The hottest National Security Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top U.S. Politics Topics
Policy Tensor 393 implied HN points 23 Jul 23
  1. The concentration of authority in the national security advisor's office is vital for the security state's functioning.
  2. The chips escalation is driven by concerns over the cyber security of US nuclear command and control.
  3. Maintaining US primacy in the cyber realm is crucial to ensure the credibility of US nuclear deterrence.
FOIA Around And Find Out 373 implied HN points 23 Jul 23
  1. Research suggests more transparency is needed regarding activities at the NSA, including possible Russian involvement from 2015-2016.
  2. Exploration of the involvement of individuals like Rodney Joffe in government data programs is an intriguing avenue of inquiry.
  3. FOIA requests have been resubmitted for records related to various entities that appear to have connections to US Intelligence and potential data collection activities.
Unreported Truths 20 implied HN points 18 Mar 24
  1. TikTok, a popular social media app, uses an algorithm to keep users engaged by showing videos tailored to their preferences, which can be addictive and distracting.
  2. There are concerns about TikTok being owned by a Chinese company, ByteDance, as it has been accused of spreading misinformation and collecting data on American users.
  3. The US House of Representatives passed a bill to make ByteDance sell TikTok to a non-Chinese company within six months, highlighting the ongoing debate about national security and foreign ownership of popular apps.
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All-Source Intelligence Fusion 140 implied HN points 18 Sep 23
  1. Premise Data's CEO is trying to keep the names of the military and spy agencies the company works for a secret.
  2. There is a legal battle over disclosing intelligence clients, with requests for documents to be clawed back and redacted.
  3. The legal dispute involves claims of national security reasons and maintaining marketplace competitiveness for secrecy.
Letters from an American 12 implied HN points 14 Mar 24
  1. The 2024 election is shaping up to be a Biden-Trump rematch, but the political landscape has significantly changed since 2020.
  2. Trump has transformed the Republican Party into one that supports Christian nationalism and authoritarianism, diverging from traditional GOP values.
  3. Biden has shown a strong focus on passing legislation to benefit ordinary Americans, contrasting sharply with Trump's extreme ideas and dangerous plans for the future.
Letters from an American 11 implied HN points 12 Mar 24
  1. Authoritarian prime minister Viktor Orbán of Hungary visited former president Trump in Florida, expressing support for stopping aid to Ukraine, even as U.S. officials stress its importance.
  2. President Biden's proposed budget for 2025 includes funding for Ukraine, Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid, and veterans' benefits, with an aim to reduce the deficit by taxing the wealthy and corporations.
  3. Historical analogies from FDR's era underscore the significance of providing aid to allies, as seen in the Lend-Lease Act during World War II, highlighting the critical nature of supporting democratic nations against dictatorships.
The Good blog 13 implied HN points 01 Mar 24
  1. The Defence Production Act grants the President expansive powers to strengthen the US industrial base, and it has remained largely unchanged since 1953.
  2. Certain antitrust provisions of the Defence Production Act allow firms to make voluntary agreements that might otherwise be illegal under antitrust laws.
  3. The Biden executive order on AI incorporates elements authorized under the legal authority of the Defence Production Act, such as reporting requirements for AI training runs and NIST's development of new AI safety standards.
Wenhao’s news blog 176 implied HN points 12 May 23
  1. China accuses the US of developing genetically engineered weapons targeting specific races, including Chinese, European, and Middle Eastern
  2. The accusation is based on an old Chinese state media article from 20 years ago, not recent revelations by the Wall Street Journal as claimed
  3. Activist Tong Zeng has been linking various events, such as the SARS outbreak and Covid-19 pandemic, to alleged US biological warfare activities
Who is Robert Malone 11 implied HN points 02 Mar 24
  1. The mandate for COVID-19 injections raises concerns about toxic exposure for the Armed Forces and its impact on national security and defense readiness posture.
  2. The VA's stance on vaccine-related toxicity contradicts scientific evidence and poses a threat to service members, veterans, and national security readiness.
  3. Transparency, accountability, and evidence-based decision-making are crucial to address failures in military healthcare systems, misinformation, and potential effects on defense readiness and national security.
Matthew's Notebook 157 implied HN points 14 Feb 23
  1. The U.S. has a history of sending secretive objects into other countries that can lead to serious international crises.
