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Not Losing the Iran War | Interview: Hal Brands

Aug 18, 2026 · 56m

Summary

Jonah Goldberg interviews Hal Brands on the Iran war’s lack of an exit strategy and its failure to achieve strategic goals. They discuss how the conflict has strengthened ties among adversaries like Russia, China, and Iran, creating a coordinated threat to US interests. Brands argues that US allies are seeking alternative security arrangements due to unpredictable American leadership. The episode also covers how drone technology is reshaping global power projection and military strategy.

Topics discussed

Introduction and guest Hal Brands Analysis of the Iran conflict and exit strategies Shifting political coalitions and global conflicts The autocratic alliance of Russia, China, and Iran Sponsor segment: Aura Frames US alliance credibility and strategic insurance Xi Jinping's lessons from US military behavior Impact of drones on modern warfare and power projection Iran's strategic calculus and nuclear ambitions Geography's enduring role in military strategy
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