The hottest Security Studies Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
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Top U.S. Politics Topics

Would Europe Be Better Off Without NATO?

Phillips’s Newsletter • 103 implied HN points • 13 Dec 24
🌍 World Politics Security Studies
  1. Some people think NATO is very important for Europe, but others believe Europe should think about defending itself without relying on NATO.
  2. There are worries that NATO might not protect European interests and could even make things worse for Europe in a changing world.
  3. Many believe Europe should not ignore global threats and that it needs to rethink its security and defense strategies for the future.

Beyond Deterrence

Comment is Freed • 98 implied HN points • 04 Dec 24
🌍 World Politics Security Studies
  1. Deterrence has been a major concept in defense strategy, especially during the Cold War. It suggests that showing strength can prevent aggression from others.
  2. However, relying solely on deterrence can be tricky. Sometimes threats are not taken seriously, and it might not work in every situation.
  3. The ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine illustrates that a mix of deterrence strategies, like denying enemy advantages, is now more important as new forms of threats continue to arise.

The price of poker just went up

Unreported Truths • 35 implied HN points • 13 Jun 25
🌍 World Politics Security Studies
  1. Israel has launched a major attack on Iran's military and nuclear facilities. This move is seen as an all-out war rather than a warning, aiming to destroy Iran's nuclear capabilities and leadership.
  2. The attack has so far resulted in significant damage to Iran, including the confirmation of top military officials' deaths. However, Iran has not retaliated effectively, and its air force has been heavily impacted.
  3. While Israel has gained a tactical advantage, the long-term consequences of this attack are uncertain. It remains to be seen if Israel's strategy will lead to a significant change in Iran's nuclear ambitions or if it will strengthen Iran's resolve to pursue a nuclear program.

Winter is Coming ...

Diane Francis • 279 implied HN points • 08 Nov 21
🌍 World Politics Security Studies
  1. Vladimir Putin uses a type of conflict called 'hybrid warfare' where he attacks without using direct military force. This means he uses tactics like propaganda and threats instead of sending in soldiers.
  2. As winter comes, Putin is making moves that could put pressure on Europe. This is part of his strategy to hurt his enemies without crossing certain lines.
  3. Understanding these tactics is important because they can have big effects on political situations and global stability, especially during cold months.

Putin Goes to India

John’s Substack • 5 implied HN points • 05 Dec 25
🌍 World Politics Security Studies
  1. The Ukraine war is causing problems for everyone's relationships, especially between the US, India, and Russia. This conflict is making things tense.
  2. Because of the Ukraine war, India and Russia are getting closer together. This could affect the balance of power in the region.
  3. India can't fully depend on Russia to help deal with China anymore. The situation is changing, and India needs to adapt.
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The Short War Illusion: The Real US Achilles Heel

Phillips’s Newsletter • 80 implied HN points • 08 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Security Studies
  1. Many people wrongly believe that wars will end quickly, but history shows us that's often not the case. Thinking a war will wrap up in a few days is a dangerous illusion.
  2. This 'short war' mindset has been repeated before, like during the start of World War I and the early stages of the Ukraine conflict. Such beliefs can lead to serious strategic mistakes.
  3. The U.S. defense industry currently faces challenges that could make quick victories unlikely, especially in potential conflicts with countries like China. It’s important to prepare for long-term engagements.

Grey's Law, The Republic, and You (Part 1)

Devon’s Substack • 2 HN points • 18 Jul 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Security Studies
  1. Hitting a target 135 meters away is not hard for a trained shooter. It's a skill that can be learned quickly with the right guidance.
  2. Wind likely did not play a major role in a missed shot. A skilled shooter would know how to adjust for it and would also have had a good shooting position.
  3. The main issue wasn't the security but the assassin's lack of shooting skills. This shows a big failure in how the Secret Service protects important people.

Israel Needs Uncle Sam's Help

John’s Substack • 8 implied HN points • 17 Jun 25
🌍 World Politics Security Studies
  1. Israel may struggle to handle the conflict with Iran on its own. They can't fully stop Iran's nuclear program without help.
  2. The U.S. has a strong interest in staying out of the fighting but is under pressure to support Israel.
  3. Israel relies heavily on U.S. support for its security needs in this complicated situation.

Nyhetsbrev steigan.no 05.08.2025

steigan.no • 5 implied HN points • 05 Aug 25
🌍 World Politics Security Studies
  1. Palantir has secured a significant contract with the US Army worth up to $10 billion, consolidating various military tech services under one agreement. This shows their growing influence in defense and government sectors.
  2. Ukraine faces financial struggles, with a serious debt problem to private creditors like hedge funds. This situation complicates its recovery prospects and raises concerns about the impacts of foreign investments in its economy.
  3. The European Union is experiencing diplomatic tensions, with notable failures in negotiations with countries like China and Qatar, suggesting challenges in maintaining strategic relationships and unity among its members.

Is Putin Shaking in His Boots?

John’s Substack • 5 implied HN points • 16 Jul 25
🌍 World Politics Security Studies
  1. Trump's approach to dealing with Putin is not effective. He is making threats that don’t seem serious or backed up.
  2. The idea that Putin is afraid or pressured by Trump’s tactics is questioned. Some believe these strategies won’t lead to a successful outcome.
  3. Effective negotiation usually requires strong and realistic strategies, unlike the tactics currently being used.

A Strange Defeat.

