In this episode of De Nieuwe Wereld, philosopher and host Ad Verbrugge sits down with Professor Robert Pape, renowned political scientist from the University of Chicago, for a deep dive into the intersection of global geopolitics and domestic political instability. Drawing on over two decades of research into war, terrorism, and international security, Prof. Pape breaks down the concept of the “escalation trap” explaining how tactical military victories can paradoxically result in overall strategic defeat. The conversation explores Iran’s long-term asymmetric strategy in the Persian Gulf, the realities surrounding its nuclear program, and the widening strategic gap between the U.S. and Israel.
#2371—————————Steun DNWMaak het geluid van de Nieuwe Wereld mogelijk. Zonder uw steun geen DNW! Word lid of doneer: 🚨Eenmalig doneren: via https://www.gofundme.com/f/eindejaarsactie-2025🧢 Steun DNW en word patroon op http://www.petjeaf.com/denieuwewereld💳 Grote donaties: NL61 RABO 0357 5828 61 t.n.v. Stichting De Nieuwe Wereld. ✉️ Meld je aan voor onze gratis Nieuwsbrief: https://denieuwewereld.tv/nieuwsbrief/Liever direct overmaken? Maak dan uw gift over naar NL61 RABO 0357 5828 61 t.n.v. Stichting De Nieuwe Wereld. Crypto’s doneren kan via https://commerce.coinbase.com/checkout/31d3b502-6996-41f6-97aa-ef2958025fb8——–0:00 – Introduction & Welcome0:59 – Research Background & Current Context2:25 – The Concept of the Escalation Trap3:07 – Iran’s Control of the Strait of Hormuz4:40 – Strategic Modeling vs. Tactical Execution6:17 – Defining Strategy: Military Action Meets Politics11:48 – Iran’s Asymmetric Strategy15:47 – Economic Impact on the American Public21:09 – The Fordo Strike & Nuclear Dispersal26:03 – Historical Perspective on Iran’s Program29:54 – Rationality, WMDs, and Religious Motives32:36 – Defining Regional Hegemony and Trump’s Dilemma35:28 – U.S.-Israel Strategic Divergence40:03 – The Tactical Nuclear Question & Constraints46:25 – Domestic Political Timelines & Historical Parallels51:01 – MAGA Voter Depression & Midterm Risks55:18 – Domestic Power Politics & The Era of Violent Populism57:34 – Lack of ‘Rally Around the Flag’ & Civil Unrest1:01:26 – Economic Crises, Debt Limits & European Implications1:05:24 – Future Academic Focus & Closing Remarks———————De Nieuwe Wereld TV is a platform that brings together people from various disciplines to reflect on major upcoming changes driven by a combination of rapid technological developments and globalization. It is an initiative by philosopher Ad Verbrugge in collaboration with anchors Jelle van Baardewijk and Marlies Dekkers.De Nieuwe Wereld TV is produced in collaboration with the Philosophical School of the Netherlands (Filosofische School Nederland).Our website: https://denieuwewereld.tv/