The hottest US Relations Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
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Top World Politics Topics

The Worst Argument Possible

Phillips’s Newsletter • 356 implied HN points • 12 Feb 26
🌍 World Politics US Relations
  1. Europe can and should defend itself without depending on the United States. Saying otherwise becomes a self-fulfilling excuse that delays needed change.
  2. Assuming the U.S. will always come to Europe’s rescue—especially under leaders who may not be committed—is dangerous and misleading; claiming helplessness can make allied support less likely and misinform citizens.
  3. Europe has the economic and demographic capacity to build credible defenses and threats like Russia are smaller than often portrayed; the real barrier is political will and a mindset among leaders unwilling to admit and fix past failures.

Five(ish) charts that give some context to Venezuelan oil

Sustainability by numbers • 987 implied HN points • 05 Jan 26
🌍 World Politics US Relations
  1. Venezuela holds the world’s largest proved oil reserves, but much of that is heavy or extra-heavy oil in the Orinoco Belt and the proved total depends on optimistic economic and technical assumptions.
  2. Despite huge reserves, Venezuela produces very little today after years of underinvestment, mismanagement and sanctions, so its reserves-to-production ratio is extremely high and output is far below past peaks.
  3. U.S. refineries still rely on heavy crude that the U.S. doesn’t produce much of, so Venezuela’s heavy oil is strategically valuable even if it isn’t currently being fully exploited.

Reza Pahlavi: Iran’s Reluctant Prince

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 394 implied HN points • 03 Feb 26
🌍 World Politics US Relations
  1. Reza Pahlavi positioned himself as a potential leader during mass protests, calling Iranians to demonstrate and saying he has a lifelong bond with the nation.
  2. These protests were unusual because the economy was collapsing and the merchant class shut their bazaars, swelling the crowds, while the U.S. publicly signaled support for protesters.
  3. Despite his rising profile, many still question whether an exiled crown prince is fit or the right choice to lead a post-regime Iran.

This Week in Canada: The Enemy of My Enemy Is My New Friend

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 352 implied HN points • 20 Jan 26
🌍 World Politics US Relations
  1. The prime minister’s visit to China is the first full official trip by a Canadian leader since 2017, marking a notable restart of high-level ties.
  2. Canada is leaning toward China because its relationship with the United States feels less predictable, and Ottawa wants more options and flexibility.
  3. The ceremonial reception and the deal Carney brought home show Canada is being pragmatic and willing to diversify partnerships after years of tension, including the collapse in relations following the detention of two Canadians.
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Chinasplaining will backfire

Noahpinion • 19000 implied HN points • 06 Mar 24
🌍 World Politics US Relations
  1. Understanding China's perspective may not lead to a more positive view but potentially a more negative one.
  2. The book 'China's World View' contains outdated information and inaccuracies, affecting its credibility.
  3. The worldview presented in the book might trigger American threat perceptions rather than soothing anxieties.

Gonzalo Lira [i]

Black Mountain Analysis • 1945 implied HN points • 14 Jan 24
🌍 World Politics US Relations
  1. Journalism is restricted in times of war to protect national interests.
  2. If in a foreign country during conflict, citizens should be detained, not killed.
  3. The circumstances of Gonzalo Lira's death raise questions about possible political manipulation.

US legally owes Nicaragua reparations, but still refuses to honor 1986 Int'l Court of Justice ruling

Geopolitical Economy Report • 737 implied HN points • 29 Jun 23
🌍 World Politics US Relations
  1. The United States legally owes Nicaragua reparations per a 1986 International Court of Justice ruling, but has yet to honor it, leading to the Nicaraguan government demanding action from the UN.
  2. The US conducted a terror war against Nicaragua's Sandinista government by arming Contras and destabilizing the nation, showcasing a history of US interventions, attacks, and economic blockades on Nicaragua.
  3. Despite the US boycotting the ICJ case and Nicaragua discontinuing proceedings in 1991, Nicaragua still holds the right to demand reparations as per the court's ruling, emphasizing the legal obligation of the US to pay the debt.

