Rajan Menon, a senior research scholar with expertise in Middle Eastern politics, Marcel Dirsus, author of 'How Tyrants Fall,' and John Jenkins, a former British ambassador to the region, dive into the dramatic fall of Bashar al-Assad. They discuss the immediate chaos and celebrations following his departure, the rise of new power figures, and the complexities of governance in a post-Assad Syria. The guests also analyze the geopolitical shifts in the region and the implications for international diplomacy amid the changing dynamics.

Marcel Dirsus, an expert on tyranny and author of "How Tyrants Fall," dives deep into the psyche of dictators. He discusses the 'dictator's dilemma' where mistrust leads to poor decisions, often dooming their regimes. The unintended effects of sanctions are explored, showing how they can sometimes bolster tyrants. Dirsus also shares innovative strategies for citizens to creatively resist oppression. Ultimately, he reveals how the illusion of power can crumble and the cycles of tyranny inevitably lead to decline.

Marcel Dirsus, a political scientist and author specializing in regime instability, discusses the intricate factors that allow dictators to maintain power. He delves into historical case studies, including Gaddafi and Mugabe, highlighting the psychological dynamics of tyranny. Dirsus and journalist Hannah Lucinda Smith explore the dual role of social media in protests and the complexities of modern authoritarian rule. They also address the fragility of tyrants amid civil resistance and the resilience of democratic systems.