The hottest National Security Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
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Top U.S. Politics Topics

The Hyper-Structure of War and Interstitial Conflicts

Dr. Pippa's Pen & Podcast • 45 implied HN points • 29 Nov 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics National Security
  1. Many modern wars are interstitial — they’re not just local fights but reflect deep internal conflicts within powerful countries, especially the US, and events abroad can be treated as shrapnel from that domestic struggle.
  2. The US is split into two broad coalitions: the Custodians, who defend the post‑WWII global order (big corporations, tech, and the security establishment), and the Populists, who push for national industrial power and are willing to break old rules to preserve sovereignty.
  3. These factions fight through proxies, covert actions, lawfare, and narrative warfare, turning foreign conflicts and domestic incidents into battlegrounds for their rivalry, which often prioritizes loyalty over truth and increases the risk of escalation.

December 29, 2025

Letters from an American • 25 implied HN points • 30 Dec 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics National Security
  1. The U.S. has carried out strikes tied to drug trafficking in Venezuela that officials have not fully explained, and reporting indicates the CIA used drones to hit a remote port linked to a gang.
  2. Trump met with Zelensky at Mar-a-Lago after Russia launched heavy strikes on Kyiv; U.S. officials did not greet Zelensky while Trump praised and repeatedly consulted with Putin and pushed a peace approach critics say could cede Ukrainian territory.
  3. Documented past contacts between Trump allies and Russian interests, plus Russia’s economic strain from the war, suggest Putin is pushing for territorial concessions and sanctions relief, and critics worry Trump’s negotiating stance favors those Russian aims.

My latest column: Why does China’s most secretive spy agency no longer wish to remain clandestine?

Wang Xiangwei's Thought of the Day on China • 176 implied HN points • 05 Feb 24
🌍 World Politics National Security
  1. China's Ministry of State Security (MSS) is becoming more open and public under President Xi Jinping, shifting focus to national security since 2018.
  2. New spy chief Chen Yixin is pushing for MSS to take a high-profile role, being close to Xi Jinping and advocating for the agency's visibility.
  3. China's party leadership is considering adding Xi Jinping Thought on National Security as a new pillar, with MSS potentially aiming to support this initiative.

Russia's Game of Thrones

Diane Francis • 619 implied HN points • 10 Apr 23
🌍 World Politics National Security
  1. Putin's rule in Russia is marked by extreme paranoia and violence, with rival factions forming amid fears of losing power. Assassination and other brutal tactics are used to silence opposition.
  2. A variety of illegal armed groups are emerging, each with their own goals, some wanting to overthrow Putin and others preparing for chaos after his rule. This shows a deep divide among the elite and a potential shift in power.
  3. Political dynamics in Russia are changing, with increasing challenges to Putin's authority. Historical patterns suggest that if he loses a war or power, he could be replaced through backdoor negotiations or even force.
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EMERGENCY EDITION: AI Diffusion Export Controls

ChinaTalk • 459 implied HN points • 15 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics National Security
  1. The Biden administration is implementing stricter rules on exporting advanced AI technology to prevent it from being misused, especially by countries like China. These rules aim to maintain the US's leadership in AI technology.
  2. There will be a new three-tier system classifying countries based on their access to AI chips, with stricter controls for adversarial nations. This affects where companies can build data centers and how easily they can deploy AI projects globally.
  3. Companies that meet verification requirements will have an easier time obtaining licenses for export. However, smaller sovereign AI projects in tier two countries may struggle to meet these requirements and might reconsider their AI investments.

Reasons to Calm Down about China

Nonzero Newsletter • 406 implied HN points • 11 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics National Security
  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.

America Has a ‘Total Security’ Problem

Nonzero Newsletter • 417 implied HN points • 21 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics National Security
  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.

December 22, 2025

Letters from an American • 25 implied HN points • 23 Dec 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics National Security
  1. The president is focused on grand, self‑aggrandizing projects — from proposed “Trump‑class” golden battleships to a massive White House ballroom — suggesting a priority on spectacle and his personal legacy.
  2. The Justice Department’s slow, heavily redacted release of Epstein files has fueled accusations of a cover‑up and prompted public demands, including from Bill Clinton, for the full records to be made public.
  3. The conservative movement is splintering, with infighting and defections to rival GOP groups. A high‑profile decision to pull a major news segment, which was then leaked and widely shared, has intensified worries about censorship and media influence.

