Top International Substacks

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

Sinocism logo

#1 Sinocism

Get smarter about China

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International News logo

#2 International News

A concise, 5-minute briefing on niche international events, climate developments, and human resilience every Tuesday (or Wednesday).

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ITS Journal logo

#3 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.

80K+
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Borderless logo

#4 Borderless

We handpick the best links to help you navigate the quirks of working on the internet and living across borders.

67K+
free subscribers
Geopolitics Explained logo

#5 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.

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The Golden Hour by Karen Attiah logo

#6 The Golden Hour by Karen Attiah

On writing, fighting, and beauty in dark times.

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Global’s Substack logo

#7 Global’s Substack

My personal Substack

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The Cosmopolitan Globalist logo

#8 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.

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Jerm's Substack logo

#9 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.

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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.

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Emmanuel Todd logo

#11 Emmanuel Todd

Historian and social anthropologist

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Global Inequality and More 3.0 logo

#12 Global Inequality and More 3.0

Global inequality and More 3.0

27K+
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Drezner’s World logo

#13 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

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The Power Map logo

#14 The Power Map

The Power Map: Global Affairs, Decoded

26K+
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Pekingnology logo

#15 Pekingnology

China's opinion page A

25K+
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Geopolitical Dispatch logo

#16 Geopolitical Dispatch

Independent analysis of international affairs, written by former diplomats. Five concise analyses each weekday, with historical perspective, clear judgments, great art and occasional terrible puns.

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Geopolitical Guy logo

#17 Geopolitical Guy

My personal Substack

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Middle East Uncovered logo

#18 Middle East Uncovered

The Middle East is complicated. We publish the people who can explain it with the context and perspective it deserves.

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Navigating Uncertainty logo

#19 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.

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APAC Risk Update, Presented By The Diplomat logo

#20 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+
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From The Writer's Cabin logo

#21 From The Writer's Cabin

Former 60 Minutes Producer and seasoned war journalist providing insight into topics relating to news, media, war, and international politics. From The Writer's Cabin Store: https://from-the-writers-cabin-2.myshopify.com

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Ricardo Martins logo

#22 Ricardo Martins

My personal Substack

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Vanessa Beeley  logo

#23 Vanessa Beeley

world affairs from an on-the-ground perspective

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Conflicts Forum’s Substack logo

#24 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.

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Global Dispatches logo

#25 Global Dispatches

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

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World Affairs in Context with Lena Petrova logo

#26 World Affairs in Context with Lena Petrova

International Relations | Political Economy | Economics | Geopolitics

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Asia Sentinel logo

#27 Asia Sentinel

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

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Through A Glass Darkly logo

#28 Through A Glass Darkly

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

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The Abrahamic Metacritique logo

#29 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.

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Evan Ellis on Latin America and the Caribbean logo

#30 Evan Ellis on Latin America and the Caribbean

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

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The Rest of the World Report logo

#31 The Rest of the World Report

The Rest of the World Report covers major global events through the lens of international press — wire services, regional outlets across six continents, every source labeled by editorial lean. Written for American readers who want to know what the rest of

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FPRI Insights  logo

#32 FPRI Insights

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

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The East is Read logo

#33 The East is Read

China's opinion page B

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GeopoliticsUnplugged Substack logo

#34 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+
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The Ale's Letter logo

#35 The Ale's Letter

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

14K+
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Geopolitics & Empire logo

#36 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.

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Gary’s Journey Through Hell logo

#37 Gary’s Journey Through Hell

Nine Circles +

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KERRY CASSIDY NEWS & VIEWS logo

#38 KERRY CASSIDY NEWS & VIEWS

PROJECT CAMELOT the truth behind the secrecy

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Intel Brief by Jacob Kaarsbo  logo

#39 Intel Brief by Jacob Kaarsbo

Intelligence and international security

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Clyde’s Newsletter logo

#40 Clyde’s Newsletter

Rethinking Globalization, China, and Industrial Policy.

12K+
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RealTime Mandarin logo

#41 RealTime Mandarin

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

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European Geopolitical Journal logo

#42 European Geopolitical Journal

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

12K+
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Takshashila Dispatch logo

#43 Takshashila Dispatch

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

12K+
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Séamus Malekafzali logo

#44 Séamus Malekafzali

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

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The Baghdad Bugle  logo

#45 The Baghdad Bugle

Conflict & Energy.

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My latest work and analysis on China, Taiwan, Southeast Asia logo

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

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

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Think BRICS logo

#47 Think BRICS

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

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Global Threads with Peter Frankopan logo

#48 Global Threads with Peter Frankopan

Making sense of a changing world

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Watching China in Europe logo

#49 Watching China in Europe

Inside the European policy debate on China

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THE BRIEF logo

#50 THE BRIEF

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

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The Africa Insight logo

#51 The Africa Insight

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

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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.

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The #NatSecGirlSquad Newsletter logo

#53 The #NatSecGirlSquad Newsletter

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

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China Up Close logo

#54 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.

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Chaoyang Trap logo

#55 Chaoyang Trap

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

9K+
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Unauthorised Access logo

#56 Unauthorised Access

Independent analysis of democratic legitimacy, institutional trust and social cohesion in modern Australia.

