The hottest War Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top World Politics Topics

Commentator

Castalia • 79 implied HN points • 18 Nov 22
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics War
  1. The war in Ukraine is ongoing with Ukraine recapturing Kherson, highlighting the differences in motivation and organization between Ukrainian and Russian forces. Despite fatigue from the constant news, it's important to recognize the significance of these events.
  2. The collapse of FTX and the downfall of Sam Bankman-Fried has brought a mix of schadenfreude and concern over the fragile state of the crypto industry. Many view the situation as a cautionary tale about the financial reality of crypto and the dangers of unchecked ambition.
  3. There’s a growing call to ban TikTok in the U.S. due to national security concerns, as the app is seen as a tool for espionage by the Chinese government. This reflects a shift in how we view technology, realizing it can be controlled and influenced by powerful entities.

Letter from the Western Front, Christmas Day 1914

Logos • 19 implied HN points • 20 Dec 23
💾 History War
  1. During the Christmas truce of 1914, British and German soldiers stopped fighting to sing carols and celebrate together. This surprising moment of peace showed their shared humanity despite being enemies.
  2. Soldiers exchanged gifts, stories, and even laughter, realizing they had things in common like hope, fears, and loved ones back home. It highlighted that they were not just soldiers but human beings with feelings.
  3. The letter reflects on how this brief friendship made the soldiers question the nature of war. It suggests that if countries could communicate with kindness instead of hostility, perhaps conflicts could be resolved more peacefully.

Grandad's Cash

backstory • 193 implied HN points • 18 Mar 23
💾 History War
  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.

Commentator

Castalia • 59 implied HN points • 02 Feb 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics War
  1. There is a debate about the impact of AI tools like ChatGPT on writing and communication. While some think they make writing less important, others worry about losing human creativity and memory.
  2. Many Russian soldiers are struggling with poor conditions and lack of support, leading to high desertion rates. Reports show that a significant number of convicts recruited for the war are now either dead or missing.
  3. Recent revelations about the origins of COVID-19 suggest that the decision to rule out the lab leak theory was influenced by political concerns, not just scientific evidence. This highlights the need for transparency in health discussions.

Missiles over Kyiv

Thinking about... • 170 implied HN points • 17 May 23
🌍 World Politics War
  1. Russian attacks on Kyiv are an act of terrorism aiming at civilians and infrastructure.
  2. Ukrainian self-defense through air-defense systems is crucial in this conflict.
  3. Russian propaganda distorts the reality of their actions, promoting fascism as a form of politics.
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Talking with Tucker Carlson

John’s Substack • 11 implied HN points • 31 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics War
  1. The main topics discussed were the Ukraine war and the situation in Gaza. These issues are very complex and affect many people.
  2. The conversation also touched on the influence of the Israel lobby in politics. This raises questions about how certain interests shape decisions.
  3. Overall, the discussion highlighted urgent global events that deserve more attention and understanding.

Event: Giving Veterans More than “Thanks" (Sunday, May 29, 2022)

Humanities in Revolt • 79 implied HN points • 28 May 22
🏥 Health & Wellness War
  1. Honoring veterans goes beyond superficial 'thanks' - it involves understanding their service and the complexities of war.
  2. Popular culture often oversimplifies the experiences of veterans, leading to empty gestures of gratitude.
  3. Genuine conversations with veterans about their experiences and taking civic responsibility for sending them to war are crucial gestures of respect.

Kissinger: America’s Most Prolific War Criminal

The Reactionary • 101 implied HN points • 01 Dec 23
🌍 World Politics War
  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.

How to help Ukrainians during the flood

Thinking about... • 139 implied HN points • 09 Jun 23
🌍 World Politics War
  1. Ukrainians are facing a manmade catastrophe due to the destruction of a dam by Russia.
  2. Various organizations are helping in rescue efforts and need support through donations.
  3. Donating to NGOs like Rescue Now UA, Ukrainian Firefighters Foundation, and United24 can provide aid to those affected by the floods.

