The Connection
@theconnectionfp.bsky.social
foreign policy for the people
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Welcome to The Connection!
This is The Connection, a newsletter and community resource with the goal of making foreign policy accessible to everyone. I’m so glad you’re here!
The genesis for this project came about in summer 2...
www.theconnectionfp.com
The Connection is live! Sign up today to join a community of people who believe foreign policy and human rights can and should be accessible to everyone. Newsletters start going out in September!
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If soft power truly is one of the US’s greatest resources, then why are we treating like it’s extractive rather than renewable?
More on protests in Milan and Copenhagen and evolving world perception in today’s edition of The Brief.
www.theconnectionfp.com/the-brief-ho...
More on protests in Milan and Copenhagen and evolving world perception in today’s edition of The Brief.
www.theconnectionfp.com/the-brief-ho...
The Brief: How the World Reacts
foreign policy for the people
www.theconnectionfp.com
February 3, 2026 at 2:13 PM
If soft power truly is one of the US’s greatest resources, then why are we treating like it’s extractive rather than renewable?
More on protests in Milan and Copenhagen and evolving world perception in today’s edition of The Brief.
www.theconnectionfp.com/the-brief-ho...
More on protests in Milan and Copenhagen and evolving world perception in today’s edition of The Brief.
www.theconnectionfp.com/the-brief-ho...
Special Edition of The Brief out this morning covering the human rights of migrants and protestors in Minnesota and what it means to keep fighting for them.
No paywall on this one.
#humanrights #minnesota
www.theconnectionfp.com/the-brief-sp...
No paywall on this one.
#humanrights #minnesota
www.theconnectionfp.com/the-brief-sp...
The Brief Special Edition: On Minnesota and Human Rights
Hi friends,
I had originally intended to write about the highs and lows of the annual meeting of the World Economic Form in Davos, Switzerland last week, but for reasons that are probably obvious, th...
www.theconnectionfp.com
January 27, 2026 at 2:07 PM
Special Edition of The Brief out this morning covering the human rights of migrants and protestors in Minnesota and what it means to keep fighting for them.
No paywall on this one.
#humanrights #minnesota
www.theconnectionfp.com/the-brief-sp...
No paywall on this one.
#humanrights #minnesota
www.theconnectionfp.com/the-brief-sp...
Lots of updates this week, including on Gaza, Greenland, Iran, and Venezuela—and how much, exactly it costs to get a permanent seat on the “Board of Peace.” 👀
Join us below!
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Join us below!
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The Brief: What Price Peace?
foreign policy for the people
www.theconnectionfp.com
January 20, 2026 at 4:42 PM
Lots of updates this week, including on Gaza, Greenland, Iran, and Venezuela—and how much, exactly it costs to get a permanent seat on the “Board of Peace.” 👀
Join us below!
www.theconnectionfp.com/the-brief-wh...
Join us below!
www.theconnectionfp.com/the-brief-wh...
23% of Republicans should probably read our article on why this is a terrible idea!
www.theconnectionfp.com/the-brief-i-...
www.theconnectionfp.com/the-brief-i-...
January 17, 2026 at 6:12 PM
23% of Republicans should probably read our article on why this is a terrible idea!
www.theconnectionfp.com/the-brief-i-...
www.theconnectionfp.com/the-brief-i-...
We’ve taken down the paywall on this so it’s free for all to read as the situation in Greenland continues to evolve. Please read and share!
#greenland #foreignpolicy #NATO
#greenland #foreignpolicy #NATO
This is an utterly bananas sentence to have to write, but: we’ve published a primer on why invading Greenland is a terrible idea!
Grab a cup of coffee and join us at the link below.
www.theconnectionfp.com/the-brief-i-...
#foreignpolicy #greenland #humanrights
Grab a cup of coffee and join us at the link below.
www.theconnectionfp.com/the-brief-i-...
#foreignpolicy #greenland #humanrights
The Brief: I Can't Believe I Have to Say This
foreign policy for the people
www.theconnectionfp.com
January 17, 2026 at 12:46 PM
We’ve taken down the paywall on this so it’s free for all to read as the situation in Greenland continues to evolve. Please read and share!
