in Ukraine are being closely examined. There are concerns about how these decisions may affect the future of the country.
  3. Conversations around the conflict reveal a lot of different opinions and predictions. It's important to stay informed and understand the different perspectives involved.

Nuke or no nuke?

Diane Francis • 539 implied HN points • 02 May 22
🌍 World Politics Nuclear Issues International relations Military Strategy Conflict analysis
  1. The situation in Ukraine is serious, and the risk of nuclear weapons being used is growing. Leaders are worried that Russia might resort to using tactical nuclear weapons in the conflict.
  2. There are many tactical nuclear weapons out there, which are deadlier than most people realize. They can cause massive destruction, similar to the bomb that hit Hiroshima, and Russia has a large stockpile of them.
  3. World leaders need to change their approach to dealing with threats from Russia. Instead of just scolding or warning, they should make clear that there will be very serious consequences if nuclear weapons are used.