The hottest War Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
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Top World Politics Topics

Operation Northern Delay

The Radar • 119 implied HN points • 27 Mar 23
💾 History War
  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.

The Bomber and the Bombed

Humanities in Revolt • 99 implied HN points • 01 Sep 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics War
  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.

Orwell Loses a War

Litverse • 99 implied HN points • 11 Jul 23
📚 Literature War
  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.

Europe's Troubles Are Just Begining

John’s Substack • 10 implied HN points • 10 Dec 25
🌍 World Politics War
  1. Europe looks set to face growing instability as the Ukraine war and other geopolitical pressures continue to unfold.
  2. Some political leaders are seeking legal shortcuts like asking for pardons before convictions, which undermines norms of justice and accountability.
  3. The U.S. policy of killing people in small boats near Venezuela is highly controversial and hard for officials to defend, and staying outside the ICC limits the risk of international prosecution.

Weekend Update #106: The World Has Changed, the Battlefield Not so Much

Phillips’s Newsletter • 163 implied HN points • 10 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics War
  1. Trump's return to power raises concerns about U.S. support for Ukraine. It's unclear how his leadership will impact the ongoing war.
  2. The U.S. can't control the war's outcome alone; Europe must step up and take a more active role in supporting Ukraine.
  3. Despite Russian losses mounting, they are still trying to gain ground in Ukraine. The situation remains dire for civilians facing aggressive attacks.
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The Madness Goes On and On

John’s Substack • 8 implied HN points • 20 Dec 25
🌍 World Politics War
  1. A public discussion focused on how the West is handling diplomacy with Russia and Ukraine.
  2. That Western diplomacy is described as surreal and disconnected from practical reality.
  3. This approach is predicted to cause prolonged, deadly serious trouble and instability for a long time to come.

Surviving Singapore

Ben’s Blog 🏉 🧠🧑‍💻 • 43 implied HN points • 15 Jul 25
💾 History War
  1. A soldier's act of kindness saved a Peranakan family during a tragic time in history. Because of his mercy, their family survived and continued to thrive.
  2. The story highlights the impact of empathy, showing that one good choice can change a family's future. It's a reminder of how small actions can have big consequences.
  3. Reflecting on family history helps us appreciate our roots and the struggles of those before us. Learning from their experiences teaches us how to face our own challenges.

A Year in Books

ChinaTalk • 326 implied HN points • 13 Feb 24
📚 Literature War
  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.

Putin's Endgame

Diane Francis • 439 implied HN points • 03 Mar 22
🌍 World Politics War
  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.

One Paragraph Book Reviews, Part 2

Going Awol • 79 implied HN points • 02 Aug 23
📚 Literature 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

The World In Fragments

KERFUFFLE • 43 implied HN points • 26 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics War
  1. It's tough to focus on family and real life when news of serious events often pulls our attention. Sometimes, it's okay to pay attention to important news, especially during times of crisis.
  2. Today, we receive major news mixed in with less important content in a distracting way. This blurs the line between serious issues and everyday gossip, making it hard to feel the impact of what we see.
  3. Many leaders may be out of touch with real-life events due to their engagement with social media. This raises questions about whether world events are driven by real needs or by the desire for online approval.

When the world changed overnight

Perfecting Equilibrium • 39 implied HN points • 04 Feb 24
💾 History War
  1. Soldier perception shifted from negative to being thanked for their service.
  2. The People Power Revolution in the Philippines showed the power of nonviolent resistance.
  3. Optimism and remembering past miracles can give hope for the future.

Trauma

backstory • 290 implied HN points • 13 Jan 24
💾 History War
  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

Diplomacy That Is Going Nowhere

John’s Substack • 7 implied HN points • 14 Dec 25
🌍 World Politics War
  1. Diplomatic efforts are unlikely to produce a peace deal right now because the main parties’ demands are deeply opposed and neither side is willing to compromise.
  2. A high-profile US 27-point peace proposal is being promoted, but Russia has not accepted it and has publicly rejected the plan as unacceptable.
  3. Real diplomacy will likely only become possible after a major battlefield development forces both sides toward an armistice, probably turning the hot war into a frozen conflict.

Prigozhin's March on Moscow

Thinking about... • 412 implied HN points • 26 Jun 23
🌍 World Politics War
  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.