#greenland #foreignpolicy #NATO
#greenland #foreignpolicy #NATO
This is an utterly bananas sentence to have to write, but: we’ve published a primer on why invading Greenland is a terrible idea!
Grab a cup of coffee and join us at the link below.
www.theconnectionfp.com/the-brief-i-...
#foreignpolicy #greenland #humanrights
Grab a cup of coffee and join us at the link below.
www.theconnectionfp.com/the-brief-i-...
#foreignpolicy #greenland #humanrights
The Brief: I Can't Believe I Have to Say This
foreign policy for the people
www.theconnectionfp.com
January 13, 2026 at 3:10 PM
This is an utterly bananas sentence to have to write, but: we’ve published a primer on why invading Greenland is a terrible idea!
Grab a cup of coffee and join us at the link below.
www.theconnectionfp.com/the-brief-i-...
#foreignpolicy #greenland #humanrights
Grab a cup of coffee and join us at the link below.
www.theconnectionfp.com/the-brief-i-...
#foreignpolicy #greenland #humanrights
Thrilled to spotlight the work of our first guest contributor, Darjan Vujica, who shares his deep national security expertise with readers today to talk about malign influence and prediction markets.
www.theconnectionfp.com/how-predicti...
www.theconnectionfp.com/how-predicti...
How Prediction Markets Will Become a New Frontier in Information Warfare
By Darjan Vujica
I'm thrilled to welcome our very first guest contributor to The Connection! A former senior official at the State Department working at the nexus of technology and foreign policy, ...
www.theconnectionfp.com
January 9, 2026 at 2:02 PM
Thrilled to spotlight the work of our first guest contributor, Darjan Vujica, who shares his deep national security expertise with readers today to talk about malign influence and prediction markets.
www.theconnectionfp.com/how-predicti...
www.theconnectionfp.com/how-predicti...
Reminder that we have a monthly series covering the basics of foreign policy that is free for all and up on our website! January’s edition is out today, and discusses what international law requires before going to war, a concept known as jus ad bellum.
www.theconnectionfp.com/on-wars-and-...
www.theconnectionfp.com/on-wars-and-...
On Wars and Laws
Hi friends,
This weekend I saw a photo on social media of a person protesting U.S. military actions in Venezuela, holding a sign stating, “The year just [effing] started, man.”
And that’s a whole mo...
www.theconnectionfp.com
January 8, 2026 at 2:07 PM
Reminder that we have a monthly series covering the basics of foreign policy that is free for all and up on our website! January’s edition is out today, and discusses what international law requires before going to war, a concept known as jus ad bellum.
www.theconnectionfp.com/on-wars-and-...
www.theconnectionfp.com/on-wars-and-...
In light of this morning's events in Venezuela, we've put together a special edition of The Brief covering what we know, and why U.S. actions are unlawful under international and domestic law. It's in subscriber inboxes, and free for all below:
www.theconnectionfp.com/the-brief-sp...
#venezuela
www.theconnectionfp.com/the-brief-sp...
#venezuela
The Brief Special Edition: Regime Change in Venezuela
Hi friends,
I’m moving up this week’s edition of The Brief by a few days, and sending it out to all subscribers, in light of this morning’s events in Venezuela. I expect a fair amount of additional i...
www.theconnectionfp.com
January 4, 2026 at 1:34 AM
In light of this morning's events in Venezuela, we've put together a special edition of The Brief covering what we know, and why U.S. actions are unlawful under international and domestic law. It's in subscriber inboxes, and free for all below:
www.theconnectionfp.com/the-brief-sp...
#venezuela
www.theconnectionfp.com/the-brief-sp...
#venezuela
In today’s issue of The Brief, we give you all the background you need to understand the start of elections in Myanmar, why the military regime is calling them, and why the human rights community is so concerned. Find out more at the link!
www.theconnectionfp.com/the-brief-on...
#humanrights
www.theconnectionfp.com/the-brief-on...
