The hottest War Studies Substack posts right now

Israel's current actions aren't just about its leaders; they stem from a long history of foundational ideologies that promote a certain type of nationalism and militarism.
The recent behaviors and policies of Israel are seen as a continuation of its historical narrative, not a temporary deviation caused by specific politicians.
Challenging the mainstream narratives about Israel and its actions is essential because it could lead to a better understanding of the complexities involved in its history.

NATO's involvement in Ukraine started with the 2014 coup, which led to increased tensions with Russia. This has shaped the current conflict, making it more than just a territorial dispute.
Russia's responses to NATO's actions have been cautious, as they fear escalating to nuclear war. They are carefully considering how to react without triggering a larger conflict.
The narrative in Western media portrays Russia as the sole aggressor, ignoring the complexities of NATO's role. This can limit discussions on diplomatic solutions and foster more hostility.

Many people act like they don't want war, but deep down, some crave the chaos and excitement it brings. War can feel like a thrilling action movie where there are heroes and villains.
War is often used as a tool by those in power to distract the public from real issues. It unites people under a common cause, allowing leaders to maintain control and profits.
Even in peaceful times, there's a restless feeling among people. This boredom can lead to the desire for conflict, which simplifies complex problems into a fight between 'us' and 'them.'

People are sometimes dishonest about the past, especially in the context of wars. This can make it hard to understand the truth of what happened.
Russia is being called the aggressor in the conflict, and it's important for leaders to acknowledge that fact. Ignoring this can affect peace efforts.
Some leaders, like the former president, may spread misleading information about who started a conflict, which can confuse public opinion on important issues.

E. H. Carr's book highlights how the international system can be unfair and lead to conflict. He sees similar patterns in past events and today's world.
Carr argues that for peace to last, stronger nations need to share power and resources with weaker ones. If they don't, it creates resentment and can eventually lead to war.
The current situation with Russia shows parallels to what happened with Germany before World War II. Both situations involved dissatisfied powers that used force to change their circumstances.

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In 2023, the key lesson was that traditional land warfare strategies used by the US and NATO are not effective in the Russo-Ukraine War. This suggests a need for new approaches to combat.
The events of the Battle of Bakhmut and Ukraine's counteroffensive highlighted the unique challenges of this conflict. They show that each situation may require different tactics than previously thought.
As we look at the first half of 2024, understanding these lessons will be crucial for future military strategies and actions in not just Ukraine, but potentially for NATO as well.

We're facing a big change in how we organize our economies and societies after the old Neoliberal Order collapsed. Right now, there's no clear leader or system guiding us towards the future.
Global warming is a major challenge we're dealing with, and it will likely change how we approach economics and society. It could cost us a lot and make it harder to adapt to new technologies.
Misinformation is a huge problem in politics today. Many people believe false information, which can really impact elections and how we view our society.

Many Western leaders have unrealistic ideas about how to end the Ukraine war. They often don’t fully consider the perspectives and motivations of Russia.
There is a strong sense that the Western approach to the conflict is disconnected from reality. This can lead to poor decisions and a longer-lasting war.
Addressing the conflict might require a more pragmatic and honest discussion about the interests of all parties involved. It's important to find common ground to achieve peace.