The hottest War Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top World Politics Topics
Something to Consider β€’ 5 HN points β€’ 09 Aug 24
  1. More bombing during the war led to increased aid for reconstruction in affected areas. This means the damage done was tied directly to the support that helped rebuild.
  2. Reconstruction funding improved agricultural production by helping transport crops effectively. This shows that investment in infrastructure can really boost local economies.
  3. Displaced workers from agriculture moved into industrial jobs due to the new infrastructure, suggesting that rebuilding after destruction can create new job opportunities.
Ironic Sans β€’ 248 implied HN points β€’ 29 Aug 23
  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.
Thinking about... β€’ 412 implied HN points β€’ 26 Jun 23
  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.
Nonzero Newsletter β€’ 429 implied HN points β€’ 23 Feb 23
  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.
Get a weekly roundup of the best Substack posts, by hacker news affinity:
C.O.P. Central Organizing Principle. β€’ 12 implied HN points β€’ 09 Nov 24
  1. Elon Musk has made money from the war in Ukraine by using Starlink technology that was meant for military use, which raises questions about his credibility.
  2. The proposal for Ukraine's neutrality and a buffer zone likely won't satisfy Russia, as they have clear goals for their military actions.
  3. Musk and Trump, despite their attempts to present alternative views, are seen as part of the established political system and not genuinely offering solutions.
Michael Tracey β€’ 122 implied HN points β€’ 12 Feb 24
  1. The ongoing war in Ukraine is seen as a huge disaster, and there are concerns about the support for Putin and his actions that led to this conflict.
  2. There has been a noticeable shift from simply understanding Russia's grievances to actively endorsing and supporting them, especially in the context of the war in Ukraine.
  3. Criticism is voiced against the exaltation of Putin and the belief that his invasion of Ukraine was morally justified, with a call for a critical view of all parties involved in the conflict.
The Radar β€’ 119 implied HN points β€’ 27 Mar 23
  1. Operation Northern Delay showcased the flexibility and ingenuity of the US Air Force in strategically deploying troops into Iraq.
  2. The mission, though not strictly necessary, served as a valuable training opportunity for soldiers and aircrews, refining joint force skills.
  3. Combat operations like Operation Northern Delay also communicate strategic messages to adversaries and influence operational planning.
Humanities in Revolt β€’ 99 implied HN points β€’ 01 Sep 23
  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.
Litverse β€’ 99 implied HN points β€’ 11 Jul 23
  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.
Diane Francis β€’ 439 implied HN points β€’ 03 Mar 22
  1. Putin thought his invasion of Ukraine would be quick, expecting to capture Kyiv in just two days.
  2. Ukrainians are fighting back fiercely, motivated by the belief that they face a threat to their existence.
  3. Putin's actions and remarks have fueled strong resistance from the Ukrainian people, showing the unexpected outcome of his plans.
Going Awol β€’ 79 implied HN points β€’ 02 Aug 23
  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
steigan.no β€’ 8 implied HN points β€’ 22 Nov 24
  1. Equinor is laying off 20% of its renewable energy workers due to tough market conditions and is pulling out of several countries. This means around 250 jobs will be cut.
  2. The International Criminal Court has issued arrest warrants for Israeli leaders Netanyahu and Gallant for war crimes in Gaza. If they travel to any member countries, they could be arrested.
  3. The U.S. plans to supply Ukraine with banned antipersonnel mines, breaking its own rules. This raises concerns about civilian safety and the implications of using these weapons in the conflict.
The Reactionary β€’ 101 implied HN points β€’ 01 Dec 23
  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.
Michael Tracey β€’ 71 implied HN points β€’ 13 Feb 24
  1. The war in Ukraine has resulted in a significant disaster with high casualties and impacts on Russia and US relations.
  2. The Senate passed a large 'national security' bill for Ukraine, Israel, and the Indo-Pacific, highlighting the prioritization of war expenditures.
  3. There seems to be a lack of realistic and articulate strategies in resolving the war, with many stakeholders barreling forward with attritional warfare.
Novum Newsletter β€’ 224 implied HN points β€’ 26 Feb 23
  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.
Phillips’s Newsletter β€’ 80 implied HN points β€’ 09 Jan 24
  1. Different leaders and governments produce wildly different policies based on their perceptions of the world.
  2. US administrations, like the Biden Administration, exhibit exceptional fear of escalation in wars compared to the USSR and China in the past.
  3. Leaderships matter significantly in shaping foreign policy and responses to global conflicts.
Diane Francis β€’ 379 implied HN points β€’ 11 Nov 21
  1. Russia has been in conflict with Europe for seven years, but this is often overlooked. It’s important to recognize how long this issue has been ongoing.
  2. Vladimir Putin uses different types of warfare, including hybrid and traditional methods. This strategy aims to weaken the European Union and its member states.
  3. The importance of Remembrance Day highlights the need to remember all wars and their impacts. We should not forget the ongoing challenges posed by Russia towards Europe.
Diane Francis β€’ 419 implied HN points β€’ 16 Aug 21
  1. The U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan shows that military actions alone can't solve complex political issues. After years of involvement, the Afghan government fell apart quickly without Western support.
  2. History shows that invading countries often leads to more problems, like the rise of terrorist groups. Similar mistakes made in Iraq created chaos and suffering that continue today.
  3. Effective ways to fight terrorism might be better funding for early warning systems and surveillance instead of waging wars. Wars rarely lead to peace and stability.
That Damn Optimist β€’ 204 implied HN points β€’ 09 May 23
  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.
Comment is Freed β€’ 103 implied HN points β€’ 19 Sep 23
  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.
Phillips’s Newsletter β€’ 57 implied HN points β€’ 24 Jan 24
  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.
Terra Nullius, by Ned Donovan β€’ 137 implied HN points β€’ 21 Apr 23
  1. In 1804, the British Empire faced near bankruptcy when the China Fleet carrying over  Β£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.
backstory β€’ 193 implied HN points β€’ 18 Mar 23
  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.
God's Spies by Thomas Neuburger β€’ 70 implied HN points β€’ 29 Feb 24
  1. An enemy of the state is someone accused of political crimes like treason, targeted for repressing political dissent, under the guise of protecting national security.
  2. Julian Assange faces opposition for publishing leaked data and exposing U.S. military actions like the 'Collateral Murder' video, leading to a potential 175-year sentence.
  3. It's crucial to recognize the impact of such exposures on democracy, human rights, and the concept of state-sponsored violence.