In today’s world, our wallets are often our loudest megaphones, but when we choose to boycott a brand or a global event, what are we actually doing? Whether you are passionate about consumer activism or skeptical of "virtue signaling," this episode offers a deep, philosophical look at the challenges and opportunities of boycotts. Joining this episode to navigate the complex moral landscape of boycotting—from its historical roots in 1780s Ireland to modern-day protests against the Eurovision Song Contest and the FIFA World Cup - is Dr. Brian Carey, an Associate Professor in Political Theory at Durham University’s School of Government and International Affairs. His research explores the intersections of political hypocrisy, collective action, and civil disobedience. Together, we tackle the difficult questions: Must a boycott have a "reasonable prospect of success" to be ethically justified? Is it possible to be an effective activist while still being labeled a "hypocrite" for shopping at Amazon? And when, exactly, is it time to stop?

To learn more about Dr. Carey and his research, visit his website: https://www.durham.ac.uk/staff/brian-carey/

Bibliography:

Carey, Brian 2024. Hypocrisy and Epistemic Injustice. Ethical Theory and Moral Practice 27, 353–370

Collins, Stephanie 2019. Group Duties: Their Existence and Their Implications for Individuals. Oxford: Oxford University Press.

Music: The Good News by SHANTI from https://tunetank.com/track/263-the-good-news/

On February 28th, 2026, Israel and the U.S. launched Operation Epic Fury. While the headlines are filled with news of airstrikes on Tehran and the death of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, the true trajectory of this war will be decided far from the front lines. In this episode, we peek through the "fog of war" to offer a watchlist for the coming weeks. We dive into why the Strait of Hormuz has become a primary battlefield of financial warfare and what implications the war has for China and Russia. We explore the precarious position of Arab Gulf states, the high-stakes leadership vacuum in Tehran, and the domestic political cracks forming in both Israel and the United States—including the rift within the MAGA movement. If you want to understand the news before it happens, this is the guide you need.

Music: The Good News by SHANTI from https://tunetank.com/track/263-the-good-news/

**Recorded on Tuesday, 24 February 2026, before the start of the war on 28 February 2026 **

Is the Iranian regime facing a point of no return? Following the largest domestic uprising since 1979—which saw five million people take to the streets—and a brutal state crackdown resulting in an estimated 36,500 civilian deaths, the Islamic Republic finds itself in a desperate "survival mode". Despite recent US aerial bombardments of its nuclear facilities during Operation Midnight Hammer, the regime has made a startling pivot back to the negotiating table in Geneva.

In this episode, we sit down with Professor Anoush Ehteshami, the Nasser al-Mohammad al-Sabah Chair in International Relations at Durham University and a world-renowned expert on Persian Gulf geopolitics. Prof. Ehteshami dissects the "narrow landing zone" for a new nuclear deal with the Trump administration, the devastating impact of a plummeting Rial, and the looming shadow of succession as the 86-year-old Supreme Leader faces internal power struggles and allegations of systemic corruption. Join us for a close look at the complex interstate relationships of the Middle East and the domestic fractures threatening to unseat one of the region's most enduring powers.

To learn more about Durham's revised MA Politics and International Relations of the Middle East, see https://www.durham.ac.uk/departments/academic/school-government-international-affairs/postgraduate-study/taught-courses/ma-politics-and-international-relations-of-the-middle-east/

To learn more about Prof. Ehteshami research visit his website: https://www.durham.ac.uk/staff/a-ehteshami/

The BRI Dialogues can be accessed on Youtube at https://www.youtube.com/@bridialogues1185

Earlier Politics in the Rearview Mirror episodes related to this one are:

- Season 5, Episode 1: From the Bazaar to the Barricades: What Makes the Current Protest in Iran Different (with Dr. Kouhi-Esfahani) - https://open.spotify.com/episode/3rppWheYmghvkHqVHYcHkn

- Season 3, Episode 8: Israel Strikes Iran: Why Now, What Comes Next, and Consequences (with Prof. Ehteshami) - https://open.spotify.com/episode/4waVMjEW1i1iMd4tVIR8L8

Music: The Good News by SHANTI from https://tunetank.com/track/263-the-good-news/