The hottest War Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
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Top World Politics Topics

Hiroshima, Nagasaki Bombings Were Needless, Said World War II's Top US Military Leaders

Stark Realities with Brian McGlinchey • 1023 implied HN points • 01 Aug 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Military War Leaders International relations Government
  1. Top US military leaders from World War II believed that the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki were unnecessary and Japan was already defeated.
  2. The decision to drop the atomic bombs disregarded Japan's attempts to surrender and may have led to more American casualties in the long run.
  3. The bombings were chosen to demonstrate power and impress the Soviet Union, and some military leaders proposed alternative ways to showcase the bomb's strength.

WEEKLY BRIEFLY NOTED: For 2024-12-11 We

Brad DeLong's Grasping Reality • 23 implied HN points • 11 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Economics Finance War Policy Politics
  1. Quasars are super bright and energetic objects in space, powered by black holes consuming material. They help astronomers understand our universe better.
  2. Current economic policies, especially under recent U.S. leadership, are shaping the economy in complex ways, with stock market reactions being particularly important.
  3. Using AI can be helpful, but it's important to know when to rely on it. It can aid in tasks we could do ourselves but shouldn't replace deep learning and understanding.
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YOUR COUNTRY NEEDS YOU!

Anxiety Addiction & Ascension • 197 implied HN points • 31 Jan 24
🌍 World Politics War Geopolitics Globalism Conflict Nationalism
  1. The post discusses the potential for a call-up to the army in the event of a war with Russia, with emphasis on the controversial and potentially insincere motives behind such actions.
  2. It highlights the concept of nations becoming irrelevant and being manipulated by supranational interests like central banks and arms manufacturers.
  3. The post advocates against getting involved in futile and unwinnable conflicts, criticizes warmongering attitudes, and calls for a revolution against forced financial servitude and military involvement.

A Year in Books

ChinaTalk • 326 implied HN points • 13 Feb 24
📚 Literature Biographies War Technology Strategy History
  1. Enjoyed using Audible and Voicedream app to power through a lot of text this year.
  2. Trended towards reading about war and technology rather than China books due to current events.
  3. Found 'The Social History of the Machine Gun' and 'Eye-Deep In Hell' insightful and impactful in understanding warfare.

America's First Black President Left A Legacy Of Slavery

Stark Realities with Brian McGlinchey • 880 implied HN points • 01 May 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Presidency War Intervention Regime Change Constitution
  1. America's first black president left a legacy of slavery in Africa due to regime change in Libya.
  2. Obama's war power hypocrisy was evident in his actions in Libya, contrary to his earlier stance on military attacks.
  3. The intervention in Libya was based on false pretenses, such as claims of an imminent genocide in Benghazi, and served various ulterior motives.

Oscars: Scrap "Top Gun"

Diane Francis • 599 implied HN points • 10 Mar 23
🎭️ Culture Film Propaganda Politics Media War
  1. The Ukrainian World Congress wants 'Top Gun: Maverick' removed from the Oscars because it is funded by a Russian oligarch.
  2. They believe the film's lack of direct mention of Russia as an enemy is misleading and supports propaganda.
  3. The Congress is asking for a broader rejection of films tied to Russian money due to the ongoing war in Ukraine.

THE DAY IS COMING

Secretum Secretorum • 656 implied HN points • 27 Jun 23
📖 Philosophy Peace Dreams Society War Hope
  1. The idea of a world where war ceases to exist and people choose peace
  2. Exploring the concept of a peaceful 'plague' starting with a few individuals and spreading globally
  3. Encouraging the spread of a message of peace through grassroots whispers and subtle communication

Offense not Defense

Diane Francis • 639 implied HN points • 22 Dec 22
🌍 World Politics Geopolitics War Diplomacy Military International relations
  1. Zelensky met with Biden and spoke to Congress, gaining support for Ukraine and pushing for more weapons to go on the offense against Russia. This move shows Ukraine's determination to regain control and not just defend.
  2. Despite Russia's threats and ongoing aggression, Zelensky believes a nuclear strike from Putin is unlikely, as it would endanger his own life. He focuses on the resilience and unity of the Ukrainian people during tough times.
  3. Sanctions against Russia are working, and there's a strong belief among Ukrainians that they will win the war. They remain hopeful and supportive of each other, continuing their celebrations and traditions even amid adversity.

