The hottest Military Substack posts right now

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Top World Politics Topics

BMT Episode 08 Andrei Martyanov & Mike Mihajlovic talk about the Tucker/Putin Interview

Black Mountain Analysis • 530 implied HN points • 09 Feb 24
🌍 World Politics Military
  1. The discussion focused on the Tucker Carlson / President Putin interview and its impact on the conflict and Western audience.
  2. There was an in-depth analysis of the geopolitical dynamics influencing the conflict in Ukraine.
  3. They explored various aspects such as denazification, the possibility of World War III, military leadership changes, and potential developments in Ukraine.
  4. Explore the full episode to delve into these insights.

Our Navy Needs More of the War, Less of the College

CDR Salamander • 1100 implied HN points • 04 May 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Military
  1. Largest land war in Europe is happening, China surpassing the US in navy size, and Iran hijacking oil tankers are pressing issues.
  2. Naval War College's focus has shifted away from war to topics like gender and peace, raising questions about its alignment with naval priorities.
  3. The symposium at the Naval War College focused on gender issues, peace, and security, rather than warfighting and maritime challenges.

When the Old-Timers Go Marching In (Part 1) [i]

Black Mountain Analysis • 569 implied HN points • 26 Jan 24
🌐 International Military
  1. The article discusses the use of old air defense missile systems in recent wars, highlighting their continued relevance and effectiveness despite their age.
  2. Various countries have modernized the 2K12 Kub (SA-6) system, improving detection range, reliability, and engagement capabilities to extend the system's service life.
  3. In conflicts like the Yemen civil war, the 2K12 system has been utilized, showcasing potential for ambushing and targeting coalition aircraft with modified IR-homing missiles.

Pete Hegseth Shows His Hand

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 1414 implied HN points • 15 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Military
  1. Pete Hegseth wants to change the military's focus back to combat readiness by prioritizing fleet rebuilding over climate initiatives. He believes efficiency in warfare should come first.
  2. He plans to reverse the firing of service members who didn't take the Covid vaccine, promising to reinstate them with their pay and rank. This shows his stance against the previous policies.
  3. The confirmation hearing was heated, with accusations against Hegseth raised by Democrats. However, Republican support made it likely that he would be confirmed as the Secretary of Defense.
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Ukraine Opens Up A New War At Sea

Phillips’s Newsletter • 131 implied HN points • 01 Dec 25
🌍 World Politics Military
  1. Ukraine has recently launched attacks against Russian oil tankers in the Black Sea, suggesting they want to expand their naval operations. This indicates a significant escalation in the maritime aspects of their conflict.
  2. One attack even targeted a Turkish-owned tanker carrying Russian oil off the coast of Senegal, highlighting the global impact of these naval actions.
  3. These events show that Ukraine is willing to operate far from its borders, possibly changing the dynamics of the war at sea and impacting international shipping.

Lost at Sea.

News Items • 569 implied HN points • 22 Jan 24
📰 News Military
  1. The U.S. military has ended the search for two Navy SEALs lost at sea during an operation.
  2. China's population has decreased for the second year in a row, with a significant decline projected for the future.
  3. China's working-age population is expected to dramatically decrease by 2100.

Green Berets are now using Clearview AI's facial recognition

All-Source Intelligence Fusion • 610 implied HN points • 20 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Military
  1. The U.S. Army's Green Berets have started using facial recognition technology from Clearview AI. This means they can quickly identify people based on images.
  2. The Green Berets' contract with Clearview AI is worth $75,000 and will provide them access to advanced facial recognition tools for a year.
  3. Clearview AI has faced controversy for its data collection practices, sparking debates about privacy and surveillance in the military and beyond.

A Tale of Two 4-Stars

CDR Salamander • 982 implied HN points • 03 Apr 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Military
  1. The People's Republic of China is strategically moving to become the premier world power.
  2. Admiral Charles A. Richard provides a fact-based, direct analysis of China's military capabilities and suggests proper responses.
  3. General Mark Milley's approach to discussing China's rise lacks clear analysis and consistency compared to Admiral Richard.

