The Remnant with Jonah Goldberg - Dispatch Standard The Remnant with Jonah Goldberg - Dispatch Standard

Not Losing the Iran War | Interview: Hal Brands

Aug 18, 2026 · 56m

Summary

Jonah Goldberg interviews Hal Brands on The Remnant about the ongoing Iran war, which Brands argues lacks a viable exit strategy and has failed to achieve strategic goals. They discuss how this conflict, alongside Ukraine, reveals a growing network of autocratic cooperation among Russia, China, and Iran. Brands warns that U.S. unpredictability under Trump is eroding alliance credibility, prompting partners to seek alternative security arrangements. The episode also examines how drone technology is reshaping warfare and complicating American power projection.

Topics discussed

Introduction and guest Hal Brands Analysis of the Iran war and exit strategies The rise of the autocratic alliance Strategies to counter the autocratic bloc Impact on U.S. alliances and credibility China's strategic calculations and Taiwan Drones, technology, and future warfare Iran's nuclear ambitions and next moves Geography's role and conclusion
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