The hottest War Studies Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
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Top World Politics Topics

NATO's War on Russia

Glenn’s Substack • 1099 implied HN points • 19 Aug 24
🌍 World Politics War Studies
  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.

The New Issue Of JOHNSTONE: This Is Israel

Caitlin’s Newsletter • 1085 implied HN points • 05 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics War Studies
  1. 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.
  2. The recent behaviors and policies of Israel are seen as a continuation of its historical narrative, not a temporary deviation caused by specific politicians.
  3. 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.

No, Mr. President, It Was Russia that Started the War

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 1150 implied HN points • 20 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics War Studies
  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. Some leaders, like the former president, may spread misleading information about who started a conflict, which can confuse public opinion on important issues.

Devant la guerre

Global Inequality and More 3.0 • 1087 implied HN points • 05 Dec 24
🌍 World Politics War Studies
  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.

Can Ukraine find a deal that works?

Comment is Freed • 73 implied HN points • 29 Nov 25
🌍 World Politics War Studies
  1. Ukraine should not be rushed into arbitrary deadlines and must insist on clear rules for how any Russian input is used, so concessions don’t invite further demands.
  2. An initial 28-point proposal was tightened to 20 points and a negotiating process is underway, but the central sticking point remains Russia’s insistence on territorial concessions.
  3. Ukraine is resilient and will keep fighting, yet it has reasons to engage seriously in talks for a ceasefire; the West should keep military and economic pressure on Russia to encourage concessions while Ukraine picks acceptable terms without capitulating.
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The Greatest Illusion

Phillips’s Newsletter • 97 implied HN points • 12 Nov 25
🌍 World Politics War Studies
  1. Trade specialization does not guarantee peace and security between nations. Just because countries trade a lot doesn't mean they won't go to war.
  2. The idea that economic ties will lead to friendship and reduce conflict has been proven wrong. History shows that war can break out despite strong trade relations.
  3. Countries need to rethink their strategies and vulnerabilities in a changing world. Relying solely on global trade might limit their independence and security.

Realism without the Tragedy?

Taipology • 55 implied HN points • 29 Nov 25
🌍 World Politics War Studies
  1. War often comes from the rise of new powers, and resisting this change can lead to conflict. It's important for existing powers to find a way to incorporate rising powers into the order to avoid war.
  2. Honor, fear, and interest are the main reasons for war, not just economics. Clear communication about boundaries is crucial to prevent misunderstandings that can lead to major conflicts.
  3. Current leaders may lack the imagination to see the dangers of nuclear war. We must remember the lessons of the past and not underestimate the consequences of modern warfare.

No One Wants War. Everyone Wants War.

antoniomelonio • 246 implied HN points • 05 Feb 25
🌍 World Politics War Studies
  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.'

War in our time

Taipology • 69 implied HN points • 09 Aug 25
🌍 World Politics War Studies
  1. There are two views of the war in Ukraine: one from the western media, which portrays Ukrainian bravery, and the harsh reality on the ground, where Ukrainians are facing heavy losses without enough support.
  2. The situation for Ukrainian forces is dire, as they often find themselves in areas where retreat is impossible and many are losing their lives in these tense situations.
  3. Negotiation might be the best option for Ukraine since the current strategies seem unsustainable, and the country faces challenges in maintaining support and resources against a more populous adversary.

LECTURE NOTES: 5.4. Post-2010 "Polycrisis": Culture, Communications, Politics, & War

Brad DeLong's Grasping Reality • 207 implied HN points • 21 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics War Studies
  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. Misinformation is a huge problem in politics today. Many people believe false information, which can really impact elections and how we view our society.

2024 Year in Review: Part 1

Phillips’s Newsletter • 80 implied HN points • 18 Dec 24
🌍 World Politics War Studies
  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.

Bad Ideas on Ending the Ukraine War

John’s Substack • 10 implied HN points • 17 Dec 24
🌍 World Politics War Studies
  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.

Life During Wartime: Elliot Ackerman on Iraq, Afghanistan, and the Anabasis

The Octavian Report • 0 implied HN points • 23 Dec 25
💾 History War Studies
  1. People often ask the wrong questions before going to war, and charismatic leaders can hide their true motives so armies become committed before they know why they’re fighting.
  2. Chance, not intelligence or bravery, often decides who wins or loses in war. Small, random events — like a single javelin — can flip men’s fortunes overnight.
  3. The Anabasis depicts a "directionless" war where soldiers debate whether to return, settle, or keep fighting, which mirrors modern conflicts fought for many reasons other than actually ending them.