The hottest Military Strategy Substack posts right now

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Top World Politics Topics

Fighting For Your Country

Phillips’s Newsletter • 152 implied HN points • 25 Jun 25
🌍 World Politics Military Strategy
  1. People's willingness to defend their country can be influenced by a clear understanding of threats. For example, Finland has a history of perceiving Russia as a military threat, which encourages citizens to be ready to defend.
  2. It's not just about the threats but also about having a sense of what is worth defending. In Finland, social equality and a good quality of life make many feel their country is valuable and worth protecting.
  3. To motivate citizens for national defense, leaders need to communicate both the dangers they face and the positive aspects of their country that people cherish. This balance can help increase the willingness to defend.

Ukraine's New World Order

Diane Francis • 679 implied HN points • 14 Nov 22
🌍 World Politics Military Strategy
  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 Military Strategy
  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 Military Strategy
  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 Military Strategy
  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.
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The Great Greenland War

Big Serge Thought • 7 implied HN points • 21 Jan 26
🌍 World Politics Military Strategy
  1. A US attempt to seize Greenland could shatter NATO and trigger cascading crises across Europe and beyond, showing how a single aggressive move can produce huge, unpredictable geopolitical shifts.
  2. Coercive American tactics can achieve territorial and political goals without large-scale fighting, but they would deeply damage alliances, spur economic fallout, and leave long-term instability in their wake.
  3. Europe might respond by building an independent defense bloc led by France with conscription and a shared nuclear deterrent, realigning security structures and raising the risk of conflict between competing blocs.

Ukraine's Turning Point

Diane Francis • 6 HN points • 22 Aug 24
🌍 World Politics Military Strategy
  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.

An Interview With Andriy Zagorodnyuk

Phillips’s Newsletter • 128 implied HN points • 26 Jun 25
🌍 World Politics Military Strategy
  1. Ukraine plans to win the war by using smart strategies and new technologies instead of getting stuck in long fights with Russia. They want to build up their state and economy while still defending against threats.
  2. Drones and unmanned systems are changing how wars are fought. Ukraine needs to adapt quickly to these technologies to keep up with Russia and gain an advantage in the conflict.
  3. European support is crucial for Ukraine, especially in getting advanced military supplies. Maintaining a good relationship with the US is also important for securing needed resources to defend against Russia.

The Future of Autonomous Weapons Systems

The Future of Life • 19 implied HN points • 07 Jul 24
đź•ą Technology Military Strategy
  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.

Are We Inching toward World War III?

Nonzero Newsletter • 395 implied HN points • 25 Oct 24
🌍 World Politics Military Strategy
  1. North Korean troops are now involved in the Ukraine war on Russia's side. This could increase tensions and lead to wider conflict if other countries respond.
  2. A new AI development allows chatbots to interact with computers like humans, but it's still not perfect. This could change how we use AI in everyday tasks.
  3. Kamala Harris is getting support from former congresswoman Liz Cheney, raising questions about her foreign policy direction. This might upset some progressive voters.

When RAND Made Magic + Jason Matheny Response

ChinaTalk • 340 implied HN points • 25 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Military Strategy
  1. RAND Corporation was once at the forefront of military and scientific research, making groundbreaking contributions in areas like game theory and defense strategy during the Cold War.
  2. Over time, RAND has shifted its focus from cutting-edge scientific research to social and policy analysis, leading to a decline in its innovative output as it navigated new funding sources and political landscapes.
  3. Despite its challenges, RAND continues to play a significant role in addressing modern security issues, adapting its research to tackle contemporary challenges like military capabilities and psychological impacts of war.

Biden and Netanyahu’s endless war for US-Israeli supremacy

Aaron Mate • 392 implied HN points • 13 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Military Strategy
  1. The US and Israeli governments are working together to maintain their power in the Middle East. They support actions that weaken groups like Hezbollah and Iran to keep control.
  2. Recent conflicts, like the violence in Gaza and Lebanon, are being used by Israel to push forward aggressive policies. The US backs Israel's military actions, seeing it as a way to reshape the region.
  3. There are signs of internal disagreement within the US government about the strategy in the Middle East. Some officials worry that the current approach could lead to more overall conflict.

