Top International Substacks

Stay connected with global perspectives through Substack newsletters that cover international news, cultures, and stories from around the world.

Taking the Long View: On sustainability and the environment logo

Celebrating the inspirational, lauding good work, lamenting where we can do better, reviewing great books, and more.

Sinocism logo

#1 Sinocism

Get smarter about China

1000+
paid subscribers
427K+
free subscribers
ITS Journal logo

#2 ITS Journal

ITS Journal collects the stories of Italians living abroad, of Italians returning to Italy from abroad, and of foreigners who decide to move to Italy. A newsletter about Italians. In short, ITS Journal.

78K+
free subscribers
Borderless logo

#3 Borderless

Every week, we handpick the best links to help you navigate the quirks of working on the internet and living across borders.

69K+
free subscribers
International News logo

#4 International News

Not Your Casual News: Everything that does not make the headlines

66K+
free subscribers
The Golden Hour by Karen Attiah logo

#5 The Golden Hour by Karen Attiah

On writing, fighting, and beauty in dark times.

1000+
paid subscribers
53K+
free subscribers
The Cosmopolitan Globalist logo

#6 The Cosmopolitan Globalist

Edited by essayist Claire Berlinski, this is Substack's top forum for the discussion of international news among readers and writers, around the world, who are concerned about the future of liberal democracy and the gathering storm of global war.

1000+
paid subscribers
34K+
free subscribers
Jerm's Substack logo

#7 Jerm's Substack

We're in an information war. Join me in the trenches as we fight the good fight, one dangerous idea at a time.

32K+
free subscribers
Geopolitics Explained logo

#8 Geopolitics Explained

The world around us can be scary. But we're often more scared of what we don't understand. I help by addressing problems and seeking solutions to the biggest issues in the world today, through the scope of geopolitics and financial markets.

29K+
free subscribers
The Power Map logo

#9 The Power Map

The Power Map: Global Affairs, Decoded

26K+
free subscribers
Pascal’s Substack (Neutrality Studies) logo

#10 Pascal’s Substack (Neutrality Studies)

A substack to keep you up to date with the neutrality studies podcast (YouTube) and my latest comments on world affairs and academic articles.

100+
paid subscribers
26K+
free subscribers
Global Inequality and More 3.0 logo

#11 Global Inequality and More 3.0

Global inequality and More 3.0

25K+
free subscribers
Drezner’s World logo

#12 Drezner’s World

A bunch of unedited stuff about international relations, American politics, political economy, the marketplace of ideas, and popular culture written by this Drezner guy

1000+
paid subscribers
25K+
free subscribers
Pekingnology logo

#13 Pekingnology

China's opinion page A

24K+
free subscribers
Emmanuel Todd logo

#14 Emmanuel Todd

Historian and social anthropologist

23K+
free subscribers
Geopolitical Dispatch logo

#15 Geopolitical Dispatch

The daily client brief of Geopolitical Strategy – a specialist advisory firm helping leaders understand the geopolitical forces reshaping business and world affairs.

100+
paid subscribers
22K+
free subscribers
Navigating Uncertainty logo

#16 Navigating Uncertainty

Semi-regular commentary from Vikram Mansharamani, one of America's leading independent thinkers, connecting geopolitics, economics, demographics, technology, and social trends. Expect 3-4 posts per month.

21K+
free subscribers
APAC Risk Update, Presented By The Diplomat logo

#17 APAC Risk Update, Presented By The Diplomat

A bi-weekly update on new political, economic, and security risks around the Asia-Pacific region from The Diplomat's Ankit Panda.

20K+
free subscribers
Global Dispatches logo

#18 Global Dispatches

Smart, deeply reported analysis on international affairs, global crises, and the UN — trusted by diplomats, journalists, and policy experts.

100+
paid subscribers
18K+
free subscribers
Vanessa Beeley  logo

#19 Vanessa Beeley

world affairs from an on-the-ground perspective

100+
paid subscribers
18K+
free subscribers
Middle East Uncovered logo

#20 Middle East Uncovered

Clear-eyed analysis, grounded reporting, and historically informed commentary on the political, cultural, and societal shifts shaping the Middle East today.