Russia Has Lost the War

Diane Francis • 1039 implied HN points • 29 Aug 22
🌍 World Politics National Security
  1. Russia has faced significant losses in the conflict, both militarily and in public opinion. Many Russians are now aware that the war is not going as promised, and casualties are high.
  2. Ukraine is receiving strong support from Western countries and is strategically pushing back against Russian forces. Ukraine's leadership has rallied its people and the globe around a strong defense of their territory.
  3. Putin's attempts to control the narrative and gain support from allies are failing. Countries like China and India are distancing themselves, and the global stance against Russia's actions is getting stronger.

Why the US military should plan for human-level AI

Faster, Please! • 365 implied HN points • 14 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics National Security
  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.

Russia's 9/11

Diane Francis • 1039 implied HN points • 15 Aug 22
🌍 World Politics National Security
  1. Yellow ribbons in Kherson show resistance against Russian control and upcoming fake votes for annexation. Many residents are defying Russian authority despite risks of jail or worse.
  2. Russia is staging referenda in occupied regions like Kherson and Zaporizhzhia to legitimize their claims while fighting continues. Ukraine's President says no talks will happen if these votes occur.
  3. Ukrainians remain hopeful about winning the war, with a strong desire to reclaim all their territories, including Crimea. Many reject ideas of surrendering or compromising with Russia.

What’s hiding in the AI doomers’ satchels?

Sex and the State • 27 implied HN points • 10 Dec 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics National Security
  1. People often use popular causes as cover for other goals, so fighting a big threat can be turned into an excuse for unrelated repression or power grabs.
  2. AI safety is a legitimate concern but can be treated as a ‘satchel’ for other agendas, so it’s important to check who’s promoting it and what else they want before accepting urgent policy demands.
  3. Learn the history and ask questions: understanding past misuses of popular causes and sharing what you learn helps you spot hidden motives and avoid repeating mistakes.

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

The Chris Hedges Report • 170 implied HN points • 22 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics National Security
  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.

Sex, Lies, and the Technofeudal Panopticon

Daniel Pinchbeck’s Newsletter • 19 implied HN points • 28 Dec 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics National Security
  1. A corporatized surveillance technocracy is being built that would centralize Americans’ health, financial, and behavioral data and use AI to monitor and shape people’s lives. This public–private project risks replacing democratic oversight with an unaccountable system of control.
  2. AI deepfakes and unmarked synthetic media are close to making authentic content indistinguishable from fake, which will amplify confusion, propaganda, and psychological manipulation. Without regulations like digital watermarks, trust in information will collapse and make coordinated resistance much harder.
  3. The current authoritarian push is gendered and political: it attacks social protections and the ‘feminine’ while consolidating media, militarizing enforcement, and revealing Right‑wing hypocrisy about surveillance. A cultural and spiritual counter-movement that re-centers feminine values and collective care is proposed as part of the resistance.

Software: Liability, Safe Harbor and National Security

Resilient Cyber • 139 implied HN points • 08 Feb 24
🕹 Technology National Security
  1. Software developers may need to be held responsible for security flaws that lead to cyber attacks. This could protect critical infrastructure from being misused.
  2. Creating clear standards for software safety is important. These rules could help developers understand what they're responsible for and how to improve their products.
  3. A safe harbor could protect developers who follow best practices. This means they won't face lawsuits if they do everything right and still have issues.

Weekend Update#120: The US Changes Sides?

Phillips’s Newsletter • 334 implied HN points • 16 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics 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.

November 29, 2025

Letters from an American • 33 implied HN points • 30 Nov 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics National Security
  1. Allegations that the Defense Secretary ordered Special Operations to kill survivors of a strike have prompted promises of vigorous congressional oversight. Former JAGs say issuing or carrying out such orders would amount to war crimes and should be prosecuted.
  2. The president’s approval has fallen sharply and public support for aggressive actions like attacking Venezuela is weak. Polls also show the MAGA movement is fracturing, with many 2024 Trump voters distancing themselves from the label.
  3. Republican officials and institutions are increasingly pushing back against the White House, with members declining reelection, resisting pressure on redistricting, and governors from both parties opposing administration policies like offshore drilling. Businesses and some lawmakers are distancing themselves out of legal and reputational concerns.