The Arsenal of the Damned

Anarchonomicon • 511 implied HN points • 29 Jan 24
🕹 Technology Military
  1. Motorcycles offer high maneuverability and speed, but Western governments struggle with their high injury rates.
  2. Using civilian pickups with mounted weapons can provide cost-effective mobility in combat scenarios.
  3. ISIS's successful tactics in Mosul, using pickup trucks for mobility and heavy weapons, led to a quick victory over a larger force.

Diversity Thursday

CDR Salamander • 963 implied HN points • 13 Jul 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Military
  1. Change can come suddenly, like the amendments to promote a cohesive and inclusive military force.
  2. A law bans using federal funds for certain divisive ideologies in the military, sparking optimism for change.
  3. Elimination of certain diversity-related positions and the restriction on funding for specific programs signal a shift in defense priorities.

TGIF: Taylor vs. Trump

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 3700 implied HN points • 02 Feb 24
🌍 World Politics Military
  1. America responded to an Iran-backed militia drone strike by approving strikes against Iranian targets in Iraq and Syria to show military might.
  2. Biden surprised many by stating he would shut down the U.S.-Mexico border due to record-breaking migrant encounters, including individuals on the FBI terror watch list.
  3. One strategy to reduce coverage is to release important information on a Friday afternoon, as seen with the delayed release of December's border patrol data.

Ukraine: Stalemate or Checkmate

Diane Francis • 779 implied HN points • 13 Nov 23
🌍 World Politics Military
  1. The war in Ukraine is currently stuck in a stalemate, and new technology from the West is needed to change that. Many believe Ukraine is losing, but they've actually done significant damage to Russia's military.
  2. Ukraine's counteroffensive slowed down due to delays in receiving promised military support from NATO, giving Russia a chance to prepare defenses.
  3. The recent conflict in Israel and Gaza is drawing attention and resources away from Ukraine, which could be part of Putin's strategy to gain an advantage in the war.

A Perfect Storm of Unpreparedness

CDR Salamander • 923 implied HN points • 02 Aug 23
🌍 World Politics Military
  1. Anticipation of long-term war scenarios is crucial for military preparedness.
  2. Ensuring fundamental resources like artillery ammunition are properly planned for is essential.
  3. The need for hard questions and preparation for worst-case scenarios is emphasized.

Trump Is A Whiny Little Chicken Hawk.

C.O.P. Central Organizing Principle. • 36 implied HN points • 14 Jan 26
🌍 World Politics Military
  1. Donald Trump is accused of secretly directing Ukrainian strikes, even attempts on Putin, and using US military and diplomatic channels to shape Western responses at the UN.
  2. Russia's Oreshnik missile is described as a game-changing conventional weapon that can surgically hit military targets, undermining nuclear deterrence and outpacing Western defenses.
  3. The West is portrayed as escalating the conflict with proxies, sanctions, and nuclear saber-rattling while repeating historical patterns of aggression, and the writer argues this approach is dangerous and that Trump must be removed to avoid disaster.

German leftist lawmaker says US soldiers and nukes must leave her country

Geopolitical Economy Report • 916 implied HN points • 01 Apr 23
🌍 World Politics Military
  1. German Left Party lawmaker Sevim Dağdelen called for US soldiers and nuclear weapons to leave Germany, emphasizing the need for a shift in the relationship with the US.
  2. Dağdelen addressed the Bundestag, highlighting concerns about US military bases in Germany operating as extraterritorial areas outside German law, and called for an end to this situation.
  3. She criticized Germany's alignment with US foreign policy decisions, such as supporting NATO actions in Ukraine and failing to condemn the US war of aggression in Iraq, calling for a more independent stance on international issues.

The Iran war is Trump’s unconditional surrender to Israel

Aaron Mate • 544 implied HN points • 21 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Military
  1. Trump has aligned closely with Israel, sidelining US intelligence to justify military actions against Iran. This relationship raises concerns about dangerous foreign influence.
  2. Despite a US intelligence assessment stating that Iran is not pursuing nuclear weapons, Trump and his team have promoted false information, echoing Israeli claims.
  3. Iran continues to reject demands for unconditional surrender and insists on its right to self-defense. Trump's military actions may actually push Iran to pursue nuclear capabilities.

