The Voices of War 118. The Rules-Based Order: Can the West Defend What It Undermines? with Dr Trita Parsi
As the world fractures into competing blocs and narratives, the so-called "rules-based international order" is under growing strain. From Gaza to Ukraine, accusations of hypocrisy, selective enforcement, and double standards are eroding trust in the West’s claim to moral and legal authority.
In this episode of The Voices of War, I’m joined by Dr. Trita Parsi, Executive Vice President of the Quincy Institute for Responsible Statecraft and one of the most prominent voices calling for a shift in U.S. foreign policy toward restraint and diplomacy.
Together, we unpack the contradictions at the heart of the West’s global strategy, the shifting balance of power in the Middle East, and why the next war between Israel and Iran may be closer than many realise.
🔍 What We Discuss:
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🌍 Why the “rules-based order” is breaking down
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⚖️ How Western double standards weaken international law
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🛑 What “snapback sanctions” reveal about Europe’s strategy
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🇮🇷 Why Iran missed its chance to become a regional middle power
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🇮🇱 The real objectives behind Israel’s war with Iran—and why they failed
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⚔️ The risks of escalation and U.S. involvement in a wider conflict
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🧠 Whether external pressure will liberalise or harden Iran’s regime
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🧭 How China and Russia are shaping a multi-order world
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🤯 Why Europe is sacrificing its own principles—for Israel
📚 About the Guest:
Dr. Trita Parsi is Executive Vice President of the Quincy Institute, founder of the National Iranian American Council, and author of several acclaimed books on U.S.–Iran relations and Middle East geopolitics. He has advised diplomats, policymakers, and civil society leaders on diplomacy, multilateralism, and regional conflict resolution.
📎 Resources Mentioned:
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