This course contains the use of artificial intelligence.
The conflict between the United States and Iran cannot be understood through headlines, military strikes, or political personalities alone. Beneath the visible confrontation lies a deeper struggle involving deterrence, regional influence, national identity, energy security, economic pressure, geography, and competing definitions of victory.
In this five-lecture course, Professor Law guides you beyond surface-level reporting to examine the systems and strategic forces shaping the U.S.–Iran conflict. You will explore how leadership decisions, institutional interests, political psychology, military capabilities, alliances, and global markets interact.
The course begins by examining the war beneath the war—the deeper contest over security, legitimacy, and regional power. You will then investigate the Gulf states and the uncomfortable gap between their appearance of safety and their actual vulnerability.
You will explore the strategic importance of the Strait of Hormuz and learn why this narrow maritime passage can influence global energy prices, shipping costs, national economies, and everyday life. You will also examine how alliances respond under pressure and why public commitments do not always reflect private interests.
Finally, the course confronts its central question: What would winning this conflict actually mean, and is a durable victory possible?
Through maps, scenarios, historical context, visual explanations, and competing perspectives, you will learn to:
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Separate tactical success from strategic victory.
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Distinguish public messaging from underlying interests.
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Analyze the interests and leverage of major regional actors.
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Evaluate geopolitical claims using evidence instead of emotion.
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Identify possible escalation pathways and diplomatic exit ramps.
No previous knowledge of international relations or military strategy is required. This course is designed for students, educators, professionals, and curious learners who want a clearer and more critical understanding of one of the world’s most consequential geopolitical conflicts.
