Derek Leebaert | Lessons from History as US Unleashes War Against Iran

About this episode

The episode discusses the implications of President Trump's foreign policy decisions, particularly regarding military actions against Iran.

A key element of President Trump’s election victory in 2016 was his robust rejection of the “forever wars” that the United States has elected to wage in in the postwar era. In his second term, the president has overseen a hyperkinetic foreign policy. From calling for the annexation of Canada and Greenland, to the extraction of the dictator of Venezuela, Trump has threatened or applied the military might of the United States. Without congressional authorization and arguably in contravention of international law, the president authorized Operation Epic Fury against Iran. On February 28, 2026, “U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) commenced Operation Epic Fury at the direction of the President of the United States. CENTCOM forces are striking targets to dismantle the Iranian regime’s security apparatus, prioritizing locations that pose an imminent threat.” There’s no question about the wickedness of the Iranian government. Over the course of nearly half a century, Iran has not only oppressed its own people but has sponsored terror worldwide. What is unclear are our war aims? The has offered a range of post-hoc explanations. Most recently, President Trump has called for “unconditional…

People in this episode

Guest: Derek Leebaert

Topics covered

• foreign policy
• Iran
• military action
• Trump administration

Keywords

• Operation Epic Fury
• U.S. Central Command
• Iranian regime
• forever wars

Mentioned in this episode

Books & works: the Truman Book Award, Grand Improvisation: America Confronts the British Superpower, His Unlikely Heroes: Franklin Roosevelt, His Four Lieutenants, and the World They Made, Magic and Mayhem: The Delusions of American Foreign Policy from Korea to Afghanistan

Places: US, Iran, the United States, Canada, Greenland, Venezuela, London

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