The hottest Military Strategy Substack posts right now

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Top World Politics Topics

Alfred McCoy: Controlling the 'World Island'

God's Spies by Thomas Neuburger • 45 implied HN points • 08 Aug 25
🌍 World Politics Military Strategy
  1. Western powers have long tried to control Asia, referred to as the 'world island,' for its vast resources and strategic importance.
  2. Geopolitics, the use of geography for military and economic advantage, has shaped strategies for empire management throughout history.
  3. The U.S. has focused on dominating the Pacific coast to ensure its global influence, which is now challenged by China's growing presence and ambitions in the region.

Siberia

Diane Francis • 539 implied HN points • 07 Feb 22
🌍 World Politics Military Strategy
  1. Xi Jinping and Vladimir Putin met during the Beijing Winter Olympics to discuss their stance against NATO's expansion. They are wary of NATO and want to strengthen their partnership.
  2. Their joint statement was long and detailed, showing they are serious about their alliance. However, Xi did not fully endorse everything Putin does.
  3. The meeting highlights the growing relationship between Russia and China, especially as both face challenges from the West. They aim to support each other in various ways.

Ukraine's Trojan Trucks

The Cosmopolitan Globalist • 66 implied HN points • 02 Jun 25
🌍 World Politics Military Strategy
  1. Ukraine executed a surprise drone attack deep inside Russia that damaged a significant part of its nuclear capabilities. This shows Ukraine's military skill and creativity.
  2. The success of this operation highlights gaps in Russia's defense and intelligence, suggesting it may struggle to maintain its military strength. This could change the balance of power in the region.
  3. The use of cheap drones against a nuclear power illustrates a new direction in warfare. It raises questions about traditional military strategies and defenses for all nations, including the U.S.

Occupying Europe without Troops

Diane Francis • 499 implied HN points • 14 Feb 22
🌍 World Politics Military Strategy
  1. The situation with Russia and Ukraine is tense, with uncertainty about a possible invasion. Countries like France and Germany are trying to negotiate with Putin while others have pulled their diplomats out.
  2. Ukraine's leaders are considering not applying to join NATO, which could change the dynamics of their security relations. This decision is being discussed amid rising pressure from Russia.
  3. The reactions from various nations highlight the complexities of international diplomacy and the differing strategies to handle the crisis in Europe.

Weekend Update #103: North Korea shows itself to be a Great Ally

Phillips’s Newsletter • 177 implied HN points • 20 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Military Strategy
  1. North Korean combat troops may soon join Russia in the Ukraine war, which could change the dynamics on the battlefield. Ukraine's leaders believe over 10,000 troops are being prepared to fight.
  2. Despite claims of rapid Russian advances, the actual progress on the ground has been minimal, raising concerns about the strategy of limiting support for Ukraine. The slow pace of advances suggests a grinding war continues.
  3. President Zelensky has proposed a five-point victory strategy for Ukraine, but there is little support from Western allies, particularly the US, making the situation challenging for Ukraine as it seeks increased military aid.
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Weeked Update #109: Ukrainian Land for NATO?

Phillips’s Newsletter • 132 implied HN points • 01 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Military Strategy
  1. Ukrainian President Zelensky suggested that Ukraine might consider giving up some territory in exchange for NATO membership. This could stop the current fighting but raises big legal questions about land ownership.
  2. There's some hope for Ukraine supporters with Trump's recent choice of Keith Kellogg as his Ukraine envoy. Kellogg is known for wanting to continue aid to Ukraine, but his overall influence may be limited.
  3. Ukraine has started limited attacks on Russian military targets. This may help them hold onto strategic areas, but it's still too early to tell how it will affect the conflict's direction.

Introduction: 'To Govern The Globe'

God's Spies by Thomas Neuburger • 105 implied HN points • 22 Jan 25
🌍 World Politics Military Strategy
  1. World orders are more stable than empires. They are shaped by economics, culture, and global interactions, and they can last much longer than the empires that create them.
  2. The West has a history of expansion and exploitation. This history affects how current global dynamics play out, especially between nations.
  3. Understanding these world orders helps us see where we are headed next. We need to look at past strategies and how they impact today's politics and society.

