The hottest National Security Substack posts right now

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Top U.S. Politics Topics

Divided America is Vulnerable in War

TK News by Matt Taibbi • 5251 implied HN points • 23 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy Military Leadership National Security Political strategy
  1. Divided opinions in America make the country weaker when it comes to dealing with war. It’s hard to focus on fighting when people can't agree.
  2. Trump's recent military action in Iran has raised concerns about his decision-making and whether it fits with his past promises of avoiding new conflicts.
  3. America's ability to go to war now faces more challenges than before, as internal disagreements may prevent a united front in global matters.

Trump Keeps His Promise on Iran. The World Is Safer for It.

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 4623 implied HN points • 22 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy National Security Military Action Political Commentary
  1. Trump promised to stop Iran from getting nuclear weapons and acted on that promise with a military strike.
  2. The U.S. used powerful bombs to hit Iran's nuclear sites, which other countries might not have been able to damage as effectively.
  3. Despite some opposition from within his team, Trump made a bold choice to protect global safety.

There Is No Good Reason for the U.S. to Join Israel's War on Iran

KERFUFFLE • 41 implied HN points • 19 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy Military History International relations National Security Middle East
  1. Israel can handle its own military challenges with Iran. They have shown they can take out important targets without needing U.S. involvement.
  2. Iran isn't currently building nuclear weapons, and there’s no solid evidence suggesting they are a threat right now. The situation is more about politics than actual danger.
  3. Getting involved in a war with Iran wouldn't benefit the U.S. It risks American lives while serving the interests of powerful leaders, rather than the general public.

SHOW NOTES: They, Them, and You; Feminine Pee Squatters; Leaks; and Fries

Erick Erickson's Confessions of a Political Junkie • 1179 implied HN points • 21 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Campaigns Polls Political parties National Security
  1. Trump's campaign messages resonate with voters, particularly on cultural issues, while Democrats struggle to connect with certain demographics like men and minorities.
  2. The recent leaks of classified information from the Biden-Harris administration raise serious concerns about national security and the integrity of intelligence operations.
  3. Kamala Harris's campaign appears ineffective as she distances herself from traditional voter outreach and relies on celebrity endorsements rather than genuine connection with the public.

After the Bombs: What Remains of Iran’s Nuclear Program?

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 904 implied HN points • 23 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy Military Defense International relations National Security
  1. The U.S. military dropped large bombs on Iran's nuclear sites, marking a big moment for America and the Middle East. Many people are discussing the fallout of this action and what it means for the future.
  2. There are concerns about how effective the strikes were since reports suggest that Iran may have moved important equipment before the bombs fell. This raises questions about whether Iran's nuclear program is truly damaged.
  3. In Israel, there is a mix of hope and uncertainty following the strikes. Some are feeling optimistic about potential changes, while others worry about possible retaliation and the larger implications of the conflict.
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The Biden Regime's "Censorship Police" Still Control Twitter/X

Emerald Robinson’s The Right Way • 2817 implied HN points • 10 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government Censorship Social media National Security Elections
  1. Some believe that the Biden administration has ongoing control over social media platforms like Twitter/X, keeping a level of censorship in place.
  2. There seems to be significant involvement from various government agencies in discussions about topics like election fraud on social media.
  3. Recent social media posts gained massive traction, with millions of impressions, highlighting a strong public interest in these controversial topics.

America is being sold out by its leaders

Noahpinion • 53471 implied HN points • 21 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy Political alliances Economic Policy National Security
  1. There is a concern that America's leaders are making choices that could weaken the country, particularly in foreign relations. If the U.S. were to focus on itself and ignore global involvement, some believe it could hurt its standing in the world.
  2. Some political figures think their vision aligns better with countries like China and Russia than with traditional allies. This shift could lead to a more isolationist approach, where the U.S. limits its international influence.
  3. People worry that the U.S. might reduce military strength and abandon industrial policies, which could harm the economy. Cutting defense spending and focusing on raw materials rather than manufacturing could make the country rely more on other nations.

Refresher On The Rules For Discussing Israeli Wars

Caitlin’s Newsletter • 2258 implied HN points • 13 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy Public Discourse Media Criticism National Security
  1. Israel is seen as always acting in self-defense, never as the aggressor in conflicts. It's believed that any attack is just a reaction to past events or a way to prevent future threats.
  2. Criticism of Israel's actions is often viewed as hate towards Jewish people. There's a belief that anyone who speaks against Israel does so out of malicious intent.
  3. The media and official narratives tend to defend Israel while painting its opponents in a negative light, suggesting that it’s wrong to question these portrayals.

