The post connects Thomas Schelling's theories on coercion and violence to current geopolitical tensions, particularly the conflict involving Iran and nuclear weapons negotiations.
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Paul Musgrave is a political scientist and professor with interests in politics and international relations.
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The U.S. and Israel's pursuit of regime change in Iran is doomed to fail, risking lives and damaging U.S. credibility in international relations.
The U.S. raid in Venezuela exemplifies a performative assertion of power rather than a strategic intervention, prioritizing spectacle over meaningful outcomes for the Venezuelan people.
The post argues that Donald Trump's leadership has led to the decline of the unipolar world order, resulting in a more unstable and competitive international landscape.
Professors must adapt assessment methods in response to AI advancements, shifting from out-of-class assignments to in-person evaluations to maintain academic integrity.
The post critiques the Trump administration's military threats against Venezuela, suggesting they may reflect a return to outdated diplomatic practices and could destabilize international norms.
The tenure evaluation of Charles Xavier highlights serious deficiencies in his academic contributions, culminating in a recommendation against his promotion despite a satirical endorsement.
The author critiques the simplistic use of historical metaphors by U.S. journalists and politicians, arguing that these clichés hinder genuine understanding and debate about contemporary issues. They highlight six dominant metapho...
6.2When Tests Changed
2025-12-30 • examinations higher education evaluation oral exam
The shift from oral to written examinations at Oxford and Cambridge reflects broader changes in educational practices and the need for precise student assessment.
6Right of Boom
2026-03-01 • reflection geopolitics missile strikes qatar combat experience
Living under missile attacks in Qatar, the author reflects on the surreal experience of war, balancing fear with the pursuit of normalcy amidst chaos.
The post critiques the racialized narratives in international relations, particularly in Schelling's portrayal of Mosaddegh, urging a more nuanced understanding of global politics.
The post argues against the dismissal of fascism in American politics, emphasizing the importance of questioning societal assumptions and recognizing authoritarian tendencies.
The post critiques the Goldwater Institute's attack on the Feminist Collective's editorial policies in political science, highlighting the political motivations behind such criticisms and their implications for academia.
The potential second Trump term is viewed as a global extension of the January 6 riots, threatening established international norms and governance.
The post argues that Trump's presidency represents a structural shift towards privatization and authoritarianism, distracting from deeper systemic issues in American politics.
The author discusses the challenges of teaching and conducting research in the current information landscape, highlighting the transition from traditional library systems to digital platforms. While the digitization of information...
5.7Notable Links
2026-03-13 • middle east china foreign policy congress iran
The blog post explores the multifaceted implications of the U.S. war in Iran, focusing on international relations, public support, and calls for policy changes.
The post refutes Paul Krugman's claim that Gulf states influenced Trump's decision to attack Iran, asserting that the war was primarily a U.S.-driven initiative.
The post examines the growing dominance of Chinese cars in Qatar, focusing on the Jetour T2 and the implications for Western automotive brands amidst changing market dynamics.
The post examines the Trump administration's National Security Strategy and its potential impact on U.S. intervention in Venezuela and the broader Western Hemisphere.
The post examines Saudi Arabia's 'Made in Saudi' initiative, its implications for national identity, and the evolving consumer landscape in the Gulf region.
5.4A Lunch in Qatar
2025-12-28 • culture food international relations humor qatar
A Lunch in Qatar explores the intersection of food, culture, and international relations through the author's personal lunch experience, highlighting the complexities of consumption in a foreign context.
The author reflects on their experiences celebrating Thanksgiving abroad, particularly in Doha, contrasting it with previous years' dinners. They discuss the challenges of sourcing traditional Thanksgiving ingredients and the deci...
A child learns about the impact of international conflicts on their schooling, highlighting safety and family time during uncertain times.