The hottest Policy Analysis Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top U.S. Politics Topics

What's Behind Trump's War on Science?

Richard Hanania's Newsletter • 731 implied HN points • 12 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Policy Analysis Political Commentary Populism
  1. The Trump administration cut science funding significantly, with research funding dropping drastically in many fields. This has created a crisis for the National Science Foundation.
  2. The slow distribution of research funds is linked to both incompetence and a focus on politically favored themes. This shows a lack of value for basic research.
  3. Overall, this issue reflects broader problems with populism, where anger can lead to harm without clear targets, often causing more chaos than resolution.

The Evidence That A Million Americans Died Of COVID

Astral Codex Ten • 32210 implied HN points • 22 May 25
🏥 Health Politics Public Health Pandemic response Statistics Healthcare Policy Analysis
  1. Many people are unsure if the 1.2 million COVID deaths are accurate, with some believing these deaths are linked to other causes rather than COVID itself.
  2. The data shows that total deaths during the pandemic were higher than usual, which supports the idea that many deaths were directly caused by COVID.
  3. Some argue that they don’t personally know anyone who died from COVID, but with a large population, it makes sense that not everyone would know someone affected.

The Other COVID Reckoning

Astral Codex Ten • 30214 implied HN points • 21 May 25
🏥 Health Politics Public Health COVID-19 Mortality Policy Analysis Social Impact
  1. COVID-19 has caused an incredible number of deaths, but many people have stopped talking about them, even though the toll is higher than many major historical events.
  2. The reasons for this neglect may include that the deceased were often older people, and there aren't public stories shared by those who lost loved ones, making the impact feel less personal.
  3. While there were many debates about COVID responses, the focus should be on remembering those who lost their lives, as it can help us appreciate the seriousness of the situation.

Progressives take their best shot at Abundance (but it falls short)

Noahpinion • 14588 implied HN points • 17 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Policy Analysis Progressivism Regulation Economic Theory Political critique
  1. Critics of the book 'Abundance' often haven't read it and misunderstand its ideas. Instead of addressing the arguments, they focus on insulting the authors.
  2. The backlash against 'Abundance' seems to stem from its author Ezra Klein's influence rather than the book's actual content. Some progressives feel threatened by a shift in focus towards empowering the government.
  3. One critic, Sandeep Vaheesan, does engage with the book but misinterprets its core arguments. He points out that while 'Abundance' suggests empowering the government, it doesn't clearly outline the specific actions needed to achieve that.

The Paris AI Anti-Safety Summit

Don't Worry About the Vase • 4390 implied HN points • 12 Feb 25
🕹 Technology AI safety International relations Policy Analysis Regulation Public Perception
  1. The recent Paris AI Summit shifted focus away from safety and risk management, favoring economic opportunities instead. Many leaders downplayed potential dangers of advanced AI.
  2. International cooperation on AI safety has weakened, with past agreements being ignored. This leaves little room for developing effective safety regulations as AI technologies rapidly evolve.
  3. The emphasis on voluntary commitments from companies may not be enough to ensure safety. Experts believe a more structured regulatory framework is needed to address serious risks associated with AI.
Get a weekly roundup of the best Substack posts, by hacker news affinity:

Chartbook 390 Beyond LA: Logics of escalation from Black Lives Matter (2020) to "No Kings" (June 14 2025)

Chartbook • 1630 implied HN points • 10 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Climate Protests Policy Analysis Immigration
  1. Protests are increasing in LA due to a heavy military response to immigration issues. This creates a tense environment that could escalate further.
  2. The Trump administration is focusing on a confrontational approach to gather support from his base. They aim to use fear and division to unify and rally their followers.
  3. Upcoming events, like the planned 'No Kings' protests on June 14, show a deep divide in America and indicate that tensions could spread beyond LA.

Francis Collins retires from the NIH

Vinay Prasad's Observations and Thoughts • 128 implied HN points • 03 Mar 25
🏥 Health Politics Public Health Biotechnology Policy Analysis Epidemiology Research Ethics
  1. Francis Collins helped find the cystic fibrosis gene, which saved many lives. However, his support for gain of function research and certain policies during the pandemic raised concerns.
  2. Many believe that the impact of Collins' leadership during the pandemic was negative, leading to loss of trust in science and vaccination. His actions may have contributed to millions of deaths and economic losses.
  3. Collins did not explore if the way the NIH gives out grant money was effective. Despite advancements in genetics, many common health issues remain largely unresolved.

