Russia and Iran both understood they would be isolated in unified regions (Europe whole and free, Middle East whole and integrated), so each moved independently to prevent regional integration, demonstrating that great power resistance to inclusion is a key driver of contemporary conflict.
causalpending
Speaker
Thomas FriedmanEvidence Quote
“both regions were trying to get toward greater inclusion and integration...these basically outline powers who understood they'd be isolated move, not in coordination, but each in their own way, move to stop it”
Source
Tom Friedman: AI, China, Globalization and America’s Next Era | Coffee with Ken— Coffee with KenCreated: 8/12/2026, 5:59:18 PM
My Notes
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