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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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
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#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!
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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
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#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!
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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.
New weekly edition of The Brief out today, covering:
*The military coup d'état in Madagascar;
*Its intersection with other Gen Z-led protests; and
* An overview of the foreign policy responses other states consider when responding to military coups.
www.theconnectionfp.com/the-brief-a-...
*The military coup d'état in Madagascar;
*Its intersection with other Gen Z-led protests; and
* An overview of the foreign policy responses other states consider when responding to military coups.
www.theconnectionfp.com/the-brief-a-...
The Brief: A Coup D'État in Madagascar
foreign policy for the people
www.theconnectionfp.com
October 21, 2025 at 1:19 PM
New weekly edition of The Brief out today, covering:
*The military coup d'état in Madagascar;
*Its intersection with other Gen Z-led protests; and
* An overview of the foreign policy responses other states consider when responding to military coups.
www.theconnectionfp.com/the-brief-a-...
*The military coup d'état in Madagascar;
*Its intersection with other Gen Z-led protests; and
* An overview of the foreign policy responses other states consider when responding to military coups.
www.theconnectionfp.com/the-brief-a-...
Temporarily taking down the paywall on this given news of recent strikes:
www.theconnectionfp.com/the-brief-so...
www.theconnectionfp.com/the-brief-so...
The Brief: So Many Red Flags
Hi friends,
There have been a number of developments in the last couple of weeks related to the U.S. military strikes in the Caribbean Sea. I’d like to cover these updates in this week’s edition of T...
www.theconnectionfp.com
October 16, 2025 at 9:03 PM
Temporarily taking down the paywall on this given news of recent strikes:
www.theconnectionfp.com/the-brief-so...
www.theconnectionfp.com/the-brief-so...
What is a “NIAC,” and why does the recent Trump administration notice to Congress on U.S. military strikes raise ALL the red flags? Find out in this week’s edition of The Brief, out now!
#foreignpolicy #USmilitarystrikes #venezuela #colombia
www.theconnectionfp.com/the-brief-so...
#foreignpolicy #USmilitarystrikes #venezuela #colombia
www.theconnectionfp.com/the-brief-so...
The Brief: So Many Red Flags
foreign policy for the people
www.theconnectionfp.com
October 14, 2025 at 1:04 PM
What is a “NIAC,” and why does the recent Trump administration notice to Congress on U.S. military strikes raise ALL the red flags? Find out in this week’s edition of The Brief, out now!
#foreignpolicy #USmilitarystrikes #venezuela #colombia
www.theconnectionfp.com/the-brief-so...
#foreignpolicy #USmilitarystrikes #venezuela #colombia
www.theconnectionfp.com/the-brief-so...
Today's edition of The Brief is a breakdown of the 20-point U.S. peace plan for Gaza, including the potential sticking points and what to watch out for going forward. You won't want to miss this one!
#gaza #foreignpolicy #gazaceasefire
www.theconnectionfp.com/the-brief-br...
#gaza #foreignpolicy #gazaceasefire
www.theconnectionfp.com/the-brief-br...
The Brief: Breaking Down the U.S. Proposal to End the War in Gaza
foreign policy for the people
www.theconnectionfp.com
October 7, 2025 at 1:02 PM
Today's edition of The Brief is a breakdown of the 20-point U.S. peace plan for Gaza, including the potential sticking points and what to watch out for going forward. You won't want to miss this one!
#gaza #foreignpolicy #gazaceasefire
www.theconnectionfp.com/the-brief-br...
#gaza #foreignpolicy #gazaceasefire
www.theconnectionfp.com/the-brief-br...
Our free newsletter this month is all about explaining tariffs—with help from KPop Demon Hunters! Whether you want to be able to answer the question “what is a tariff,” or whether you want an excuse to have “Golden” stuck in your head again, we’ve got you.
www.theconnectionfp.com/understandin...
www.theconnectionfp.com/understandin...
Understanding Tariffs With a Little Help from Kpop Demon Hunters
Hi friends,
I have a confession to make: I do not, by nature, gravitate toward economics and trade. Want to talk about the minutiae of an international organization’s Rules of Procedure? I’ll bring m...
www.theconnectionfp.com
October 2, 2025 at 1:24 PM
Our free newsletter this month is all about explaining tariffs—with help from KPop Demon Hunters! Whether you want to be able to answer the question “what is a tariff,” or whether you want an excuse to have “Golden” stuck in your head again, we’ve got you.
www.theconnectionfp.com/understandin...
www.theconnectionfp.com/understandin...
What do tariffs and KPop Demon Hunters have in common? You'll find the answer on our website at 9am Eastern tomorrow morning (or sign up today to have our newsletter delivered straight to your inbox!).
October 1, 2025 at 2:01 PM
What do tariffs and KPop Demon Hunters have in common? You'll find the answer on our website at 9am Eastern tomorrow morning (or sign up today to have our newsletter delivered straight to your inbox!).
Lots of words written, rightfully, on the president's speech last week, but U.S cuts to U.N. funding will have even more of an impact on its day-to-day functioning. Read on for more. 👇
#foreignpolicy #unitednations
www.theconnectionfp.com/the-brief-on...
#foreignpolicy #unitednations
www.theconnectionfp.com/the-brief-on...
The Brief: On Cuts to U.N. Funding
foreign policy for the people
www.theconnectionfp.com
September 30, 2025 at 1:15 PM
Lots of words written, rightfully, on the president's speech last week, but U.S cuts to U.N. funding will have even more of an impact on its day-to-day functioning. Read on for more. 👇
#foreignpolicy #unitednations
www.theconnectionfp.com/the-brief-on...
#foreignpolicy #unitednations
www.theconnectionfp.com/the-brief-on...
Some good news today, courtesy of Moldova! #Moldova #foreignaffairs
September 29, 2025 at 9:30 PM
Some good news today, courtesy of Moldova! #Moldova #foreignaffairs
Doing some research for the next edition of The Brief, out on Tuesday! 👀
September 28, 2025 at 6:52 PM
Doing some research for the next edition of The Brief, out on Tuesday! 👀