Aaron Friedberg on the Iran War and the View from Beijing

About this episode

Aaron Friedberg discusses the implications of the Iran War on US-China relations and global geopolitics.

“It’s hard for me to see how [the war] ends in a way that enhances our position in the world generally—and, in particular, enhances our position with relation to the country that I still think is our principal strategic challenge, namely China. And that’s what really worries me.” So argues Princeton professor and Aaron Friedberg in an incisive and sober conversation on the war in Iran and its broader geopolitical implications. Noting that there are a wide range of possible outcomes to the war, ranging from the positive to the very negative, Friedberg warns that China may see the American war in Iran as “working in their favor.” He also points to the damage to relationships with allies in Europe and Southeast Asia, who were not informed about US war plans—and the erosion of US credibility to lead a coalition of free countries to counter China and Russia.

People in this episode

Host: Bill Kristol

Guest: Aaron Friedberg

Topics covered

• Iran War
• Geopolitics
• US-China Relations
• International Relations
• Military Strategy

Keywords

• Iran War
• China
• Geopolitics
• US Credibility
• Military Strategy
• Allies
• International Relations

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Princeton

Places: Iran, China, Europe, Southeast Asia, United States, Russia

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