The hottest Political Leadership Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
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Top World Politics Topics

Justin Trudeau's Painful Last Faceplant

TK News by Matt Taibbi • 15168 implied HN points • 12 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics International relations Political Leadership Trade Policies Feminism Social media
  1. Justin Trudeau is trying to discuss women's rights and progress but faces challenges due to political tensions with the U.S.
  2. The situation is tense because Donald Trump has threatened Canada with tariffs, affecting their trade relationship.
  3. The ongoing conflict between Trudeau and Trump has become a spectacle, drawing public attention and commentary.

As US floats revival of Istanbul talks, Zelensky and Starmer scramble

Aaron Mate • 100 implied HN points • 28 Feb 25
🌍 World Politics Diplomacy Conflict International relations Political Leadership Geopolitics
  1. The US is considering restarting peace talks that were previously halted in Istanbul. This might open new discussions about resolving tensions.
  2. Zelensky and Starmer are actively trying to persuade Trump to support continued military action. They appear to be concerned about losing momentum in their efforts.
  3. The situation is dynamic as different leaders are scrambling to respond to changes in the political landscape. This could impact international relations significantly.

The Emperor Has No Brains

TK News by Matt Taibbi • 15573 implied HN points • 21 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy Military Strategy Nuclear Weapons Political Leadership International relations
  1. There's a lot of military tension right now, and the actions being taken could either mean nothing or signal serious problems ahead. It's a risky situation for everyone involved.
  2. Joe Biden's recent appearances and decisions have raised questions about who is really leading NATO and whether he is in control of the situation.
  3. With more advanced weapons being used in the conflict, the potential for escalation is high, and it’s important to pay attention to how this affects global relations.

Trump Is Uncool. And That’s a Good Thing.

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 2504 implied HN points • 20 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political culture Elections Public Opinion Political Leadership Media
  1. The idea is that having a president who isn't seen as 'cool' could be a positive change. It suggests that style and image might matter less than the actions they take.
  2. The comparison with Obama shows how being cool can influence public perception of a leader. When Obama took office, his cool demeanor made many feel hopeful.
  3. The text hints that after years of trendy leaders, it might be time to appreciate a more straightforward, less flashy approach to leadership.

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.
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How would the EU react to a second US coup attempt?

Gulf Stream Blues • 59 implied HN points • 24 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections International relations Democracy Political Leadership
  1. The EU is anxious about the upcoming US election and how the results could affect their political stability. They are worried about a possible repeat of Trump's refusal to concede and the chaos that could follow.
  2. EU leaders might face a tough choice on whether to recognize a win for Kamala Harris if Trump doesn't concede. This could create divisions within Europe, especially with leaders like Viktor Orban supporting Trump.
  3. If Trump attempts another coup, the EU’s response will be complicated. Many European countries rely on the US for security, leaving them unsure about how to react to a potential US dictatorship.

Meet Kemi Badenoch, New Tory Leader and Would-Be Thatcher. Plus. . .

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 1576 implied HN points • 12 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Leadership Party Politics Public Policy Political Legacy Elections
  1. Kemi Badenoch is the new leader of the UK Conservatives and faces big challenges after her party's recent losses. She wants to fix her party and bring back traditional values to revive the UK economy.
  2. Badenoch sees herself as a defender of classic liberal values, which she believes are under threat. She wants to protect ideas like free speech and the rule of law from progressive ideologies.
  3. Angela Merkel's legacy is viewed negatively now compared to eight years ago, with critics pointing to her policies as contributing to Europe's issues today. Her memoir tries to explain her controversial decisions during her time in office.

Who Is Authorizing Biden's Nuclear Brinkmanship While The President's Brain Is Missing?

Caitlin’s Newsletter • 2337 implied HN points • 20 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy Political Leadership Public Opinion
  1. The Biden administration's actions are increasing tensions with Russia at a dangerous time. This is concerning because it risks a conflict involving nuclear powers.
  2. Many Ukrainians now support peace talks to end the war with Russia. This shows that the desire for continued fighting may not reflect the views of those most affected by the conflict.
  3. People often overlook the ongoing struggles in places like Gaza until they can assign blame to a particular leader. The reality is that suffering is happening now, regardless of who is in charge.

