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Nuclear Deterrence and the Iranian Dilemma
The prospect of war in the Middle East often centers on a singular, high-stakes question: Why is Israel so uniquely concerned about Iran gaining a nuclear weapon? While several nations already possess nuclear arsenals, Israel views the Iranian situation as a departure from the historical norms of global diplomacy. The Standard Nuclear Stand-off Since 1949, the world has largely operated under a model of Mutual Assured Destruction. In a standard nuclear stand-off, a stable
Michael Young
May 153 min read


Using Confrontation analysis to understand the 2026 war in Iran
To many observers, the conflict in the Middle East appears chaotic and unpredictable. Positions shift rapidly, tentative “deals” are announced and then denied, and new threats emerge with little warning. A more structured examination using Confrontation Analysis helps clarify the underlying dynamics and reveals why the parties remain locked in confrontation. What is the war fundamentally about? At its core, the conflict revolves around a profound trust dilemma: Iran insists i
Michael Young
Apr 304 min read


Using Confrontation Analysis to show the next step forward in the Gaza conflict.
Summary This page proposes a path towards lasting peace in the Gaza conflict by encouraging Israel to seek a permanent peace with the Palestinians and then offering to rebuild Gaza as a “New Jerusalem” only for those Palestinians who renounce claims to Israeli land and violence. Those who accept the deal (known as the “Moderate Palestinians”) will gain the benefits of new homes and jobs. The plan relies on international support for reconstruction, autonomy for the new city,
Michael Young
Nov 18, 20256 min read
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