The hottest Military Strategy Substack posts right now

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Top World Politics Topics

The Biggest Under-Reported Story of 2025

Phillips’s Newsletter • 137 implied HN points • 18 Nov 25
🌍 World Politics Military Strategy
  1. China is increasing its support for Russia in the war, which could significantly impact the situation in Ukraine.
  2. Unlike Russia, China has the vast resources to supply weapons and support, making a prolonged conflict more likely.
  3. Under Donald Trump's presidency, US support for Ukraine has decreased, allowing China to step up its backing for Russia.

NATO Escalation & Propaganda Take Us to War

Glenn’s Substack • 119 implied HN points • 10 Jun 24
🌍 World Politics Military Strategy
  1. NATO's actions are escalating tensions, which could lead to war. It's important to understand how military alliances affect global peace.
  2. Propaganda plays a big role in shaping public opinion about war. People need to be critical of the information they receive.
  3. Dialogue and conversation are crucial to prevent misunderstandings. Clear communication can help avoid unnecessary conflict.

After Venezuela, Greenland Needs A Nuke.

JoeWrote • 54 implied HN points • 07 Jan 26
🌍 World Politics Military Strategy
  1. The U.S. government is using unilateral military force and public threats to control other countries, directly violating their sovereignty.
  2. That aggressive posture is eroding international norms and reviving imperialist doctrines, while allies, the media, and domestic politicians are not effectively checking it.
  3. Facing this threat, vulnerable nations may rush to acquire nuclear weapons or strengthen their militaries as the only reliable deterrent, even though that raises global danger.

Taiwan: Trump’s Most Dangerous Global Challenge

The Upheaval • 1135 implied HN points • 20 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Military Strategy
  1. China sees taking over Taiwan as a crucial goal to establish itself as a world superpower. They've set deadlines for this, with some leaders believing they need to act soon before circumstances change.
  2. The U.S. military faces serious challenges in defending Taiwan, including its reliance on long supply chains and manufacturing that could leave it vulnerable in a conflict. This might make it hard to respond quickly if an invasion happens.
  3. Defending Taiwan is not just about supporting democracy; it's about protecting U.S. interests globally. Losing Taiwan could shake the U.S.'s standing in the world and lead to a big economic crisis at home.

The Shadow Commander Edition

Why is this interesting? • 482 implied HN points • 12 Jun 25
🌍 World Politics Military Strategy
  1. Qassem Soleimani was a powerful figure in the Middle East who influenced many conflicts, but most people didn't know who he was. His methods involved quiet diplomacy and personal connections rather than flashy displays of power.
  2. Soleimani built a complex network of militias that depended on his relationships and the stories he told. His approach showed that personal influence can sometimes be more powerful than formal agreements.
  3. After his death, the network he created began to weaken. This highlights that even intricate systems can unravel without strong leadership and the personal relationships that fueled them.
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What's The Least Bad Alternative?

John’s Substack • 8 implied HN points • 24 Feb 26
🌍 World Politics Military Strategy
  1. There is serious debate about whether the US could or would launch a military attack on Iran.
  2. There’s no clear conclusion on whether an attack will happen, and leaders appear to face only bad choices rather than a viable option.
  3. Given the two bad alternatives, the least bad choice is to refrain from attacking Iran.

Vlad the Terrible

Diane Francis • 1019 implied HN points • 29 Jun 23
🌍 World Politics Military Strategy
  1. Putin is facing serious challenges to his power after a failed mutiny, showing that his grip on Russia is weakening. Many in his inner circle are worried and uncertain about his leadership.
  2. The oligarchs and elites in Russia are tired of the ongoing war and its negative impact on their businesses. They might push for a change in leadership or a shift in strategy to stabilize the country.
  3. There is potential for a new administration of moderates to emerge, which could lead to negotiations to end the war in Ukraine and help rebuild Russia.