The Art of The Distraction

Vicky Ward Investigates • 599 implied HN points • 21 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Trump Media Foreign Policy Public Relations National Security
  1. Trump is skilled at distracting the news media with bizarre comments, taking attention away from important issues. This keeps journalists focused on the flashy stories instead of serious topics.
  2. Jared Kushner's business connections with Saudi Arabia pose potential risks to U.S. foreign policy. There are concerns that his ties could influence national interests if Trump were to become president again.
  3. The couple, Jared and Ivanka, is pursuing new business ventures that could also raise eyebrows about possible conflicts of interest. Their social media portrays a glamorous lifestyle that distracts from the seriousness of their past and current connections.

'WE WOULD LOSE' War with Iran (w/ Col. Lawrence Wilkerson)

The Chris Hedges Report • 170 implied HN points • 22 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics International relations Military Policy National Security Geopolitics War Analysis
  1. A war with Iran could lead to significant losses for the United States. It would not be an easy conflict.
  2. Expert opinions suggest that military action may not solve the underlying issues. Diplomacy could be a better approach.
  3. Raising awareness about the risks of conflict is crucial. It's important for people to understand the potential consequences of war.

Bari’s Picks of the Week: Will We or Won’t We?

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 755 implied HN points • 20 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political parties Foreign Policy Political alliances National Security Legislation
  1. The ongoing conflict between Israel and Iran has raised important questions about U.S. involvement, particularly regarding Trump's potential actions. There's a lot of uncertainty about how it will play out.
  2. There's a noticeable split within the right-wing community, with influential figures like Tucker Carlson warning against war. This shows a disagreement that could affect Trump's support from his base.
  3. Unexpected alliances are forming in Washington, such as between AOC and Marjorie Taylor Greene. They both oppose American involvement in Iran, highlighting how certain issues can bridge partisan divides.

Staring Down The Barrel Of War With Iran Once Again

Caitlin’s Newsletter • 1848 implied HN points • 12 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy Military Affairs Middle East International relations National Security
  1. The US might be heading for war with Iran again, with officials warning about potential attacks and military evacuations happening in the region.
  2. If Iran retaliates to an Israeli attack, it could cause a large-scale conflict that would be worse than past wars in the Middle East.
  3. The current situation could be avoided if the US stopped supporting Israel, but it's clear that the US has chosen to remain involved.

Nyhetsbrev steigan.no 06.03.2025

steigan.no • 6 implied HN points • 06 Mar 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Relations Military Policy National Security Government Accountability
  1. Europe is shifting resources from welfare to military spending. This change is happening because of security concerns and a belief that a stronger military is needed.
  2. The military industry is making significant profits from the current conflict in Ukraine. Major defense companies are benefiting while social programs suffer due to budget cuts.
  3. There are serious human rights concerns regarding government actions against families, especially in cases involving child protection services. Many believe crucial rights are being overlooked in these situations.

Project Sentinel Has Launched!

Emerald Robinson’s The Right Way • 2380 implied HN points • 03 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Constitutional Law National Security Political Philosophy Government Overreach Crisis Management
  1. Project Sentinel is a group of experienced experts who offer solutions to current problems in America. They focus on informing people about political issues and strategies to counter perceived threats.
  2. These experts believe America is facing a serious crisis, comparing it to a coup d'état, and they emphasize the need for constitutional solutions to restore order.
  3. Members can access high-quality intelligence updates and advice from this elite group, which includes national security analysts and former military personnel.

EXCLUSIVE: The Last INTSUM of the Trump Administration!

Emerald Robinson’s The Right Way • 1646 implied HN points • 07 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics National Security Trump administration Civil Unrest Political Response
  1. Trump's national security team received warnings about ANTIFA, BLM, and COVID-19 but did not take action on them. This raises questions about decision-making during critical times.
  2. A group called Project Sentinel aims to share intelligence and insights on national security, highlighting concerns about the government's actions against citizens.
  3. Only certain subscribers will access exclusive intelligence summaries from the last days of the Trump administration, emphasizing the importance of this information for understanding past events.

That leaked intelligence report

The Cosmopolitan Globalist • 20 implied HN points • 26 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy Intelligence National Security Military Affairs Media Analysis
  1. The recent intelligence report suggests that the U.S. military strikes on Iran did not fully destroy its nuclear program, and it may be back up and running in just a few months.
  2. There are strong debates about the effectiveness of the military action, with some claiming it only caused minimal setbacks, while others argue it inflicted significant damage on Iran's nuclear capabilities.
  3. Concerns about the accuracy and reliability of leaked intelligence reports highlight the potential for misinformation and confusion regarding national security matters.