Chartbook 388: Trump v. Musk - Alien v. Predator or "death march" into a political vacuum?

Chartbook • 1845 implied HN points • 06 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Dynamics Policy Analysis Election Strategy Media influence Party Affiliation
  1. Trump and Musk are publicly clashing, which shows a deeper issue in Trump's grip on power and policy decisions. This indicates that even top supporters can disagree strongly about important legislation.
  2. Trump's Big Beautiful Bill faces challenges from within his own party, revealing a lack of clear support and coherent strategy around key policies like taxes and tariffs.
  3. Rising tensions and conflicts could push Trump’s party toward extreme views, such as using xenophobia as a unifying theme to manage internal disagreements.

Top Links 767 The surge in global steel production that is not glutting global markets. Fiscal federalism in Nigeria and the MidEast AI play.

Chartbook • 529 implied HN points • 12 Jun 25
💼 Business Economics Market Trends Global Trade Policy Analysis
  1. Global steel production is currently rising without causing an oversupply in the market. This means that while more steel is being made, it's still being used effectively.
  2. The reduction in traded steel suggests that overcapacity issues are more about political decisions than actual economic needs. It's not just about making stuff; it's also about how countries manage their resources.
  3. Fiscal federalism in Nigeria and the role of AI in the Middle East are important topics worth exploring. They show how local and technological changes can impact economies.

Why Trump killed congestion pricing

Silver Bulletin • 386 implied HN points • 20 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Policy Analysis Transportation Political Economy Urban planning Public Opinion
  1. Congestion pricing in New York has made commuting faster for many people, saving them time despite the added fees. Some drivers find it worth paying extra to avoid long traffic delays.
  2. Not everyone benefits equally from congestion pricing; it can be a burden for lower-income commuters who rely on personal vehicles. Still, it helps reduce traffic and pollution in the city.
  3. The policy has mixed effects on local businesses. While it may deter some visitors, faster travel within the city could encourage local spending from commuters using public transit.

Caveat Emptor

Erick Erickson's Confessions of a Political Junkie • 2318 implied HN points • 03 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Government Foreign Policy Political parties Policy Analysis
  1. Iran is strengthening its military capabilities and could soon have nuclear weapons, posing a threat to Israel and the Middle East.
  2. The strike by dockworkers during a hurricane highlights issues in leadership during crises, with politicians taking sides rather than focusing on helping people.
  3. There's concern about the growing power of the government and its impact on individual freedoms, with calls for a more conservative approach to governance.

Collective Psychosis in Vermont

Disaffected Newsletter • 2457 implied HN points • 06 Sep 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Health Policy Analysis Social Issues Cultural Commentary Local news
  1. Oktoberfest in Burlington was canceled due to health concerns about Eastern Equine Encephalitis, which affects mosquitoes in the area.
  2. Despite the low number of cases, local officials advised residents to avoid outdoor activities during certain hours to prevent infections.
  3. The response reflects a larger trend of reacting emotionally to health risks, leading to broader community actions that some see as extreme or unnecessary.

The Politicization of Intelligence

The Honest Broker Newsletter • 1118 implied HN points • 02 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Intelligence Decision-making Policy Analysis Political theory Ethics
  1. Intelligence can be influenced by politics, which means the information gathered isn't always objective. This can lead to bad decisions based on flawed data.
  2. It's important for decision-makers to be open to different views and facts, even if they don't fit their hopes. Ignoring contrary evidence can lead to problems, like the difficulties faced in Iraq.
  3. Leaders in politics and intelligence need to focus on reality and not let political agendas shape the truth. Good outcomes come from honest assessments, not just from trying to win political arguments.