18K+
free subscribers
World Affairs in Context with Lena Petrova logo

#21 World Affairs in Context with Lena Petrova

International Relations | Political Economy | Economics | Geopolitics

100+
paid subscribers
17K+
free subscribers
Asia Sentinel logo

#22 Asia Sentinel

Independent news and analysis about Asia's politics, economics, culture and more

100+
paid subscribers
17K+
free subscribers
Evan Ellis on Latin America and the Caribbean logo

#23 Evan Ellis on Latin America and the Caribbean

Latin America and its relationship to the US, China, and the rest of the world.

15K+
free subscribers
The Abrahamic Metacritique logo

#24 The Abrahamic Metacritique

Tracing the ruins beneath modern ideology. Essays in Counter-Enlightenment philosophy, the post-Christian condition, the political economy of antisemitism, and the intellectual history of the Arab and Jewish worlds.

1000+
paid subscribers
15K+
free subscribers
Conflicts Forum’s Substack logo

#25 Conflicts Forum’s Substack

Conflicts Forum analyses geo-politics & geo-financial shifts, with a focus on Middle East/West Asia. Includes commentaries by Alastair Crooke. @Conflicts Forum on Twitter; ALL other Twitter & Telegram accounts attributed to CF or Alastair Crooke are fake.

1000+
paid subscribers
15K+
free subscribers
FPRI Insights  logo

#26 FPRI Insights

Catch up on the latest commentary, podcasts, and events from the Foreign Policy Research Institute (FPRI).

14K+
free subscribers
GeopoliticsUnplugged Substack logo

#27 GeopoliticsUnplugged Substack

Geopolitics Unplugged is your premier source for raw, expert-driven analysis of global power dynamics, where world events are dissected to reveal their true geopolitical significance. No Henny Penny. Just data. Just sources.

14K+
free subscribers
The East is Read logo

#28 The East is Read

China's opinion page B

14K+
free subscribers
Through A Glass Darkly logo

#29 Through A Glass Darkly

On matters of geopolitics, counterintelligence, revisionist history and cultural warfare.

100+
paid subscribers
14K+
free subscribers
Geopolitics & Empire logo

#30 Geopolitics & Empire

The Geopolitics & Empire Podcast conducts interviews with prominent international experts on a wide-range of topics. The broadcast seeks to gain insight from guests who come from the left, right, and beyond.

100+
paid subscribers
13K+
free subscribers
Gary’s Journey Through Hell logo

#31 Gary’s Journey Through Hell

Nine Circles +

100+
paid subscribers
12K+
free subscribers
Ricardo Martins logo

#32 Ricardo Martins

My personal Substack

12K+
free subscribers
Clyde’s Newsletter logo

#33 Clyde’s Newsletter

Rethinking Globalization, China, and Industrial Policy.

12K+
free subscribers
KERRY CASSIDY NEWS & VIEWS logo

#34 KERRY CASSIDY NEWS & VIEWS

PROJECT CAMELOT the truth behind the secrecy

100+
paid subscribers
12K+
free subscribers
RealTime Mandarin logo

#35 RealTime Mandarin

A weekly resource to help you improve your Mandarin every week, stay informed about China, and communicate with confidence in Chinese.

100+
paid subscribers
12K+
free subscribers
My latest work and analysis on China, Taiwan, Southeast Asia logo

#36 My latest work and analysis on China, Taiwan, Southeast Asia

Current Developments in China, Taiwan, US-China relations and what it means for Asia

11K+
free subscribers
The Baghdad Bugle  logo

#37 The Baghdad Bugle

Conflict & Energy.

11K+
free subscribers
Takshashila Dispatch logo

#38 Takshashila Dispatch

The Takshashila Dispatch is a weekly update with the latest research, opinions and writings from the Takshashila Institution.

11K+
free subscribers
Séamus Malekafzali logo

#39 Séamus Malekafzali

In-depth analysis about the Middle East and the Global South that other outlets can't or won't cover.