#humanrights
The Brief: Illegitimate Elections in Myanmar
foreign policy for the people
www.theconnectionfp.com
December 30, 2025 at 2:03 PM
In today’s issue of The Brief, we give you all the background you need to understand the start of elections in Myanmar, why the military regime is calling them, and why the human rights community is so concerned. Find out more at the link!
www.theconnectionfp.com/the-brief-on...
#humanrights
www.theconnectionfp.com/the-brief-on...
#humanrights
This week’s edition of The Brief covers:
*Proposed changes by DHS to the information it uses to screen visitors to the U.S. under the Visa Waiver Program;
*Why this raises human rights concerns; and
*What you can do about it!
Find out more:
www.theconnectionfp.com/the-brief-le...
*Proposed changes by DHS to the information it uses to screen visitors to the U.S. under the Visa Waiver Program;
*Why this raises human rights concerns; and
*What you can do about it!
Find out more:
www.theconnectionfp.com/the-brief-le...
The Brief: Let's Talk About ESTA
foreign policy for the people
www.theconnectionfp.com
December 16, 2025 at 2:04 PM
This week’s edition of The Brief covers:
*Proposed changes by DHS to the information it uses to screen visitors to the U.S. under the Visa Waiver Program;
*Why this raises human rights concerns; and
*What you can do about it!
Find out more:
www.theconnectionfp.com/the-brief-le...
*Proposed changes by DHS to the information it uses to screen visitors to the U.S. under the Visa Waiver Program;
*Why this raises human rights concerns; and
*What you can do about it!
Find out more:
www.theconnectionfp.com/the-brief-le...
December’s issue of Foundations is out and free for all on our website! We’re talking about how to understand the 2025 U.S. National Security Strategy, looking at the questions that underpin its contents: questions of values, fears, audience, and allies.
www.theconnectionfp.com/how-to-read-...
www.theconnectionfp.com/how-to-read-...
How to Read the 2025 U.S. National Security Strategy
Hi friends,
Last week, the Trump administration issued its National Security Strategy (NSS), a document presidents typically issue once in their terms, outlining their national security and foreign p...
www.theconnectionfp.com
December 11, 2025 at 2:21 PM
December’s issue of Foundations is out and free for all on our website! We’re talking about how to understand the 2025 U.S. National Security Strategy, looking at the questions that underpin its contents: questions of values, fears, audience, and allies.
www.theconnectionfp.com/how-to-read-...
www.theconnectionfp.com/how-to-read-...
In The Brief, we're doing a deep dive on Hong Kong, including:
*its status as a Special Administrative Region of the PRC;
*its pro-democracy movement, and the 2020 National Security Law; and
*the recent fire, and its effects on Sunday's elections.
#hongkong
www.theconnectionfp.com/the-brief-wh...
*its status as a Special Administrative Region of the PRC;
*its pro-democracy movement, and the 2020 National Security Law; and
*the recent fire, and its effects on Sunday's elections.
#hongkong
www.theconnectionfp.com/the-brief-wh...
The Brief: What's Happening in Hong Kong
foreign policy for the people
www.theconnectionfp.com
December 9, 2025 at 2:37 PM
In The Brief, we're doing a deep dive on Hong Kong, including:
*its status as a Special Administrative Region of the PRC;
*its pro-democracy movement, and the 2020 National Security Law; and
*the recent fire, and its effects on Sunday's elections.
#hongkong
www.theconnectionfp.com/the-brief-wh...
*its status as a Special Administrative Region of the PRC;
*its pro-democracy movement, and the 2020 National Security Law; and
*the recent fire, and its effects on Sunday's elections.
#hongkong
www.theconnectionfp.com/the-brief-wh...
In today’s issue of The Brief, we cover troubling revelations about U.S. military strikes, the latest reactions from Congress, and suggested talking points for calling your reps.
#foreignpolicy #humanrights #militarystrikes
www.theconnectionfp.com/the-brief-bu...
#foreignpolicy #humanrights #militarystrikes
www.theconnectionfp.com/the-brief-bu...
The Brief: Building Pressure Against U.S. Military Strikes
foreign policy for the people
www.theconnectionfp.com
December 2, 2025 at 2:02 PM
In today’s issue of The Brief, we cover troubling revelations about U.S. military strikes, the latest reactions from Congress, and suggested talking points for calling your reps.
