Aspen Ideas to Go Assessing the New World Order
Aug 13, 2025
Join David Petraeus, a former CIA director, Susan Rice, a veteran of U.S. national security under multiple administrations, and John Bolton, a hawkish former UN ambassador, as they dissect the precarious state of global politics. They explore Iran's shifting landscape, the debate over military action versus diplomacy, and the complexities of the Gaza crisis. The trio also considers America's global leadership role amidst rising nationalism and the challenges presented by China and Russia, leaving listeners with a gripping analysis of our world order.
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Regional Balance Has Shifted Rapidly
- The Middle East has transformed profoundly in the last 18 months with Iran and proxies dramatically degraded.
- Israel is now the region's preeminent military power and Gulf states are rising as innovation hubs.
A Narrow Window On Iran's Vulnerability
- The moment after October 7 presents a rare chance to eliminate Iran's nuclear capability and weaken the regime.
- Regime collapse could be possible given economic, generational, ethnic, and women's opposition pressures.
Bombing Alone Won't Solve Nuclear Uncertainty
- Military strikes degraded Iran's program but cannot provide sustainable verification or guarantee elimination.
- Only diplomacy with inspectors can yield a verifiable dismantling of the nuclear program.