Proxy warriors float nukes, troops for Ukraine

Aaron Mate • 129 implied HN points • 26 Nov 24
🌍 World Politics Military Strategy
  1. NATO countries are using strong and risky language as Russia makes gains in Ukraine. This kind of talk can make a bad situation even worse.
  2. The concept of 'proxy warriors' suggests that other countries might send weapons or troops to further the conflict without directly getting involved themselves.
  3. The situation in Ukraine highlights the dangers of escalating military involvement, especially regarding nuclear weapons and troop deployments.

De-Mechanizing and De-Populating the Front Line

Phillips’s Newsletter • 94 implied HN points • 10 Feb 25
🌍 World Politics Military Strategy
  1. UAV technology is making the front lines very dangerous for both soldiers and vehicles. It's important to adapt quickly to these changing battlefield conditions.
  2. The Russian military is moving away from mechanical vehicles and is now using donkeys and horses for logistics. This shift shows a significant change in their supply strategies.
  3. Using too many soldiers at the front lines might be risky for Ukraine, given the advanced threats posed by UAVs. Smart planning is essential for safety and effectiveness.

Taiwan is "Strategic" and its Fate will Determine the Future of the Asia-Pacific Region

Phillips’s Newsletter • 98 implied HN points • 30 Jan 25
🌍 World Politics Military Strategy
  1. Taiwan is incredibly important for the Asia-Pacific region. Its location and resources make it crucial for maintaining stability and power in the area.
  2. The future of Taiwan affects not just China but also its neighbors like Japan and South Korea. If Taiwan is threatened, it can impact these countries' ability to remain independent.
  3. Political decisions regarding Taiwan can have serious consequences. For instance, changes in the U.S. stance on Taiwan could lead to major strategic setbacks for the U.S. in the region.

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 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.

You Can't Get There From Here.

Trying to Understand the World • 9 implied HN points • 26 Nov 25
🌍 World Politics Military Strategy
  1. The word “war” with Russia is vague and dangerous: without clear, concrete assumptions about what a conflict would actually look like, any military planning is almost meaningless.
  2. Geography, distances and logistics make large-scale conventional campaigning across Europe impractical today, so conflicts would be decided largely by missiles, drones and how well states can police air and sea frontiers.
  3. What’s needed is a realistic NATO political-military doctrine and practical plans for limited scenarios (frontier policing, Baltic/Finland, Black Sea), not symbolic troop gestures that could be destroyed or escalate the situation.

The Nuclear Spectre

Diane Francis • 359 implied HN points • 09 Mar 22
🌍 World Politics Military Strategy
  1. A Russian whistleblower claims that the war in Ukraine is struggling and many Russian soldiers have been killed. This shows the seriousness of the conflict and the toll it is taking.
  2. The whistleblower warns that Putin might use nuclear threats to control the situation. This raises fears about the safety and future of the region.
  3. One post suggests the possibility of a small nuclear strike in Ukraine, but not for military reasons. This highlights the unpredictable and dangerous nature of the current conflict.

End of Year Review: the Russo-Ukraine War

Comment is Freed • 99 implied HN points • 29 Dec 24
🌍 World Politics Military Strategy
  1. The Russo-Ukraine War is a prolonged conflict with no clear solution in sight. Both sides are struggling with ongoing military challenges and the need to adapt strategies.
  2. Ukraine continues to resist despite facing tough circumstances, while Russia shows urgency in its operations but has faced significant casualties. There's a conversation about whether Russia can sustain its fighting force in the long term.
  3. US support for Ukraine has been mixed, with concerns about military aid and restrictions on how it can be used. This might affect Ukraine's chances of a successful outcome, especially if the leadership changes.