9K+
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Maternal Dispatches with Hollie McKay  logo

#57 Maternal Dispatches with Hollie McKay

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

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The First Person with Michael Judge logo

#58 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+
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IS IT PROPAGANDA?® logo

#59 IS IT PROPAGANDA?®

Political Analyst & Writer specializing in conflict zones, diplomacy, and multipolarity. B.A. International Studies/History (California), M.S. Politology, Higher School of Economics (Moscow). Fluent in English, French, and Russian.

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Iran War Dispatches with Tim Mak logo

#60 Iran War Dispatches with Tim Mak

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

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CCG Update - Center for China and Globalization logo

#61 CCG Update - Center for China and Globalization

Updates on the Center for China and Globalization (CCG)

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The International Strategist logo

#62 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.

9K+
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Young China Watchers Newsletter logo

#63 Young China Watchers Newsletter

All the latest from the YCW global network

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Proximities logo

#64 Proximities

The world is smaller than you think. Proximities brings you three essential non-Western news stories each weekday, free of charge. Paid subscribers also receive explanatory deep dives.

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Ambassador at Large logo

#65 Ambassador at Large

The insider's guide to diplomacy for international professionals. From a four-time British Ambassador.

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Warwick Powell's Substack logo

#66 Warwick Powell's Substack

I focus on exploring the dynamics of political economic change through the lens of thermoeconomics and supply chains, the role and place of China in our world and how technologies and science "upstream" shape the possibilities "downstream".

8K+
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🇮🇹 We the Italians 🇺🇸 logo

#67 🇮🇹 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

8K+
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The Scholar's Stage  logo

#68 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+
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La Jornada Internacional logo

#69 La Jornada Internacional

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

8K+
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Mariaus Laurinavičiaus analitika logo

#70 Mariaus Laurinavičiaus analitika

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

8K+
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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

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Vietnam Weekly logo

#72 Vietnam Weekly

What's really happening in Vietnam, from essential news to under-the-radar stories, written from the ground in Ho Chi Minh City.

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Lethal Minds logo

#73 Lethal Minds

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

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Ginger River Review logo

#74 Ginger River Review

Bringing China's Chinese-language conversations to an international audience.

8K+
free subscribers
Inkstick’s Substack logo

#75 Inkstick’s Substack

Independent reporting on war, power, and people.

7K+
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RWA Samizdat logo

#76 RWA Samizdat

Articles, Translations and Podcasts

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7K+
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Eurosiberia logo

#77 Eurosiberia

Pan-European geopolitics and culture

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7K+
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Yaw's Brief: Guns, Trade, Cobalt & Africa Beyond Colonialism logo

#78 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.

7K+
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Seek Truth From Facts Foundation logo

#79 Seek Truth From Facts Foundation

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

7K+
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Interruptrr logo

#80 Interruptrr

Interrupting the script to widen the conversation on global affairs—and build women's authority

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China Translated logo

#81 China Translated

Where China starts to make some sense to you

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7K+
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MenaTrack logo

#82 MenaTrack

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

7K+
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Eunomia  logo

#83 Eunomia

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

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7K+
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Canadiensis–Letters from Canada & Beyond/Lettere dal Canada  logo

#84 Canadiensis–Letters from Canada & Beyond/Lettere dal Canada

A bilingual (EN/IT) newsletter by Arianna Dagnino and Stefano Gulmanelli on Canada’s past, present, and future & its Beyond in a changing world. Newsletter bilingue sul Canada e il suo Altrove in un mondo che cambia

6K+
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Collapse Life logo

#85 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.'

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A Letter from Paul logo

#86 A Letter from Paul

Practical, jargon-free description of what is going on in international affairs and financial markets from the Founder and Chief Investment Officer of a global macro hedge fund, Kate Capital. And the price is right...free.

6K+
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Global Currents logo

#87 Global Currents

This is a newsletter that covers international political economy

6K+
free subscribers
Eye on China logo

#88 Eye on China

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

6K+
free subscribers
China Research Group News logo

#89 China Research Group News

A daily summary of China news, from Westminster

6K+
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FAO Journal of International Affairs logo

#90 FAO Journal of International Affairs

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

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The Investiture logo

#91 The Investiture

The magazine on Chivalric Orders, under the Royal Patronage of H.R.H. Emanuele Filiberto di Savoia, Duke of Savoy, Prince of Piedmont and Venice, and under the Patronage and with the Support of the International Commission for Orders of Chivalry (ICOC).

6K+
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America Abroad logo

#92 America Abroad

A former NATO Ambassador’s lens on a world in turmoil—and the strategy America needs to navigate it.

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Lingua Sinica logo

#93 Lingua Sinica

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

6K+
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Unlock Aid logo

#94 Unlock Aid

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

6K+
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Ordering the Disorder logo

#95 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+
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War Mapper logo

#96 War Mapper

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

6K+
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Central Asia-Caucasus Institute's Substack logo

#97 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.

6K+
free subscribers
Public Seminar  logo

#98 Public Seminar

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

6K+
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Systematic Hatreds logo

#99 Systematic Hatreds

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

6K+
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CrossPacificWatchers’s Newsletter logo

#100 CrossPacificWatchers’s Newsletter

Young Chinese professionals offering views on Global issues

6K+
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