Chaos Monkeys at the Gate: Elon Musk, Donald Trump, & the Unraveling of Rocket-&-Rage-Tweet Tech Statesmanship

Brad DeLong's Grasping Reality • 361 implied HN points • 14 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political strategy Public Figures Policy Analysis Political Commentary Political Conflict
  1. Elon Musk initially found success by overpromising but often delivered exceptional results with his companies, like Tesla and SpaceX. However, this ability may have been overshadowed by his association with Donald Trump.
  2. Musk's close relationship with Trump, while beneficial in certain cultural aspects, poses significant risks to his businesses and financial interests. Trump's policies could threaten the viability of Musk's ventures.
  3. Musk underestimated the power dynamics at play and did not secure enough protections for his interests. His strategy to deal with Trump seems ineffective, leading to a retreat from previous positions.

Welcome To The Fauci/Pfizer Matrix: COVID Vaccines Directly Cause Long-Lasting Side Effects, Per New Study

Unmasked • 92 implied HN points • 27 Feb 25
🏥 Health Politics Public Health Vaccination Misinformation Policy Analysis COVID-19
  1. There was a lot of misinformation about COVID vaccines when they came out. Experts made claims that were not supported by facts, leading to confusion about their effectiveness.
  2. Key figures like Dr. Fauci and Rochelle Walensky made statements that turned out to be incorrect, which worsened public trust and guided harmful policies.
  3. Recent research suggests that the long-term side effects of vaccines are more significant than previously acknowledged, highlighting ongoing issues around vaccine communication and transparency.

Expert Critics Of The HHS Report On Youth Gender Medicine Are Projecting—And Helping Implode Their Own Credibility (Part 1 of 2)

Singal-Minded • 597 implied HN points • 04 Jun 25
🏥 Health Politics Gender Issues Public Health Medical Ethics Policy Analysis
  1. The HHS report on youth gender medicine raises skepticism due to its ties to past administrations, but it actually offers a well-done summary of the current evidence, which is lacking in support for youth gender treatments.
  2. Critics of the HHS report, like the American Academy of Pediatrics, have responded quickly and forcefully but often without providing clear evidence or details to back up their claims.
  3. The conversation around youth gender medicine is complicated, and the rushing to judgment by authorities has damaged their credibility, making it harder for families to find trustworthy guidance.

Dr. Atlas and the Crucible of Open Dialogue

COVID Reason • 495 implied HN points • 15 Oct 24
🏥 Health Politics Censorship Public Health Policy Analysis Academic Freedom Pandemic response
  1. Government lockdowns during the pandemic didn't work as intended and caused more harm than good, affecting people's mental health and education.
  2. Censorship stifled important discussions and alternative viewpoints, which are essential for scientific progress.
  3. Academic institutions didn't uphold free expression and debate, which is key for critical thinking and finding the truth.

Another PRO-MASK Study Debunked

COVID Reason • 733 implied HN points • 07 Oct 24
🏥 Health Politics Public Health Medical Research Policy Analysis Epidemiology Health Education
  1. Recent studies show that school mask mandates may not significantly reduce COVID-19 transmission. It's important to look closely at how studies are conducted to understand their true effectiveness.
  2. Researchers highlight that using observational data can lead to misleading conclusions about mask mandates. Different methods could give us clearer answers about their impact.
  3. Future public health decisions about masks should rely on strong evidence from well-designed studies. This will help build trust and ensure that interventions are truly beneficial.

Are we entering a Conservative Golden Age?

Silver Bulletin • 1202 implied HN points • 23 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political trends Voting Patterns Public Opinion Policy Analysis Cultural Shifts
  1. A Conservative Golden Age might be emerging, as recent policies and leadership are leaning strongly to the right. This could mean significant changes in areas like immigration and social rights.
  2. Public opinion often reacts against a government seen as too conservative or too liberal. If Trump’s policies are perceived as overreaching, it may lead to a shift back to more liberal governance in future elections.
  3. Historically, American politics swings between conservative and liberal eras, influenced by major crises. This suggests uncertainty about whether we're starting a new conservative era or if the current situation is temporary.

How Good Are American Roads?

