Political scientist Francis Fukuyama and Middle East expert Paul Salem discuss why democracy flourishes in certain countries, analyzing historical, geographical, and cultural factors impacting its evolution. The podcast delves into the Arab-Israeli conflict, the complexities of democracy in the Middle East, the components of a functioning state, moral clarity in conflicts, national identity, and comparisons between authoritarian and democratic systems.

Gavin Esler welcomes Hagai M. Segal, a professor at NYU London and expert on geopolitical strategy, and Paul Salem, VP for international engagement at the Middle East Institute. They delve into the dramatic unraveling of Iran's regional influence, spotlighting its declining power and the internal strife fueled by public demands for democracy. The conversation highlights the complexities of U.S. foreign policy, future interactions with Gulf states, and the potential for regime change as Tehran grapples with unprecedented challenges.