  2. American responses to foreign intrusions may sometimes be perceived as overreactions by experts.
  3. Reflection on U.S. actions towards weaker nations is necessary, especially in the context of past incidents like the Cuban missile crisis and recent tensions with Iran and China.
Letters from an American 11 implied HN points 24 Feb 24
  1. Two years ago, the passionate plea from Ukraine's president Zelensky to Russians for peace was followed by a Russian invasion despite it.
  2. Ukraine stood firm against the Russian invasion, with President Zelensky rejecting offers to leave and instead choosing to defend the country.
  3. Republicans are facing challenges due to their stance on abortion and IVF, affecting their public support and media attention on critical issues like the Russian disinformation case.
Metacurity 19 implied HN points 24 Jan 24
  1. Draft Biden administration is creating an executive order to prevent foreign adversaries from accessing sensitive American data.
  2. The order will involve new restrictions on data transactions that could threaten national security.
  3. Focus on preventing foreign adversaries from legally obtaining highly sensitive personal data of Americans.
A Biologist's Guide to Life 63 implied HN points 30 Sep 23
  1. The Fermi Paradox suggests that the lack of contact with extraterrestrial life may be due to specific probabilities hindering civilizations' advancement.
  2. Nuclear weapons and diseases are identified as vulnerabilities to human civilization, posing potential threats to societal stability.
  3. The Fauci Paradox highlights the need for closer regulation and oversight in scientific research to prevent catastrophic risks that could endanger humanity.
The Cosmopolitan Globalist 18 implied HN points 24 Jan 24
  1. American deterrence has eroded, leading to catastrophic implications like a potential surprise nuclear attack from North Korea.
  2. The media's limited focus on foreign events, particularly in regions like Ukraine, can lead to critical foreign policy mistakes and erode global security.
  3. The importance of maintaining a strong deterrence and supporting allies like Ukraine to prevent further escalation and potential world war.
Science Forever 159 implied HN points 15 Feb 23
  1. Gun violence in the United States is not primarily a mental health issue, but a result of easy access to firearms supported by politicians misinterpreting the Second Amendment.
  2. Ensuring physical safety on university campuses is crucial for fostering a conducive environment for learning and innovation.
  3. The presence of firearms on campuses and in communities poses a competitiveness disadvantage for the U.S. in the global arena and undermines progress in academic and scientific fields.
Letters from an American 9 implied HN points 28 Feb 24
  1. The House of Representatives is facing challenges with passing crucial legislation due to the influence of MAGA Republicans, especially in relation to the farm bill and appropriations bills.
  2. The farm bill, which expired and was extended to September 2024 as a stopgap, needs to be passed, along with appropriations bills to fund the government for fiscal year 2024.
  3. National security measures, including a bill to aid Ukraine and other critical regions, are stalled due to House Republicans' demands and House Speaker Johnson's reluctance to act, impacting national security.
Letters from an American 10 implied HN points 21 Feb 24
  1. Global affairs are affected by not stopping the aggression of Russia's president Vladimir Putin, with Trump's MAGA Republicans inadvertently strengthening Putin's position.
  2. MAGA Republicans have delayed a national security bill providing aid to Ukraine, despite bipartisan support, reflecting potential consequences on Ukrainian security and pressure on democracies to oppose dictatorships.
  3. International responses to Russian actions in Ukraine include aid packages, calls for more sanctions, and also highlight the reluctance of some House Republicans to commit aid, contrasting with broader American support for involvement.
Letters from an American 11 implied HN points 16 Feb 24
  1. House speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) canceled votes & sent House into recess until Feb 28 over national security funding disagreement
  2. Delay in passing national security measures puts critical aid for Ukraine at risk & demonstrates political gridlock
  3. Chaotic environment in the House, with discussions about appropriations delays, Homeland Security secretary impeachment, and escalating power of Trump's base
Letters from an American 11 implied HN points 13 Feb 24
  1. Trump's statements regarding NATO and Russia have been met with strong opposition from both Democrats and Republicans, with concerns about potential consequences for national security.
  2. NATO is an alliance designed for collective defense where each member agrees to aid one another if attacked, based on the principle that an attack on one is an attack on all.
  3. There is ongoing bipartisan support in Congress for aid to Ukraine, Israel, and Taiwan, despite opposition from Trump-aligned Republicans.