Ukraine and Goliath

Diane Francis • 999 implied HN points • 25 May 23
🌍 World Politics Military Strategy
  1. Ukraine is gaining international support by meeting with world leaders. This has helped them secure financial aid and military resources to strengthen their fight.
  2. The battle in Bakhmut has exposed weaknesses in Russia's military. While it has been costly, it has delayed Russian advances and boosted Ukraine's strategic planning.
  3. Ukraine is preparing to improve its air force with advanced jets and defense systems. This will help protect its skies and enhance its military capabilities against Russia.

Are War Crimes and Ranged Fires The Future Of War?

Phillips’s Newsletter • 117 implied HN points • 07 Nov 25
🌍 World Politics Military Strategy
  1. The future of war may involve increased use of long-range weapons, making clear battlefields less relevant.
  2. Countries seem to be more willing to commit war crimes while using these weapons, showing a troubling trend.
  3. This shift in warfare is visible from major countries like the USA and Russia and might lead to more targeting of non-combatants.

A Deep Dive on Iran

John’s Substack • 11 implied HN points • 14 Feb 26
🌍 World Politics Military Strategy
  1. A recent Netanyahu–Trump meeting disappointed Israeli expectations and revealed tensions between allies.
  2. There is no clear or credible military strategy to win a war against Iran, making any such plan highly risky and uncertain.
  3. Many experts are overconfident, claiming the US can easily solve the Iran problem by force and that Ukraine has the upper hand against Russia, despite evidence to the contrary.

Russia Collapses

Diane Francis • 1199 implied HN points • 16 Mar 23
🌍 World Politics Military Strategy
  1. Many Russians are living in poverty due to the long-lasting war and its effects on the economy. People are struggling with basic needs like heat, water, and jobs.
  2. Putin is not being truthful about the state of the Russian economy. Western sanctions are hurting it badly, and many businesses have shut down as capital is leaving the country.
  3. Russia's energy trade is in trouble because of price caps and Europe moving away from Russian oil and gas. This is leading to a significant drop in state revenues and economic decline.

NATO + Ukraine

Diane Francis • 759 implied HN points • 10 Jul 23
🌍 World Politics Military Strategy
  1. NATO is discussing whether to commit to Ukraine's future membership, which many believe is crucial given Ukraine's sacrifices.
  2. Without a clear commitment from NATO, the ongoing conflict may continue longer than necessary.
  3. There's a strong call for NATO to provide Ukraine with a no-fly zone and air support immediately.

Putin's Other Genocides

Diane Francis • 819 implied HN points • 12 Jun 23
🌍 World Politics Military Strategy
  1. Putin is using ethnic minorities in Russia to fight in Ukraine, putting them at greater risk of dying in battle. Many of these groups, like Tatars and Mongols, are being forced into the military without proper training.
  2. Russia's treatment of its ethnic minorities has led to growing resentment and activism among these groups. They are starting to organize against the government and some are even supporting Ukraine in the conflict.
  3. The war is revealing deep inequalities in Russia, with minorities facing discrimination and poverty. Activist groups from these regions are emerging to protest and help those targeted by the draft.

The Putin Pivot

Diane Francis • 839 implied HN points • 04 May 23
🌍 World Politics 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 Military Strategy
  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.

Poison, Putsch, or Prigozhin?

Diane Francis • 779 implied HN points • 15 May 23
🌍 World Politics Military Strategy
  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.

The VDV

kamilkazani • 432 implied HN points • 02 Aug 23
🌍 World Politics Military Strategy
  1. Paratroopers in Russia are an elite force and play a special role in military operations.
  2. Russian paratroopers are dropped behind enemy lines in offensive operations.
  3. Paratroopers focus on suppressing mutinies and rebellions rather than engaging with enemy armies.

Commentator

Castalia • 299 implied HN points • 12 Dec 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Military Strategy
  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 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.

The Russia in Syria Edition

Why is this interesting? • 603 implied HN points • 10 Dec 24
🌍 World Politics Military Strategy
  1. Syria is now in a very unstable state after Assad's regime is gone. This situation brings many challenges, like dealing with chemical weapons and returning refugees.
  2. Russia's naval port in Tartus and airfield in Hmeimim are key for their military power in the Middle East. Losing these would hurt Russia's strategy, especially with ongoing issues in Ukraine.
  3. Moscow is working hard to keep these bases by forming new alliances and adapting their approach. This shows how important Syria is for Russia's influence in the region.