Kyiv Metro vs the World: An Exploration

S(ubstack)-Bahn • 341 implied HN points • 22 Sep 23
🌐 International War
  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.

Vlad's Euro War

Diane Francis • 379 implied HN points • 11 Nov 21
🌍 World Politics War
  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.

🌍🌏 GLOBAL EYES 👁️🌎

The Cosmopolitan Globalist • 7 implied HN points • 27 Nov 25
🌍 World Politics War
  1. The U.S. 28-point peace plan, discussed with China and European partners, is reshaping negotiations and could pressure Ukraine into painful concessions.
  2. Putin is framing the war as a likely Russian victory, ruling out talks with Kyiv unless Ukraine cedes territory and using that stance to justify continued offensives.
  3. Leaked recordings of a U.S. envoy coaching Kremlin officials suggest U.S. diplomacy may be steering a deal that favors Russia, which alarms European and Ukrainian leaders.

Talibanistan

Diane Francis • 419 implied HN points • 16 Aug 21
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics War
  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.

The Ukraine Archives

Nonzero Newsletter • 429 implied HN points • 23 Feb 23
🌍 World Politics War
  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.

Trump's Futile Efforts to Find a Diplomatic Solution to Ukraine

John’s Substack • 7 implied HN points • 26 Nov 25
🌍 World Politics War
  1. Trump's efforts to negotiate peace in Ukraine face strong opposition from European and Ukrainian leaders. It's clear that getting everyone to agree on a deal is very complicated.
  2. Russia is also not willing to compromise on its key demands, making it harder to find a resolution.
  3. Ultimately, it seems the conflict in Ukraine will likely be resolved through military means rather than diplomacy.

War, War, War

Tessa Fights Robots • 27 implied HN points • 26 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics War
  1. Many people feel a sense of ongoing conflict in the world today. It's like we are aware of issues but feel powerless to stop them.
  2. The feeling of being overwhelmed by the situation is common among regular individuals. We see the problems but feel trapped by existing systems.
  3. There's a call for unity and a refusal to support those who seem to benefit from conflict. The idea is to stand together against those who laugh at our struggles.

The Great Emu War

Ironic Sans • 248 implied HN points • 29 Aug 23
💾 History War
  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.

The Nova Kakhovka Dam in Ukraine

Thinking about... • 272 implied HN points • 07 Jun 23
🌍 World Politics War
  1. Avoid presenting a manmade catastrophe as a simple two-sided issue.
  2. Be mindful of highlighting the unreliability of sources and avoid unfair comparisons.
  3. Provide context by considering physical objects, historical contexts, and relevant factors in storytelling.

On Michael Mann's "On Wars"

Brad DeLong's Grasping Reality • 153 implied HN points • 19 Feb 24
🚌 Education War
  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.

Fragments #2

aproposofnothing • 39 implied HN points • 16 Jun 23
💾 History War
  1. Turning 30 can signify a new chapter of growth and purpose in life.
  2. In ancient Greece, music and study were important cultural practices before the age of 30.
  3. Plato's ideas on leadership, military training, and noble lies still hold relevance today.

Garbage In, Garbage Out

The Radar • 39 implied HN points • 02 Sep 23
🌍 World Politics War
  1. Fast Communication Loops: In complex operations, keep communication channels direct and rapid to maintain agility and outpace competition.
  2. Don't Compound Mistakes: Avoid making a bad situation worse by questioning decisions and empowering individuals to prevent wasteful actions.
  3. Never Take Advantage of Your People: Ensure that organizational values are upheld to prevent disillusionment and maintain intrinsic motivation among team members.

The Dilemma of the Pacifist Lion

Breaking Smart • 21 implied HN points • 22 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics War
  1. Leaders often struggle to balance their desire for peace with the need to show strength. This can lead to awkward situations where they want to appear strong while promoting non-violence.
  2. Actions speak louder than words, especially in tough situations. Doing something significant, like military action, may seem necessary for leaders to prove their strength.
  3. The unpredictable outcomes of bold decisions create doubt, and even those in power may act against their perceived nature to manage expectations and counter narratives about their reliability.

The war in Ukraine is a giant disaster and Putin should not be valorized for it

Michael Tracey • 122 implied HN points • 12 Feb 24
🌍 World Politics War
  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.

Russia says its Victory Day

That Damn Optimist • 204 implied HN points • 09 May 23
🌍 World Politics War
  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
  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.