Construction Physics • 25889 implied HN points • 20 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Infrastructure Transportation Policy Analysis Urban Development Public Spending
  1. US interstate roads are generally in good shape, with over 80% rated as good or very good. However, urban roads are often much worse, with many in poor condition.
  2. While American roads have decent quality, particularly interstates, there is limited data to compare them directly with roads in other countries, making it hard to draw firm conclusions.
  3. Roads in major US cities can be quite bad, especially in places like California, indicating a need for better maintenance and improvement in urban infrastructure.

The Saturday Read: Ranks of the state

The Saturday Read • 379 implied HN points • 12 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Governance Political parties Public Opinion Policy Analysis
  1. Keir Starmer's Labour government has faced challenges and criticism in its first 100 days. Many people feel disappointed and distrustful of politicians, leading to low voter turnout.
  2. Morgan McSweeney, the new chief of staff, is expected to bring fresh ideas and help create a clearer direction for the government, particularly after recent scandals.
  3. Rachel Reeves's upcoming Budget is expected to be crucial for Labour's future. It could reshape the party's political strategy and address economic issues facing the country.

The educated professional class is out of touch with America

Noahpinion • 28294 implied HN points • 10 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Political parties Voter Demographics Policy Analysis
  1. The educated professional class in America is growing more disconnected from the values and beliefs of the rest of the population. This split affects political views and voting patterns.
  2. Education levels in America have become polarized, with the non-college-educated voters increasingly leaning towards the Republican party. This creates challenges for Democrats, who mostly appeal to college-educated individuals.
  3. Many Americans are reconsidering the value of a college education due to rising costs and minimal benefits. If colleges want to improve enrollment, they need to make their programs more affordable and relevant.

At least five interesting things: Red Tape edition (#57)

Noahpinion • 15706 implied HN points • 11 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Regulation Tariffs Deregulation Policy Analysis Economic issues
  1. Environmental review laws like NEPA slow down development and can lead to unnecessary delays and high costs, affecting infrastructure projects.
  2. Jimmy Carter's legacy of deregulation is remembered as a way to navigate some current regulatory barriers and foster economic growth.
  3. Targeted tariffs are more effective than broad tariffs in managing imports and trade deficits, and there's new evidence that the Trump administration is shifting towards this approach.

Biden's tarnished industrial legacy

Noahpinion • 15529 implied HN points • 06 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Policy Analysis Industrial Policy Political Legacy
  1. Biden's industrial policies, like the CHIPS Act, created a boom in U.S. manufacturing, which is good for the economy. These programs encouraged private companies to invest in factories and technology.
  2. Despite some successes, Biden's approach had major flaws, like listening too much to special interest groups and not fixing regulatory issues that slow down government action. These problems could hinder the future of manufacturing in America.
  3. Blocking Nippon Steel's attempt to buy U.S. Steel seemed like a protective move, but it upset an important ally, Japan, and could hurt the U.S. economy by stalling investments and modernization that the deal would have brought.

Indirect Costs at NIH . . .

The Good Science Project • 297 implied HN points • 08 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Policy Analysis Government regulations Research Funding
  1. The NIH has announced a big change, lowering the indirect cost rate for all grants to 15%. This move has raised many eyebrows because it seems to go against some existing laws.
  2. Congress had previously banned the NIH from changing how indirect costs are calculated. This makes the new policy potentially illegal and could lead to court challenges.
  3. To really address indirect costs properly, there needs to be a focus on reducing the red tape and regulations that universities face. This could help create more efficient funding and research processes.

Everyone Is Wrong About the President's Economic Impact

Sumit's Investment Takes • 99 implied HN points • 22 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Economic Policy Inflation Unemployment Policy Analysis
  1. There isn't just one number that shows how good or bad the economy is. You can look at things like unemployment, inflation, and GDP, but they all tell different stories.
  2. The president's actions don’t usually have an immediate effect on the economy. Many factors that affect the economy are outside their control, like market trends and global events.
  3. To really understand a president's impact on the economy, you should look at long-term policies instead of short-term data. Also, things like immigration and international relations can play a big role.

Americans hate inflation more than they hate unemployment

Noahpinion • 21882 implied HN points • 08 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Economics Public Opinion Policy Analysis Political strategy
  1. Inflation annoys people more than unemployment. When prices go up, it feels like everyone's money is worth less, making people unhappy.
  2. Many voters care about how the economy is doing, especially inflation. This has been shown in surveys where people mention inflation as a big concern.
  3. Democratic strategies may need to change. Focusing too much on full employment without worrying about inflation could lead to big political losses.