The Logic of the Chips Escalation

Policy Tensor • 393 implied HN points • 23 Jul 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Military Strategy
  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.

Strategic Ambiguity vs. Clarity

ChinaTalk • 459 implied HN points • 10 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Military Strategy
  1. Strategic ambiguity means the US isn't clear about defending Taiwan, aiming to prevent both Taiwan's independence and Chinese aggression. This policy has been followed since Nixon, but some think it's outdated.
  2. Strategic clarity would mean the US openly commits to defending Taiwan, which could deter China and reassure allies, but might provoke a stronger Chinese response.
  3. The debate is ongoing, with many arguing for evidence-based choices instead of just sticking to old beliefs, given the evolving situation in Taiwan and China.

A Third World War?

Thinking about... • 616 implied HN points • 25 Nov 24
🌍 World Politics Military Strategy
  1. Ukrainians are fighting hard to keep the war contained in their country, which helps prevent a bigger conflict that could involve more nations. Their efforts are like firefighters protecting everyone else from a dangerous situation.
  2. Support for Ukraine is crucial. If other countries stop backing Ukraine while they fight against Russia, it could lead to a larger global conflict and even more nations getting nuclear weapons.
  3. Hysteria and fear can lead to bad decisions that make the situation worse. It's important to stay calm and recognize that supporting Ukraine helps make the world a safer place for everyone.

The European Humiliation By Trump Is Ultimately Europe's Fault

Phillips’s Newsletter • 168 implied HN points • 29 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Military Strategy
  1. Europe used to be seen as a strong power, but now it feels weaker compared to the USA. This shift has left Europe in a tough position.
  2. In a recent trade deal, Europe made several one-sided concessions to the USA, showing their vulnerability. It seems like Europe gave a lot and received very little in return.
  3. The decline in European military strength and confidence in defense contributed to their current situation. Many Europeans stopped preparing for potential conflicts, relying too much on the USA for support.

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

Glen’s Substack • 79 implied HN points • 26 May 24
🌍 World Politics Military Strategy
  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.

World Policing or World Perfecting?

In My Tribe • 637 implied HN points • 19 Oct 24
🌍 World Politics Military Strategy
  1. Policing the world can be necessary sometimes, like ensuring safe navigation and commerce. However, trying to forcefully change other countries' systems usually leads to problems.
  2. Past U.S. actions in the Middle East often focused too much on perfection, like trying to build democracies instead of just maintaining order. This overreaching has had high costs without much benefit.
  3. America should find a balance between policing and staying less involved globally. While policing might not be ideal, it's often better than allowing worse alternatives like unchecked aggression from other nations.

Weekend Update #144: The Triumph Of Ukrainian Civil Society (And The Degradation Of Ours)

Phillips’s Newsletter • 158 implied HN points • 03 Aug 25
🌍 World Politics Military Strategy
  1. Ukrainian civil society is powerful and has shown resilience, especially by opposing government actions that threaten anti-corruption agencies. This unity indicates a strong desire for a better future.
  2. Recent ranged attacks by Ukraine on Russian logistics suggest a more aggressive military strategy, but it's unclear if they can maintain this momentum over time.
  3. Criticism of leaders, like Zelensky, doesn't weaken the democratic efforts in Ukraine; rather, it strengthens them by holding officials accountable and pushing for a transparent government.

NATO: Fight "Fire with Fire"

Diane Francis • 759 implied HN points • 06 Feb 23
🌍 World Politics Military Strategy
  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.

So Trump Bombed Iran--Thankfully, Wars Always End In A Day

Phillips’s Newsletter • 209 implied HN points • 23 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Military Strategy
  1. Wars often start with a lot of uncertainty. It's hard to predict how a conflict will play out in the long run and what the actual outcomes will be.
  2. The idea of a quick and easy victory in war is often an illusion. Even successful military campaigns can lead to ongoing problems and complications.
  3. Some people who criticized military interventions in the past may flip their stance if the leadership changes. This shows how political views can shift based on who is in power.

