School of War Ep 276: Charlie Laderman on Regime Change in Iran
Feb 20, 2026
Charlie Laderman, a historian of Cold War politics and professor at the University of Florida, offers a concise mini bio. He compares Reagan’s approach to 1980s Poland with options for Iran today. Short takes cover moral versus strategic support, differences between Gorbachev and Iran’s leadership, repression risks, émigré roles, and modern tools like communications and targeted aid.
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Nonviolent Regime Pressure Works Strategically
- The Reagan administration reframed regime change to include nonviolent support for internal dissidents, not just military invasion.
- Charlie Laderman argues this broader history should inform U.S. policy toward Iran today.
Civil Society As Strategic Leverage
- Reagan saw Solidarity as a strategic wedge to pressure the Soviet system by exposing internal illegitimacy.
- The administration treated civil society growth as leverage in great-power negotiations.
Martial Law And Solidarity's Suppression
- General Jaruzelski declared martial law in Poland and imprisoned Solidarity leaders after fearing Soviet intervention.
- The crackdown created a brutal environment that Reagan nonetheless sought to counter through support.
