At the time of writing this, a ceasefire has been declared in the Israel-Iran-(US) conflict. Given the volatile and fast-moving nature of such geopolitical events, it’s hard to say what might happen next. However, since the ceasefire was initiated and desired by the United States, chances are it will hold—at least for a while.
We’ve all studied geography and history in school. Some pursue advanced degrees in international relations. There are veteran diplomats and countless think tanks devoted to the topic. Global institutions like the UN, G7 and others are supposed to maintain world order. But none of these quite prepare you for the messy, raw reality of how international relations actually work—especially when powerful nations are involved.
Real-world diplomacy doesn’t follow textbook rules. It isn’t polite, or fair, or even consistent. It’s often uncomfortable, and definitely not politically correct. Yet, these are the rules that shape the world today. So, what are these unspoken truths about how global power works?
1. Might Is Right (a.k.a. ‘Jiski lathi uski bhains’)
On the global stage, there is no constitution or supreme court that binds nations. There is no international police force to hold powerful nations accountable. It’s more like a jungle—where the strongest do what they want, and the rest must comply. Right now, the United States is the most powerful country in the world, by far. It doesn’t matter how proud, historic, or determined another nation might be—Iran is all of those things. But that didn’t help them.
Backed by the US, Israel launched airstrikes and flexed its military muscle without asking anyone for permission. The US itself conducted operations directly. Iran has no real platform where it can protest meaningfully. Unless a country has hard, raw power—military, economic, technological—it can’t expect a significant say on the global stage.
2. Friendship Matters—But Only with Mutual Interests
Israel is a tiny country that punches far above its weight. Why? Because it has the United States firmly in its corner. Sure, there are theories about lobbying and influence of the Jewish community in the US, but it goes deeper than that.
America has strategic interests in the Middle East—oil, gas, and preventing the rise of hostile fundamentalist regimes. Supporting Israel aligns with those interests. The relationship isn’t just emotional—it’s transactional and strategic. Israel, in return, is fiercely loyal to the US and doesn’t cozy up to America’s rivals. That mutual benefit is what sustains the bond.
The takeaway: choose your friends wisely—and make sure the friendship serves a strategic purpose for both sides.
3. The UN Is for Weaker Nations
We were taught that the United Nations governs global order. In practice, it functions more like a well-funded NGO, often cleaning up the mess left behind by powerful nations. Sure, it provides humanitarian aid, mediates conflicts, and enforces peace—but usually in smaller or less powerful countries. When the big players move, the UN is mostly a bystander.
4. Science, Technology, Capital, and Innovation Win. Fundamentalism Doesn’t.
America is powerful not just because it’s rich, but because it has invested relentlessly in technology, including military tech. Air defense, precision missiles, drones, AI—no one comes close. Much of this was passed on to Israel too.
That’s why Iran, despite all its patriotic fervor and historical pride, could do little in return. Throughout history, the nation with superior tech has always had the upper hand—from the invention of gunpowder to intercontinental ballistic missiles.
Regimes that rely solely on faith, passion, or nostalgia often end up fooling only their own people. You can tell your citizens you’re a great civilization, but that illusion disappears quickly when a country with better tech and more money flattens your cities. A society that rejects modern science and innovation is simply setting itself up for future defeat. And no, claiming ancient scientific glory from 5,000 years ago doesn’t help in today’s world.
5. Soft Power Is a Myth
Persian carpets are exquisite. Iranian cuisine is world-class. Iranian cinema wins international awards. And yet, in a conflict, none of this counted. When missles fly, soft power dies. Culture doesn’t shield a nation from bombs.
The term “soft power” is, frankly, an oxymoron. Power, by definition, is hard. It comes from economic strength, military capability, and cutting-edge technology—not poetry, not films, and not food.
If a country wants global influence, it must earn it through hard power. That means building wealth, investing in science and innovation, and forming smart, strategic alliances. Everything else is just window dressing.
The decline of Iran in this recent conflict offers crucial lessons—not just about who was right or wrong—but about how the world truly works. It’s a warning to other nations, especially those still living in denial about the nature of modern power. Better to learn from Iran’s example than to become the next one.