<p>We review recent progress in understanding disturbed subauroral flows and associated ring current (RC) injections and arcs. These phenomena have traditionally been interpreted primarily within the current-generator paradigm, which conflicts with growing observational evidence that collective plasma effects are important. A new framework incorporates the interaction of mesoscale plasma flows (MPFs) with the plasmasphere and the development of the two-loop substorm current wedge (SCW2L). As inbound MPFs encounter the plasmapause, cold plasma discharges (short-circuits) the polarization charges at the flow front. As a result, the MPF electrons are halted, forming an abrupt plasma-sheet boundary. The advancing MPF ions, constituting the RC injection, become unmagnetized by plasma turbulence excited within the plasmasphere boundary layer (PBL) and are subsequently stopped by the developing electric potential. Within the SCW2L circuit, the downward R2 current arises in response to the upward R1 current in the developing SCW front, which drives the injected RC ions sunward. Concurrently, closure of the R1–R2 loop via the Pedersen current enhances the subauroral electric field. Intensified plasma turbulence rapidly heats the PBL, providing the energy source for Stable Auroral Red (SAR) arcs in the top ionosphere. Elevated temperatures and strong electric fields produce deep density troughs where the ionospheric feedback instability (IFI) generates small-scale, dispersive Alfvén waves. Parallel electric fields inherent in these waves intensify within low-density flow channels, accelerating suprathermal electrons that produce Strong Thermal Emission Velocity Enhancement (STEVE) and the picket fence arcs, which are morphologically and physically distinct from typical aurorae. This multiscale electrodynamic framework explains the rapid substorm-time subauroral flows and arcs and their subsequent evolution, including the fine-scale structures.</p>