Letters from an American 12 implied HN points 08 Feb 24
  1. Republican senators killed a national security funding bill under pressure from Trump, showcasing a disturbing pattern of party influence from the former president.
  2. Trump's efforts to take over the Republican Party are evident through his manipulation of key decisions and his attempts to replace party officials with loyalists.
  3. Republican fear of Trump's retaliation is preventing them from standing up to him, leading to a shift within the party towards Trump's style of politics.
All-Source Intelligence Fusion 100 implied HN points 14 Jun 23
  1. An FBI-partnered firm tried to sell cellphone location data in a chatroom infiltration pitch.
  2. The firm touted the quality and depth of their social media surveillance data compared to competitors.
  3. The firm outsourced cellphone location-tracking to a partner and had key figures from Babel Street in their ranks.
Dr. Pippa's Pen & Podcast 32 implied HN points 20 Nov 23
  1. The White House and China struck a deal due to concerns about President Biden's health and potential challengers.
  2. Biden's administration seeks a better running mate, like Newsom, given Vice President Harris' low approval ratings.
  3. The White House aims to resolve issues like Ukraine and Israel wars to garner support amidst upcoming elections.
All-Source Intelligence Fusion 100 implied HN points 19 Apr 23
  1. Former head of Google Cloud AI, Andrew Moore, has joined U.S. Central Command as an advisor on AI, Robotics, and Cloud Computing.
  2. Moore has had a history of moving between Google and Carnegie Mellon University in roles related to AI and technology.
  3. Moore's new role at CENTCOM involves contributing to integrating artificial intelligence into battlefield tasks for Army, Navy, and Air Force.
Natto Thoughts 59 implied HN points 11 Aug 23
  1. US facing setbacks in extraditing suspects from Russia, with delays in decisions
  2. Japan's Defense White Paper upsetting China by calling their military activities a strategic challenge
  3. Vulnerabilities found in the Sogou input method used widely in China, raising concerns about eavesdropping and Chinese government monitoring
Think Future 39 implied HN points 05 Oct 23
  1. The future will be different from the present, in both better and worse ways. It's hard to accept when we're scared or cynical.
  2. The world could change drastically in a short period of time. Events like political shifts, technological advancements, or weather challenges may reshape our reality.
  3. Expect significant changes like the end of political polarization, shifts in news consumption, and a focus on climate-related national security threats. Personal interactions with technology may also evolve, impacting how we perceive information and reality.
The Radar 59 implied HN points 18 Jul 23
  1. The US All-Volunteer Military Force might not be in crisis despite concerns raised in the media
  2. There is a need for a critical evaluation of military recruitment goals and priorities to ensure the best use of resources
  3. The low percentage of young Americans interested in pursuing a military career can be viewed positively as a sign of valuing peace over conflict
Proof 89 implied HN points 21 Feb 23
  1. Speaker of the House Kevin McCarthy gifted Tucker Carlson access to sensitive national security data despite warnings from federal officials.
  2. McCarthy's actions are under federal investigation in relation to aiding and abetting an insurrection.
  3. The collusion between McCarthy and private media figures like Tucker Carlson raises concerns about national security and potential threats to democracy.
Think Future 39 implied HN points 17 Aug 23
  1. The federal government departments and agencies serve as defenses and insurance policies against disasters, as well as engines for future growth through infrastructure and economic development.
  2. We need to appreciate the role of civil servants and government agencies in preventing disasters and providing for the general welfare of citizens.
  3. Understanding the importance of well-funded and functional disaster prevention agencies is crucial for forecasting potential future disasters and their impacts.
Faridaily 58 implied HN points 18 Apr 23
  1. The Russian government is implementing a significant military reform, involving a complex digital system to track and monitor military-eligible citizens.
  2. The reform aims to militarize society through strong enforcement of military service, with military gaining unprecedented power over citizens.
  3. The new law allows for electronic conscription notifications, restrictions on individuals avoiding military service, and cross-agency data sharing to enhance military registration.
Outspoken with Dr Naomi Wolf 7 implied HN points 27 Jan 24
  1. Displacement of American children in schools due to immigration policies is causing disruption and concern among parents and communities.
  2. Observations on the changing landscape of America, noting economic disparities and societal shifts contributing to instability.
  3. Call for collaboration and alignment between political movements like RFK Jr.'s followers and the MAGA grassroots to address pressing national challenges and preserve the nation.