The Folly of A War With Iran

The Chris Hedges Report • 548 implied HN points • 13 Jun 25
🌍 World Politics Military
  1. A war with Iran could lead to severe consequences, as Iran has strong military alliances and resources, making it a tough opponent. It wouldn't be an easy conflict for Israel or the U.S.
  2. The potential conflict might not only distract from human rights issues in Gaza and the West Bank, but also escalate tensions in the entire region, possibly making alliances stronger between Iran, Russia, and China.
  3. Past military interventions have often resulted in unforeseen complications and long-term struggles. The belief that a quick military solution will work against Iran ignores the lessons learned from previous wars.

Biden's Cluster Munitions Blunder

Eunomia • 884 implied HN points • 07 Jul 23
🌍 World Politics Military
  1. Cluster munitions are inherently indiscriminate and pose a threat to civilians long after a war ends.
  2. Providing cluster munitions to Ukraine may lead to more harm than good, as they can maim and kill civilians and soldiers.
  3. Exporting cluster munitions contradicts previous condemnations of their use, creating political problems and potential hypocrisy.

Diversity Thursday

CDR Salamander • 864 implied HN points • 06 Jul 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Military
  1. The military's leadership is increasingly isolated from the people they serve.
  2. Politically-driven agendas in the military can cause division and undermine combat effectiveness.
  3. Emphasizing diversity and inclusion initiatives in the military can lead to controversy and pushback.

Bernard-Henri Lévy: Europe Must Unite or Die

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 992 implied HN points • 19 Feb 25
🌍 World Politics Military
  1. Europe needs to become more self-reliant since the U.S. can no longer be counted on for support. This means taking responsibility for their own security and not relying on American assistance.
  2. There's a sense of urgency for European nations to unite in response to challenges like the conflict in Ukraine. If they don't come together, they're likely to face further aggression from Russia.
  3. Currently, Europe lacks a solid plan for long-term security and support for Ukraine, which shows a weakness in their response to current threats. More decisive actions are needed to prepare for the future.

January 19, 2026

Letters from an American • 35 implied HN points • 20 Jan 26
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Military
  1. The president privately and publicly pushed for control of Greenland and obsessively complained about the Nobel Prize, sending aggressive messages that ignore history, law, and diplomatic norms.
  2. He is actively undermining the post–World War II rules-based international order — backing autocrats, trying to seize Venezuelan assets, and proposing a self-styled “Board of Peace” that would concentrate power.
  3. Those moves have sparked broad alarm and calls for accountability from journalists, clergy, former officials, and allied governments, and have already prompted concrete responses like Denmark boosting troops in Greenland.

Fear Grips the West

Nonzero Newsletter • 406 implied HN points • 25 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Military
  1. Countries in the West are increasingly worried about security threats, with Germany even planning to build bomb shelters due to fears of a Russian attack.
  2. Teens are using AI as companions, with many saying chatting with AI can feel just as good as talking to real humans.
  3. There is a strong push in the U.S. to boost AI development and reduce regulations, which some believe could lead to significant advancements in technology.

The Prigozhin Puzzle

Diane Francis • 839 implied HN points • 28 Aug 23
🌍 World Politics Military
  1. Yevgeny Prigozhin's death raises many questions. People are wondering if it was an accident or if he was murdered, and what this means for the future of Russia and the Wagner Group.
  2. The U.S. is starting to train Ukrainian pilots, showing a shift in support for Ukraine against Russia. This could help Ukraine strengthen its military position.
  3. Prigozhin's demise could lead to more instability in Russia. Without his presence, the country might see further divisions among its leaders and military, speeding up its economic problems.

Top Links 765 Military R&D in America. Nigeria's investment plans. The "imperial meridian" and Nelson on the mosquito coast.

Chartbook • 515 implied HN points • 10 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Military
  1. The U.S. military invests heavily in research and development to stay advanced in technology and defense. This helps keep the country safe and operates effectively.
  2. Nigeria has exciting plans for investment that could impact its economy and future growth. It's important to watch how these investments develop.
  3. The history of the U.S. military-industrial complex shows how it was reduced in the 1990s, which is interesting for understanding current military funding and operations.

