Strategy or Theatre? Decisions, Delusions and Second Order Effects

What happens when the most powerful military in history presents a president with a perfectly crafted plan, but the smartest move might be doing nothing?This week, Dr. David and Dr. Rob dive into the psychology of decision-making at the highest levels of government. Using recent events in Iran, the Strait of Hormuz, and decades of American foreign policy as a backdrop, they explore why leaders so often feel compelled to act, even when history suggests restraint may be the wiser course.The conversation examines action bias, the seductive confidence of military expertise, the role of media pressure, and why Americans struggle to tolerate uncertainty. Along the way, the hosts tackle second-order effects, presidential expectations, interventionism, and the uncomfortable reality that governing is often choosing between imperfect options rather than obvious solutions.Also included:• Why military plans can be both brilliant and dangerous• The difference between strategy and political theater• The psychology of "doing something" versus doing nothing• The Producer Price Index (PPI) and global oil inventories• Updates on the Strait of Hormuz and energy markets• The continuing saga of Robby's feetAs always, the bourbon is questionable, the opinions are thoughtful, and the conclusions remain gloriously unresolved.