My view on Trump

Disaffected Newsletter • 4076 implied HN points • 03 Apr 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Opinion Political Leadership Political parties Elections Social Issues
  1. Donald Trump is a narcissist, but the author believes he's less dangerous than many think. He sees Trump as more like a child who needs flattery and doesn't have tyrannical ambitions.
  2. The author views many politicians, including other presidential candidates, as narcissists too. He thinks Trump's boldness makes him stand out, but not necessarily in a unique way.
  3. Despite his concerns about Trump, the author sees him as the better choice compared to Biden. He believes that Biden's actions have caused more harm, leading him to support Trump strategically as the lesser of two evils.

Putin's Hungarian

Diane Francis • 839 implied HN points • 04 Jul 24
🌍 World Politics International relations Geopolitics European Union Political Leadership Foreign Policy
  1. Viktor Orbán is now leading the EU for six months, but he's got a close relationship with Russia, making him an outsider in European politics.
  2. Orbán suggested a ceasefire in Ukraine, but his request doesn't align with EU policies and seems irrational given the past invasions.
  3. He's faced criticism for undermining EU values and institutions, raising concerns about the potential impacts on Europe during his presidency.

India Ascending

Diane Francis • 899 implied HN points • 16 May 24
🌍 World Politics Elections Economy International relations Political Leadership Democracy
  1. India is the world's biggest democracy, with nearly one billion eligible voters participating in elections.
  2. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is likely to be re-elected, and he has played a big role in India's modernization and economic growth.
  3. India is projected to become the world's third-largest economy soon and could become second by 2050, highlighting its rise as a superpower.

Israel Assassination Backfires (and Other Mideast Updates)

Nonzero Newsletter • 384 implied HN points • 11 Oct 24
🌍 World Politics Middle East International relations Conflict analysis Foreign Policy Political Leadership
  1. Israel's assassination of a Hamas leader led to a more radical leadership taking over, resulting in a rise in suicide attacks against Israel again.
  2. Kamala Harris called Iran the biggest threat to the U.S., which some experts worry could lead to more conflict between the U.S. and Iran.
  3. Geoffrey Hinton, known as the 'Godfather of AI,' recently won a Nobel Prize for his work in AI, highlighting concerns about uncontrolled AI development.

Do I Like Ike?

Castalia • 479 implied HN points • 27 Feb 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Presidential History Political Leadership Civil Rights Cold War Political parties
  1. Eisenhower's leadership style was gentle and focused on teamwork. He aimed to create a positive political atmosphere and avoid conflict.
  2. He was criticized for not taking a strong stance on key issues like desegregation. Some people felt he should have shown more moral leadership during his presidency.
  3. Despite being popular in his time, Eisenhower's legacy is often overlooked today. Many aspects of his presidency, like budget balance and civility, are worth reflecting on as they contrast with today's politics.

The New New Class?

Gideon's Substack • 97 implied HN points • 27 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Populism Political Leadership Meritocracy Cultural influence
  1. There's been a shift in the people who hold real power in society, moving from landowners to those with skills and education, known as the meritocratic class. Now, we might be seeing the rise of a new group focused on gaining attention.
  2. Right-wing populism seems to rise from a reaction against the meritocratic upper class, attracting those who feel alienated by the success of educated elites. This new group connects more with traditional values and has different pathways to success.
  3. The way we compete for attention today has changed how success is defined, especially with social media's influence. The idea of being an 'influencer' could shape a new class, where winning attention plays a crucial role in gaining power and status.

January 16, 2025

Letters from an American • 17 implied HN points • 17 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Economic Policy Wealth Inequality Government Regulation Political Leadership Social justice
  1. President Biden warned that a rich and powerful elite, or oligarchy, is threatening democracy in America. This means that a small group is gaining too much control over the government and people's lives.
  2. Economic inequality has grown significantly since the 1980s, with more wealth moving to the top 1%. This shift has made it harder for everyday Americans to get ahead.
  3. The American public is increasingly unhappy about this inequality, as shown by recent events. People are starting to recognize the dangers of extreme wealth concentration and are looking for change.

