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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