1000+
paid subscribers
11K+
free subscribers
THE BRIEF logo

#40 THE BRIEF

THE BRIEF. For everything you always wanted to know about multilateralism. Subscribe. Copyright: Maya Plentz

10K+
free subscribers
The Ale's Letter logo

#41 The Ale's Letter

Weekly intelligence on citizenship, tax strategy, and global mobility for individuals building freedom across borders.

10K+
free subscribers
The #NatSecGirlSquad Newsletter logo

#42 The #NatSecGirlSquad Newsletter

A curated summary of events, opportunities, updates, and highlights from the #NatSecGirlSquad Operations Team

100+
paid subscribers
10K+
free subscribers
Think BRICS logo

#43 Think BRICS

Explore BRICS & emerging markets with in-depth articles and videos on macroeconomics, geopolitics, tech & society. Unravel global forces & stay ahead.

10K+
free subscribers
Chaoyang Trap logo

#44 Chaoyang Trap

A regular exploration of contemporary China, one important niche at a time.

9K+
free subscribers
Geopolitical Guy logo

#45 Geopolitical Guy

My personal Substack

9K+
free subscribers
China Up Close logo

#46 China Up Close

Working as a journalist & political commentator in China for 10 years, I will show you the other side of the story from China and the world.

9K+
free subscribers
Watching China in Europe logo

#47 Watching China in Europe

Inside the European policy debate on China

100+
paid subscribers
9K+
free subscribers
Global Threads with Peter Frankopan logo

#48 Global Threads with Peter Frankopan

Making sense of a changing world

100+
paid subscribers
9K+
free subscribers
The First Person with Michael Judge logo

#49 The First Person with Michael Judge

The former WSJ editor's independent newsletter featuring essays, poems, and in-depth conversations with writers, thinkers, and doers around the globe.

9K+
free subscribers
Maternal Dispatches with Hollie McKay  logo

#50 Maternal Dispatches with Hollie McKay

Frontline reporting on maternal health, conflict, and human rights — from the mother's lens.

100+
paid subscribers
9K+
free subscribers
Iran War Dispatches with Tim Mak logo

#51 Iran War Dispatches with Tim Mak

A publication to report on the war in Iran through the stories of people on the ground.

1000+
paid subscribers
9K+
free subscribers
Insurgent Thoughts logo

#52 Insurgent Thoughts

Insurgent Thoughts is a newsletter that explores radical, anti-colonial, decolonial, and anti-imperialist ideas, histories, and struggles for liberation.

9K+
free subscribers
European Geopolitical Journal logo

#53 European Geopolitical Journal

The European Geopolitical Journal offers informative geopolitical analysis concerning the latest international developments across Europe and the world.

9K+
free subscribers
Ginger River Review logo

#54 Ginger River Review

Covering the priorities of both the leadership and the general public in China and views you do not normally see from mainstream English-language media

8K+
free subscribers
Lethal Minds logo

#55 Lethal Minds

A veteran and servicemember written magazine covering military, foreign affairs, literature, and the veteran community.

100+
paid subscribers
8K+
free subscribers
Vietnam Weekly logo

#56 Vietnam Weekly

A newsletter on the latest in Vietnam, from essential news to under-the-radar stories, delivered from Ho Chi Minh City every Wednesday and Friday.

100+
paid subscribers
8K+
free subscribers
Young China Watchers Newsletter logo

#57 Young China Watchers Newsletter

All the latest from the YCW global network

8K+
free subscribers
The International Strategist logo

#58 The International Strategist

Geopolitics, Tech Power & Global Strategy. Where AI, energy, and alliances decide who runs the world. Briefings from New Delhi read by 6,500+ analysts, strategists, and policy watchers.

8K+
free subscribers
CCG Update - Center for China and Globalization logo

#59 CCG Update - Center for China and Globalization

Updates on the Center for China and Globalization (CCG)

8K+
free subscribers
The Scholar's Stage  logo

#60 The Scholar's Stage

Researching the Communist Party of China is my day job. Here I write long reads on international politics, ancient history, and American conservatism.