The West-Berlinization Of Europe

Autodidact Obsessions • 8 implied HN points • 22 Nov 25
🌍 World Politics Military Strategy
  1. Europe is currently very weak and vulnerable due to its lack of military strength and dependence on expensive resources. This means it might struggle to defend itself or secure what it needs.
  2. The EU has spent a lot of money on welfare for refugees, which some argue could have been used to build up its military and navy. This has led to an economic strain on Europe.
  3. There is a growing belief that Europe has lost its diplomatic power and credibility because it relied on the US for protection without fully supporting it in conflicts, which may leave Europe in a tough spot moving forward.

Wars of Policies, Regimes and Peoples

Gideon's Substack • 40 implied HN points • 18 Jun 25
🌍 World Politics Military Strategy
  1. Wars can be about more than just territory; they often involve political objectives. Countries fight for reasons like policy changes rather than just land or survival.
  2. Israel's war with Iran appears to aim for regime change rather than just degrading military threats. If Israel wants to win, it must consider what happens after the conflict.
  3. Even if Israel achieves military success in its current campaign, it could lead to instability in the region. Demonstrating political skills is crucial for Israel to ensure long-term security and regional cooperation.

Chess with Vlad

Diane Francis • 519 implied HN points • 15 Apr 21
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Military Strategy
  1. Biden's decision to withdraw troops from Afghanistan was seen as smart, but his handling of the situation with Putin and Ukraine was not viewed the same way. Engaging in talks without firm actions may show weakness.
  2. Putin operates by different rules and often violates agreements, making it hard for the West to effectively respond. The trust in diplomacy alone is misplaced when dealing with aggressive actions.
  3. To genuinely challenge Putin, the U.S. needs to adopt a stronger stance. This involves military readiness and severe economic sanctions rather than just discussions or temporary measures.

Putin Punks NATO

Diane Francis • 459 implied HN points • 14 Jun 21
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Military Strategy
  1. NATO is struggling to handle Russia's actions since the Soviet Union collapsed. Putin's tactics have weakened many democratic nations and are aimed at rebuilding Russian influence.
  2. Ukraine and Georgia should receive more support from NATO to defend against Russian threats. Granting them closer ties could help strengthen their security and better counter Russian aggression.
  3. NATO needs to develop a stronger strategy to deal with Russia and its ambitions. This includes addressing issues like Russian energy projects that threaten European security and taking decisive action against Russia's expansionist goals.

Military Metrics and the Russian 2024 Offensive

Phillips’s Newsletter • 103 implied HN points • 22 Oct 24
🌍 World Politics Military Strategy
  1. How a war is presented can greatly influence public perception. It's important to understand that not everything shown in the media represents the true situation on the ground.
  2. Recent reports highlight Russian advances in Ukraine, which may create the impression of inevitable success. However, these reports can sometimes be misleading or exaggerated.
  3. Understanding military metrics and outcomes requires looking beyond flashy maps and headlines. A deeper analysis can provide a clearer picture of the actual progress in a conflict.

American Hubris

Diane Francis • 379 implied HN points • 19 Aug 21
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Military Strategy
  1. The U.S. learned from the Soviet Union's mistakes in Afghanistan, realizing that trying to change a country's culture and society through force leads to failure.
  2. America's methods of foreign intervention have damaged its credibility, making allies nervous and other nations skeptical of U.S. reliability in crises.
  3. Instead of military force, America should focus on diplomatic and economic strategies to build relationships and influence other countries, similar to China's approach with projects like the Belt and Road Initiative.

Europe/Germany Has Failed (Because Ukraine Did Better Than Expected)

Phillips’s Newsletter • 91 implied HN points • 15 Oct 24
🌍 World Politics Military Strategy
  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.

Yes, Libertarians Can Still Support Israel

QTR’s Fringe Finance • 28 implied HN points • 17 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Military Strategy
  1. Libertarians can support Israel by using common sense instead of strictly following ideology. It's important to look at the reality of the situation.
  2. Israel faces real security threats from nations and groups that oppose it. For them, taking action to protect themselves is a matter of survival.
  3. The U.S. should stay out of foreign conflicts and let Israel defend itself. More involvement could lead to costly mistakes and unintended consequences.