AMLO says Mexico is more democratic than oligarch-run USA, condemns State Dep't 'meddling' against electoral reform

Geopolitical Economy Report • 637 implied HN points • 09 Mar 23
🌍 World Politics US Relations
  1. Mexican President AMLO believes Mexico is more democratic than the US, highlighting that the people govern in Mexico while the oligarchy governs in the US.
  2. AMLO is pushing for popular electoral reforms in Mexico, aiming to simplify the voting system and reduce corruption in the electoral process.
  3. AMLO criticizes US meddling in Mexico's affairs, denouncing the Monroe Doctrine and highlighting the negative coverage of his reforms by US media.

French ambassador: US 'rules-based order' means Western domination, violating international law

Geopolitical Economy Report • 498 implied HN points • 22 Nov 22
🌍 World Politics US Relations
  1. The 'rules-based order' is essentially a 'Western order', with the US and Europe dominating international institutions like the UN, World Bank, and IMF.
  2. There is concern in Europe about the US engaging in economic warfare against China, which could lead to a new cold war. Europe does not want to be forced to pick sides.
  3. It's important to understand and consider the interests of other major global stakeholders like China, India, and Brazil in creating a more balanced world, rather than maintaining Western hegemony.

Lessons from the Ultimate China Watcher: László Ladány

ChinaTalk • 415 implied HN points • 02 Jun 23
🌍 World Politics US Relations
  1. China watching methodology by Ladány emphasizes understanding CCP through Chinese-language sources.
  2. US media must improve by decoupling from biased reporting and analyzing China's primary source material.
  3. Improving US-China relations requires analyzing Chinese-language sources, fostering Mandarin expertise, and engaging with CCP narratives.

Top Biden official: US would overthrow Colombia's new left-wing president 40 years ago

Geopolitical Economy Report • 139 implied HN points • 24 Aug 22
🌍 World Politics US Relations
  1. The top Latin America advisor for US President Joe Biden, Juan Sebastián González, hinted at US interference against Colombia's new left-wing president, Gustavo Petro, citing historical actions the US would have taken.
  2. González has a background in the State Department and National Security Council, and made the comments in Spanish during an interview with Colombian media.
  3. The new Colombian president, Gustavo Petro, has historical ties to the M-19 armed movement, has shown a shift in relations with Venezuela, and faced issues with US-influenced organizations like the Organization of American States.

đź”… Liberia's Presidential Heatstroke & Blinken's African Diplomatic Tour

baobabnewsletter • 19 implied HN points • 24 Jan 24
🌍 World Politics US Relations
  1. Liberia's new President, Joseph Boakai, experienced a bit of a heatstroke during his inauguration speech.
  2. US Secretary of State Antony Blinken is currently on a diplomatic tour in Africa, focusing on trade, security, and democracy.
  3. Kenya faced controversy over nicotine warnings due to British American Tobacco's influence on health warnings.

VOL 60: Fidel Castro, The Cuban Leader Who Survived 600 Assassinations

MAP's Tech Newsletter. • 4 implied HN points • 05 May 23
đź’ľ History US Relations
  1. Fidel Castro survived over 600 assassination attempts, including explosives in cigars and pistols disguised as cameras.
  2. Fidel Castro, known as the greatest foe of America, holds the record for delivering the longest UN speech.
  3. The CIA made numerous unsuccessful attempts to assassinate Castro, with different US presidents involved in the plots.

Intelligence Digest - 2024-01-01

Hill Bill • 0 implied HN points • 01 Jan 24
🌍 World Politics US Relations
  1. North Korea plans to launch three new military spy satellites in 2024 and expand its nuclear arsenal.
  2. Kim Jong Un indicates that war is becoming inevitable due to US policies.
  3. China-focused congressional committee faces challenges in translating communication campaign into viable legislation.