Four years of Noahpinion

Noahpinion • 16882 implied HN points • 24 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Political parties Policy Analysis International relations Social Issues
  1. The return of Trump as president signals a big change in American politics. Progressivism seems to be struggling, and many Democrats need to rethink their strategies to reconnect with voters.
  2. Global liberalism is facing serious challenges as countries like China and Russia assert more power. The cooperation among democracies to combat authoritarianism seems to be fading.
  3. Advances in technology, especially in AI and industrial policy, hold promise for the future. While concerns about job loss due to AI exist, there are reasons to be optimistic about how technology can enhance human workers' capabilities.

Woke Elvis Resigns

TK News by Matt Taibbi • 11425 implied HN points • 06 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Events Government Policy Analysis Leadership Public Opinion
  1. Justin Trudeau resigned as Canadian Prime Minister after his approval ratings dropped significantly during his time in office. It marks a big change for someone who was once very popular.
  2. His story serves as a reminder for men about the importance of maintaining respect and connection with the people they lead.
  3. Trudeau's decline in popularity and embarrassing fall from grace will likely be talked about for generations as a cautionary tale.

Dingus of the week: Gavin Newsom

Men Yell at Me • 408 implied HN points • 16 May 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Commentary Elections Policy Analysis Public Opinion Political Figures
  1. Gavin Newsom is a politician who started as a Democrat but is now acting more like a Republican. He seems focused on his own ambitions rather than the needs of the people.
  2. His podcast is trying to attract younger voters, but his methods might not resonate, especially with marginalized groups. Just changing his talking points won’t change his actions.
  3. People are tired of politicians who follow trends instead of standing firm on important issues. Newsom's shift towards right-wing ideas has led some to feel betrayed by his leadership.

National IQs Are Valid

Cremieux Recueil • 809 implied HN points • 16 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Policy Analysis Social Issues
  1. National IQ estimates can be reliable and realistic even if they seem low, as they reflect a range of factors, including cultural and environmental influences.
  2. It's important to understand that an IQ score does not solely define someone’s abilities, especially in different cultural contexts where adaptive functioning matters more.
  3. Critics of national IQ data often misunderstand how mental retardation is defined and how IQ tests measure intelligence, leading to flawed arguments against the use of national IQ data.

Thoughts on Trump Ending Affirmative Action in Contracting

Richard Hanania's Newsletter • 4925 implied HN points • 22 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Policy Analysis Political theory Civil Rights Political Activism Government regulations
  1. It's possible to change policy even if you aren't famous or super connected. By bringing important issues to people's attention and making a strong argument, you can influence the conversation around those policies.
  2. Timing is key in politics. Being vocal about an issue when it matters most can lead to real changes. If people are focused on something important, it's a good time to suggest new ideas.
  3. Conservatives have started realizing the need to fight against 'wokeness' and its influence in government and business. The recent action to end certain affirmative action policies shows a significant shift in their approach.

Understanding Inequality: Can Gini Coefficients Be Fruitfully Demystified? (Revised and Expanded)

Brad DeLong's Grasping Reality • 222 implied HN points • 01 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Inequality Economics Policy Analysis Social Issues
  1. Gini Coefficients are complex measures of inequality that many people struggle to understand. It might be better to use simpler measures based on income percentiles, which are easier for people to relate to.
  2. When discussing income disparity, it's important to connect the data to real-life situations. Relating income differences to the average income helps individuals grasp the extent of inequality more easily.
  3. Income inequality affects people's experiences and social interactions. Understanding this can provide insights into how economic differences impact relationships and feelings of envy or spite among different economic classes.

NIH Staff Revolt Promotes Propaganda about Diversity

Unsafe Science • 91 implied HN points • 11 Jun 25
🔬 Science Research Ethics Peer Review Social Science Policy Analysis
  1. Some NIH staff signed a declaration to object to Trump administration policies, especially regarding diversity in research funding. They believe these policies hurt scientific progress.
  2. The declaration claims that diverse research teams are essential for better outcomes. However, this claim has faced criticism for lacking strong evidence.
  3. Critics argue that many signatories may not be qualified to comment on social science issues since their expertise is primarily in STEM fields, which could undermine the credibility of their statements.