(11.) Maurice Nicoll 1 - CONCEPT OF CONSCIENCE IN THE WORK and SOME THOUGHTS ON THE WAR - pp.40-46

Journal of Gurdjieff Studies • 59 implied HN points • 26 Apr 24
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Conscience War Religion Awakening
  1. Consciousness and Conscience are similar but belong to different spheres - one is intellectual and the other emotional.
  2. Real Conscience is the same in all individuals and speaks a consistent language, unlike False Conscience which varies based on personal beliefs and upbringing.
  3. Humanity is influenced by numerous laws and external forces, leading to events like wars; the practice of self-observation and isolating oneself from collective events can aid in personal development and awakening.

The Pain We Choose

The Radar • 79 implied HN points • 21 Mar 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics War Vietnam War National Defense
  1. War is a choice we make, not something that happens to us. It's about facing the consequences of our decisions.
  2. The way war decisions are made in the US needs a serious reevaluation. There's a lack of proper debate and oversight, leading to damaging choices.
  3. The American society has become entrenched in a cycle of perpetual conflict. To change this, we must confront the impact of war and start asking the tough questions to prevent making harmful decisions.

"Somehow They Died": The Iraq War, Civilian Deaths, and the Meaning of Objectivity

Humanities in Revolt • 219 implied HN points • 11 Aug 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics War Media Reporting Ethics
  1. Popular culture often glorifies warfare while minimizing the harsh realities of war and its impact on civilians.
  2. Media outlets frequently fail to attribute responsibility for civilian deaths in conflicts, leaving out crucial details and hiding the agents behind these tragedies.
  3. True objectivity in reporting on war must involve providing meaningful context and addressing ethical and moral implications, rather than just stating sterile statistics.

IL RISCHIO AUMENTA

ANDREA CECCHI Newsletter • 117 implied HN points • 24 Jan 24
🌍 World Politics War Biden Economy Yemen Security
  1. Belief that war will intensify rapidly, especially after recent comments from Biden regarding attacks on Houthi rebels.
  2. Expectation for liquidity to seek safety in the bond market, leading to lower bond yields, creating an illusion of security.
  3. Concern over Biden starting a war in Yemen without constitutional approval, although the rebel group poses minimal threat to American homeland.

The Chaos President

Political Currents by Ross Barkan • 20 implied HN points • 27 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Policy War Diplomacy Governance
  1. The war in Ukraine is very complex and similar to World War I, with no clear paths to victory for either side. Ending the conflict may require tough negotiations between both countries.
  2. The current U.S. administration seems careless about escalating tensions, especially by sending long-range weapons. This approach raises concerns about the risk of a nuclear conflict.
  3. If a new president does not prioritize finding a peaceful solution, the ongoing suffering for both Ukrainians and Russians will continue, while the U.S. remains heavily involved.

Propaganda

The Leftovers • 119 implied HN points • 15 Jan 24
🌍 World Politics Propaganda Discourse War Truth Manipulation
  1. The state of the world results from cruelty being under-reported, questioning the impact of words on changing world events.
  2. Propaganda manipulates truth, and people tend to recognize it more easily when it comes from the opposing side.
  3. Consuming one's own propaganda can weaken their position due to gullibility and uncritical acceptance.

The Student Activist Who Brought the Revolution to Europe

Outlandish Claims • 19 implied HN points • 04 Jul 24
💾 History Revolution Independence Activism War
  1. Jonathan Loring Austin was a student activist who played a significant role in the American Revolution by challenging the status quo and advocating for independence.
  2. Austin embarked on a crucial mission to Europe to secure aid and support for the American cause, facing challenges such as misinformation and capture along the way.
  3. Austin's actions ultimately contributed to the success of the American Revolution and the establishment of independence, showcasing the power of speaking truth to power.

Putin's Altar Boy

Diane Francis • 499 implied HN points • 12 Dec 22
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Religion War International relations Political Influence Military
  1. Ukraine is taking strong action against churches and clergy linked to Russia. They are banning and sanctioning those who support Russian beliefs.
  2. Patriarch Kirill of the Russian Orthodox Church has backed the war against Ukraine and has significant wealth. His actions and rhetoric have drawn criticism from many, even within the church.
  3. There is a divide in the Orthodox Church due to Kirill's support for Russia. Many clergy feel he should be held accountable for his support of violence and war.

For the Love of War and the Fear of Death

Humanities in Revolt • 219 implied HN points • 15 Apr 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics War Media Propaganda Ideology Violence
  1. The American public's support for the Iraq War was influenced by fear, false beliefs, and failures in critical thinking.
  2. Journalists in the mainstream media played a role in amplifying unsubstantiated claims about the war and failed to question authority.
  3. Fear-based appeals and manipulative tactics, like circular reasoning, were used to justify the Iraq War.

