Iran’s Theory of Victory | FOREIGN AFFAIRS This Week 16 October 2026

 

October 16, 2026 | View in Browser | Sponsored by America in the World Consortium This week’s highlights: - Iran’s Theory of Victory by Narges Bajoghli and Vali Nasr - Ukraine Can Turn Imminent Peril to Its Advantage by Eric Ciaramella - The Global AI Bust by Ruchir Sharma - America Shouldn’t Let Go of the Middle East by Philip H. Gordon - Podcast: Ali Vaez and Mohammad Ayatollahi Tabaar discuss the stalemate in Iran - A Democratic Reckoning in India by Pratap Bhanu Mehta - Trump Is Gutting America’s Core Geopolitical Advantage by Robert B. Zoellick A Foreign Affairs subscription is less than $3.50/month. Subscribe Now → Iran’s Theory of Victory Tehran’s Fight for Great-Power Status in the Post-American Middle East By Narges Bajoghli and Vali Nasr Ukraine Can Turn Imminent Peril to Its Advantage How a True “Energy Cease-Fire” Can Curb Putin By Eric Ciaramella The Global AI Bust What Will Survive When the Boom Ends By Ruchir Sharma America Shouldn’t Let Go of the Middle East Why Disengagement Is Not the Answer By Philip H. Gordon Advertisement: America in the World Consortium AWC Predoctoral and Postdoctoral Fellowship Applications are OPEN! Apply Now The America in the World Consortium at Duke University, Johns Hopkins SAIS, & the University of Texas–Austin are seeking applications from current and recently acquired PhDs for our predoctoral and postdoctoral fellowship program. Applicants from all disciplines whose research bears directly on American Grand Strategy, broadly defined, are welcome to apply. Deadline: December 1, 2026 (11:59pm ET). New Podcast Episode Iran’s Long War A Conversation With Ali Vaez and Mohammad Ayatollahi Tabaar Listen Now A Democratic Reckoning in India The Battle on the Streets Over the Foundations of the State By Pratap Bhanu Mehta Trump Is Gutting America’s Core Geopolitical Advantage The Strategic Costs of Antagonizing Canada and Mexico By Robert B. Zoellick Want better search results? Add Foreign Affairs as a preferred Google source now.   © 2026 Council on Foreign Relations | 58 East 68th Street, New York NY | 10065