Russia's Armaggedon-ism

Diane Francis • 599 implied HN points • 17 Oct 22
🌍 World Politics Military Strategy
  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.

Are We Ever Going to War with China?

OK Doomer • 94 implied HN points • 22 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Military Strategy
  1. The U.S.-China relationship is very uncertain, with American leaders often changing their views on cooperation and conflict. One minute they discuss partnership, the next they're talking about military actions.
  2. China is actively trying to weaken the U.S. by restricting access to important materials that America relies on for manufacturing. This shift in strategy shows how both countries are playing a complicated game with their economies.
  3. Despite the threat of war, many leaders seem more focused on profits and tech developments rather than addressing global issues like climate change.

If Trump Will Not Join The War, What Then?

Phillips’s Newsletter • 117 implied HN points • 20 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Military Strategy
  1. Trump's 'two-weeks' comment usually means he doesn't plan to take action right away. It's a way for him to buy time without getting involved in a war.
  2. There are many reasons Trump might avoid joining the conflict, like keeping his support base happy and not wanting to risk US military targets.
  3. If the US doesn’t participate, Israel will have to rely on its own military strength, making the situation much more complicated for them.

The Iran Playbook

John’s Substack • 9 implied HN points • 16 Jan 26
🌍 World Politics Military Strategy
  1. The US and Israel are trying to upend Iran’s regime and severely weaken the country using their usual playbook of pressure and covert operations.
  2. That strategy has largely failed, and recent events exposed confusion about whether Israel or the US would launch an attack and why Washington ultimately held back from bombing.
  3. Gulf states are increasingly seeing the US–Israel partnership as the bigger threat to regional stability, and destroying Iran would likely embolden reckless policies and make the region less stable.

Iran, China and America's Great Game

God's Spies by Thomas Neuburger • 110 implied HN points • 26 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Military Strategy
  1. Iran plays a key role in global politics, especially in the context of China's Belt and Road Initiative. Control over Iran could impact trade routes and influence in the region.
  2. The U.S. and Israel have shared interests in destabilizing Iran, believing it will benefit their strategic goals. They aim to prevent Iran from becoming a strong ally of competitors like China and Russia.
  3. There are plans to create division within Iran, breaking it down into smaller ethnic regions. This strategy is part of a larger effort to reshape power dynamics in the Middle East and Central Asia.

US helps Syria’s ruling Al Qaeda offshoot while punishing its people

Aaron Mate • 261 implied HN points • 30 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Military Strategy
  1. The US labeled Syria's Al Qaeda group as terrorists but still supported them. This support continued even though the US also imposed sanctions that hurt ordinary Syrian people.
  2. Recently, the US has recognized a new Syrian government linked to Al Qaeda while continuing to impose harsh sanctions on civilians. This creates a confusing situation where the US is helping militant leaders instead of the Syrian population.
  3. As the US expands its presence in Syria and keeps sanctions, they acknowledge the damage done to ordinary Syrians. Many are now calling for these sanctions to be lifted to help rebuild the country's economy.

Data Warfare

How the Hell • 110 implied HN points • 12 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Military Strategy
  1. Offensive data operations are being considered as a strategy against China. This means using information tactics to weaken their tech progress.
  2. The military industry is cautious about discussing these strategies openly. They think the ideas are good but worry about public talks.
  3. These operations aim to disrupt and slow down China's advancements in AI, which could have big implications for global technology competition.

The Weirdest Air Campaign In History

Phillips’s Newsletter • 102 implied HN points • 28 Jun 25
🌍 World Politics Military Strategy
  1. The air campaign between Israel and the US against Iran is unusual and raises many questions. It shows how complex military actions can be.
  2. Donald Trump's involvement changed the focus of the campaign, which might have helped Iran in some unexpected ways. His actions shifted the narrative.
  3. A ceasefire has been reached, but it leaves us wondering about the true impact and future of the conflict. It might take a long time to understand what really happened.

