All articles from Phillips P. O'Brien

Weekend Update #144: The Triumph Of Ukrainian Civil Society (And The Degradation Of Ours)

Hi All,Its fascinating how quickly a story can drop out of the news when the drama becomes less intense and the media thinks people will pay less attention. This has certainly been the case with the big story of last week—the attempt by the Ukrainian government to undermine the independence of its a

The European Humiliation By Trump Is Ultimately Europe's Fault

I'm going to start this post by describing two almost identical powers that existed one century apart. One of these powers had reached its relative position in 1900 and the other in 2000. These powers were both continent-spanning, with large populations, access to natural resources, excellent univer

Phil and Minna on the USA and Europe

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A discussion with Mark Urban about his new book: Tank.

Thank you , , , , , and many others for tuning into my live video with ! Join me for my next live video in the app.Get more from Phillips P. OBrien in the Substack appAvailable for iOS and AndroidGet the app

Why Praising Trump Is Destructive

Phillips's Newsletter is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.Hi All,I've been asked (sometimes attacked) over the last few months because I do not praise Trump for the supposedly rare good things that he does. These cr

Optics vs Reality

Phillips's Newsletter is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.Note: Phil and Minna will do their next Substack Live tomorrow (Friday 1 August) at 2pm UK time, (3pm CET and 9am US East Coast Time). We will be covering US

Weekend Update #143: A Week Which Demonstrates Why Ukraine Is So Important

Phillips's Newsletter is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.Hello All,Before I start into the weekend update, I have a personal announcement. My latest book, War and Power: Who Wins Wars And Why, is now one month from

There Was No Trump Pivot Towards Ukraine

Hello All,Before starting the piece, I just wanted to say that Minna and I will be back for another substack live tomorrow (Friday 8 August) at 1400 UK time, 1500 CET, 900 EST) to discuss ranged weaponry and the war in Ukraine. We will be joined by the technical expert and fellow substacker Fabian H

Pessimism As a Self-Fulfilling Prophecy

Phillips's Newsletter is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.Hi Everyone,I have some exciting personal news this week: I have just started as the defence editor at the European Correspondent and kicked off the defence