Commentator

Castalia • 99 implied HN points • 11 Jan 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Military Strategy
  1. Free speech is a hot topic, especially in schools. There are big debates about what should be allowed, and many believe we need to follow the rules of free speech laid out in the Constitution.
  2. In Ukraine, the fighting continues with no clear resolution in sight. While there are talks of peace, both sides seem determined to keep fighting, making it hard to reach an agreement.
  3. Science is struggling to make big breakthroughs, especially in areas like Alzheimer's research. Many believe that instead of finding new solutions, scientists are mostly just making small improvements.

The Short War Illusion: The Real US Achilles Heel

Phillips’s Newsletter • 80 implied HN points • 08 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Military Strategy
  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.

Failure in the Sahel

Comment is Freed • 68 implied HN points • 03 Nov 24
🌍 World Politics Military Strategy
  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.

Russia must not have Ukraine's Fortress Line

The Cosmopolitan Globalist • 14 implied HN points • 20 Aug 25
🌍 World Politics Military Strategy
  1. If Ukraine gives up its fortress cities, it risks losing its ability to defend itself from Russia. This would make Ukraine more vulnerable to invasion.
  2. History shows that making deals with aggressive nations can lead to disaster, like the Munich Agreement with Hitler. A similar situation could happen with Ukraine if it compromises with Russia.
  3. Supporting Ukraine is crucial for Europe's security because if Ukraine falls, Russia could invade other parts of Europe. NATO needs Ukraine as a strong military ally to help protect against future threats.

On the first true game theory war

Unreported Truths • 23 implied HN points • 23 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Military Strategy
  1. War involves both sides making decisions, and we can't control what the enemy does. This means our plans might not always work out as expected.
  2. Nuclear weapons change the rules of warfare, making countries less likely to be invaded because of the fear they bring. Knowing this, nations use complex strategies to navigate threats.
  3. The ongoing conflict between the U.S. and Iran shows how past actions and future risks create a tricky situation. Instead of easing tensions, aggressive actions can actually escalate the problem.

Biden's Bamboo Curtain

Diane Francis • 259 implied HN points • 20 Sep 21
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Military Strategy
  1. The agreement between the US, UK, and Australia to provide Australia with nuclear-powered submarines is a strong strategy to counter China's aggressive actions in the region. This partnership aims to ensure safer shipping routes in the East and South China Seas.
  2. China is unhappy about this submarine deal as it sees it as a threat to its influence in Asia. The deal has also caused tensions with France, which lost a previous submarine contract with Australia.
  3. The involvement of more countries in military alliances like the Quad shows a collective effort to respond to China's actions. This helps strengthen defense capabilities and creates a united front in the region.

It's time to call this World War III

The Cosmopolitan Globalist • 56 implied HN points • 22 Nov 24
🌍 World Politics Military Strategy
  1. The current situation is being compared to World War III, with serious threats to global peace. We need to recognize this and act to stop aggressors like Russia.
  2. Strength is crucial in dealing with Putin. History shows that he responds only to a strong defense, and if we show weakness, it could lead to bigger conflicts.
  3. The war in Ukraine affects not just Europe but also global security. If we abandon Ukraine, it could encourage other aggressor nations like China and Russia to pursue their goals, risking further instability.

Revisiting the Thucydides Trap

Gideon's Substack • 42 implied HN points • 05 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Military Strategy
  1. America's current strategy against China may be pushing us closer to conflict, even if it makes logical sense. Each action taken against China can lead to more tension and responses from them.
  2. The idea of America being the top power is becoming less certain. Other countries might start to prefer working with China, which could weaken America's alliances and influence.
  3. Instead of trying to stay the dominant power, America might benefit from fostering relationships based on shared interests. This could lead to a more complex but stable global balance, instead of constant competition.