Nyhetsbrev steigan.no 06.02.2025

steigan.no • 7 implied HN points • 06 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Health International relations Economic Policy Political Leadership Global Health
  1. Argentina has decided to withdraw from the World Health Organization (WHO) because they believe COVID lockdowns caused a severe economic crisis. The president described those lockdowns as potentially harmful to humanity.
  2. WikiLeaks released a massive amount of documents revealing questionable activities by USAID, suggesting it has connections to intelligence operations and funding destabilizing actions globally.
  3. China warned at a recent global meeting about the dangers of dividing the world into opposing systems. They emphasized the need for international cooperation to tackle common challenges and maintain stability.

The Billionaire in Charge of the Cops

Political Currents by Ross Barkan • 24 implied HN points • 30 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Leadership Law enforcement Government Policy Public Administration Political Scandals
  1. Jessica Tisch is the new NYPD commissioner and is unlike any previous commissioner because she has no traditional law enforcement background and is a Harvard graduate. This is a big change in how the police department is led.
  2. Tisch has significant power because she comes from a wealthy family and does not rely on political support from Mayor Adams, who is in a shaky position. Her wealth means she can act independently and is not easily challenged.
  3. There are many questions about Tisch's vision for policing in New York. While she has the freedom to make changes, her approach to law enforcement and her future ambitions remain unclear.

Poison, Putsch, or Prigozhin?

Diane Francis • 779 implied HN points • 15 May 23
🌍 World Politics Geopolitics International relations Military Strategy Political Leadership Conflict resolution
  1. Evgeny Prigozhin from Wagner Group is publicly criticizing Russia's military failures, which shows that things might be unstable in the Kremlin. His actions suggest he could be positioning himself for a potential leadership role if there's a regime change.
  2. Russia's military is facing significant issues, with reports of retreats and poor leadership. This might lead to a potential coup where military leaders and oligarchs come together to replace Putin if conditions worsen.
  3. The internal conflict within Russia is growing as Prigozhin highlights the flaws in military strategies. If Russia continues to struggle in the war, the next leader will need to pivot from aggressive nationalism to seek peace and address the country's issues.

BIBI UNBOWED

Seymour Hersh • 36 implied HN points • 05 Dec 24
🌍 World Politics Middle East International relations Political Leadership Military Strategy Conflict analysis
  1. Netanyahu remains popular among the extreme religious right in Israel despite facing corruption charges. His political support appears strong even after significant military actions in Gaza and Lebanon.
  2. Israel has seen increased military and financial backing from the U.S., which helps bolster Netanyahu's government amid a struggling economy.
  3. Netanyahu's family life seems complicated, with his sons living comfortably abroad while many peers serve in the military during ongoing conflicts.

AOC Agonistes

Political Currents by Ross Barkan • 46 implied HN points • 11 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Political strategy Political Leadership Voting behavior Progressive politics
  1. AOC has been campaigning actively for the Democratic Party, showing her commitment to supporting candidates like Kamala Harris. Her efforts have drawn attention but have not significantly swayed voter behavior in key demographics.
  2. Ocasio-Cortez seems to have shifted from her earlier revolutionary stance to fitting more comfortably within the Democratic establishment. This transition raises questions about her future role and influence on the left.
  3. There is a growing disconnect between AOC and younger voters who may not align with her political style. If she doesn't reach out to different audiences, she might struggle to maintain her relevance in the future.

The Hollow Regret of Biden Coverage

Marginally Compelling • 14 implied HN points • 20 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Analysis Media Critique Public Opinion Elections Political Leadership
  1. There's growing concern about President Biden's mental and physical health, especially after some recent news articles highlighted these issues.
  2. Many people have suspected for a while that Biden isn't fully in charge, and this realization is now being acknowledged more openly.
  3. The media faced pressure not to question Biden's condition, which affected their coverage and how they reported on him.

Chinese, U.S. readouts of Xi-Biden meeting in Lima

Pekingnology • 94 implied HN points • 17 Nov 24
🌍 World Politics International relations Diplomacy Bilateral Relations Global Issues Political Leadership
  1. Xi and Biden talked about keeping a stable and cooperative relationship between China and the U.S. They agreed that communication is key to avoid conflicts.
  2. Both leaders emphasized the importance of respecting each other's positions and avoiding actions that could escalate tensions, especially regarding Taiwan.
  3. They highlighted working together on global challenges like climate change and artificial intelligence, showing that cooperation benefits everyone.

Hey: You Can't DOUBLE Destroy Your Legacy!