No Way to Win in Iran

John’s Substack • 10 implied HN points • 01 Feb 26
🌍 World Politics Military Strategy
  1. The United States currently has no good military option against Iran, and launching a full-scale attack would be strategically unwise even though it remains possible.
  2. Israel has carried out major strikes on Iran both independently and with U.S. involvement, but it now appears reluctant to join a U.S.-only campaign.
  3. Israeli leaders pushed different U.S. presidents to act—failing with one and succeeding with another—suggesting political maneuvering where one side may be getting played.

America Has a ‘Total Security’ Problem

Nonzero Newsletter • 417 implied HN points • 21 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Military Strategy
  1. Countries often fall into the trap of wanting total security, believing they need to eliminate all threats. This mindset can lead to aggressive actions that can create more danger instead of less.
  2. The United States, despite being surrounded by friendly countries and oceans, acts as if it faces threats everywhere. This leads to wars and military actions in many parts of the world, often missing opportunities for peaceful solutions.
  3. Pursuing too much security can be just as risky as having too little. This approach can worsen global tensions and even lead to significant conflicts, as seen in historical examples.

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

The Bigger Picture • 1298 implied HN points • 31 Mar 22
🌍 World Politics 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.

Europe: Some Good News And Some Bad

Phillips’s Newsletter • 158 implied HN points • 11 Jul 25
🌍 World Politics Military Strategy
  1. Europe is starting to think about being more independent from the USA for defense. They're making steps like setting up a military headquarters to help Ukraine on their own terms.
  2. Even with some positive signs, Europe is moving slowly and has not done enough for Ukraine, especially as attacks from Russia increase. They could have been more proactive in supporting Ukraine sooner.
  3. The situation in Ukraine shows that mistakes have been made and now the people there are paying the price. European countries need to learn from these failures and act quickly.

Russia Will Snap

Diane Francis • 879 implied HN points • 26 Sep 22
🌍 World Politics Military Strategy
  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.

The National Security and National Defense Strategies

Who is Robert Malone • 9 implied HN points • 27 Jan 26
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Military Strategy
  1. The strategy puts American sovereignty first, moving away from broad global intervention and focusing on selective, interest-based engagement to protect core national priorities.
  2. Defending the homeland and the Western Hemisphere is the top priority, treating border security, migration, and narco‑terrorism as national security threats and investing in layered defenses like a ‘Golden Dome’ missile shield.
  3. Peace is sought through deterrence and strength: deter China with a robust Indo‑Pacific posture, demand greater allied burden‑sharing, and rapidly rebuild the domestic defense industrial base.

⚠ How disruptive would a Chinese invasion of Taiwan be?

Faster, Please! • 456 implied HN points • 11 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Military Strategy
  1. An invasion of Taiwan by China could disrupt global stability and economic growth. It might create fear and uncertainty, much like we saw in past wars.
  2. There's concern that the potential conflict could end the current positive economic trends we are experiencing, especially with advancements in technology and AI.
  3. Different possible scenarios of military action by China have been analyzed, showing various levels of impact on the economy. Understanding these scenarios can help us prepare for the future.

Ukrainian Drone Strategy Against Russian Energy Infrastructure: Part Two

Glen’s Substack • 39 implied HN points • 26 Jun 24
🌍 World Politics Military Strategy
  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.

"There's no time like the present!"

Fisted by Foucault • 136 implied HN points • 08 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Military Strategy
  1. The US is still a dominant power in global politics, despite predictions of its decline. Many of its previous military efforts show that it has achieved important goals.
  2. Countries like Iran, which see themselves as revolutionary, often struggle to maintain that identity over time. They usually end up moderating their extreme positions as they focus on daily issues.
  3. Israel has acted rationally in its pursuit of security, backed by the strong support of the United States. This relationship allows Israel to operate without many checks on its behavior.