Jill Kastner

In this engaging discussion, Jill Kastner, an independent scholar and historian based in London, delves into the resurgence of historical power plays in international politics. She reveals how subversion, a strategy employed since ancient times, remains relevant in today's geopolitical struggles. Kastner highlights the delicate balance between diplomacy and conflict, using examples from Thucydides to modern tensions over Ukraine and Taiwan. She argues that subversive tactics emerge when war seems too costly, reminding us that history often repeats itself in intriguing ways.

Leila Milana-Allen, Monocle's Middle East correspondent, joins Bertu Urschelik, a senior research fellow in Middle East security, and Jill Kastner, author of "A Measure Short of War." They dive into the pressing question of Iran's nuclear capabilities amidst a backdrop of disinformation and political maneuvering. The trio explores the complex diplomacy affecting US-Iran relations while examining the broader geopolitical implications in Lebanon and Syria. They also discuss the art of subversion in statecraft and its historical significance, sparking a thought-provoking conversation.