War and politics

Thinking about... • 144 implied HN points • 12 May 23
🌍 World Politics War
  1. War can lead to unexpected political consequences.
  2. Russian wartime propaganda might not always reflect the true situation.
  3. Political pressure from war can force leaders to make difficult choices.

When the British Empire almost went bankrupt

Terra Nullius, by Ned Donovan • 137 implied HN points • 21 Apr 23
💾 History War
  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.

Story Eighteen

Stories From The Rail • 79 implied HN points • 20 Apr 22
🌐 International War
  1. Packing when disabled requires adjustments like carrying medication and rethinking storage space
  2. Adapting to physical limitations involves changing equipment and accessories for practicality and safety
  3. Accepting one's limitations and finding new ways to navigate life can lead to discovering unexpected opportunities

Stalemate, Zugzwang and a long Middle Game

Comment is Freed • 103 implied HN points • 19 Sep 23
🌍 World Politics War
  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.

The Historical Exceptionalism of US Escalation Policy and the War in Ukraine

Phillips’s Newsletter • 80 implied HN points • 09 Jan 24
🌍 World Politics War
  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.

Enemy of the State

God's Spies by Thomas Neuburger • 70 implied HN points • 29 Feb 24
📰 News War
  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.

The Death of Captain Waskow

Comment is Freed • 118 implied HN points • 11 Jun 23
💾 History War
  1. Captain Waskow was deeply respected by his soldiers, as seen in their reactions to his death
  2. Ernie Pyle's war reporting focused on humanizing ordinary soldiers and their experiences
  3. Infantry soldiers play a crucial and challenging role in wars, facing death and being vital for combat operations

Responding to criticisms, and the Senate "national security" bill

Michael Tracey • 71 implied HN points • 13 Feb 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics War
  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.

Never Again? Or Again, and Again, and Again?

Charles Eisenstein • 9 implied HN points • 16 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics War
  1. Us-them thinking divides people into groups, making it easier to justify violence and oppression against others. Understanding this mindset can help us avoid repeating historical horrors.
  2. Many people ignore or downplay atrocities because of their beliefs or narratives. If we want to change this, we need to ask deeper questions about our own complicity and understanding of others.
  3. Compassion and connection are key to breaking the cycle of violence. By recognizing shared humanity, we can work towards more peaceful solutions instead of falling into patterns of blame and contempt.

War

The Leftovers • 59 implied HN points • 26 Feb 22
🌍 World Politics War
  1. The author reflects on the futility of words in the face of war, expressing a sense of silence as words fail to adequately convey the magnitude of conflict.
  2. Memories are triggered in response to the specter of war, suggesting a deep impact that personal experiences and recollections have when confronted with such a grim reality.
  3. The post offers a 7-day free trial to explore more content from The Leftovers, enticing readers with a sample of the full post archives.

WEEKLY BRIEFLY NOTED: For 2024-12-11 We

Brad DeLong's Grasping Reality • 23 implied HN points • 11 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics War
  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.

AI and the Future of War (even in Ukraine)

Phillips’s Newsletter • 57 implied HN points • 24 Jan 24
🕹 Technology War
  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.

Trump Used Starvation To Colonize Gaza.

C.O.P. Central Organizing Principle. • 6 implied HN points • 28 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics War
  1. The idea is that Trump is responsible for the suffering in Gaza, using tactics like starvation to gain control and distract from other issues.
  2. The U.S. has a history of using starvation as a military strategy to control regions for resources, with Gaza being the latest example.
  3. Critics argue that any U.S. involvement in aid distribution is just a cover for their own agenda, similar to past interventions that led to more violence.

OPERA BUFFA IN UKRAINE

Seymour Hersh • 80 implied HN points • 27 Jul 23
🌍 World Politics War
  1. The Ukrainian attacks on the Russian Kerch Bridge were significant events in the ongoing conflict.
  2. The Biden administration played a vital role in supporting Ukraine in these attacks.
  3. Concerns exist in the American intelligence community about potential Russian retaliation to the Ukrainian drone attacks.