Trying to Understand the World • 15 implied HN points • 20 Nov 24
🌍 World Politics Security Studies
  1. Western leaders are struggling to understand the real situation in Ukraine. They often rely on outdated ideas and don't recognize the complexities of the conflict.
  2. There's a lack of clear strategy from NATO and Western nations regarding how to manage the crisis. Instead of planning, they seem to be reacting to events without a solid goal.
  3. The current generation of political leaders lacks the experience and skills needed for high-stakes crises. This has led to confusion and ineffective decision-making in dealing with the war in Ukraine.

Turning the Tide in Ukraine, but Not in the Middle East

John’s Substack • 8 implied HN points • 22 Feb 25
🌍 World Politics Security Studies
  1. U.S. policy is changing significantly towards Ukraine and Russia, showing a shift in approach. This suggests new strategies may be developing to address the conflict in that region.
  2. However, U.S. policy towards Israel remains stagnant and hasn't adapted despite changes elsewhere. This could indicate a complex and possibly outdated perspective on the Middle East.
  3. The differences in U.S. foreign policy highlight how different regions can have vastly different responses from the same country. It's important to understand these nuances in global politics.

When Ukraine Is Over ...

Trying to Understand the World • 8 implied HN points • 15 Jan 25
🌍 World Politics Security Studies
  1. Ending a war is complicated and involves different types of agreements. There are various steps to consider, like ceasing hostilities and addressing the conflict's root causes.
  2. Negotiations can be tricky since different parties might have different motivations and understandings. What one side sees as an agreement, the other might see as a temporary measure.
  3. For peace to happen, all involved must genuinely want to end the fighting and agree on terms that are acceptable to everyone. If there’s not real commitment, even signed agreements may not hold up.

Talking Ukraine on "The Deep Dive"

John’s Substack • 7 implied HN points • 18 Feb 25
🌍 World Politics Security Studies
  1. The discussion focused on Ukraine and its current situation. It's clear that the geopolitical context is quite complex and evolving.
  2. The conversation coincided with significant political developments, like Trump's announcement regarding Putin. This shows how quickly events can change the narrative around Ukraine.
  3. Engaging with experts such as military personnel provides deeper insights into the issues at hand. Their perspectives can help us understand the implications of political decisions.

Israel and Nuclear Weapons

John’s Substack • 5 implied HN points • 03 Mar 25
🌍 World Politics Security Studies
  1. Israel has a nuclear deterrent that plays a crucial role in its national security. This means that having nuclear weapons helps protect Israel from potential threats.
  2. The competition between Israel and Iran is significantly influenced by nuclear weapons. This rivalry affects both countries' strategies and military decisions.
  3. Understanding how nuclear weapons shape international relations is key to grasping the complexities of Middle Eastern politics. It adds another layer to the security concerns in the region.

Nyhetsbrev steigan.no 24.02.2025

steigan.no • 5 implied HN points • 24 Feb 25
🌍 World Politics Security Studies
  1. The conflict in Ukraine has been prolonged by Western interests, particularly from the US, which aimed to weaken Russia rather than protect Ukraine.
  2. European leaders have mostly followed US policies, losing their own independence in foreign affairs and often supporting conflicts that hurt their own interests.
  3. The end of the war may come from negotiations involving major powers like the US and Russia, suggesting Europe needs to reassess its loyalties and priorities.

Quand ça s’arrêtera en Ukraine, qui éteindra les lumières?

Trying to Understand the World • 1 implied HN point • 23 Feb 25
🌍 World Politics Security Studies
  1. Ending a war involves distinct steps, like ceasefires or treaties, and all parties must genuinely want to stop fighting for it to work.
  2. Negotiations can be tricky because different groups might have different reasons for agreeing to talk, and misunderstandings can lead to more conflict.
  3. Successful agreements need to reflect the actual situation on the ground and have buy-in from all involved, or they might fall apart quickly.

Cipher Brief interview on the Russian nuclear threat in Ukraine!

Glen’s Substack • 0 implied HN points • 25 Sep 24
🌍 World Politics Security Studies
  1. The interview discusses the possibility of Russia using nuclear weapons in Ukraine. This is a serious concern for many people worldwide.
  2. It highlights the importance of understanding nuclear threats and global security issues. Awareness can help in addressing these challenges.
  3. The host mistakenly introduced the interviewee as the founder of Jamestown, which wasn't correct. The interviewee clarified they led the organization for over 20 years.

Never Trust a Superpower

Erik Examines • 0 implied HN points • 18 Feb 25
🌍 World Politics Security Studies
  1. Countries should rethink their long-term alliances, especially with superpowers like the US. History shows that relying on a superpower can lead to unexpected consequences.
  2. Smaller nations may be more trustworthy than larger ones. They depend on cooperation, making it less likely for them to act aggressively towards neighbors.
  3. It's risky for countries to let superpowers control important things like military or food supplies. Instead, smaller countries should team up with each other for better security.

L'Étrange défaite: Réalité et réalisme

Trying to Understand the World • 0 implied HN points • 09 Dec 24
🌍 World Politics Security Studies
  1. Many Western leaders struggle to understand the situation in Ukraine, often ignoring the harsh realities on the ground. This disconnect leads to ineffective decision-making and a lack of realistic strategies.
  2. Current political leaders lack the necessary skills to manage complex crises, as they often focus more on internal politics than on effective crisis management. Their inability to formulate clear strategies makes it difficult to navigate conflicts like the one in Ukraine.
  3. The Western approach often relies on assumptions and unrealistic hopes, believing that military support will lead to quick victories. This mindset prevents them from grasping the complexities of warfare and the real objectives behind military actions.