When are tariffs good?

Noahpinion • 19353 implied HN points • 06 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Trade policy Tariffs Economics National Security Manufacturing
  1. Tariffs can help protect national security by ensuring that the U.S. maintains essential manufacturing capabilities for military needs. Having domestic industries ready to switch to military production is crucial in case of conflicts.
  2. Targeted tariffs can support 'national champions,' which are big domestic companies that can thrive by limiting foreign competition. This helps the country's economy by allowing its firms to earn more profit and create jobs.
  3. The infant industry argument suggests that tariffs can help new industries grow by shielding them from foreign competition until they are strong enough to stand on their own. However, broad tariffs should be carefully considered as they might not apply well to every situation.

How we'll know if Trump is going to sell America out to China

Noahpinion • 33118 implied HN points • 13 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy Trade Relations National Security Political Analysis Elections
  1. Export controls on technology, especially semiconductors, are really important for keeping the U.S. ahead of China. If Trump stops these controls, it could mean he's not serious about standing up to Chinese power.
  2. There are doubts about Trump's commitment to manufacturing jobs, as his previous promises may not hold true. His tariffs might just be for show and could even hurt U.S. manufacturing instead of helping it.
  3. China is a serious threat to U.S. dominance, and the way Trump handles trade and technology policy will be key in determining the future relationship between the two countries.

Weekend Update#120: The US Changes Sides?

Phillips’s Newsletter • 334 implied HN points • 16 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy Democracy International relations Political Leadership National Security
  1. Trump is openly shifting to support Russia over Ukraine, changing the U.S. stance that previously backed Ukraine's defense. This change is concerning for European leaders who are now realizing the U.S. may not be a reliable ally.
  2. Europe needs to start thinking about its own security without relying on U.S. support. Some leaders are starting to call for a European army to protect themselves from threats like Russia.
  3. The recent U.S. policies have made it clear that Europe must adapt to a new reality where it can't depend on America as much. This could lead to Europe taking stronger control over its own defense and future.

THE SHOW NOTES: Israel's Next Move, Iran's Big Problem, & The Case Against Trump

Erick Erickson's Confessions of a Political Junkie • 819 implied HN points • 03 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Foreign Policy Political issues Political parties National Security
  1. Israel has launched airstrikes against Hezbollah, indicating a possible escalation in their ongoing conflict. This suggests that Israel is taking a more aggressive stance during the current tensions.
  2. Iran faces challenges in defending itself as it lacks a strong air force. The situation suggests that Iran may be more vulnerable than it has been in many years.
  3. Democrats are struggling to keep support from Hispanic voters, which could impact future elections. The shift in voting trends among this group is seen as significant and may change the political landscape.

Bipartisan Coalition Finally Tells Europe, and the FBI, to Shove It

TK News by Matt Taibbi • 11592 implied HN points • 21 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Legislation National Security Bipartisanship Privacy Technology Policy
  1. A bipartisan group in the U.S. is pushing back against foreign demands for encrypted user data. This marks a significant change in the way American leaders view privacy and security.
  2. The UK's Investigatory Powers Act allows its authorities to access encrypted data, making it easier for them to monitor citizens. This has raised concerns about privacy and government overreach.
  3. For years, there wasn't much opposition to government requests for encryption access. Now, key politicians are rekindling the debate, which could lead to stronger protections for user privacy.

Why the US military should plan for human-level AI

Faster, Please! • 365 implied HN points • 14 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Military Policy Artificial Intelligence National Security Defense technology Geopolitics
  1. The US military needs to prepare for the future of AI, especially if it reaches human-level intelligence. This preparation is crucial because AI could change how wars are fought.
  2. Unlike nuclear fission, which clearly showed its potential for destructive power, the military uses of AI are still not very clear. It's harder to see what AI can really do for military purposes right now.
  3. There are calls for a major effort, similar to the Manhattan Project, to stay ahead in AI development, particularly to prevent adversaries like China from gaining an advantage. However, the exact military benefits of advanced AI are still uncertain.

Reasons to Calm Down about China

Nonzero Newsletter • 406 implied HN points • 11 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy National Security Diplomacy Public Opinion Media
  1. Americans often exaggerate threats from other countries, which can lead to unnecessary panic. It's important to take a step back and evaluate these fears critically.
  2. The current worries about China's growing power are similar to past concerns about other countries. History often shows that these fears can be overblown.
  3. Calming down about perceived threats can lead to a sense of peace and better decision-making. It's okay to question the intensity of current anxieties.