Joe Biden the Second

John’s Substack • 7 implied HN points • 15 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics War
  1. Trump's approach to the Ukraine war is very similar to Biden's previous approach. This means he might face the same challenges.
  2. The expectation of getting Russia to negotiate while continuing to provide arms to Ukraine is likely to fail.
  3. There’s a sense that Trump believed he could quickly end the war, but his actions suggest otherwise.

A HISTORY OF NEGATION

Seymour Hersh • 57 implied HN points • 27 Dec 23
🌍 World Politics War
  1. The post discusses the Israel-Palestine conflict and Netanyahu's actions.
  2. It mentions the aftermath of the 9/11 attacks and the war in Iraq.
  3. The importance of how Iraq has changed America according to Nasrallah is highlighted.

The Chaos President

Political Currents by Ross Barkan • 20 implied HN points • 27 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics War
  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.

✅ Monday briefing: Exiting Russia, brand vandals, war misinformation, niche podcasts, local media newsletters, Socially Mobile, Twitter downvote, Google Analytics, and more...

Wadds Inc. newsletter • 59 implied HN points • 21 Mar 22
📰 News War
  1. Over 400 companies have stopped doing business in Russia due to the war in Ukraine, but some still remain there. Yale researchers are tracking these corporate decisions.
  2. Niche podcasts are becoming popular and can make money through sponsorships and branded content. They offer creative and focused storytelling.
  3. Twitter has added a downvote feature to help users filter out unwanted content. This change is now available on both Android and iOS apps.

War Is Politics By Other Means

Gideon's Substack • 52 implied HN points • 13 Nov 23
🌍 World Politics War
  1. Israel's war in Gaza aims to destroy Hamas as a military organization and establish control.
  2. The objective is not just deterrence but complete destruction of Hamas.
  3. Concerns arise about achieving political objectives and potential radical solutions amidst ongoing conflict.

One Step at a Time: The Stages of War

Comment is Freed • 81 implied HN points • 26 Feb 23
🌍 World Politics War
  1. The duration of the war and the steps involved are uncertain, with constant speculation about its eventual end.
  2. Both sides are preparing for potential offensives, with the outcome of each stage shaping the next.
  3. Diplomatic efforts for peace face challenges due to differing priorities and the complexity of issues like war crimes and border demarcation.

Memoirs of the First Donbass War

Nemets • 66 implied HN points • 12 Mar 23
🌍 World Politics War
  1. The First Donbass War started in 2014 after an armed rebellion by those sympathetic to Russia in eastern Ukraine.
  2. The Ukrainian military relied on volunteer paramilitary formations due to neglect in the years leading up to the conflict.
  3. Various memoirs provide insights into the complexities and motivations behind the different factions involved in the war.

TORTURE AT ABU GHRAIB

Seymour Hersh • 36 implied HN points • 02 Jan 24
🌍 World Politics War
  1. The post discusses torture at Abu Ghraib prison.
  2. The story is a painful recollection of US army soldiers losing control in Iraq.
  3. The article includes an image of an Iraqi threatened with electrocution.

The Bomb, the Man, the Morality

Skeptic • 49 implied HN points • 24 Jul 23
🎭️ Culture War
  1. Christopher Nolan's film 'Oppenheimer' renews debate on the use of nuclear weapons to end World War II and the nature of moral conflicts.
  2. Human conditions are rarely black-and-white, and approach-avoidance conflicts are common in life, culture, and politics.
  3. The dropping of the atomic bombs, while not a moral act, was the least destructive option at the time and likely saved lives by ending the war and preventing a potentially higher death toll from prolonged conventional bombing or invasion.

How Start?

Unpopular Front • 59 implied HN points • 21 Mar 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics War
  1. The invasion of Iraq lacked a simple, justifiable reason based on reality.
  2. The war in Iraq was not a tragedy but a result of manipulation and falsehoods.
  3. The lesson learned from the Iraq War is the susceptibility of an entire nation to losing touch with reality and the potential risks of fascism.

How American Shock Capitalism Fostered the Russia-Ukraine War

JoeWrote • 30 implied HN points • 27 Feb 24
🌍 World Politics 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.