I just published a new essay in Foreign Affairs with an uncomfortable argument: Escalation in the Iran war may actually be strengthening Iran Iran’s strategy is horizontal escalation — widening the conflict to shipping, energy markets, and regional partners That shifts pressure onto the U.S. and its allies. History shows this is how stronger powers get pulled into wars they can’t control. Some historians argue American power ultimately restores control. My research suggests escalation often traps great powers instead.