Iran (Thread 10), Episode 1: Grotius in the Gulf: Rules, Rights, and the Strait of Hormuz

Here we begin unpacking the Iran standoff through the surprisingly relevant eyes of Hugo Grotius. We trace how a 17th‑century idea of ‘rules for war’ gets stretched, argued over, and weaponized as the Strait of Hormuz becomes a chokepoint for missiles, blockades, and global oil shocks.

This first episode kicks off a five‑part philosopher series before we loop back to the founding fathers — think big ideas, real consequences, and a frontal look at how laws meant to restrain war often become the language everyone uses to justify it. Stick around — it gets uncomfortable, fascinating, and oddly personal.