#foreignpolicy #humanrights #militarystrikes
www.theconnectionfp.com/the-brief-bu...
#foreignpolicy #humanrights #militarystrikes
www.theconnectionfp.com/the-brief-bu...
It's Small Business Saturday, and we're so grateful for all the supporters that make our work possible. For this weekend only, new paid supporters can lock in a discounted rate of $5/month for the first six months. Because foreign policy is for everyone!
www.theconnectionfp.com/small-busine...
www.theconnectionfp.com/small-busine...
The Connection
foreign policy for the people
www.theconnectionfp.com
November 29, 2025 at 7:12 PM
It's Small Business Saturday, and we're so grateful for all the supporters that make our work possible. For this weekend only, new paid supporters can lock in a discounted rate of $5/month for the first six months. Because foreign policy is for everyone!
www.theconnectionfp.com/small-busine...
www.theconnectionfp.com/small-busine...
Today on The Brief: what is going on with the U.S. peace plan for Ukraine??? We have a breakdown of the original proposal, next steps, and more! You can subscribe at the link below and reminder that the first month is free so you can check it out)!
#foreignpolicy #internationalaffairs #ukraine
#foreignpolicy #internationalaffairs #ukraine
November 25, 2025 at 2:01 PM
Today on The Brief: what is going on with the U.S. peace plan for Ukraine??? We have a breakdown of the original proposal, next steps, and more! You can subscribe at the link below and reminder that the first month is free so you can check it out)!
#foreignpolicy #internationalaffairs #ukraine
#foreignpolicy #internationalaffairs #ukraine
If you've ever thought to yourself, "I'm enjoying this discussion of foreign policy, but it would be 100% better if it included the 'Spiderman Pointing' meme," boy do I have good news for you about tomorrow's edition of The Brief.
(And the latest U.S peace plan! We have quite a lot on that as well.)
(And the latest U.S peace plan! We have quite a lot on that as well.)
November 24, 2025 at 2:43 PM
If you've ever thought to yourself, "I'm enjoying this discussion of foreign policy, but it would be 100% better if it included the 'Spiderman Pointing' meme," boy do I have good news for you about tomorrow's edition of The Brief.
(And the latest U.S peace plan! We have quite a lot on that as well.)
(And the latest U.S peace plan! We have quite a lot on that as well.)
November’s edition of Foreign Policy Reads is here, and we’re talking about @karenhao.bsky.social’s book Empire of AI. It’s a fascinating look at the development of AI, with deep coverage of the effects these companies have overseas in their labor and environmental practices.
#foreignpolicy #ai
#foreignpolicy #ai
November 20, 2025 at 7:45 PM
November’s edition of Foreign Policy Reads is here, and we’re talking about @karenhao.bsky.social’s book Empire of AI. It’s a fascinating look at the development of AI, with deep coverage of the effects these companies have overseas in their labor and environmental practices.
#foreignpolicy #ai
#foreignpolicy #ai
Curious about international efforts to fight climate change? This week’s edition of The Brief unpacks the Paris Agreement, what’s happening at COP30, and why the US is absent for the first time in 30 years. Find out more at the link!
www.theconnectionfp.com/the-brief-th...
#COP30 #climatechange
www.theconnectionfp.com/the-brief-th...
#COP30 #climatechange
www.theconnectionfp.com
November 18, 2025 at 2:08 PM
Curious about international efforts to fight climate change? This week’s edition of The Brief unpacks the Paris Agreement, what’s happening at COP30, and why the US is absent for the first time in 30 years. Find out more at the link!
www.theconnectionfp.com/the-brief-th...
#COP30 #climatechange
www.theconnectionfp.com/the-brief-th...
#COP30 #climatechange
Reminder that we have a series on the foundations of foreign policy that goes out every month to both paid and free subscribers, and that is posted publicly on our website!
1/2
1/2
November 13, 2025 at 2:02 PM
Reminder that we have a series on the foundations of foreign policy that goes out every month to both paid and free subscribers, and that is posted publicly on our website!
