The Globalist As Iran protests continue, is US intervention likely? Plus: Myanmar’s election and the fall of Saks
Jan 12, 2026
Dr. Ronan Lee, an expert on Myanmar, discusses the junta's constrained elections and the bleak prospects for the Rohingya amid civil war dynamics. Dr. Marion Mesmer sheds light on NATO's response to tensions in Greenland, revealing potential fractures in collective defense. Tyler Brûlé, founder of Monocle, offers insights on the decline of luxury retailers like Saks, exploring the cultural shift in department-store shopping. Together, they tackle significant global issues shaping the future of democracy and security.
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Protests Escalated Beyond Economics
- Iran's protests have expanded from economic grievances into a nationwide challenge to the Islamic Republic's social contract.
- Security force crackdowns, internet blackouts and televised confessions reflect the regime's acute vulnerability and heavy-handed response.
Prefer Non-Kinetic Tools First
- The US can use limited kinetic actions, cyber strikes, sanctions and connectivity tools to influence events in Iran.
- Prioritise non-kinetic help like VPNs, satellite links and coordinated sanctions to support protesters and evidence-gathering while minimising escalation.
Leadership Vacuum Risks IRGC Dominance
- Removal of top clerical leadership could produce unpredictable power struggles, possibly empowering the IRGC or outside claimants.
- External actors may exploit instability, but heirs like the Shah's son remain marginal and largely symbolic.