"Abundance? No thanks."

Unpopular Front • 75 implied HN points • 29 May 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Debate Populism Policy Analysis Political Opinion Voting behavior
  1. Many voters prefer populism over the abundance agenda because they want to see a struggle against big corporations. People connect better with stories that have heroes and villains, rather than just focusing on policy details.
  2. A recent poll shows that more than half of voters are attracted to the idea of populism, emphasizing the need for compelling narratives in politics. Voters want to feel like they are part of a movement with clear challenges to overcome.
  3. The current abundance argument might come off as too optimistic and academic, lacking the emotional pull that comes with a more mythic representation of politics. This suggests that politics is more about inspiring action than just discussing rational ideas.

Climate Science Whiplash

The Honest Broker Newsletter • 2424 implied HN points • 17 Jan 25
🌞 Climate & Environment Climate change Weather Patterns Environmental Science Policy Analysis Media influence
  1. Climate science can seem confusing and contradictory, leading to what people call 'climate science whiplash.' Different studies can say opposite things, making it hard to know what to believe.
  2. When extreme weather happens, people easily find studies that support their views, often ignoring the bigger picture. This selective use of science is like picking only the pieces of a puzzle that fit into your view.
  3. It's important to trust rigorous assessments from credible sources like the IPCC. They provide a clearer picture of climate change effects, helping us understand what we should really worry about.

Focusing on Healthcare’s Administrative Costs Is Misguided

Cremieux Recueil • 610 implied HN points • 07 Dec 24
🏥 Health Politics Healthcare Reform Policy Analysis Economic Impact Public Health
  1. The idea that administrative costs in healthcare are the main issue is often wrong. Many studies show the key costs come from provider payments, not just administration.
  2. Comparing U.S. administrative spending to other countries shows Americans spend similar percentages on administration, but overall higher costs are mostly due to higher payments to healthcare providers.
  3. Improving how healthcare is managed, especially through better corporate governance, can help reduce administrative costs, but we need broader reforms to really lower healthcare prices.

The "Deaths of Despair" narrative is wrong

Slow Boring • 7842 implied HN points • 10 Oct 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Health Social Trends Policy Analysis Political implications Economic Factors
  1. The 'Deaths of Despair' narrative linking declining life expectancy to social and political trends like right-populist politics has fundamental statistical flaws.
  2. The increase in deaths of despair is mainly due to opioid overdoses and differences in pharmaceutical marketing laws between the US and Europe.
  3. Public health outcomes differing between states can be attributed to the implementation (or lack thereof) of paternalistic health policies.

What to watch for: Aaron Reichlin-Melnick on immigration and mass deportations

The Watch • 416 implied HN points • 20 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Immigration Deportation Policy Analysis Political Commentary Civil Rights
  1. The Trump administration's immigration plan could cause a lot of harm, affecting not only undocumented immigrants but also their families and the U.S. economy. There’s a risk of mass deportations, which can create fear in communities.
  2. There are many challenges to implementing plans for mass deportation. Even though there are threats and promises, practical limitations like resources, laws, and the need for due process can make it very difficult to achieve the massive deportation numbers that have been proposed.
  3. Fear is a powerful tool used in immigration policy, impacting how people live their daily lives. Even without actual mass deportations, the threat alone can lead to many people feeling unsafe and acting differently, which can hurt communities and their social fabric.

Weekend Update #116: One Day Until A New World: Case Study on Sanctions

Phillips’s Newsletter • 163 implied HN points • 19 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Policy Analysis Elections International relations War Strategy Sanctions
  1. Sanctions against Russia have toughened recently, making it harder for them to sell oil and damaging their economy. This could weaken their war efforts.
  2. Ukraine's attacks against Russia are increasing in frequency and coordination. They are successfully hitting key targets, which may give them an advantage.
  3. The war seems to be a race to see which side can keep fighting longer. While Ukraine fears running out of support, Russia is also showing signs of weakening, especially if Western aid continues.