Trump abandons Zelensky, triggering proxy war meltdown

Aaron Mate • 176 implied HN points • 19 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Election Foreign Policy Government Political Commentary National Security
  1. Trump believes that Zelensky could have prevented the war in Ukraine. This suggests that there may have been choices to avoid conflict.
  2. The statement indicates a significant change in U.S. support for Ukraine, which could lead to instability in the region.
  3. This situation may affect how future relationships between the U.S. and Ukraine develop, especially in terms of military aid and diplomatic support.

The Self-Defeating Machismo of a "Transactional" Foreign Policy

Phillips’s Newsletter • 140 implied HN points • 21 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy National Security Diplomacy Political Analysis Leadership
  1. Some people think Trump's foreign policy is effective and tough, often calling it 'transactional'.
  2. Critics point out that this approach may not lead to positive outcomes, especially regarding allies and global stability.
  3. Overall, there are doubts about whether treating foreign relations as deals can actually work in the long run.

America is Deeply Invested in Israel’s Success

OpenTheBooks Substack • 132 implied HN points • 18 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy Military Aid Political History National Security Public Debate
  1. The U.S. has supported Israel with over $305 billion since 1951, mainly for defense. This shows Israel is a key ally, and this support is backed by both Republican and Democratic administrations.
  2. Most of the aid is spent on American military goods, meaning it helps the U.S. economy too. This funding is not just charity; it's strategic for both countries.
  3. There is ongoing debate about U.S. involvement in Israel and Iran, with mixed opinions on whether it leads to more conflict. It highlights the different views on American foreign policy across the political spectrum.

America is losing the physical technologies of the future

Noahpinion • 15294 implied HN points • 18 Dec 24
🕹 Technology Electric Vehicles National Security Energy Policy Innovation
  1. America is falling behind in key physical technologies like electric vehicles and renewable energy. This is a big deal for the country's future power and economic success.
  2. The shift in focus towards electrical technologies is often viewed through the lens of climate change rather than national power. This misunderstanding could hurt America's position in global technology.
  3. Countries like China are gaining an advantage in these technologies, which could impact America's leadership in the world. It's essential to prioritize these innovations beyond just climate talk.

Repeal the Jones Act of 1920

Don't Worry About the Vase • 3494 implied HN points • 27 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Legislation Trade policy Regulatory issues National Security Economic Impact
  1. The Jones Act, enacted in 1920, restricts shipping between U.S. ports to American-built and operated ships, but it has led to a decline in U.S. shipbuilding and maritime trade. After a century, the country ships very little between its own ports, resulting in higher prices for consumers.
  2. Repealing the Jones Act could significantly reduce shipping costs, increase trade, and boost the economy. It would create more jobs and provide essential supplies more efficiently during emergencies, which often cannot be met due to current shipping constraints.
  3. Opponents of the Jones Act argue that it protects a limited number of jobs at the expense of overall economic growth. They believe that allowing competition from foreign ships would enhance the maritime industry and lead to better outcomes for consumers and the economy as a whole.

Updated! Trump Bombs Iran!

C.O.P. Central Organizing Principle. • 60 implied HN points • 13 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy National Security Political Scandals Military Action Election Integrity
  1. Trump's decision to bomb Iran could lead to serious consequences for his reputation and safety.
  2. There is a belief that the U.S. government and Israel are working closely together, and this bombing might be a distraction from other issues.
  3. If the situation escalates, Americans might react strongly against Trump and the government, calling for major changes in leadership.

NATO's War on Russia

Glenn’s Substack • 1099 implied HN points • 19 Aug 24
🌍 World Politics International relations Geopolitics War Studies National Security Foreign Policy
  1. NATO's involvement in Ukraine started with the 2014 coup, which led to increased tensions with Russia. This has shaped the current conflict, making it more than just a territorial dispute.
  2. Russia's responses to NATO's actions have been cautious, as they fear escalating to nuclear war. They are carefully considering how to react without triggering a larger conflict.
  3. The narrative in Western media portrays Russia as the sole aggressor, ignoring the complexities of NATO's role. This can limit discussions on diplomatic solutions and foster more hostility.