Kyiv Metro vs the World: An Exploration

S(ubstack)-Bahn • 341 implied HN points • 22 Sep 23
🌐 International Transportation Labor Infrastructure War Innovation
  1. Kyiv Metro managed to run high frequency trains during wartime, which was a challenge for other systems.
  2. The success of Kyiv Metro can be attributed to infrastructural choices, like station typology, and organizational practices, like a Soviet-era philosophy of train throughput.
  3. Kyiv Metro's ability to operate effectively and maintain high frequencies is also due to having a surplus of labor, contributing to its resilience.

A Brutal Invasion: Hidden Values and Two 20-Year Anniversaries

Humanities in Revolt • 179 implied HN points • 09 Sep 23
🌍 World Politics War Media Leaders Ethics Iraq
  1. Different language and judgmental terms are used in the media when reporting on civilian casualties of different events, showcasing potential biases and hidden values.
  2. The media coverage on the victims of the September 11 attacks differs significantly from the reporting on victims of the Iraq War, revealing inconsistencies in how humanizing language is applied.
  3. There is a call for more honest and inclusive reporting in the news media and political discourse about the events of the Iraq War, urging for a broader and objective portrayal of facts and perspectives.

How Not To Cancel Russia

Castalia • 219 implied HN points • 30 Jun 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Censorship War Social Issues International relations
  1. It's important to avoid blaming all Russians for their government's actions. Just like in other countries, people can have different views and shouldn't be judged solely based on their nationality.
  2. There are big debates about cultural boycotts and canceling works set in Russia. Self-censorship by authors can lead to extreme positions that don't really help anyone.
  3. Even during wartime, we should recognize individual bravery and the complexity of people's identities. Not every Russian supports the war and we need to see beyond stereotypes.

Trauma

backstory • 290 implied HN points • 13 Jan 24
💾 History War Personal Stories Tragedy Memory Legacy
  1. Trauma can have a lasting impact, even from seemingly minor incidents
  2. Family history and past experiences can shape how we view the world
  3. Events from history can have long-lasting effects on individuals and societies

To Russia With Malice

Diane Francis • 579 implied HN points • 18 Jul 22
🌍 World Politics International relations Geopolitics Economics Sanctions Migration War
  1. McDonald's entry into Russia in 1990 symbolized a major shift, but its recent exit shows how far Russia has fallen. Many other companies are leaving too, leading to economic turmoil.
  2. Russia is experiencing serious economic problems due to sanctions and loss of educated citizens. As a result, the economy is shrinking, and many people are struggling with inflation and job losses.
  3. Despite short-term gains from energy exports, the long-term outlook for Russia is bleak. Many foreign investments are leaving, and the country is not well-equipped to handle these changes.

On Michael Mann's "On Wars"

Brad DeLong's Grasping Reality • 153 implied HN points • 19 Feb 24
🚌 Education Review Analysis War Peace Human behavior
  1. Wars are negative-sum activities where mistakes are made by one or both parties involved.
  2. The book 'On Wars' by Michael Mann explores the history and nature of war, aiming to understand the underlying causes of conflicts and achieve peace.
  3. Chris Blattman's 'Why We Fight' provides a useful sociology of war by identifying key types of mistakes that lead to wars, offering insights to guide toward peace.

They Lied About Afghanistan. They Lied About Iraq. And They Are Lying About Ukraine.

The Chris Hedges Report • 349 implied HN points • 02 Jul 23
🌐 International Politics War Military Diplomacy NATO
  1. The U.S. public is being manipulated into funding endless wars with false narratives.
  2. Wars in Afghanistan, Iraq, and now Ukraine have exposed lies behind justifications and promises of victory.
  3. The war industry profits while the public suffers, and the real enemy lies in the militarization driven by the industry.

Media regurgitates fake news from US spies, risking World War III with Russia

Geopolitical Economy Report • 219 implied HN points • 25 Nov 22
🌍 World Politics Media Russia War NATO
  1. Top Western media outlets published false information about Russia attacking Poland based on an unsupported claim from a US intelligence official, potentially escalating tensions between nuclear superpowers.
  2. The Associated Press was a key actor in amplifying the unsubstantiated claim, leading to international repercussions that could result in military conflicts.
  3. This incident highlights the close relationship between mainstream media and US intelligence agencies, demonstrating how false narratives can be spread to serve political interests.