Scraping the Barrel: Attrition and Cannibalization

Big Serge Thought • 12 implied HN points • 13 Aug 25
🌍 World Politics Military Strategy
  1. Ukraine is in a tough spot in the war, facing serious losses and a manpower crisis. Fewer soldiers are available to defend key areas, leading to a weakened front.
  2. The military strategies are backfiring as Ukraine tries to expand its army instead of just replacing lost soldiers. This creates gaps in defense and increases vulnerability to attacks.
  3. Constant pressure from Russian forces is pushing Ukraine into a defensive position. As they deal with multiple threats, their ability to fight back effectively is diminishing.

Russia’s Total Victory Over NATO Part 1

Autodidact Obsessions • 4 implied HN points • 19 Nov 25
🌍 World Politics Military Strategy
  1. Russia has a strong industrial production capability, ranking high globally, especially in arms manufacturing. This strength is a key factor in their ongoing war efforts.
  2. Despite having a smaller economy than many nations, Russia's resources like oil and gas contribute significant value, which complicates its economic comparisons with larger countries.
  3. Russian manufacturing is thought to be underestimated when using dollar value metrics. Using purchasing power parity may show that Russia's industrial capacity is stronger than it appears at first glance.

The Drone Wars: You Are Not Prepared

The Corbett Report • 45 implied HN points • 09 Dec 24
🌍 World Politics Military Strategy
  1. Drones are becoming a major player in warfare. While many people see drones as fun technology, they are actually being weaponized and will play a crucial role in future conflicts.
  2. Countries around the world, including the US, China, and Russia, are busy developing drone armies. This shift in military power means future wars will look very different from anything we've seen before.
  3. It's important to think about how to defend against drone attacks, especially as they become more common. We need to prepare for the reality of drone warfare and consider ways to protect ourselves.

The Twelve-Day War

The Cosmopolitan Globalist • 15 implied HN points • 03 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Military Strategy
  1. It's too early to judge Trump’s actions in the Middle East. We can't know the full impact of his decisions right now.
  2. While I think attacking Iran's nuclear facilities was a necessary move, it’s not a guarantee of long-term success. Trusting Trump to make the right choices moving forward is risky.
  3. I don't consider Trump a strategic genius just because he made a questionable good decision. His overall mindset and decisions still raise serious concerns.

Our Past, Israel's Nukes, and Tales of Winners Who Lost

God's Spies by Thomas Neuburger • 55 implied HN points • 11 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Military Strategy
  1. America's founding groups had different views on liberty, and these views shaped our society in unique ways. It's interesting to see how communities valued freedom differently based on their history and beliefs.
  2. Israel's nuclear capabilities raise important questions about control and power in global politics. Understanding these dynamics can help us grasp broader conflicts in the region.
  3. Exploring lost winners in history reminds us that success isn't just about winning; it's also about understanding the consequences of our actions and decisions. Sometimes, what seems like a victory can lead to unexpected challenges.

Living With Russia.

Trying to Understand the World • 12 implied HN points • 30 Jul 25
🌍 World Politics Military Strategy
  1. Russia has a strong military force backed by a solid infrastructure, which makes them capable of significant military action. This isn't changing anytime soon, and it's important to recognize this strength.
  2. The geography of Russia gives it a huge advantage in military logistics. They can easily move troops and supplies, while Western forces are spread out and face many challenges in coordination.
  3. New military technologies like drones and advanced missiles are changing the nature of warfare. Russia currently has an edge in these areas, which will impact future conflicts and defense strategies.

Blinken Drags Us Back To The Forestal Suicide Scandal & The US First Strike Gamble.

C.O.P. Central Organizing Principle. • 36 implied HN points • 04 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Military Strategy
  1. Air Force General Curtis LeMay pushed for the U.S. to use nuclear weapons first against the Soviet Union, creating a lot of tension during the Cold War. He convinced others that the Soviets were planning to attack, even though they were mostly focused on defense.
  2. The current U.S. foreign policy seems to be repeating past mistakes by spreading fear of a Russian nuclear first strike, ignoring that Russia is moving toward missile technology that could make traditional nuclear weapons less relevant.
  3. Secretary of State Blinken appears to be continuing this dangerous strategy, which many believe is just a way to maintain Cold War-era tactics instead of seeking real solutions to today’s conflicts.