Secrecy and Government Weaponization Behind Distrust Of FBI’s Investigation Into New Year’s Day Killings

Michael Shellenberger • 1108 implied HN points • 06 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Military
  1. Transparency from the government is needed to rebuild trust with the public. When people feel kept in the dark, they start to doubt the investigations that are supposed to protect them.
  2. There is a serious issue with military veterans committing extremist acts. The number of former service members involved in such crimes has noticeably increased in recent years.
  3. The circumstances surrounding a recent tragic incident involving a veteran raise many questions. Discrepancies in the manifesto he allegedly wrote and his emails suggest that there may be more to the story than what officials have presented.

Chris Hedges: War With Iran

The Chris Hedges Report • 469 implied HN points • 22 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Military
  1. War can bring many unpredictable problems that are hard to control. Once it starts, things can spiral out of hand quickly.
  2. The past wars in the Middle East taught us that strong military actions may not bring peace or a good outcome. Ignoring local people's feelings can lead to more resistance.
  3. A war with Iran could lead to even more violence and retaliation, affecting many lives. The military doesn't seem prepared for what comes next.

Top Links 797 Upgrading America's military-industrial complex. The Rise and Fall of China’s ‘Fentanyl King’ & the "hole left by the Christian dark ages" ;)

Chartbook • 386 implied HN points • 12 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Military
  1. America's military-industrial complex is getting more advanced. This means they are improving their technology and systems for military use.
  2. China's 'Fentanyl King' story highlights the rise and fall of influential individuals in the drug trade. It shows how powerful figures can impact society.
  3. The mention of the 'hole left by the Christian dark ages' suggests there were significant losses in knowledge or culture during that time. It's a reminder of how history can shape our present.

WHAT COMES NEXT IN IRAN?

Seymour Hersh • 21 implied HN points • 04 Feb 26
🌍 World Politics Military
  1. Iran is in a deep internal crisis after mass protests were met with a brutal government crackdown that reportedly killed thousands and allowed the Revolutionary Guards to shoot protesters.
  2. Removing the religious leadership would hinge on getting the regular Iranian army—hundreds of thousands of active and reserve troops—to agree to or join any effort to oust the regime.
  3. Israeli and U.S. officials are reportedly discussing plans for how to proceed if a decision is made to push for regime change, and the stance of leaders like Donald Trump could be decisive.

Debt ceiling hypocrisy: US boosts military budget while restricting food stamps for poor

Geopolitical Economy Report • 757 implied HN points • 03 Jun 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Military
  1. The US government prioritizes boosting the military budget over providing assistance to those in need, like restricting access to food stamps for the poor.
  2. US politicians across parties show little concern for the national debt, as evident from the bipartisan agreement to increase the military budget significantly.
  3. The US economic dominance, particularly with the dollar as the global reserve currency, affords it privileges that other nations, especially in the Global South, do not have, allowing the US to handle debt and deficits uniquely.

No Wonder Austin Stayed Out of Sight

Spoils of War • 412 implied HN points • 23 Jan 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Military
  1. American military power is facing challenges like reckless aggression and disarray.
  2. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin hid in the hospital, trying to keep his ailment secret.
  3. National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan has taken on a more active role in issuing operational orders.

Mentorship, Chivalry, Promiscuity

Rob Henderson's Newsletter • 1174 implied HN points • 12 Dec 24
🎭️ Culture Military
  1. Teams work better when everyone feels safe to share their thoughts, even if they disagree. Open conversations lead to better results.
  2. People today are less willing to stand out and are more afraid of criticism. This change might be due to the risks of being judged or isolated.
  3. In some primate species, females are promiscuous not just for pleasure but to protect their young. This behavior helps to avoid infanticide by keeping males guessing about paternity.

Biden bombs Yemen so Israel can bomb Gaza

Speaking Security • 393 implied HN points • 26 Jan 24
🌍 World Politics Military
  1. Biden is bombing Yemen in response to attacks by the Houthi movement disrupting global shipping.
  2. An easy solution to the crisis would be for Biden to end Israel's military offensive with a single phone call.
  3. The ongoing bombings in Yemen by the US-backed coalition and Biden's actions are deemed cruel and ineffective.