The National Security and National Defense Strategies

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

Roadmap: Defense Tech

Next Big Teng • 137 implied HN points • 29 Jan 24
🕹 Technology National Security
  1. Defense tech landscape is evolving, and startups are now collaborating with the DOD.
  2. Government contracts are key for defense tech startups, offering revenue and validation.
  3. Innovation in AI/ML, data infrastructure, cybersecurity, vertical solutions, and autonomous systems are driving the defense technology industry.

December 16, 2025

Letters from an American • 23 implied HN points • 17 Dec 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics National Security
  1. U.S. forces have been striking small boats and killing dozens while the administration claims it is fighting narco-traffickers, but lawmakers and legal experts say there’s been no legal justification and key evidence has been withheld.
  2. The White House is escalating toward Venezuela with threats of blockades and demands to seize assets, signaling a push for regime pressure or change that many lawmakers warn could risk a wider conflict.
  3. The administration shows signs of chaos and poor transparency — from mistaken public statements and disputed briefings to a lawsuit over White House construction and insider comments suggesting punitive, unconstrained behavior.

Fighting For Your Country

Phillips’s Newsletter • 152 implied HN points • 25 Jun 25
🌍 World Politics National Security
  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.

How to Beat Russia

Diane Francis • 719 implied HN points • 24 Oct 22
🌍 World Politics National Security
  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.

MORE Export Controls: Foundry, DRAM, and Reflections on Biden

ChinaTalk • 311 implied HN points • 16 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics National Security
  1. New export controls from the U.S. aim to stop Chinese companies, like Huawei, from accessing advanced chips made in Taiwan. This is a big move to protect U.S. technology.
  2. A change in the definition of DRAM now makes it harder for Chinese companies to find loopholes to acquire necessary chip-making equipment. This is a stricter measure to keep high-tech manufacturing under control.
  3. There's a new checklist system for companies trying to buy advanced chips. Only approved companies can buy them, which could slow things down for startups looking to get into the market.

Yes, It is Snowing in New York

Outspoken with Dr Naomi Wolf • 3 implied HN points • 23 Feb 26
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics National Security
  1. News outlets exaggerated a routine Northeast snowfall as an unprecedented emergency, which helped build public panic and justify strict city measures.
  2. The mayor’s emergency order banned private vehicle travel while exempting many nonprofits, delivery services, and essential workers, and it forced property owners to clear wide paths or face fines, raising questions about fairness and civil liberties.
  3. Closing bridges and restricting movement could create real security risks by trapping people during an attack, and allegations about staff and donor ties to extremist groups increase fears these powers might be abused.

November 28, 2025

Letters from an American • 28 implied HN points • 29 Nov 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics National Security
  1. Senior envoys pushed a ‘peace’ plan that would accept Russia’s seizure of Ukrainian territory while sidelining U.S. diplomats and European and Ukrainian partners, and leaked calls suggest the plan closely matched Russian demands and could open big business opportunities.
  2. Immigration rhetoric has escalated into xenophobic, sweeping proposals — including mass deportations and stripping some naturalized citizens — with a shooting used to blame political opponents.
  3. National security institutions are being politicized and stretched into unusual roles, from military leaders conducting diplomacy to aggressive strikes that raise legal and war‑crime concerns, and controversial pardons that undermine oversight.

On War

Life in the 21st Century • 117 implied HN points • 31 Jan 24
🌍 World Politics National Security
  1. The war in Ukraine has been a disaster, despite claims about it being about democracy.
  2. There's criticism towards US National Security State policy towards Russia and Ukraine.
  3. The New Yorker has an important piece on Ukraine worth reading.

December 7, 2025

Letters from an American • 24 implied HN points • 08 Dec 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics National Security
  1. A U.S. strike on a small boat killed nine people and a subsequent strike hit survivors, prompting lawmakers to demand the release of video footage and raising legal and ethical concerns about the attacks.
  2. The defense secretary defended the strikes and asserted broad authority to order them, but his use of Signal to share sensitive operational details and his refusal to cooperate with the inspector general have been criticized as creating security risks.
  3. The new National Security Strategy shifts away from a rules-based, alliance-focused approach toward great-power spheres of influence, alarming U.S. allies while drawing praise from Russia.

