The Powers That Be: Daily Who’s Winning the War in Iran?
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Mar 24, 2026 Julia Ioffe, political journalist and foreign policy analyst, gives on-air analysis of the war in Iran. She questions whether the U.S. is really winning. She explores why allies resist a bullying approach. She contrasts tactical strikes with a lack of clear strategy and examines Iran’s bargaining leverage.
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Fear Alone Won't Build International Coalitions
- Fear gets you short-term compliance but not coalition support in geopolitics.
- Julia Ioffe explains bullies are feared but allies won't sacrifice self-interest to help a feared actor, so intimidation fails to build coalitions.
Money Won't Fix Unilateral Overreach
- The U.S. lacks the resources to police the world even with big Pentagon budget requests.
- Ioffe notes a proposed $1.5 trillion Pentagon ask still wouldn't let the U.S. sustain unilateral global enforcement.
Hegseth's Performative Machismo From College Days
- Julia Ioffe recalls Pete Hegseth's performative persona from college and media days.
- She describes him as a 'performative bro bully' with a dueling society anecdote illustrating his penchant for macho theatrics.