8K+
free subscribers
Seek Truth From Facts Foundation logo

#61 Seek Truth From Facts Foundation

Geopolitics, economies, military and technology, with a focus on China and the Global Majority versus the West.

8K+
free subscribers
Proximities logo

#62 Proximities

The world is smaller than you think. Proximities brings you three essential non-Western news stories each weekday, free of charge. Paid subscribers get a deeper Saturday read.

100+
paid subscribers
8K+
free subscribers
Mariaus Laurinavičiaus analitika logo

#63 Mariaus Laurinavičiaus analitika

Žvilgsnis į pasaulį - kitais kampais: civilizacijų konfliktas, Rusija, Kinija, svarbiausi įvykiai Vakaruose, Lietuvos užsienio ir saugumo politika

100+
paid subscribers
8K+
free subscribers
Warwick Powell's Substack logo

#64 Warwick Powell's Substack

International Political Economy, Thermoeconomics, Geopolitics and System Change

7K+
free subscribers
Interruptrr logo

#65 Interruptrr

Interrupting the script and widening the conversation on global affairs.

7K+
free subscribers
Inkstick’s Substack logo

#66 Inkstick’s Substack

Foreign policy for the rest of us.

7K+
free subscribers
Eurosiberia logo

#67 Eurosiberia

Pan-European geopolitics and culture

100+
paid subscribers
7K+
free subscribers
🇮🇹 We the Italians 🇺🇸 logo

#68 🇮🇹 We the Italians 🇺🇸

We are a media company dedicated to everything Italian in the US. Through our website, our social media communities, our newsletter, our magazine and our books, we are the most complete network to improve the relations between Italy and the US

7K+
free subscribers
China Translated logo

#69 China Translated

Where China starts to make some sense to you

100+
paid subscribers
7K+
free subscribers
Eunomia  logo

#70 Eunomia

A daily blog on foreign policy and international affairs by Daniel Larison

100+
paid subscribers
7K+
free subscribers
Global South Perspectives ~ by Fadhel Kaboub logo

#71 Global South Perspectives ~ by Fadhel Kaboub

Reflections on the political economy of climate, energy, food, debt, and development and on geopolitics from a Global South perspective by Fadhel Kaboub

7K+
free subscribers
MenaTrack logo

#72 MenaTrack

MenaTrack delivers concise analysis and curated reporting on the stories shaping the Middle East and North Africa.

7K+
free subscribers
La Jornada Internacional logo

#73 La Jornada Internacional

Es una selección semanal de La Jornada que ofrece una visión coherente desde México sobre un mundo loco.

7K+
free subscribers
The Africa Insight logo

#74 The Africa Insight

A publication providing weekly coverage of major security developments across Sub-Saharan Africa, with occasional in-depth analysis.

7K+
free subscribers
China Research Group News logo

#75 China Research Group News

A daily summary of China news, from Westminster

6K+
free subscribers
CrossPacificWatchers’s Newsletter logo

#76 CrossPacificWatchers’s Newsletter

Young Chinese professionals offering views on Global issues

6K+
free subscribers
Canadiensis – Letters from Canada/Lettere dal Canada  logo

#77 Canadiensis – Letters from Canada/Lettere dal Canada

A bilingual (EN/IT) newsletter by Arianna Dagnino and Stefano Gulmanelli on Canada’s past, present, and future. Newsletter bilingue sul Canada in un mondo che cambia

6K+
free subscribers
FAO Journal of International Affairs logo

#78 FAO Journal of International Affairs

Peer reviewed articles by foreign policy, intelligence, and security cooperation experts. ISSN: 2832-0166

100+
paid subscribers
6K+
free subscribers
Ordering the Disorder logo

#79 Ordering the Disorder

We live in an era of Global Enduring Disorder. Neo-populism, climate change and unregulated cyberspace are but a few of the key issues which confront our wrong-footed institutions. Join us, as we monitor and explore solutions to the Enduring Disorder.

