For more than four decades, the Strait of Hormuz has been the petroleum industry’s most consequential maritime pressure point: a narrow passage that has absorbed […]
Category: Backstory
Long‑form historical narratives that explain how today’s events, technologies, and conflicts emerged. These pieces connect past patterns to present realities, giving readers the historical literacy needed to understand the future.
What’s the Story Behind Mexico’s Drug Cartels — and Why Can’t Mexico Fix This Problem?
Mexico’s cartels grew from cross-border trafficking networks into diversified power centers embedded in local economies and governance gaps. Their resilience reflects corruption, institutional fragmentation, U.S. drug demand, weapons trafficking, and the difficulty of rebuilding state authority at the local level.
History of Iran in the 20th Century
A clear, engaging overview of Iran’s turbulent twentieth century—from the decline of the Qajar dynasty and Pahlavi modernization to the 1953 coup, the 1979 Revolution, and the Islamic Republic’s rise as a regional power. Explore the historical forces that still shape Iran’s global behavior today.