Robert A. Pape

Robert Pape, University of Chicago political scientist known for military strategy research, explains how Iran leverages the Strait of Hormuz with drones and missiles. He outlines a multi-stage escalation model. They debate tactical US strikes versus Iran's asymmetric campaign and the looming ground-power dilemma threatening global trade and alliances.

Robert Pape, University of Chicago political scientist focused on military escalation. Joe Kent, former National Counterterrorism Center official who resigned amid controversy. They debate Iran conflict risks, whether Iran posed an imminent nuclear threat, possible U.S. ground operations, strategic challenges like the Strait of Hormuz, and questions about intelligence, influence, and unexplained investigations.

Robert Pape, political scientist and author of the 'Escalation Trap' framework, warns about risks of a widening Iran war. Conversation covers how strikes could spiral into broader conflict and the Pentagon’s risky options. Also discussed: oil supply shocks from attacks and diplomatic overtures from Cuba proposing compensation and negotiations.

Robert A. Pape, a political scientist from the University of Chicago, delves into the unsettling rise of political violence in America. He analyzes the tragic case of Brian Thompson's homicide, linking it to larger trends in societal unrest. Pape discusses the profile of Luigi Mangione, highlighting the factors that led to his actions. Throughout, he emphasizes the urgent need for national leaders to promote political engagement as a remedy for rising tensions, rather than allowing anger to manifest violently.

Robert A. Pape, expert on Israel's strategic mistakes, joins Scott to discuss the flawed assumptions behind Israel's strategy in Gaza. They highlight the ineffectiveness of punishing civilians in air campaigns and the dangers of relying too heavily on precision guided weapons. They also explore the consequences of removing Gaza's inhabitants and the challenges Israel would face in securing its borders.

Robert Pape, a University of Chicago political scientist who studies airpower and coercion, discusses air strikes, the seductive illusion of precision bombing, and the risks of escalation. He covers leadership decapitation, why air campaigns change politics not regimes, the pivotal escalation risk of ground troops, and the catastrophic consequences of state collapse.

Robert A. Pape, political science professor and director of the University of Chicago Project on Security and Threats, explains why precision bombing often fails to end wars. He outlines the 'smart bomb trap' and explores Gulf War, Bosnia, Kosovo, and Iran-related cases. He also discusses how air power interacts with ground forces, escalation risks, and the political dynamics that actually determine outcomes.

Robert Pape, University of Chicago political scientist and military strategy expert, outlines his model of bombing scenarios and the idea of an "escalation trap". He discusses how widening conflict could secure oil routes and risk ground operations. Conversations cover Iran’s use of energy leverage, tactical strikes versus strategic goals, and why powerful states struggle to exit escalating wars.

Robert Pape, a University of Chicago political scientist who studies war and coercion, explains why we may be living in an Age of War. He describes the 'escalation trap' and how violence is becoming normalized globally and domestically. He connects philosophical shifts, demographic and inequality pressures, and US politics to rising instability. He warns about long wars, regime-change fallout, and risks from dispersing Iran’s enriched material.

Robert Pape, a University of Chicago political scientist who studies international security and coercion, discusses living in an Age of War. He explores rising violent populism and the normalization of political violence. He links U.S. social change to global instability. He also analyzes strategic dilemmas around Iran, state collapse, and how conflicts can become prolonged.