December 2, 2025

Letters from an American • 26 implied HN points • 03 Dec 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics National Security
  1. A reported order to "kill everybody" in a boat strike and a follow-up attack that hit survivors are being called unlawful and could amount to a war crime, prompting bipartisan outrage and investigations.
  2. The president and his Cabinet are defending hardline officials and pushing xenophobic immigration policies, including pauses on applications from many countries and targeted actions against Somali communities, while using dehumanizing rhetoric.
  3. There are growing concerns about competence and governance as the administration courts cronies, spreads false claims (like invalidating a predecessor's autopen actions), and faces criticism over economic inequality and weakened institutions such as the FBI.

Trump's Deportation Stormtroopers

The Weekly Dish • 113 implied HN points • 11 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics National Security
  1. There's a plan to create a large enforcement force for immigration control. This could change how immigration is managed in the country.
  2. The concept of 'domestic gulags' suggests a frightening level of control over people's lives. This raises concerns about human rights and personal freedoms.
  3. People are worried about the implications of these changes for society. It could lead to fear and division among communities.

Genesis, Quatrovision, War/Peace & Disclosure

Dr. Pippa's Pen & Podcast • 29 implied HN points • 26 Nov 25
🕹 Technology National Security
  1. Genesis aims to open national labs and mix classified research with outside scientists, supercomputers, and AI to rapidly create huge breakthroughs—potentially including game-changing energy technologies.
  2. A long-standing "invisible wall" has kept many discoveries secret through NDAs, clearances, and control of publishing; once locked-away scientists meet external researchers, suppressed ideas will surface and become hard to control.
  3. Officials appear to be slowly releasing taxpayer-funded breakthroughs to test public reaction and boost the economy, a shift that could quickly rewrite textbooks and scientific norms.

America is Deeply Invested in Israel’s Success

OpenTheBooks Substack • 132 implied HN points • 18 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics National Security
  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.

December 4, 2025

Letters from an American • 24 implied HN points • 05 Dec 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics National Security
  1. A U.S. strike on small boats in early September killed survivors who were clinging to wreckage, raising serious questions about whether the second attack unlawfully targeted people who were no longer a threat.
  2. The administration says the U.S. is in armed conflict with drug cartels and labels boat crews as combatants, but legal experts argue that civilians engaged in trafficking are not lawful targets and the operation appears to lack clear legal authority.
  3. Lawmakers and the public are demanding full, unedited footage and further investigation as the number of strikes and deaths grows, amid both partisan defenses and voices celebrating the attacks.

Putin’s Narrative Power

Comment is Freed • 117 implied HN points • 06 Jul 25
🌍 World Politics National Security
  1. Vladimir Putin continues the war in Ukraine despite not achieving his goals. His stubbornness is driven by a need to avoid humiliation.
  2. Russia's military and political objectives are unrealistic, as they require a neutralized Ukraine, but they are far from reaching them.
  3. Even with some territorial gains, Russia occupies less land now than at the start of the war, and Ukraine has grown stronger and more prepared for defense.

December 8, 2025

Letters from an American • 22 implied HN points • 09 Dec 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics National Security
  1. The president is trying to expand executive power by using emergency laws to impose tariffs and by asserting the right to remove officials from independent agencies, a push toward a stronger "unitary executive."
  2. The tariff campaign has badly hurt farmers, prompting a $12 billion one-time bailout, while the administration has delayed economic reports that could reveal more damage.
  3. Courts and Congress are starting to push back: the Supreme Court may limit the administration's claims, and lawmakers are demanding oversight and even withholding funds to get unedited military strike videos and constrain officials.

Project Nectar: Another Palantir Special

God's Spies by Thomas Neuburger • 110 implied HN points • 16 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics National Security
  1. A new AI tool called Nectar is being tested in the UK to collect sensitive data about people, including their race, political views, and personal life. This raises concerns about privacy and how this data might be used.
  2. Past actions of the National Security State show a history of abuses, which makes people wary of current technologies that could be used for surveillance.
  3. The way this program is set up suggests it could be used to control or silence dissent, rather than genuinely protect citizens, reflecting who the security services really serve.

America's Self-Defeating Chip War on China

Nonzero Newsletter • 271 implied HN points • 28 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics 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.