Hot take on an AI catfight

Marcus on AI • 6165 implied HN points • 22 Jan 25
🕹 Technology AI Infrastructure National Security Economics Environmental Impact
  1. OpenAI is launching a big project called The Stargate Project, which plans to invest $500 billion to improve AI infrastructure in the U.S. Over the next four years, they hope this will help the country's economy and national security.
  2. Elon Musk is skeptical about the funding and the true financial health of OpenAI. He suggests that previous promises may not hold true and questions whether this project will really benefit the American people.
  3. There are several uncertainties about this project, like whether developing AI will actually be profitable and how it might impact jobs. People worry if the profits will help everyone or just the rich, and if the U.S. can truly keep up with China's advancements in AI.

Trump’s “Peace” Is Just Surrender—And That’s the Point

Erik Examines • 44 implied HN points • 19 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Rhetoric International relations Conflict resolution Power Dynamics National Security
  1. Peace can sometimes just mean giving in, not really achieving justice. For example, pushing a nation to surrender isn't true peace.
  2. History shows that trying to maintain peace through submission can lead to larger problems later, like during World War II. It's important to stand up against aggressors instead of giving in.
  3. Being a strong nation comes with responsibility. If the U.S. turns to harsh tactics, it could be a threat to global safety, and we should be cautious about how power is used.

China Caught

Diane Francis • 1218 implied HN points • 01 Aug 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics International relations Diplomacy National Security Trade policy Crime
  1. China has been cheating in trade by stealing ideas and lying about its deals. This has been hurting businesses and countries that rely on China.
  2. NATO has accused China of supporting Russia by giving them supplies, even after China promised not to. This shows that China can't be trusted in international agreements.
  3. China is also involved in the drug trade, providing materials to Mexican cartels. Despite their denials, evidence shows they continue to help with drug problems.

Fab Whack-A-Mole: Chinese Companies are Evading U.S. Sanctions

SemiAnalysis • 10102 implied HN points • 28 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Sanctions National Security Trade policy International relations
  1. Chinese companies, particularly Huawei, are successfully finding loopholes to avoid U.S. export controls on advanced semiconductor technology. This allows them to enhance their domestic chip production capabilities.
  2. The current U.S. sanctions have not significantly harmed Western wafer fabrication equipment suppliers; in fact, these companies have been thriving during the period of restrictions.
  3. Future U.S. export controls need to be stricter and updated regularly to effectively combat the evasion strategies used by Chinese firms, ensuring that national security interests are maintained.

Why America Is Out of Ammunition

BIG by Matt Stoller • 55463 implied HN points • 20 Oct 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Military National Security Monopoly power Government oversight
  1. The Pentagon lacks oversight in tracking defense contractors, leading to issues in weapon production
  2. The defense industrial base is facing challenges due to prioritization of cash out over production
  3. The Government Accountability Office highlighted the lack of tracking defense-related mergers in the Pentagon, posing risks to national security

America Has a ‘Total Security’ Problem

Nonzero Newsletter • 417 implied HN points • 21 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics National Security Foreign Policy Military Strategy Political Rhetoric International relations
  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.

The Fourteenth Amendment Wasn’t a Creative Writing Exercise

Bulwark+ • 9552 implied HN points • 31 Jan 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Legal Presidential National Security Authoritarianism Democracy
  1. The Fourteenth Amendment was drafted in response to specific concerns about real-world actions from the past.
  2. The Fourteenth Amendment's Section 3 was written to prevent individuals like John B. Floyd, who violated their oath of office, from holding government positions.
  3. The progression of authoritarianism in America reveals the fragility of our system's guardrails when confronted one by one.

‘I Gave My Life to the FBI. And It Damn Near Broke Me.’

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 3964 implied HN points • 29 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics National Security Law enforcement Mental health Public Service
  1. Pat McMonigle dedicated his life to the FBI after a personal tragedy, aiming to fight terrorism. His commitment led him to a long career with many challenges.
  2. Despite his success and achievements, including multiple commendations, he faced severe mental health struggles, particularly PTSD from traumatic experiences on the job.
  3. Ultimately, he chose to resign from the FBI to protect his well-being, highlighting the serious mental health issues faced by many agents in high-stress positions.

America's Self-Defeating Chip War on China

Nonzero Newsletter • 271 implied HN points • 28 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy Tech Policy Trade Relations National Security
  1. The US is limiting chip imports from China, which could create tension leading to potential conflict in Taiwan.
  2. There hasn't been much discussion about the risks of this chip war among US foreign policy experts.
  3. A Chinese AI model called DeepSeek r1 is gaining attention and showing that the US's strategy against Chinese tech might have serious flaws.