6K+
free subscribers
RWA Samizdat logo

#80 RWA Samizdat

Articles, Translations and Podcasts

100+
paid subscribers
6K+
free subscribers
Systematic Hatreds logo

#81 Systematic Hatreds

A personal view of international relations, political science, and academia. Essays about research, teaching, and current events.

6K+
free subscribers
Unlock Aid logo

#82 Unlock Aid

We’re driving a campaign to unlock public resources for the world's hardest problems

6K+
free subscribers
Public Seminar  logo

#83 Public Seminar

An online magazine of ideas, scholarship, and debate published by The New School

6K+
free subscribers
Lingua Sinica logo

#84 Lingua Sinica

News, analysis, and commentary on Chinese-language media from the PRC and beyond.

6K+
free subscribers
Yaw's Brief: Guns, Trade, Cobalt & Africa Beyond Colonialism logo

#85 Yaw's Brief: Guns, Trade, Cobalt & Africa Beyond Colonialism

Newsletter on the intersections developmental econ, geopolitics, finance, and African history. Bio: Ghanaian-American, MIT grad, Data Analytics & Product Manager @ Big Entertainment firm. Ex- Aerospace Engineer. Not an expert, but always learning.

6K+
free subscribers
Global21 logo

#86 Global21

Patrícia Marins

100+
paid subscribers
6K+
free subscribers
Eye on China logo

#87 Eye on China

A weekly bulletin offering news and analysis on the 'Middle Kingdom' from an Indian interests perspective.

5K+
free subscribers
The Floutist logo

#88 The Floutist

Commentary and essays on world affairs, politics, culture, and media.

100+
paid subscribers
5K+
free subscribers
War Mapper logo

#89 War Mapper

Welcome to the War Mapper substack, taking a more in-depth look at conflicts around the world.

5K+
free subscribers
DarajaPress’s Substack logo

#90 DarajaPress’s Substack

Daraja Press is a not-for-profit publisher. We seek to build upon, develop and support interconnections between emancipatory struggles of the oppressed and exploited worldwide. We aim to nurture reflection, shelter hope and inspire audacity.

5K+
free subscribers
Cyrus’s Newsletter logo

#91 Cyrus’s Newsletter

Geopolitics, China, and the Future of our World

5K+
free subscribers
Jihadology+ logo

#92 Jihadology+

A clearinghouse for even more niche primary source material, original analysis, and translations

5K+
free subscribers
inPrimis logo

#93 inPrimis

inPrimis produce insieme ad Atlante delle Guerre e dei Conflitti e a Unimondo il podcast settimanale Un camper nei conflitti: un podcast di approfondimento di notizie estere.

5K+
free subscribers
Collapse Life logo

#94 Collapse Life

For those who know something isn’t right — and want to understand why. Recommended by Dr. Pierre Kory, John Rubino, and others. Subscribe now to receive our free toolkit: 'The Resilience Playbook — 10 practical strategies for thriving in uncertain times.'

5K+
free subscribers
India and Geopolitics  logo

#95 India and Geopolitics

Discussion of the emerging multipolar world and the tectonic shifts happening in the world. We are at a crossroads and the next decade will be consequential and even dangerous. I am a geopolitical analyst, columnist, author, blogger, podcaster & Tweeter.

5K+
free subscribers
World Builders logo

#96 World Builders

The age of world building has begun

5K+
free subscribers
Global Natives logo

#97 Global Natives

The past, present and potential of borderless work.

5K+
free subscribers
Central Asia-Caucasus Institute's Substack logo

#98 Central Asia-Caucasus Institute's Substack

Located at the American Foreign Policy Council, we provide expert analysis on political, economic, and security developments in Central Asia and the Caucasus regions, continuing a 25-year tradition of delivering cutting-edge content for policymakers.

5K+
free subscribers
The Africa Review logo

#99 The Africa Review

News and analysis from Africa. Big picture with the important details. Also on Youtube: www.youtube.com/@AfricaReviewAnalysis

5K+
free subscribers
Global Developments logo

#100 Global Developments

Economic development and poverty, past and present.

5K+
free subscribers

Most Subscribers | Top Earning | Trending