The hottest War Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
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Top World Politics Topics

Prigozhin's March on Moscow

Thinking about... • 392 implied HN points • 26 Jun 23
🌍 World Politics War Propaganda Regime Fascism Resistance
  1. Putin is not as popular as assumed, with signs of apathy and readiness for a new exploitative regime among Russians.
  2. Prigozhin posed a threat to Putin by leveraging similar tactics and assets, showcasing the extractive nature of the Russian state.
  3. Prigozhin's mutiny exposed truths about the war, shedding light on the internal divisions and potential future power struggles within Russia.

AI and the Future of War (even in Ukraine)

Phillips’s Newsletter • 57 implied HN points • 24 Jan 24
🕹 Technology AI War Drones Military Innovation
  1. Uncrewed aircraft have significant operational and cost advantages over crewed aircraft, making them likely to dominate future warfare.
  2. Uncrewed aircraft can fly longer, make maneuvers that stress the human body, and be more flexible due to not needing to support human life onboard.
  3. The absence of human pilots reduces decision-making pressure, operational limitations, and costly training needs, giving a strategic advantage in warfare.

The Great Emu War

Ironic Sans • 248 implied HN points • 29 Aug 23
💾 History War Military Humor Film Australia
  1. The Great Emu War of 1932 happened in Australia, where soldiers fought against emus wreaking havoc on farmland.
  2. The military's attempts to use machine guns against emus were futile, resulting in a humorous battle where the emus often escaped.
  3. Despite initial defeats, the military eventually resorted to different tactics, such as bounties, to control the emu population after a humiliating retreat.

Why doesn't Masters of the Air work?

Kvetch • 19 implied HN points • 17 Mar 24
🎭️ Culture TV shows War Entertainment History Cinematography
  1. Stories about bombers might feel repetitive and confining, making it challenging to create engaging content.
  2. Creating great television like 'Band of Brothers' sets a high bar that is difficult to match.
  3. The challenges of portraying the realities of war, character development, and moral dilemmas in 'Masters of the Air' result in some storytelling and thematic issues.

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.
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How American Shock Capitalism Fostered the Russia-Ukraine War

JoeWrote • 30 implied HN points • 27 Feb 24
🌍 World Politics Geopolitics Nationalism Oligarchy Capitalism War
  1. Geopolitical conflicts, like the Russia-Ukraine War, are often oversimplified as 'Good Guys vs. Bad Guys,' but understanding the complexities behind these conflicts is crucial to preventing future tragedies.
  2. The implementation of Shock Capitalism in Russia post-Soviet Union led to a catastrophic economic collapse, increased income inequality, and the rise of an oligarchy, setting the stage for social unrest and Putin's consolidation of power.
  3. Nationalism, particularly in Russia, has been used by leaders like Putin to distract from domestic issues, justify military action, and boost popularity, highlighting the dangerous impact of nationalism when fueled by political agendas.

Kissinger: America’s Most Prolific War Criminal

The Reactionary • 101 implied HN points • 01 Dec 23
🌍 World Politics Foreign Policy War Human Rights Diplomacy Governance
  1. Henry Kissinger rose to power from humble beginnings, becoming a prominent figure in American foreign policy.
  2. Kissinger employed unethical tactics, including manipulation of peace negotiations, to advance his career.
  3. Kissinger was complicit in the illegal bombing of Cambodia, resulting in devastation and death for thousands of innocent civilians.

The Ukraine Archives

Nonzero Newsletter • 429 implied HN points • 23 Feb 23
🌍 World Politics War Mainstream Media Podcasts Public Opinion
  1. The war in Ukraine has been a loss for both sides and the whole world, impacting human and economic aspects beyond the war zone.
  2. Alternative perspectives to mainstream media coverage on the Ukraine war are valuable and provide a clearer view.
  3. Various written pieces and podcast conversations offer insights on the Ukraine war, from psychology to geopolitical impacts and potential resolutions.

"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.

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.

Stalemate, Zugzwang and a long Middle Game

Comment is Freed • 103 implied HN points • 19 Sep 23
🌍 World Politics War Ukraine Russia Chess Metaphors
  1. Stalemate can highlight the need for diplomatic resolutions in war situations.
  2. The term 'stalemate' in chess refers to a specific situation where one player cannot make any legal moves, unique to the game.
  3. The concept of 'Zugzwang' in chess signifies being compelled to make a move that leads to a worse position, showcasing strategic vulnerability.