Weekend Update #119: Fighting Men With Machines Is A Good Thing: Ukraine Should Aim To Do More And More Of It

Phillips’s Newsletter • 213 implied HN points • 08 Feb 25
🌍 World Politics Military Strategy
  1. Using machines, like drones, to fight can be a good strategy for Ukraine. It's safer for soldiers and can be more effective against Russian forces.
  2. Recent reports show that Russian advances have slowed down, which might indicate a shift in the conflict. It seems that despite expectations of a Ukrainian collapse, they are holding their ground.
  3. Ukraine has been successful in making small advances into Russian territory, which gives them leverage in any potential talks. This suggests that Ukraine is not as weak as some media portray.

Nation Building is Back!

Nonzero Newsletter • 304 implied HN points • 29 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Military Strategy
  1. The U.S. is returning to a nation-building approach in the Middle East, especially after the recent conflict involving Israel and Hamas. They seem more focused on changing regimes and rebuilding countries than in the past.
  2. Policymakers now view Israel’s actions as an opportunity to reshape the political landscape in the Middle East, similar to the mindset seen during the early 2000s. This brings back memories of previous military interventions.
  3. Rhetoric around recent events has intensified, framing them similarly to significant past tragedies. Leaders are using strong comparisons, which fuels a renewed push for military and political actions in the region.

In which NATO brings Europe closer to nuclear war for the purpose of teaching North Korea a lesson, and also just because

eugyppius: a plague chronicle • 264 implied HN points • 22 Nov 24
🌍 World Politics Military Strategy
  1. NATO's actions could make Europe more vulnerable to nuclear conflict, especially with increasing tensions between Russia and the West.
  2. Recent military strikes and responses show that this conflict is escalating and could lead to serious consequences for all parties involved.
  3. Some European politicians seem to underestimate the risks of warfare, believing the US will always protect them from the fallout of their provocative decisions.

What if the US seizes Greenland?

Optimally Irrational • 6 implied HN points • 20 Jan 26
🌍 World Politics Military Strategy
  1. Seizing Greenland by force would be a massive political and geopolitical blunder. It would gain little but risk damaging America’s alliances and long-term influence.
  2. International relations aren’t just a Hobbesian free-for-all; states sustain cooperation through norms and repeated interaction because it’s mutually beneficial. Breaking those conventions would undermine the rule-based order that helps preserve U.S. power.
  3. Even if a takeover were politically possible at home, the international costs and backlash would be severe and short-sighted, making the move strategically counterproductive.

Weekend Update #110: Ukraine and the Degradation of Russian Power

Phillips’s Newsletter • 248 implied HN points • 08 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Military Strategy
  1. Russian claims of major gains in Ukraine are misleading. They've taken tiny areas compared to the vast size of Ukraine, while suffering heavy losses.
  2. The situation in Syria shows that Russia is struggling and can't maintain its influence there. This failure reflects their weakened power since the war in Ukraine began.
  3. The narrative of an imminent Ukrainian collapse is not supported by facts. It’s important to look at the bigger picture instead of believing sensational reports.

Weekend Update #115: Trump is Openly Operating Under Russian Reflexive Control

Phillips’s Newsletter • 213 implied HN points • 12 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Military Strategy
  1. Trump's recent comments show he might be using Russian reasoning in his foreign policy views, particularly concerning allies and Ukraine. He seems less focused on maintaining alliances and more on adopting a confrontational stance.
  2. Ukraine is working on improving its long-range strike capabilities, having conducted significant attacks deep into Russian territory. This suggests they are trying to change the dynamics of the war despite facing difficulties.
  3. The situation on the ground in places like Donbas and Kursk remains stagnant, indicating a continued need for Ukraine to implement effective long-range strategies to alter the current conflict state.

EU-topia, Wake Up

Diane Francis • 559 implied HN points • 28 Jul 22
🌍 World Politics Military Strategy
  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 Military Strategy
  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 Military Strategy
  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 Military Strategy
  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.

Weekend Update #111--Trump And "Abandoning" Ukraine—Be Careful What You Say

Phillips’s Newsletter • 203 implied HN points • 15 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Military Strategy
  1. Donald Trump recently discussed the Russia-Ukraine war, stating that the U.S. doesn't control its outcome. He emphasized the need for Ukraine to reach an agreement to stop further deaths.
  2. There's a growing recognition that Russia may be weaker than previously thought, especially based on its heavy losses in the war. Some analysis suggests that Russia's military struggles could lead to major equipment shortages soon.
  3. Public narratives often focus on Ukrainian failures while downplaying Russian weaknesses. This one-sided reporting can overshadow the complexities of the ongoing conflict.