I Might Be Wrong • 18 implied HN points • 03 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Legacy Elections Governance Public Perception Political Leadership
  1. Choosing to pardon someone close to you, like a family member, can raise eyebrows and lead to accusations of hypocrisy. In politics, actions often speak louder than words, and if you're caught in contradictions, it can hurt your reputation.
  2. Once you've made major mistakes in your career, especially in politics, it might feel like you can't recover your legacy. Some people may think any further blunders won’t change much because the damage is already done.
  3. Sometimes, you embrace the chaos and just go for it. If you feel your reputation is already tarnished, you might as well take risks and live life without holding back.

Putin's Dark Prince

Diane Francis • 519 implied HN points • 09 Jan 23
🌍 World Politics International relations Military Affairs Political Leadership Geopolitics Conflict Studies
  1. Yevgeny Prigozhin is a strong contender to succeed Putin because he controls the Wagner Group and has gained wealth during the war. He’s known for being close to Putin and has military influence, which sets him apart from other political figures.
  2. Prigozhin's Wagner Group has been involved in brutal actions, including recruiting prisoners to fight in Ukraine and executing deserters. This shows how ruthless and powerful his group is within Russia's conflict landscape.
  3. After Putin, Russia might face a chaotic power struggle with various factions vying for control. This could lead to political infighting and disintegration, similar to past historical events in Russian history.

America's Gerontocracy

Diane Francis • 479 implied HN points • 01 Aug 22
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Political parties Government Public Opinion Political Leadership
  1. Many Americans believe Biden and Trump are too old to run for president again in 2024. People are concerned about age and its impact on leadership.
  2. Experience and wisdom can be valuable in politics, so having older leaders isn't always seen as a bad thing. Older leaders can bring a lot of knowledge and connections.
  3. Potential younger candidates, like Gavin Newsom and Ron DeSantis, are emerging as strong contenders for future elections. The political scene is getting competitive as they take on key issues and position themselves.

America Needs a Conservative Party

The Cosmopolitan Globalist • 7 implied HN points • 22 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political parties Conservatism Elections Public Policy Political Leadership
  1. There is a belief that America needs a new Conservative Party because current options are not satisfactory. Many feel tired of choosing between candidates who don't align with their values.
  2. The proposed Conservative Party would focus on key principles like free enterprise, the rule of law, and rational political leadership. It's seen as essential for defending America and the world against rising challenges.
  3. To be effective, the Conservative Party should be organized as a serious political entity, not just a temporary movement. It needs to engage people nationwide and prepare for future elections.

American Un-Exceptionalism

Diane Francis • 559 implied HN points • 11 Feb 21
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Process Government Accountability Elections Political Leadership Civic engagement
  1. Many American politicians ignore important issues, focusing instead on their own political gain. This shows a lack of responsibility and awareness of their duties as leaders.
  2. America's political leaders often don't compare well to those in other countries, ignoring that other nations provide better living standards and education for their citizens.
  3. The concept of 'American exceptionalism' is fading because the U.S. is not living up to its potential. The country can do better by learning from successful practices in other developed nations.

Angela's Ashes

Diane Francis • 359 implied HN points • 27 Sep 21
🌍 World Politics International relations Political Leadership Geopolitics European Politics Conflict resolution
  1. Germany is in a tricky situation as it looks for a new chancellor after Angela Merkel. The process will take time, which leaves the country in uncertainty for a few months.
  2. Merkel's leadership is seen as problematic due to her close ties with Putin, especially with decisions like welcoming a large number of refugees and supporting the Nord Stream 2 pipeline.
  3. The next German government might struggle to deal with Europe’s challenges because it could be made up of several conflicting parties, potentially weakening Germany's position in the EU.

FIVE POINTS: You Can't Always Get What You Want

Matt’s Five Points • 0 implied HN points • 12 Oct 17
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Executive Power Legislation Political Leadership Judiciary
  1. The idea that a president has complete control over the executive branch is a myth. In reality, they often have to work hard to get their policies implemented, and Trump's administration has struggled with this.
  2. Being smart isn't enough to succeed in politics. Leadership and the ability to connect with people matter much more than having high intelligence.
  3. Changing the judiciary takes time and can't happen overnight. Even if Trump gets a few judges confirmed, truly reshaping the federal courts typically requires much longer than two years.