Filling in for Joan Esposito, William Muck is joined by Robert Pape, professor of political science at the University of Chicago specializing in international security affairs, and author of The Escalation Trap on Substack. His new book is "Our Own Worst Enemies: America in the Age of Violent Populism."

The interview examined risks of escalation in the Iran war and the rise of political violence in the United States. Here are a few highlights from the conversation:
- Pape argued that pressure from economic costs and political setbacks could push the Trump administration toward further escalation, while Iran may intensify pressure on oil and regional security.
- He described an escalation trap in which military actions prompt stronger responses, making off-ramps harder. He said his estimated risk of nuclear use had increased from 5 to 8 percent to 15 to 20 percent.
- He proposed regional balancing—strengthening Gulf states over time—as an alternative to capitulation or major escalation. 
- Pape defined violent populism as political violence moving from the fringe into the mainstream and warned that election-period transfer of power can be especially dangerous.
- He argued that prompt condemnation and attention to underlying tensions can help prevent incidents from becoming focal points for wider unrest.

Catch "Joan Esposito: Live, Local and Progressive" weekdays from 2:00 to 5:00 p.m. Central on WCPT (heartlandsignal.com/programs/live-local-progressive).

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