School of War Ep 190: Michael Doran on “Restraint” and the Middle East
Apr 15, 2025
Michael Doran, a senior fellow at the Hudson Institute, dives into the concept of 'restraintism' in U.S. foreign policy. He discusses how this ideology influenced Trump's decisions in the Middle East, contrasting them with Obama's approach. Doran also tackles the complexities of U.S.-Iran relations, the impact of economic considerations on policy, and the tensions between Turkey and Israel. He sheds light on the challenges of negotiating peace while balancing regional dynamics, emphasizing the need for a nuanced understanding of American interests abroad.
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What Is Restraintism?
- Restraintism argues the US is dragged into conflicts by Ukraine and Israel unnecessarily.
- It calls for deals with Russia and Iran to stabilize Europe and the Middle East.
Bipartisan Restraintism Trend
- Restraintism has bipartisan support, unusual for foreign policy issues.
- They position themselves as conservative populists ignored by globalists and mainstream media.
2007 Syria Nuclear Strike Incident
- In 2007, Bush refrained from attacking Syria's nuclear site due to public backlash.
- Israelis ignored his advice and struck, marking a pivotal restraint era moment.