My take on the Ukraine War

Wood From Eden • 720 implied HN points • 24 Aug 23
🌍 World Politics Military Strategy
  1. The war in Ukraine is costing the West dearly, draining Western productivity.
  2. Russia's invasion did not go according to plan, with unclear intentions and unexpected military strategies.
  3. The conflict in Ukraine has led to significant societal changes, uniting Ukrainians and reshaping national identity.

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

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

Nuke or no nuke?

Diane Francis • 539 implied HN points • 02 May 22
🌍 World Politics Military Strategy
  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.

Obliteration or Degradation

Comment is Freed • 58 implied HN points • 20 Jul 25
🌍 World Politics Military Strategy
  1. The recent conflict between Israel and Iran was intense but didn't lead to the major chaos many feared. Ultimately, Iran suffered significant damage but managed to keep its government in place.
  2. Despite claims of destroying Iran's nuclear program, reports suggest that much of it could still be rebuilt. So, the threat of Iran potentially becoming a nuclear power hasn't been completely eliminated.
  3. Short and one-sided wars can have lasting effects. The true consequences of this conflict may not be clear until later, and future actions—whether military or diplomatic—might be needed to ensure Iran doesn’t develop nuclear weapons.

The way we debate Hiroshima is all wrong

Matthew's Notebook • 117 implied HN points • 22 May 23
đź’ľ History Military Strategy
  1. The debate over Hiroshima involves questions about war crimes, responsibility, and historical apologies.
  2. The decision to drop the atomic bombs on Japan was part of a broader plan that included invasion, negotiation, and blockade.
  3. There were alternatives to using nuclear weapons on Japan, such as negotiation or demonstrating the bomb's power in a less deadly manner.

Seeking long war in Ukraine, Biden approves long-range strikes into Russia

Aaron Mate • 186 implied HN points • 18 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Military Strategy
  1. Biden has allowed Ukraine to use long-range missiles, even though he was worried about it before. This decision marks a big step in the ongoing conflict with Russia.
  2. Biden has privately expressed concerns that Ukrainian President Zelensky is asking for too much military support, fearing it could escalate to a larger war.
  3. With Trump set to take over soon, Biden seems to be making these choices to solidify his stance on the Ukraine situation before leaving office.

Frogs, liverwurst & spaghetti

Diane Francis • 439 implied HN points • 20 Jun 22
🌍 World Politics Military Strategy
  1. Europe is facing serious problems with energy, food, and cost of living due to the war in Ukraine. Countries like France, Germany, and Italy are realizing they must work together to support Ukraine and their citizens.
  2. Rising prices and energy shortages are causing anger among voters across Europe. These issues are becoming important topics in upcoming elections and are making it harder for leaders to govern.
  3. To solve their problems, European countries need to find alternative energy sources and help Ukraine more. It's crucial for them to increase military support to fight back against Russian aggression.

Allied Scale and the Future of the West

European Straits • 14 implied HN points • 16 Nov 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Military Strategy
  1. The West needs better coordination between the US and Europe to strengthen their combined power. It's not just about having resources; it's about how well they work together.
  2. The Russia-Ukraine war shows that winning wars relies on strong alliances and manufacturing capacity. Good partnerships can help endure longer conflicts more effectively.
  3. After World War II, NATO and the European project helped turn Europe's available resources into real power. They fostered cooperation and stability that made the region stronger.

Talk Tough & Carry a Little Stick

John’s Substack • 7 implied HN points • 03 Jan 26
🌍 World Politics Military Strategy
  1. Trump talks tough and keeps a "tough guy" image, but his military actions have been limited pinpricks that avoid dragging the U.S. into another forever war.
  2. Peace negotiations over Ukraine are largely Kabuki theater for public opinion, while the real contest is on the battlefield where Russia currently holds the advantage.
  3. Taiwan is a dangerous flashpoint in East Asia, but a full-scale war seems unlikely soon because neither side would win and both therefore have strong incentives to avoid fighting.