1/2
1/2
This is the right move by the UK.
NEWS: The UK is no longer sharing intelligence with the US about suspected drug trafficking vessels in the Caribbean because it does not want to be complicit in US military strikes and believes the attacks are illegal, sources familiar with the matter told CNN. edition.cnn.com/2025/11/11/p...
Exclusive: UK suspends some intelligence sharing with US over boat strike concerns in major break | CNN Politics
The United Kingdom is no longer sharing intelligence with the US about suspected drug trafficking vessels in the Caribbean because it does not want to be complicit in US military strikes and believes ...
edition.cnn.com
November 11, 2025 at 9:46 PM
This is the right move by the UK.
Chicago is not messing around: the latest edition of The Brief is out today, with updates on U.S. refusal to participate in the Human Rights Council's Universal Periodic Review process, and Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson's call for action!
www.theconnectionfp.com/the-brief-ch...
#humanrights #chicago
www.theconnectionfp.com/the-brief-ch...
#humanrights #chicago
The Brief: Chicago Is Not Messing Around
foreign policy for the people
www.theconnectionfp.com
November 11, 2025 at 2:02 PM
Chicago is not messing around: the latest edition of The Brief is out today, with updates on U.S. refusal to participate in the Human Rights Council's Universal Periodic Review process, and Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson's call for action!
www.theconnectionfp.com/the-brief-ch...
#humanrights #chicago
www.theconnectionfp.com/the-brief-ch...
#humanrights #chicago
Lots of updates in today's newsletter, including on:
* the situation in Gaza;
* U.S. military strikes; and
* ongoing atrocities in El Fasher.
Reminder that if you're interested in paid content, you can sign up for a 30-day free trial to access all content!
www.theconnectionfp.com/the-brief-lo...
* the situation in Gaza;
* U.S. military strikes; and
* ongoing atrocities in El Fasher.
Reminder that if you're interested in paid content, you can sign up for a 30-day free trial to access all content!
www.theconnectionfp.com/the-brief-lo...
The Brief: Lots of Updates
foreign policy for the people
www.theconnectionfp.com
November 4, 2025 at 2:04 PM
Lots of updates in today's newsletter, including on:
* the situation in Gaza;
* U.S. military strikes; and
* ongoing atrocities in El Fasher.
Reminder that if you're interested in paid content, you can sign up for a 30-day free trial to access all content!
www.theconnectionfp.com/the-brief-lo...
* the situation in Gaza;
* U.S. military strikes; and
* ongoing atrocities in El Fasher.
Reminder that if you're interested in paid content, you can sign up for a 30-day free trial to access all content!
www.theconnectionfp.com/the-brief-lo...
As President Trump hits the midweek point of his trip to Asia, this week's edition of The Brief covers:
*What's the value in a head of state visit?
*What are head of state visits usually like? and
*What are the goals of this particular visit?
#China #Japan
www.theconnectionfp.com/the-brief-wh...
*What's the value in a head of state visit?
*What are head of state visits usually like? and
*What are the goals of this particular visit?
#China #Japan
www.theconnectionfp.com/the-brief-wh...
The Brief: What to Expect When You're Expecting a Head of State Visit
foreign policy for the people
www.theconnectionfp.com
October 28, 2025 at 1:05 PM
As President Trump hits the midweek point of his trip to Asia, this week's edition of The Brief covers:
*What's the value in a head of state visit?
*What are head of state visits usually like? and
*What are the goals of this particular visit?
#China #Japan
www.theconnectionfp.com/the-brief-wh...
*What's the value in a head of state visit?
*What are head of state visits usually like? and
*What are the goals of this particular visit?
#China #Japan
www.theconnectionfp.com/the-brief-wh...
Yes hello hi this is illegal and an admission of the intent to engage in extrajudicial killings.
Trump: "I don't think we're necessarily going to ask for a declaration of war, I think we're just gonna kill people that are bringing drugs into our country. We're going to kill them. They're going to be, like dead."
October 23, 2025 at 9:26 PM
Yes hello hi this is illegal and an admission of the intent to engage in extrajudicial killings.