Russia says its Victory Day

That Damn Optimist • 204 implied HN points • 09 May 23
🌍 World Politics War Russia Ukraine Soviet Union
  1. The author reflects on the significance of Victory Day for their family, especially their grandpa who fought in the war.
  2. There is a complex mix of emotions around celebrating Victory Day due to current political events involving Russia and Ukraine.
  3. Honoring the memory of those who sacrificed and understanding the individual stories behind the mass tragedy of war is important.

Weekly Retrospective #4

Novum Newsletter • 224 implied HN points • 26 Feb 23
🌍 World Politics War Globalization Power Dynamics International relations Conflict resolution
  1. Tea with the Mujahideen in Kabul revealed a blend of traditional values and globalized influences.
  2. The concept of 'Hyperpolitics' explores the extreme politicization of society without lasting mass movements.
  3. One year into the war in Ukraine, Russia's strategic pivot to the Global South is reshaping the geopolitical landscape.

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.

Grandad's Cash

backstory • 193 implied HN points • 18 Mar 23
💾 History War Military
  1. Grandfather's banknote from Germany was a significant memento from the war.
  2. Grandfather's wartime notebook revealed his experiences at the Battle of Cambrai.
  3. The banknote symbolized a topic he could discuss, unlike his war experiences.

The Bomber and the Bombed

Humanities in Revolt • 99 implied HN points • 01 Sep 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics War Media bias Ethics
  1. Understanding the significance of civilian deaths in war requires considering the responsible organizations, individuals, and actions that caused them.
  2. Media reports may seem objective but are shaped by value-based judgments and choices regarding what facts to highlight and how to present them.
  3. Objectivity in reporting requires considering multiple perspectives, self-awareness, and intellectual humility, rather than detached, care-less thought.

The Last of the Zungars - Alexander Geins, 1865

The Library of Alexandria Ultima • 9 implied HN points • 04 Mar 24
💾 History Exploration Empires War
  1. The text discusses the fate of the Zungar empire, which clashed with the Qing Dynasty and faced challenges from Russian expansion, ultimately leading to their downfall.
  2. Russian influence in Asia is highlighted, showing how the empire impacted tribes and helped in the resettlement of peoples, showcasing their historical significance.
  3. Descriptions of encounters with the Kalmyk people, including cultural aspects and conflicts, give insight into their lives and the challenges they faced.

When the British Empire almost went bankrupt

Terra Nullius, by Ned Donovan • 137 implied HN points • 21 Apr 23
💾 History Empire War Economy
  1. In 1804, the British Empire faced near bankruptcy when the China Fleet carrying over  £8 million in goods was threatened by French warships.
  2. The East India Company, though powerful, was arrogant in its naval defense, using dummy cannons instead of proper armaments.
  3. Through clever tactics by Commodore Dance, the China Fleet was able to trick the French warships into retreating, avoiding bankruptcy and collapse for the East India Company and Lloyds of London.

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.

Orwell Loses a War

Litverse • 99 implied HN points • 11 Jul 23
📚 Literature War Ideology Art Philosophy
  1. George Orwell's experience in the Spanish Civil War led him to connect with people and discover a capacity to believe and understand humanity.
  2. Orwell's pursuit for 'common decency' in war highlighted a new form of hopeful, open, and equal nationalism he hoped to inspire.
  3. Orwell's work and life showed the impact of stepping away from personal beliefs to see beauty and lives not experienced otherwise.

One Paragraph Book Reviews, Part 2

Going Awol • 79 implied HN points • 02 Aug 23
📚 Literature Book Reviews Theology Philosophy Ethics War
  1. Truckers face increased surveillance with Electronic Logging Devices (ELDs) that track and log their activities, affecting their freedom and safety
  2. God and the Atom by Ronald Knox provides unique theological insights on the atomic bomb post-Nagasaki and Hiroshima
  3. Rossian Ethics explores non-consequentialist moral theory, focusing on _prima facie_ duties and ethical dilemmas