War’s Gravity

Many forces have pulled reluctant nations into war throughout history.

“Many forces have pulled reluctant nations into war throughout history”

New York Times

Countries may feel they must act to protect vital economic interests, like access to basic resources and shipping routes.

New York Times

Others may be provoked more directly, like when a missile enters their airspace.

Mutual defense pacts can act as tripwires that entangle allies, and larger powers can press proxies to step in.

Raising the stakes of the war to impose costs on more and more countries is part of Iran’s strategy.

Faced with an overwhelming aerial bombardment that has killed many of its leaders, Tehran views the moment as existential.

New York Times

To that end, the Iranians have been striking data centers and oil facilities in U.S.-friendly Gulf nations.

“Many forces have pulled reluctant nations into war throughout history”

New York Times

They have also paralyzed ship traffic in the Strait of Hormuz, sending crude oil soaring beyond $100 a barrel and setting off fears of crippling global inflation.

It has already spawned a parallel front in Lebanon, where a fragile cease-fire between Israel and Hezbollah, the Iranian-backed militia, has been shattered.

And analysts warn that another Iranian ally, the Houthi militia in Yemen, might also join the conflict.

New York Times

If it does, it could create a second global trade chokepoint by stepping up its threats to shipping through the Red Sea.